Overview:

is the first Marine Protected Area in Albania, established to conserve one of the best-preserved and most biologically rich areas on the Adriatic Sea. It was established in 2011 and covers an area of 33,000 hectares. This area features rocky bays, some of the most diverse marine environment in the Mediterranean, and a wealth of flora and fauna. Four main Islands and numerous uninhabited islands and islets within the Park provide refuge for rare bird species, and endangered loggerhead turtles. The establishment of Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park provides important economic benefits through eco-tourism and recreational activities. It also helps promote stewardship of the environment, and sustainable fishing practices ensure a brighter future for the marine biodiversity of the Albanian coast. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Diversity of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems: The park is home to a diverse range of coastal and marine ecosystems, including lagoons, wetlands, mud flats, coral reefs, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. 2. Sandy Beaches: The park is home to numerous sandy beaches, including Kovačicka and Sazani, which are popular with watersports enthusiasts. 3. Wildlife: The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including threatened species such as the shore lark, peregrine falcon, European monk seal and loggerhead turtle. 4. Marine Reserve: Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park has been declared a Marine Protected Area in 2015 and encompasses 119 islands, islets and peninsulas. 5. Cultural Heritage: The park is home to a wealth of cultural and historical sites, including Illyrian fortresses, Roman settlements, Venetian palaces and Ottoman mosques. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park is a protected marine area located off the west coast of Albania. It was established in 2016 and is the first of its kind in Albania. The marine park spans 6,500 hectares and encompasses some of Albania's most pristine and ecologically important coastal and marine areas. The park encompasses two almost entirely unpopulated islands – Karaburun and Sazan – as well as surrounding reefs, coastal habitats and waters, including the Penne and Karaburun Canyons. It also includes valuable coral, sponge, and algae ecosystems. The Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park was established with the aim of protecting the diverse ecosystem and biodiversity of the area as well as the cultural, economic and recreational benefits it provides to local communities. It is also part of the larger Mediterranean Sea Protection Zone, a protected area established in 2016 with the aim of protecting the ecology of the Mediterranean Sea. The marine park is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in collaboration with the municipalities of Karaburun, Vlorë, Himarë, and Sarandë. Together they work to protect the marine area and promote the sustainable development of the park, including eco-tourism activities. The establishment of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park is an important step in the development of marine conservation efforts in Albania and will play an important role in protecting the country’s rich biodiversity. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park is the largest national marine park in Albania. 2. The Park borders the Ionian Sea in the west and the Adriatic Sea in the east. 3. Its islands are used as natural habitats to numerous species of plants and animals, including over 87 species of birds. 4. The islands have a variety of landscapes, from cliffs to exposed rock formations, coastal gorges, vegetation and warm Mediterranean weather. 5. The Park is characterized by a diversity of underwater life, a rich trove of submerged ancient shipwrecks, and crystal-clear waters. 6. It is home to pink sand beaches created by the erosion of bright calcium carbonate crystals, such as those found in the Karaburun Lagoon. 7. The islands are also used by the Navy to help protect the country’s coastline against Piracy. 8. There are numerous threatened species which are listed as “Near Threatened” under the IUCN Red list, including 2 species of shark, a species of chameleon, a species of lizard, and 8 species of invertebrate. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era