The timber bridge
A long walk across the water.
Arbenllapashtica — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Flladina Zilja — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marina Lamaj — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Decius — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Eno Sukulli — CC BY-SA 4.0
Zvërnec Monastery, or St Mary's Monastery, is a small Orthodox church on an island in the Narta coastal lagoon, northwest of Vlorë. Visitors come for the calm setting between water and pine trees, and for the timber walkway linking it to the shore. The monastery was most likely founded between the 11th and 14th centuries, at a time when today's Zvërnec village did not exist and the island came under nearby Nartë. The village arose only later on the lagoon shore, and the monastery took its name by proximity. Most of the present complex probably dates to the 19th century, and it has been a protected cultural monument since 1963. You cross a long timber bridge over the shallow water, then pass among the island's trees to the simple stone church and small buildings around it. The lagoon is wide and shallow, known for its birds, with flamingos appearing in some seasons. Beyond it lie mountains and the sea horizon. It is 9 km in a straight line from Vlorë, reached by car or taxi, and combines easily with a nearby beach or a sunset over the lagoon. It is a place of worship, so keep your voice down, dress modestly and ask before taking pictures inside. In summer bring insect repellent and sun protection near the still water.
A long walk across the water.
Simple among the pines.
With flamingos in some seasons.
Zvërnec Island, Narta Lagoon, northwest of Vlorë
Over a timber bridge from the shore, by car or taxi from Vlorë.
Only in some seasons, so do not count on them year round.