When you think of idyllic island escapes, you’re probably thinking the Maldives, the Greek Isles, or perhaps the Caribbean. But what if I told you there’s a lesser-known destination in the Balkans beckoning the bold and the curious? Islands in Albania, my friend, are like that hidden track on your favorite album—the one you didn’t know you needed until you stumbled upon it and in this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about them.
Islands In Albania- Hidden Gems of Albania’s Coastline
Albania is a country of intriguing history and mountainous terrain but also of a coastline that stretches for about 470 kilometers. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Albania’s coastline is a splendid stretch of the Riviera, often overshadowed by its more renowned neighbors like Greece, Montenegro, or Italy. But of course, like every country, there’s something special about it.
Unlike most other countries where coastlines are heavily commercialized or well-charted tourist hotspots, Albania’s coast offers a refreshing change. Rugged cliffs standing tall against the backdrop of the Ionian Sea, secluded sandy nooks that haven’t felt a tourist’s footprint in years (well that’s technically not true but a bit of exaggeration for poetic purposes), and waters so clear you’d mistake them for the sky on a cloudless day (this part is actually true).
Helpful Resources For Visiting Albania
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That being said, let’s cover the 12 most beautiful islands in Albania and teach you some important things you should know before visiting. We’ll start with…
Sazan
We’re starting this bucket list of islands in Albania with Sazan Island, one of the rare islands in Europe that hasn’t been hashtagged to death. Nestled right at the mouth of the Bay of Vlorë, Sazan is Albania’s largest and, dare I say, most intriguing.
Clocking in at around 5.7 square kilometers, and in addition to its beaches it’s also famous for the flashbacks to the Cold War, when this sunny paradise was a covert military base. Today, it’s quickly growing as a tourism destination because it has it all; beautiful beaches, olive groves, marine caves, and even dolphins. Eager to set foot on Sazan? Pack your bags and head to Vlorë from where you can get a ferry or a private boat tour, you’re in for a treat.
Kunë
Fancy a trip to an island that’s a bird-watcher’s daydream and a beach lover’s delight? Look no further than Kune Island, sandwiched in the Drin River’s delta. The island covers a territory of 4.2 square kilometers. The island in addition to being a prime beach getaway, it’s also a great birdwatching destination, mainly pelicans.
But there’s a twist to this tale. Unlike other islands in Albaniawhere the focus is often the shores, Kune’s heartland is where you’d want to meander and discover its whispering willows and charming fishing villages. If you want to visit the island, you can do so from the town of Lezhë. Once there, hop on one of the local fishing boats—they often ferry visitors over.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of islands in Montenegro and cities in Macedonia.
Malsori
Ever dreamt of discovering a hidden gem that hasn’t been splashed all over social media? Meet Malsore Island, actually a river island (on the river Buna) in Northern Albania that eroded into an archipelago over the years. The island is uninhabited and has a surface area of 0.4 square kilometers, perfect if you’re looking to get away from it all.
So, what’s the buzz about Malsore? For starters, it’s the island’s profound historical significance. While you won’t find grand castles, the subtle imprints of ancient settlements give the island a mysterious allure.
Zvërnec
Sitting calmly within the Narta Lagoon, just a hop away from the town of Vlorë, Zvërnec is the closest thing to tropical paradise you’ll find in this part of the world. The island is wrapped in its dense pine forests and surrounded by tranquil waters but what makes the island really famous are the well preserved 13th century Byzantine Monastery of Saint Mary, with weathered walls and solemn bell tower that’s one of the most iconic historic landmarks in Albania.
Another thing that sets Zvërnec apart is its wooden bridge; a seemingly endless stretch, connecting the island to the mainland, and passing it is an experience in itself. The best way to reach the island is from Vlorë, where you can easily find local guides eager to escort curious souls to this hidden treasure.
Shurdhah
Located in the vast embrace of Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in Albania, Shurdhah is one of the most unique islands in Albania. Shurdhah is most famous for the ruins of the medieval town of Sarda and for its underwater allure that can be found in the waters next to the island.
Due to prolonged seismic activity, a large part of the old town, now lies underneath the surface which brings out an exciting diving opportunity. To get to the island you need to hop on a local boat from Shkodër, that will take you through the lake’s shimmering waters, straight to the heart of Shurdhah Island.
Islets of Ksamil
Off the coast of Ksamil, one of Albania’s most popular coastal towns, you can find four gorgeous islets, each more inviting than the last. They don’t have a special name and are just known as the islets of Ksamil. They’re uninhabited (and technically too small to be called islands) and are located near the border with Greece.
Two of the islets are so close to the shore, you could literally swim over! The other two? A wee bit farther out, but that’s where boats or pedalos come into play. One of the islets hides the ruins of an ancient Roman wall and presents a great chance to get a side of history with your beach day.
Maligrad
This list of the best islands in Albania couldn’t be complete without Maligrad. Nestled within the serene waters of Lake Prespa, Maligrad Island might just be one of Albania’s best-kept secrets. It’s located near the border with Macedonia and is mainly famous for being home to the medieval St. Mary’s Church adorned with precious medieval frescoes hidden away in a cave on the island.
Another thing to keep an eye on are wild pelicans that during the spring and summer are known to grace Lake Prespa, turning the area into a birdwatcher’s paradise. Making your way to this hidden gem? The easiest route is taking a boat from the small town of Pustec.
Osum
Osum Island is another tiny river island nestled snugly in the middle of the homonymous river, serving as proof that great things come in small packages. You won’t find palms and coconut trees here but Osum’s charm lies in its rugged charm, wild foliage, and that untouched nature; the island is completely surrounded by the canyon walls of the Osum Gorge, making up for a dramatic backdrop and a sensation that you’re cocooned in a natural amphitheater. And I know this is turning into a pattern but the island is also home to the ruins of a very old Byzantine monastery.
Embarking on this island escapade starts at Berat, the ‘City of Thousand Windows’, from where you take a boat or kayak ride down the Osum River.
Tongo
When mapping out islands in Albania, one can’t forget about Tongo, the southernmost island in Albania, located off the bay of Ftelia near the border with Greece. It’s only about 400 meters away from the Ionian coast so you can technically swim there. Its teritory is very small, a total surface area of 6 acres but it’s very pretty and its waters are rich in aquatic life, making it a worthwhile visit.
Stillo
Let me introduce you to Stillo Island, nestled just a stone’s throw away from the mainland. Stillo is kind of your typical sun-and-sand destination, a perfect place where time seems to take a leisurely sip of coffee and stroll by. In addition to beaches and gorgeous landscapes, Stillo is best known for its vibrant artisan community, mainly pottery, weaving, and age-old crafts.
Planning a trip? Hop on one of the quaint wooden boats from the nearby port of Vlorë.
Paqe
Tucked in Albania’s embrace, Paqe is a petite jewel sparkling amidst the vast ocean expanse and it’s also a sanctuary for rare birds. But what sets Paqe apart isn’t just its residents, but its ethos. The island stands as a testament to harmonious living with locals and nature co-existing, and ensuring the isle remains a pristine paradise.
Now, let’s get to the most important question- how do you get there? Easy. Just embark on a boat ride from Sarandë, and let the gentle waves guide you.
Pelican Island
Now, don’t imagine golden beaches dotted with sun loungers. Instead, picture a canvas painted with marshy hues, where the star-studded night isn’t above but below—on the shimmering water, as white pelicans drift in moonlit squadrons. That’s right, this island is a pelican paradise! If ever there were an Oscars for the bird world, this place would sweep the ‘Best Habitat’ category.
The stars of this show? The Dalmatian pelicans. These feathery celebs are not just the largest among their kind but also one of Europe’s rarest birds. With their snazzy beaks and that air of ‘I woke up like this’ elegance, they’re the heartthrobs of the avian realm.
So, what’s the Pelican Island backstory? Well, it’s Mother Nature’s nod to avian luxury living—a tranquil nook ensuring our long-beaked buddies have the peace they need. No paparazzi, please, just pure unadulterated bird business.
Navigating to this feathery fiesta isn’t akin to a maze. From the nearby town of Shkodër, you can charter a boat. As you glide over the water, imagine it as a VVIP (Very Very Important Pelican) passage, leading to the most exclusive bird gathering in all of Albania.
Honorable Mention- Franz Joseph Island
Last but not least, we round up this list of islands in Albania with an honorable mention of Franz Joseph Island. I say honrable mention because the island does not exist anymore (since 2011). Franz Joseph Island was another river island on Albania’s Buna River in the northwestern part of the country. The island which was discovered and named by Austro-Hungarian cartographers was completely flooded and submerged by the waters of Buna and no longer exists.
How did you like this list of islands in Albania? Did you ever visit any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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