Shëngjin is a fast-growing beach town in northern Albania, just a short drive from Lezhë. Its long sandy beaches are the main attraction, drawing plenty of visitors during the summer months. Not too far from town, there’s a really cool natural spot called Rana e Hedhun – a coastal sand dune that’s worth checking out.
The main attraction of Shëngjin are several kilometres of sandy beaches in the vicinity of the city. The biggest building boom is taking place south of the centre, by the Kuna lagoon. The north coast, on the other hand, is steeper, more scenic and less built-up. But new hotels are being built here too.
About three kilometers north of Shëngjin lies the unique beach of Rana e Hedhun (also known as Rëra e Hedhur, meaning “Thrown Sand”), considered one of the most beautiful along the Albanian Adriatic coast. It’s formed by a sand dune that, shaped by the wind, has settled on the steep slopes of the coastal mountains. It’s worth climbing to the top edge of the dune, lined with a belt of pine trees, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the sea and the surrounding hills. You can drive most of the way—about a kilometer from the beach—along a narrow road, and walk the rest.
Another great place to explore near Shëngjin is the island of Kunë, which is part of the Kunë-Vain-Tale wetland system and nature reserve. It’s located about six kilometers south of the town center, following the coastline.
Park your car or get dropped off by a taxi at the very end of the road, next to the excellent seafood restaurant Pati. Just a few metres away, there’s a lookout tower with fantastic views of the island and the surrounding lagoon. From the tower, you can continue across a bridge and along a narrow embankment to a small islet with a lovely picnic spot. The last few metres require hopping over stones—and from there, it’s no longer possible to reach the island of Kunë without getting your feet wet.
Shëngjin can be easily reached by minibus, which runs at regular intervals from Lezhë. It’s less than 10 kilometers. In summer, the city suffers from traffic jams and is difficult to get through.
A new road from Shëngjin runs along the coast to the resort town of Velipojë. It climbs up a hill to a viewpoint called Ballkoni Panoramik, which sits right above Rana e Hedhun beach. From there, you can see the whole northern Albanian coastline, from Cape Rodon to the Montenegrin border. Just a heads-up: the area is known for snakes, so watch your step!
Useful Links
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