Zvërnec Beach (Ishulli i Zvërnecit) is a popular tourist destination near Vlorë, known for its location in the Narta Lagoon (Laguna e Nartës) and its Byzantine monastery. A 250-meter wooden causeway connects the island to the mainland.
The Monastery of the Virgin Mary (Manastiri i Shën Mërisë) is believed to have been built in the 1200s or 1300s, though the exact date is not known. Most of the buildings you see today were added or fixed up after the 1500s. Inside the church, you can see murals that are still in good condition, showing religious people and stories.
In 1967, during a campaign against religion, the monks were forced to leave, and the island became a political prison.
The island has beautiful views of the Narta Lagoon and is covered with pine trees. Both pilgrims and visitors come here for its natural beauty, history, and religious significance.
From Vlorë, which is 10 km away, you can drive or take a taxi to the island. There is free parking near the footbridge, which you can walk across. From May to August, the area is open daily from 8:00 to 20:00. The rest of the year, it is open from 8:00 to 16:00.
The narrow area between the Adriatic Sea and the Narta Lagoon features several beaches. The first beach is approximately three kilometers from the footbridge and is accessible by regular car via a gravel road. This beach is especially popular with campers. Please refer to the map for details.
Concrete bunkers built during the communist era are scattered across the hill, with the lighthouse separating the Narta Lagoon from the sea. Preserved here are drawings of the invading fleet’s ships that never attacked Albania.
Home to 3,000 flamingos, the Narta Lagoon is one of Albania’s most important wetland ecosystems. After more than 20 years of absence due to illegal poaching, flamingos returned a few years ago. The lagoon also supports over 200 Dalmatian Pelicans. Saltworks are located in the northern section.