The diversity, in terms of topography, geology, hydrology and climatic conditions, determined the broad variety of life in the region.
The coastline features contrasting habitats and ecosystems impacted by various environmental factors, many of which are with conservation of national significance.
In terms of phytogeography, the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast belongs to the illyrian province of the circumboreal region within the boreal kingdom.
It falls completely within the illyrian deciduous forests terrestrial ecoregion of the palearctic mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub.

The vegetation is predominantly represented by evergreen and deciduous shrubs associated with the Mediterranean Sea.
The woodlands, close to freshwater habitats, are represented by the alluvial, mixed and conifer forests but also coastal woods.
The forests, at loftier elevations, contain various pine, oak, beech and fir species such as black pine, silver fir, ash trees and the mount tabor oak, which is exceptionally rare and classified as endangered.
The seagrasses are dominated by posidonia oceanica, halophila stipulacea and cymodocea nodosa that are mostly to be found in the shallow waters  which, however, can extend to more than 30 metres in the depth.

The fauna is incredibly rich and diverse, with many endemic, rare and threatened species.
Because of their size and untouched landscapes, the inaccessible caves, scattered along the coastline, provide habitats for resting shelters for the critically endangered mediterranean monk seal.
Karaburun and Butrint are frequently visited by the world's rarest pinniped.
The forests are inhabited by the beech marten, red fox, wild boar, golden jackal, hare and eurasian otter, while the grey wolf is only present in winter.

Whales and dolphins are frequent guests in the offshore waters of the coastline, though the most common are cuvier's beaked whale, sperm whale, short-beaked common dolphin, striped dolphin, while the common bottlenose dolphin may be observed all around the coast of Albania.
Three primary species of sea turtles have been discovered such as the loggerhead sea, green sea and leatherback sea turtle.

Although not very large in size, the coastline is home to numerous species of birds that vary from nesting to breeding birds, and migranting to wintering birds.
At the minimum 246 species of birds have been reported only in Butrint National Park.
The rugged slopes and vertical sea cliffs provides excellent breeding conditions for the endangered egyptian vulture and golden eagle.
The short-toed snake eagle is frequently to be found in open habitats with scattered trees, meadows, forest and rocky slopes.

Protected areas provide a vast array of social, environmental and economic benefits to people and communities worldwide, containing outstanding areas of biodiversity, essential and cultural significance.
The region contains areas of great ecological importance and there are a number of designations of parks and protected areas in the coastline that reflect the great value and importance of the region.

The Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park is the most extensive national park in the region, encompassing the borderline of Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island in the north.
Its terrain is dominated by a variety of landscape formations and most notable by the mountains of the peninsula which belongs to the Ceraunian Mountains.
It is host to a diverse marine and terrestrial life attracting thousands of tourists all year around.

Butrint National Park is slightly smaller and is located in the extreme south of the country close to the border between Albania and Greece.
The surroundings of Butrint are not only home to numerous globally threatened species, but offers also a rich cultural history.
It comprises an extraordinary diversity of habitats, ecosystems and wildlife.
Although Lake Butrint was further recognised as a wetland of international importance by designation under the Ramsar Convention.

The Llogara National Park is located in the Vlorë District and the third largest national park in the region.
The par
The diversity, in terms of topography, geology, hydrology and climatic conditions, determined the broad variety of life in the region. The coastline features contrasting habitats and ecosystems impacted by various environmental factors, many of which are with conservation of national significance. In terms of phytogeography, the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast belongs to the illyrian province of the circumboreal region within the boreal kingdom. It falls completely within the illyrian deciduous forests terrestrial ecoregion of the palearctic mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub.
The vegetation is predominantly represented by evergreen and deciduous shrubs associated with the Mediterranean Sea. The woodlands, close to freshwater habitats, are represented by the alluvial, mixed and conifer forests but also coastal woods. The forests, at loftier elevations, contain various pine, oak, beech and fir species such as black pine, silver fir, ash trees and the mount tabor oak, which is exceptionally rare and classified as endangered. The seagrasses are dominated by posidonia oceanica, halophila stipulacea and cymodocea nodosa that are mostly to be found in the shallow waters  which, however, can extend to more than 30 metres in the depth.
The fauna is incredibly rich and diverse, with many endemic, rare and threatened species. Because of their size and untouched landscapes, the inaccessible caves, scattered along the coastline, provide habitats for resting shelters for the critically endangered mediterranean monk seal. Karaburun and Butrint are frequently visited by the world's rarest pinniped. The forests are inhabited by the beech marten, red fox, wild boar, golden jackal, hare and eurasian otter, while the grey wolf is only present in winter.
Whales and dolphins are frequent guests in the offshore waters of the coastline, though the most common are cuvier's beaked whale, sperm whale, short-beaked common dolphin, striped dolphin, while the common bottlenose dolphin may be observed all around the coast of Albania. Three primary species of sea turtles have been discovered such as the loggerhead sea, green sea and leatherback sea turtle.
Although not very large in size, the coastline is home to numerous species of birds that vary from nesting to breeding birds, and migranting to wintering birds. At the minimum 246 species of birds have been reported only in Butrint National Park. The rugged slopes and vertical sea cliffs provides excellent breeding conditions for the endangered egyptian vulture and golden eagle. The short-toed snake eagle is frequently to be found in open habitats with scattered trees, meadows, forest and rocky slopes.
Protected areas provide a vast array of social, environmental and economic benefits to people and communities worldwide, containing outstanding areas of biodiversity, essential and cultural significance. The region contains areas of great ecological importance and there are a number of designations of parks and protected areas in the coastline that reflect the great value and importance of the region.
The Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park is the most extensive national park in the region, encompassing the borderline of Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island in the north. Its terrain is dominated by a variety of landscape formations and most notable by the mountains of the peninsula which belongs to the Ceraunian Mountains. It is host to a diverse marine and terrestrial life attracting thousands of tourists all year around.
Butrint National Park is slightly smaller and is located in the extreme south of the country close to the border between Albania and Greece. The surroundings of Butrint are not only home to numerous globally threatened species, but offers also a rich cultural history. It comprises an extraordinary diversity of habitats, ecosystems and wildlife. Although Lake Butrint was further recognised as a wetland of international importance by designation under the Ramsar Convention.
The Llogara National Park is located in the Vlorë District and the third largest national park in the region. The par
Albanian Ionian Sea Coast