Protected areas in Albania are becoming top destinations for nature and adventure lovers.

Acting Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro announced today on social media that 4 million visitors explored protected areas from January to August 2024, about 200,000 more than last year.

“This is not just a number,” Kumbaro said. “It is a meaningful sign of the growth of responsible and nature-based tourism, while Albania works to include five national parks in the IUCN Green List, affirming our commitment to the global network of protected areas.”

According to official figures, 3.8 million people visited protected areas during the same period in 2023.

Protected areas are drawing more visitors thanks to their natural beauty and diverse landscapes. They offer opportunities for all kinds of tourists — from those who enjoy peaceful nature walks to adventure seekers who hike along marked trails.

In recent years, birdwatching has also gained popularity, especially in wetlands such as Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, the Narta Lagoon, the Kune-Vain Lagoon, Lake Shkodra, and Lake Pogradec.

The government is also expanding Albania’s protected areas to safeguard their pristine state, high biodiversity, and rare habitats, strengthening their role as ecological and tourism assets.

/a.c/