Shëngjin ( Albanian pronunciation: [ʃəɲˈɟin] ) is a coastal town and a former municipality in Lezhë County , northwestern Albania . At the 2015 local government reform it became a subdivision of the municipality of Lezhë . The population at the 2023 census was 6,963. Shëngjin is a growing tourist destination, well known for its beaches and resort accommodations. Shëngjin is one of many cities within the District of Lezhë and is home to one of Albania's entry ports, Port of Shëngjin.
40-552: The area of Shëngjin has been identified with the site of the ancient harbour of Nymphaeum on the coast of Illyria , three miles to the north of Lissus . In the vicinity of Shëngjin the League of Lezhë was stipulated by Skanderbeg uniting the Albanian princes in the fight against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Skanderbeg is recognized as a national hero for his efforts to unite
80-532: A great wildlife. Administratively, the Albanian Adriatic coast is shared between the counties of Shkodër in the north, Lezhë , Durrës , Tirana , Fier and Vlorë in the south. The Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast begins from the estuary of Buna on the Gulf of Drin at the border with Montenegro , passes through Myzeqe Plain , the capes of Rodon , Turrës, Gjuhëzes, the cities of Shëngjin , Durrës , Vlorë ,
120-632: A mild climate that is typical of the region, with temperatures during the day ranging from 9.5 °C (49.1 °F) to 30.1 °C (86.2 °F) from January and August respectively. Night temperatures range from 3.0 °C (37.4 °F) to 20.2 °C (68.4 °F) from January (low) and July (high). Its hottest months are May–September, with average day temperatures from 24 °C (75.2 °F) in May to 30 °C (86 °F) in July and August. Nymphaeum (Illyria) Nymphæum or Nymphaion ( Ancient Greek : Νυμφαῖον, Νύμφαιον or Νυμφαίη ; Latin : Nymphaeum )
160-619: A passing trajectory of basic systems across the Mediterranean Sea and Balkan Peninsula as well as other important factors such as morphometric characteristics of the territory. Tourism is considered one of the largest industries in the economy of Albania . It has significantly increased since following the fall of communism in the country. The country has a rich historical and cultural heritage and natural beauty varying from clear turquoise waters fringed by sandy and rocky beaches to contrasting mountainous interior. The coastline has
200-485: A wealth of important habitats makes for a fascinating birdwatching location during peak migration with several wetlands , estuaries and hills provides diversity for both resident and migrant birds . Maybe the most iconic bird of the coast is the vulnerable and extremely rare dalmatian pelican . It breeds on inland lakes and coastal lagoons of Albania such as in Karavasta and Patoku Lagoon . The greater flamingo
240-538: A well-preserved natural ecosystem that can boast a unique combination of a diverse climate and landscape . As Albania extends over the Adriatic flyway, birdwatching is recently gaining in popularity, due to the interest shown by visitors from other countries. The coastline has a lot to offer fr both visiting and resident bird watchers. The extensive wetlands , with many different Mediterranean and European species, contains many significant birding sites throughout
280-547: A wide range of climate types. The Adriatic Sea in the west, Albanian Alps in the north and Ceraunian Mountains in the south have a great influence to the climate of the area. As defined by the Köppen climate classification , the Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast experiences a mediterranean climate with considerable maritime and subtropical influences. This means that the summers are hot, sometimes very hot and dry and
320-644: Is also located approximately 60 kilometers (37 mi) from the Tirana Mother Teresa International Airport. Shëngjin offers a wide arrange of environmentally friendly activities. To the south of the city, the protected area of Kunë-Vain-Tale Nature Park is located, which offers a beautiful and undisturbed place to enjoy the natural surroundings of wetlands and seafront. Similarly, just north of city center, "Rana e Hedhun" in Gheg Albanian or "Rera e Hedhur" in standard Albanian coastal dune
360-505: Is another prominent and important species that live in the region. It is the largest species of flamingos and widespread in Karavasta and Narta Lagoon . The coast is famous for wildlife watching and nesting sea turtles are one of the region's highlights. Its beaches provide nesting sites for several species of endangered sea turtles , namely the hawksbill , leatherback , green sea and loggerhead sea turtle . As well as turtles,
400-401: Is entirely located within the deepest and the southernmost. The coastline is one of the wealthiest sceneries of the country in terms of biology , holding outstanding diversity of ecosystems and biodiversity found within a precious mosaic of wetlands , estuaries , capes , sand dunes , marshlands , forests and marine habitats . At different times, numerous ancient people, most notably
440-459: Is located, which also offers a wonderful experience of rural and undeveloped sand dunes along the coastline. According to EssentialAlbania.com, "Being an ecological city, Shengjin in Albania offers some of the best fishing grounds that ensure that there is a balance between the rate of fishing and the frequent of fishing so that to ensure that there is no too much loss of fish from the sea. They respect
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#1733084899375480-577: Is populated by more than 1.5 million people. The most sizable cities are Durrës and Vlorë placed in the north and south, respectively. Durrës is served by Port of Durrës , one of the largest on the Adriatic Sea, which connects the city to Italy and other neighbouring countries within the Adriatic. Albania is geographically located on the Balkan Peninsula in South and Southeast Europe bordered by
520-548: Is the Port of Durrës , one of the largest in the Adriatic Sea, with annual passenger volume of approximately 1.5 million. The other seaports include Vlorë and Shëngjin . In addition, the ports serve a wide system of ferries, connecting numerous islands and coastal cities in addition to ferry lines to several cities in Croatia , Greece and Italy . Yachting is pretty recent in the country and less developed than in other countries within
560-435: Is the rare golden jackal that occurs mostly on the coast of the ravines of the rivers. Another notorious might be the red fox , which occurs throughout the forested and coastal areas in the northern section of the coast. Other mammals include the brown bear , wild boar , chamois and grey wolf . The sea, lagoons and river deltas are extremely rich in salt and fresh water fish . Some aquatic and abundant animals include
600-621: The Bay of Vlorë in the south, where the Albanian Riviera and the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast begin. Albania is geographically located in Southern and South-eastern Europe within the Balkan Peninsula . It borders on Montenegro to the north-west, Kosovo to the north-east, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The total length of
640-640: The Illyrians and later the Ancient Greeks and Romans , have established significant settlements around the shores. They were considerably influenced by their direct proximity to the sea because it provided routes for trade, colonization and war, as well as food; the Via Egnatia , that crossed through the mountains of Albania, was at that time among the most significant routes in the Roman Empire . The coastline
680-413: The Illyrians , Ancient Greeks and Romans in Albania. Besides the churches, mosques, forts and historical buildings, the most popular heritage tourism attractions are the remains of the ancient city of Apollonia , the ancient fortress of Rozafa and the amphitheatre of Durrës . The Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast is home to the three largest seaports of the country. The largest cargo ports among them
720-439: The estuaries of Drin , Mat , Ishëm , Erzen , Shkumbin , Seman , Vjosë and the lagoons of Karavasta , Narta Kune-Vain-Tale and Patoku , until it reaches the Bay of Vlorë . Numerous rivers flowing into the Adriatic Sea form bays , lagoons and limans . The sand and silt they bring are deposited in the areas of reduced flow, that is the sides of the bays, forming narrow sandbanks . In terms of phytogeography ,
760-414: The european sea sturgeon , starry sturgeon , twait shad and adriatic sturgeon , which is perhaps the most famous species to become extinct in the Adriatic Sea. The protected areas of Albania are a biodiversity treasure, containing a wide range of geographical and climatic diversity. Different categories of protected areas have been established alongside the coast. Divjakë-Karavasta National Park ,
800-616: The Adriatic Sea, where it forms the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape . Both the Karavasta Lagoon and Lake Shkodër are classified as wetlands of international importance by designation under the Ramsar Convention . Important Bird Areas are important sites for bird conservation and their habitats, as they provide suitable conditions to birds. Currently, 16 important bird areas have been identified throughout
840-1003: The Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast belongs to the Illyrian province of the Circumboreal Region within the Boreal Kingdom . It falls entirely within the Illyrian deciduous forests terrestrial ecoregion of the Palearctic Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub biome . The special environmental circumstances and the millennial human activity on the territory of the coast determine the rich variety of species, populations and ecosystems , many of which are with conservation significance. The Albanian Adriatic portion features contrasting vegetation types that are impacted by different factors. The woodlands are mostly dominated by evergreen forests with associated broadleaved sclerophyllous evergreen trees and shrubs primarily found in
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#1733084899375880-586: The Great Powers but strongly opposed by the President. In April 1939, the Italian Army landed at Shëngjin in order to occupy Scutari and northern Albania. The town's name was officially changed to the old Italian San Giovanni di Medua during World War II . After the war, the town's name reverted once more to Shëngjin . The Municipal Unit implements national legislation and local ordinances, while trying to promote
920-632: The Great Powers. Serbia reoccupied the town in summer 1915, and held it until driven out by the advancing Austro-Hungarian Army in January 1916. The Austrians evacuated in November 1918, and were replaced by Italian troops for several months until the frontier with the new Yugoslavian State was settled. In 1924, the Albanian government renamed Shengjin as Wilson , in honor of American President Woodrow Wilson for backing Albania's independence in 1919, when proposals for Albania's partition were circulated among
960-583: The Harbor's access point is located on the northwest part of the city. The port is protected by lengthy rock walls that extend into the sea. Shëngjin has approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) of beach front. In 2019, electronic music festival UNUM took place in Rana e Hedhun, the first such event to be organized on the Adriatic Sea Coast of Albania rivaling similar events along the Albanian Riviera . Shëngjin has
1000-577: The coastline is approximately 274 kilometres (170 mi), 178 kilometres (111 mi) of which are taken up by white sandy beaches and the rest by various other landforms . The Adriatic Sea is the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea, extending all the way from the Strait of Otranto in the south up to the Po Valley in the north. The sea is apportioned into two major basins , wherein Albania
1040-519: The countries of Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. The western edge touches the Adriatic and Ionian Sea , both within the Mediterranean Sea . The majority of the country's territory consists of mountains and hills, making Albania one of the most mountainous countries of Europe . Likely the Albanian Alps runs in
1080-424: The fact that the fish need to breed in order to maintain their population." Shëngjn's economy is focused around two major industries: seaport and tourism. The Port of Shëngjin , or Shëngjin Harbor, is the northernmost seaport in Albania and is frequently accessed by cargo and fishing vessels. The Port of Shëngjin provides the area with a strong industrial foundation. Shëngjin has the third largest port in Albania and
1120-510: The general welfare of its citizens. Over the past years, Shengjin has become an important tourist destination in Albania. Shëngjin's former Komuna has had the privilege of welcoming national leaders as well as foreign dignitaries to the city. Shëngjin is located approximately 100 meters (110 yd) away from the waters of the Adriatic Sea , and below a mountainside called Rrenci that is approximately 159 meters (522 ft) in height. Shëngjin
1160-598: The north the Korab Mountains in the east, the Ceraunian Mountains in the south and the Skanderbeg Mountains in the center, while the plains and plateaus are principally to be found in the west. The Albanian Ionian Sea Coast is known for its rugged natural beauty, with rocky highlands and a great marine life, while the Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast consist of sandy beaches and shallow coastal waters hosting
1200-496: The northern coastline are mostly unspoiled and set to become an elite tourism destination. In addition, the area is gaining international attention through the organization of music festivals such as the UNUM International Music Festival in Rana e Hedhun, Shengjin. The heritage tourism is focussed on specific interest on the history of Albania , such as the architectural heritage of ancient civilizations such as
1240-568: The only national park in the Albanian Adriatic coast, is very picturesque and harbors several endangered species , that makes it a very popular place indeed. Encompassing the Drin River estuary , the Kunë-Vain-Tale Nature Park is an undisturbed natural area of wet grasslands , swamps and lagoons at the direct proximity to the Adriatic Sea. The Vjosa , considered to be Europe's last wild river, discharges, north of Narta , into
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1280-573: The region against the Turks. Shëngjin's coastline has always provided a key geographic asset to the area for over a thousand years. The town operated as the main port for the interior city of Scutari . It was repeatedly occupied and/or attacked by the Venetians during their many wars with the Ottoman Turks. Before World War I , Austria-Hungary maintained a consulate to serve its small business interests in
1320-600: The region. The town was known as Şingin during the Ottoman period. It was loyal to the Ottomans during the Albanian revolt of 1911 due to the presence of Turkish soldiers in the fortress of Scutari. It was captured by the Serbian and Montenegrin armies in November 1912 when the latter put Scutari under siege. Shëngjin was claimed by Montenegro, but both armies were forced to evacuate by
1360-413: The sea life consist of several species of sharks , dolphins and whales . The cuvier's beaked whale and sperm whale are common along the coast. The dolphin species found along the entire coastline are represented by the striped dolphin , risso's dolphin and common bottlenose dolphin . The vast and diverse coast is home to an incredibly rich diversity of mammals . Most famous of the carnivores
1400-413: The southern section of the coastline. The forests ranges from mixed broadleaf forests , at lower elevations, to conifer forests , at higher elevations. The pine forms an important natural feature within the coastline, distributed across Velipoja , Shëngjin , Patok and Rodon , which in turn provide habitat for a vast array of wildlife. Stretching in the southeastern Adriatic Sea , the coast with
1440-594: The territory of Albania, amongst them the Drin Delta near Shkodër , the Vlorë Bay , that is bordered by Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park , and the lagoons of Patoku, Karavasta and Narta, that are among the largest and most important coastal wetlands of the Balkans, due to its varied biodiversity and one of the top sites for wintering and migratory birds in the country. Apart from the considerable variation in landscape, it makes for
1480-407: The winters generally mild and wet. The coast experiences four distinct seasons. The winter is relatively humid and mild, and the summer lasts very long and is usually hot and dry. Autumn and spring are transitional seasons. Winds in the Adriatic Sea change their direction and speed during a year period as a result of the distinctive mediterranean climate. This characteristic is mainly determined by
1520-531: The year. The lagoons in Karavasta , Patoku , Narta and various other protected areas are just a few examples of popular birdwatching destinations. Beach vacations, particularly for domestic and foreign visitors from different countries, are also central to the local tourism industry. Most beach resorts are located especially along the coastline of Durrës and Vlorë . The southern coastline of Durrës are renowned for its traditional mass tourism , which have experienced an uncontrolled urban development. In contrast,
1560-537: Was an ancient harbour on the coast of Illyria , three miles to the north of Lissus . The site has been identified with the area of modern day Shëngjin , Albania . Perhaps emerged since the 5th century BC, Nymphaeum would have been presumably one of the earliest Greek colonies on the Albanian coast. The harbor of Nymphaeum was mentioned by Pliny the Elder (23 CE – 79), Lucanus (39 AD – 65 AD), Livy (59 BC – AD 17) and Julius Caesar (100 BC - 44 BC). The harbour
1600-492: Was used by Marcus Antonius and his fleet when they arrived in Illyricum during Caesar's Civil War . Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast The Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast ( Albanian pronunciation: [brɛˈɡdɛ:ti adriˈa:tik] — Albanian : Bregdeti Adriatik ) stretches in the south-eastern Adriatic Sea beginning at the Gulf of Drin in the north, across the port cities of Shëngjin , Durrës , and Vlorë , to
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