Cities and destinations · 📍 Lushnjë
Myzeqe, Divjakë and Skrapar by rental car: Lushnjë and around
The great plain of central Albania: a lagoon with pelicans, oil towns, karst lakes and the canyons of Skrapar.
Between Durrës, Elbasan, Berat and Fier lies the largest plain in the country, Myzeqe, with farming towns such as Lushnjë, Divjakë, Roskovec and Peqin, and oil towns such as Kuçovë and Patos. To the east the plain rises towards the mountains of Skrapar, where the Osum river has carved impressive canyons. Lushnjë by rental car is the starting point for a quiet, little-visited region where a car is the only practical way to get around.
Lushnjë, Divjakë and the Karavasta lagoon
Lushnjë is the main town of Myzeqe and a junction on the Durrës–Fier road. To its west, Divjakë is the gateway to the Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, with a pine forest, a long beach and the country's largest lagoon.
Divjakë-Karavasta National Park
Park
A lagoon where Dalmatian pelicans nest, with a lookout tower, forest trails and fish restaurants. Climb the tower for the view over the water.
Kuçovë, Patos, Roskovec and Dimal
Kuçovë and Patos are oil towns: around them you still see old pumps in the fields. Roskovec lies on the Fier–Berat road, while Dimal (Ura Vajgurore), near Berat, has the ruins of the ancient Illyrian city of the same name nearby. These towns are short stops on the way to Berat or Fier and Apollonia.
Belsh and Peqin
Belsh is the town of the small karst lakes of Dumrea, with a lakeside promenade and quiet cafés. Peqin, on the Shkumbin river, lies on the old Via Egnatia and has remains of a castle and old mosques. Both are close to Elbasan.
Skrapar: Poliçan and the Osum canyons
From Berat the road climbs towards Skrapar through Poliçan and reaches Çorovodë, where the Osum canyons begin. The road is paved but narrow and winding. In spring, when the water is high, the canyons are run by raft; in summer you can walk the riverbed.
The Osum canyons
Nature
Canyons with walls tens of metres high, roadside viewpoints and waterfalls in spring.
Practical tips
- Tractors, animals and bicycles use the plain roads, even at night without lights: drive carefully after dark.
- Pelicans and other birds are best seen in spring and autumn, early in the morning.
- Fuel stations are plentiful on the plain but rare in Skrapar.
- For distances use the distances table.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Divjakë from Lushnjë?
About 25 minutes by car.
Where can I see pelicans in Albania?
In the Karavasta lagoon, inside the Divjakë-Karavasta National Park.
How do I reach the Osum canyons?
From Berat via Poliçan to Çorovodë, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Do I need an SUV for this area?
Not for the plain. For Skrapar an SUV is more comfortable.
