Project to promote sustainable development and year-round tourism
Velipoja, one of the most popular tourist destinations in northwest Albania, is set to undergo an upgrade through the ‘Gateway to the Alps’ project. This initiative aims to enhance tourist infrastructure and promote year-round tourism through sustainable practices.
Relevance By upgrading roads, implementing effective waste management programs, enhancing eco-friendly accommodations, and developing recreational facilities, the Gateway to the Alps project hopes to stimulate the local economy, create jobs, and strengthen Velipoja’s resilience to seasonal fluctuations while preserving its ecological integrity.
Velipoja Beach stretches for 14 kilometers along Albania’s northwest coast, from the mouth of the Buna River to the Rana e Hedhun area north of Shëngjin. It has become a popular destination for family vacations, known for its sandy beaches, lagoons, and biodiverse wetlands surrounded by pine forests. The beach features clean seas and fine dark sand with therapeutic iodine properties.
What greatly enhances Velipoja’s attractiveness as a destination is its proximity to the city of Shkodra, renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, the Buna River, and Shkodra Lake. Additionally, a short drive takes visitors to the northern Albanian Alps, where attractions like Theth and Valbona Valley National Park await.
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