Zvërnec Monastery appears before hundreds of pine trees on a small island within Albania’s Narta Lagoon. It shares a little bit of Albanian history with some of the region’s beautiful wildlife.
Also known as the St. Mary Of Divinity Church, the Byzantine-era monastery was thought to be built sometime during the 14th century. Despite its age, the building is extremely well preserved. The inside is full of beautiful paintings and exceptionally intricate woodworking. The outside has a well-maintained garden, and a few modern structures spread across the property of the church.
These are the only buildings on the Zvërnec Islands. You’ll often see one of the monastery caretakers wandering around the premises, keeping it tidy for visitors.
Snacks | If you’re coming from Vlorë, don’t expect to find food in the immediate area. Although, there’s often a food truck across the water at the wooden dock’s entrance. It has a variety of cold drinks and small snacks.
The whole visit to Zvërnec Monastery can be done relatively quickly. Expect around half an hour to see the island, with some added time if the flamingos are there.
ACROSS THE WOODEN BRIDGE
There’s only one thing connecting the tiny island with the mainland – a long curved wooden bridge.
A modern construction, the current bridge was built in recent years and forks into two paths at its halfway point. The first is a straight path to the old monastery. The second hooks to the right and widens into a dock. People gather here to watch the Narta Lagoon’s native birds and take pictures of the island. You’ll also find locals looking for their daily catch of fish.
Next to the entrance of the bridge, metal flamingos shoot out from the water. These are here as an ode to the lagoon’s actual flamingos. While there was a long absence of sightings as recently as a few years ago, the area is now said to be home to around 3,000 long-necked fellows.
If you like birds, you can also sit along the shore and search the skies and water for pelicans, herons, and other species.
WHERE IS ZVERNEC MONASTERY LOCATED?
The Zvërnec Monastery (maps) is just a short drive (or long walk) from Vlorë, the gateway city to the Albanian Riviera. The trip will take you through a stretch of forest that has paths leading down to seaside restaurants. These make great stopping points for the journey to and from.
If you decide to walk, the route is a long, flat, shaded stretch along the main road. It will take you around an hour and a half to walk each way. Make sure to pack some sunscreen and water for the walk.
There is also a kayak tour option that focuses on the Narta Lagoon but visits the monastery as well. You can also find some bird-watching and combination tours here too.
In the end, St. Mary’s Church is an amazing half-day trip from Vlorë. It’s an extremely peaceful and quiet place to escape the summer beach crowds.
A friendly notice | There is a sign-up that asks you to not take photos once on the island, along with a few other things. There’s also a donation box in the church, I recommend throwing a few Lek in to help keep the island in good shape.
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