Butrint Lagoon

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 (6.18 sq mi).^[2] The maximum depth of the lake is 24.4 m (80 ft).^[3] At the south, the Vivari Channel connects the lagoon to the sea.

Butrint Lagoon
Panoramic view of Lake Butrint
Butrint Lagoon
Location	Sarandë, Vlorë
Coordinates	39°47′0″N 20°2′0″E
Basin countries	Albania
Max. length	7.1 km (4.4 mi)
Max. width	3.3 km (2.1 mi)
Surface area	16 km2 (6.2 sq mi)[1]
Average depth	11.4 m (37 ft)
Max. depth	24.4 m (80 ft)
Surface elevation	1 m (3.3 ft)

Flora and fauna

Butrint is particularly known for the diversity of flora and fauna.^[4][5] 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.^[6] The lake has also been identified as an important Bird and Plant Area, because it supports significant numbers of bird and plant species.^[7][8]

Near the shore arrangements to the breeding of Mediterranean mussels.

A view from the north of the lake.

Forests of Butrint

See also

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