Lungara

{{Short description|Mountain in Albania}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Lungara
| other_name =
| image = Karaburun Peninsula, Albania 2016 11.jpg
| image_size =
| image_caption = Lungara seen from a distance
| map = Albania
| highest =
| elevation = {{convert|1864|m|abbr=on}}
| prominence = {{convert|701|m|abbr=on}}
| isolation = {{convert|6.6|km|abbr=on}}
| coordinates = {{coord|40.273858|N|19.617978|E|type:mountain_scale:100000|format=dms|display=inline}}
| length =
| width =
| area =
| volume =
| etymology =
| nickname =
| translation =
| location =
| country = {{ALB}}
| region = [[Southern Mountain Region (Albania)|Southern Mountain Region]]
| settlement_type = Municipality
| settlement = [[Vlorë]]
| range = [[Ceraunian Mountains]]
| borders_on =
| formed_by =
| age = [[Mesozoic]]
| type = [[mountain]]
| geology = [[limestone]], [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]], [[flysch]]
| first_ascent =
| normal_route =
}}

'''Lungara''' is a [[massif]] in southwestern [[Albania]], situated between the [[Bay of Vlorë]] to the west and Shushicë Valley to the east. It constitutes the northwestern extension of the [[Mount Çikë|Çikë]] massif, from which it is separated by Shëngjergj Pass at 1,152 meters above sea level.

==Geology==
Lungara attains its greatest elevation in the southeast, reaching approximately {{convert|1864|m|abbr=on}} near ''Qiramanga'' peak, on Mount Brataj. From this point, the terrain gradually declines toward the northwest, descending to 300–400 meters in the Shashicë Hills, near Uji i Ftohtë and [[Kaninë]].

The western slope is markedly steep and heavily dissected, shaped by a major tectonic fault line running from [[Dukat, Albania|Dukat]] to Uji i Ftohtë along the contact zone between [[Mesozoic]] [[limestone]] and [[flysch]]-[[molasse]] deposits. Because of this structural boundary, the mountain drops abruptly toward Vlorë Bay. By contrast, the eastern slope is broader and descends more gradually onto Shushicë Valley.

The main ridge and upper slopes are largely composed of Mesozoic limestone and [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]], while the lower sections of the mountain, up to 600 meters on both flanks, are made up of flysch and molasse deposits. These softer sedimentary formations are highly susceptible to landslides, particularly in the Jonufra sector.

[[Karst]] landforms are widespread across the limestone belt and contribute significantly to the rugged relief.{{cite book|last1=Kabo|first1=Mevlan|title=Gjeografia Fizike e Shqipërisë|date=1991|publisher=Qendra e Studimeve Gjeografike|location=Tiranë|pages=401–402|edition=1.2}}

==Biodiversity==
Vegetation is dominated primarily of [[Mediterranean shrubland]]. At higher elevations, fir forests become more common, supplemented with smaller tracts of pine. The massif serves as an important seasonal grazing area, providing pasture during summer and winter.

Along the lower western slopes, stretching from [[Tragjas]] to Uji i Ftohtë, lies the hilly district of Jonufra. Beginning in 1966, large sections of this area were cleared of their native scrub vegetation and converted into one of the country's most extensive agricultural regions, cultivated mostly with citrus groves, olive trees and a variety of fruit crops.

The western foothills and coastal margins are distinguished by a succession of small coves, pebble beaches and steep rocky escarpments. This striking landscape has contributed to the area being frequently visited by tourists and becoming a popular attraction of the [[Albanian Riviera]].

==See also==
* [[List of mountains in Albania]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Mountains of Albania]]
[[Category:One-thousanders of Albania]]