Plizio Visual Lab

Vilun Lagoon

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

wildlife

Weather…

Vilun Lagoon, also known as Kenalla Lagoon, is located in northwestern Albania near the resort town of Velipojë and the mouth of the Buna River. Spanning approximately 300 hectares, it is part of a complex wetland system along the Adriatic coast. The lagoon is connected to the sea via a narrow channel, enabling a continuous exchange of salt and fresh water, which creates a brackish environment. This ecosystem is vital for regional biodiversity, serving as a spawning ground for numerous fish species and a major resting and nesting site for migratory birds. The surrounding landscape is characterized by sand dunes, reed beds, and salt marshes. Geologically, the lagoon is a relatively young formation shaped by sediment deposits from the Buna River and coastal currents. Water depth is shallow, typically ranging between 0.7 and 3 meters. Due to tourism development in Velipojë, the lagoon faces ecological pressures, leading to intensified conservation measures for monitoring water quality and preserving bird life.

Location: Albania
Top sights: Stela Beach · Plazhi Koli · Plazhi Mario
Nearby: Bushat (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	7	10	14	18	23	26	26	22	17	12	8
Rain mm	142	131	125	94	80	57	32	33	104	126	170	163

📋 Practical info

📅

Best season

Vilun Lagoon is best visited during the migratory bird season in spring and autumn. In summer, salt-loving birds and breeding species can be observed.

🌅

Best time of day

Early morning, the lagoon is often calm and birds are active. Sunset provides spectacular colors and many birds return to their roosts.

📜

Etiquette

The lagoon is a fragile ecosystem; do not enter the water surface. Avoid noise so as not to scare the birds and keep your distance.

🎒

What to bring

Binoculars are essential for identifying birds from a distance. Sunscreen and a hat are important as there is little shade.

🧭

Getting there

The lagoon is located near the town of Velipojë and is accessible via a short unpaved road. In dry weather, a normal car is sufficient.

🦌

What to expect

The number of birds varies greatly with the seasons; on some days the lagoon is nearly empty. Be patient and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Geography

Coordinates

41.86800, 19.43100

Facts

Area: Approximately 300 hectares of wetland.
Location: Immediately east of Velipojë on the Adriatic coast.
Water Type: Brackish lagoon with a direct connection to the sea.
Depth: Average depth ranges from 1 to 1.5 meters.
Avifauna: Over 180 bird species have been recorded here.
Conservation: Part of the transboundary Buna River Delta protected area.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Velipojë<1 km · SExplore →

Velipojë Nature Reserve2 km · SExplore →

Ada Bojana6 km · WExplore →

Donji Štoj - Shtoji i Poshtëm12 km · WExplore →

Bushat13 km · NEExplore →

Rana e Hedhun13 km · EExplore →

Port of Shëngjin15 km · SEExplore →

Ulcinj Agricultural Area16 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Vilun Lagoon (5)

Stela Beach

Sandy beach on the Albanian coast, calm water, sunbeds and umbrellas available.

Plazhi Koli

Pebble beach with shallow entry, olive trees nearby, simple beach bars.

Plazhi Mario

Fine pebble shoreline, clear water, located near Vilun Lagoon.

Ramsar Site

Protected wetland, habitat for waterbirds, designated under the Ramsar Convention.

Rrënoja

Old wall remains by the lagoon, overgrown with vegetation, age unknown.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Vilun Lagoon located?

Near Velipojë, in the far north of Albania by the sea.

Is the water salty?

Yes, it is a saltwater lagoon connected to the Adriatic Sea.

Which birds can be seen here?

Especially many herons, cormorants, and occasionally flamingos.

Can you go for a walk there?

Yes, there are paths around the lagoon, handy for nature lovers.

How is the accessibility?

Easily accessible on foot or by bike from Velipojë.

Vilun Lagoon: where is it located?

Vilun Lagoon is located in Albania.

Vilun Lagoon: what is there to see?

Highlights include Stela Beach, Plazhi Koli, Plazhi Mario.

Vilun Lagoon: when is the best time to visit?