Mali i Gjerë
Mali i Gjerë is a massif located between the municipalities of Sarandë and Gjirokastër, in southern Albania. It constitutes the watershed boundary of the Delvinë basin and the Drino valley as well as the waters that flow into the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The highest point is Maja e Frashërit, reaching a height of. Other peaks include Maja e Kikshajt, Maja e Nikollasit, Maja e Bidos, Maja e Pilloit, etc.
Etymology
The mountain is referred to as Mali i Gjerë in Albanian and as Platovouni in Greek, and both names convey the same meaning of a broad or wide mountain.Geology
Mali i Gjerë stretches from the valley of Kardhiq in the northwest to Qafa e Muzinës in the south, at a length of about. The massif is composed of Mesozoic and Paleogene limestone that form a large asymmetric anticlinal structure with a less steep eastern flank and a western flank separated by a tectonic overthrust. The watershed ridge as well as the wide eastern slope gently incline, and are filled with various forms of karst erosion. The main passes are Muzina, Sopot and Skërficka.Biodiversity
At the southwestern and northeastern foothills are found a number of karst springs. The main tributary is sourced from a well-known karst spring called the Blue Eye, which is a popular tourist attraction due to its scenic environment. Woodland is scarce, but the area is rich in summer pastures and several types of medicinal plants. Among the wild animals, the mountain partridge is commonly encountered.The eastern slope of the mountain is surrounded by the nearby settlements of Gjirokastër, Dropull i Poshtëm, Lazarat, and Mashkullorë, while on the western slope are situated Delvinë and the village of Rrëzoma.
The karst massif spreads mostly within Albania, covering about, with extending into the Greek territory.