Zvërnec monastery and the Narta Lagoon

North of Vlora the coast turns into the Narta Lagoon, a shallow saltwater wetland separated from the sea by dunes and salt pans. In the lagoon sits the islet of Zvërnec, reached by a long wooden footbridge, with a small Byzantine-era monastery under the pines.

It is the gentlest half-day near the city: a walk, a church, birdlife (flamingos are regular in the cooler months) and the Zvërnec beach on the seaward side. It works in any season and is a good answer to a windy or overcast day.