How many islands does Albania have?

Albania does not have many islands, not nearly as many as Croatia, but there are still some, although they are not widely known. If we talk about sea islands and islets, there are only 13 of them, and a few more on rivers and lakes. Here are the most important ones!

Sazan is the largest island in Albania, strategically located between the Strait of Otranto and the mouth of the Gulf of Vlorë, right next to the northern tip of the Karaburun peninsula, forming the boundary line between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. It has a length of 4.8 km, a width of 2.7 km, and a total area of 5.7 km2. Once a military base, Sazan is now a popular tourist attraction.

Island of Sazan Albania, Photo: Amarildo Hoxha Dreamstime

The four Tetranis islets, better known by their administrative name as the Ksamil islets, are located in southern Albania, along the Albanian Riviera and have an area of 9 hectares (22 acres). The islands are remote and can only be reached by boat. The village of Ksamil, after which the islands got their name, is located east of the island.

The Zvërnec islands consist of two islands with a total area of 10 hectares, a larger island of 8.7 hectares and a small island of 1.3 hectares. They are located in the Narta lagoon in southern Albania. The wooded island is characterized by pine forests, and it is connected to the mainland by a 207-meter-long bridge. Zvërnec is a major tourist attraction in southern Albania, with a well-preserved monastery from the 13th century.

Island of Zvernec Albania, Photo: Filadina Zilja – Wiki

The island of Maligrad is located inside Prespa Lake and forms part of the Prespa National Park in eastern Albania. It covers an area of 5 hectares. The island has many caves suitable for wildlife and a circular cliff.

Maligrad Island Prespa Lake Albania, Photo: Fation Plaku – Wiki