Butrint Lagoon

About

Butrint Lagoon (Albanian: Liqeni i Butrintit) is a salt lagoon south of Saranda, Albania, located in direct proximity of the Ionian Sea. It is surrounded by dense forested hills, rocky coast and complemented by saltwater and freshwater marshlands. The lake has a length of 7.1 km (4.4 mi) and a width of 3.3 km (2.1 mi), with a surface area of 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi). The maximum depth of the lake is 24.4 m (80 ft). It is shaped like a giant footprint, pointing north. At its south, the Vivari Channel connects the lagoon to the sea.

Butrint is particularly known for the diversity of its flora and fauna. The southern portion of the lake is situated within the boundaries of Butrint National Park and has been recognised as a wetland of international importance by designation under the Ramsar Convention. The lake has also been identified as an important Bird and Plant Area, because it supports significant numbers of bird and plant species.

Butrinti Butrint National Park Venetian Acropolis Castle Venetian Triangular Castle Geography of Albania Lakes of Albania & Lagoons of Albania

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.