Experience the pink and coral flats through Dimitris Kolliakos’s enchanting paramotor flight
Nestled along Albania’s southern shores, the Vlora salt fields offer a captivating spectacle that stands apart from other natural wonders. Unlike the more commonly known salt pans around the globe, the Vlora flats are celebrated for their otherworldly pastel palette that transforms with the rhythm of the seasons, creating a mesmerising visual feast.
Recently, these fields garnered even more attention when Greek paraglider and paramotor pilot Dimitris Kolliakos undertook a breathtaking flight over the area.
On August 7, 2024, Kolliakos flew from Greece to Albania to witness the Vlora salt fields at the height of their colour-changing phenomenon. His flight provided a unique vantage point to experience the salt fields’ display of pink, orange, and red hues. The aerial journey also allowed him to perform various tricks against the stunning backdrop, leaving him in awe. “This is unreal, it’s such a dream location,” the pilot remarked.
Despite the beauty of the setting, Kolliakos’ adventure presented challenges. During his flight, he manoeuvred the paramotor to make brief contact with the salt water using both his feet and wings. Each instance required him to land and thoroughly wash his gear to prevent damage and maintain optimal performance. Timing was crucial, as Kolliakos and his team needed to capture the perfect shots precisely when the paramotor’s wings first touched the water, before reaching land to clean the salt off his equipment.
Reflecting on the experience after he landed, Kolliakos said: “It was one of the most amazing experiences to see how the colours were changing when I was flying above them. Seeing these colour transformations was incredible.”
The Vlora salt fields undergo a magical transformation during the hot summer months. This change is driven by the microalga Dunaliella salina, which produces pigments like beta-carotene, giving the water its distinctive reddish-pink hue. Other microorganisms contribute with their sunlight-absorbing pigments. As water evaporates and salinity increases, these microorganisms thrive, turning the salt pans brilliant shades of coral and rose.
Outside of summer, the salt fields shift to softer tones – pale blues, greens, and whites – depending on the mineral content and salinity levels, offering visitors a different experience year-round.
The Vlora salt fields have been a crucial part of the local economy since ancient times. Once one of Albania’s most important salt production sites, the salt harvested here met the needs of both local communities and regional markets, playing a significant role in the region’s economic development.
Beyond their historical importance, the salt fields are integral to the region’s cultural fabric. The traditional craft of bërdhitja, or salt harvesting, involves hand-raking salt crystals – a method passed down through generations to produce high-quality sea salt.
Recent efforts to modernise salt production in Vlora emphasise sustainable practices that respect both the environment and the region’s cultural heritage. These initiatives have renewed interest in the salt fields, which are part of the Narta Lagoon – a protected area renowned for its rich biodiversity and vital bird habitats. As a result, the area has gained prominence as a cultural and tourist destination, drawing visitors eager to explore its natural beauty and history.
The Vlora salt fields are a distinctive reflection of the region’s history, ecology, and culture. With their seasonal colour changes, thriving biodiversity, and deep cultural roots, they offer a glimpse into a way of life that has persisted for centuries. (RBContentPool)
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