Baks-Rrjollë stretches along the coast east of Viluni Lagoon. Rjolli Beach is four kilometres long and sandy; small lakes, dunes and forests surround it. The coastline and beach landscape are therefore clear points of reference when choosing a location. At the same time, the protected landscape of Buna–Velipojë is part of the surrounding natural environment. When choosing Baks-Rrjollë as a place to stay, you can consider the beach and the protected landscape and birdlife as separate interests.

Coastal Landscape and Protected Area

In the area around Baks-Rrjollë, the protected landscape of Buna–Velipojë is part of the Emerald Network and the Important Bird Areas. The Rrjoll area near Baks-Rrjollë is part of the protected landscape of Buna–Velipojë, which is classified as IUCN Category V. These designations refer to different geographical levels: the Emerald Network, Important Bird Areas and IUCN Category V refer to Buna–Velipojë; the Rrjoll area is part of this protected landscape. This helps distinguish the information about the location, sub-area and protected landscape.

Birdlife and Lagoon

The protected landscape is an important wintering and breeding area for waterbirds; around 138 bird species have been recorded there. Viluni Lagoon is a saltwater area connected to the sea by a natural channel. Its wildlife is rich and diverse, particularly its birdlife. Birdlife is therefore prominent in two ways: as a waterbird habitat within the protected landscape and as a defining part of the lagoon’s fauna. Wintering and breeding also refer to different phases of the year; the lagoon’s saltwater character and natural connection to the sea give it a distinct landscape feature.

Beach Route and Seasonal Context

A survey from 2018–2019 described a mostly unpaved sandy track leading from the settlement of Baks-Rrjoll through Rrjolli and open sandy areas to the beach. In summer, the track was used mainly by tourists to reach the beach. As the track’s surface and seasonal use may have changed, check its current condition before your visit.

The information should be read differently to understand its timing: the predominantly summer use refers to the track and comes from the 2018–2019 survey; wintering and breeding describe the landscape’s ecological function for waterbirds. The summer information thus concerns access to the beach, while the other terms concern the habitat’s role during different phases of the year. If you choose your travel dates based on nature-related interests, you can take this distinction between track use and habitat function into account.

Shëngjin–Baks-Rrjoll Road

Another planning consideration is the regional and local connecting roads programme, which includes the construction and rehabilitation of the Shëngjin–Baks-Rrjoll road. Implementation status may change; check for current information if this road is relevant to your plans. The road programme and the sandy track described above relate to different aspects of getting around: one concerns a road construction programme, the other access to the beach.

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