Travel Guide Karavasta Lagoon

A vast lagoon area of nearly 20 000 ha, the Karavasta lagoon is a sanctuary for thousands of birds, but also one of the country's most important coastal ecosystems. Located near the small town of Divjaka, the site consists of two lagoons: a shallow inner lagoon and a smaller outer lagoon. Separated from the sea by a wide 100 m wide sand belt, the lagoons bordered north of thick deciduous and pine forests, one part of which was designated as Divjaka National Park (since 1966). The site houses the country's only curly colonie colony, a species threatened with extinction worldwide. Their number varies from 120 to 180 individuals. In addition to pelicans, the ornithologists have been able to identify more than 200 other bird species, including other threatened species such as the pygmy cormorant, the pale busard, the eagle eagle, or the white-headed duck. As a military zone until 1993, and thus partly forbidden to the public, the lagoon now attracts thousands of visitors. In the summer, nearly 8 000 people go to the beach every day, which does not go without posing some problems for the preservation of the site. The entire area suffers from many illegal practices (fishing, hunting, illegal constructions, etc.).How do you go? The Karavasta lagoon is located km south of Durrës, between Rrogozhinë and Lushnjë. About km after Rrogozhinë, turn right towards Divjaka, a small town on the edge of the lagoon. Once you arrive in Divjaka, you have to take the direction of the beach. Attention: at the level of Rrogozhinë, do not take the direction of the city but pursue straight towards the south. A new road has indeed been built which allows to bypass the city, but it is not indicated on the country maps. Travelling through public transport is longer. From Durrës or Tirana, take a bus or minibus to Lushnja or Fieri, see Vlora, and ask the driver to arrive at the roundabout at the roundabout to Divkaja. Taxis and even minibuses are posted until early in the afternoon. Divkaja beach is 4 km farther west than the village.