Durrës, Albania – Beachgoers enjoying a sunny Wednesday at Gjiri i Lalzit (Lalzi Bay) were treated to an extraordinary sight as what appeared to be a floating city emerged on the horizon above the Adriatic Sea.
The unusual scene featured shapes resembling towering buildings, bridges, and massive structures suspended above the water, leaving many visitors astonished and sparking widespread curiosity. Witnesses described the phenomenon as surreal, with the distant skyline seemingly hovering over the sea.
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This phenomenon occurs when layers of air with significantly different temperatures form above the sea, causing light rays to bend in unusual ways. As a result, distant coastlines, buildings, ships, or other objects beyond the horizon can appear elevated, stretched, enlarged, or distorted, creating the illusion of a floating or "ghost" city.
Although Fata Morgana is uncommon, it is a well-documented scientific phenomenon and is considered one of the most fascinating optical effects that can occur over large bodies of water. The illusion is most likely to develop under stable atmospheric conditions, particularly when a layer of warm air sits above cooler air near the sea surface.
The remarkable display at Lalzi Bay quickly became a talking point among beachgoers, many of whom captured photos and videos of the breathtaking mirage.