Islands

There are 11 islands officially in Albania. We will mention some of them that are worthy of a visit.

The largest, most important and attractive tourist destination among the list is Sazan island which lies on the bay of Vlora. To visit Sazan island you need to travel to the city of Vlora, from there during the summer season you can buy a ticket from the boats that operate daily from port of Vlora to Sazan-Karaburun.

In case you are using one of the boats that operate daily towards Sazan, expect to start the trip around 9 am in the morning in the port of Vlora and get back to the same place around 6 pm. If you want you can rent a smaller boat that can send you to Sazan/Karaburun faster. We recommend taking the daily boat as the trip is worthy, relaxing, and you can stop for some hours in Karaburun or Sazan for a coffee or to enjoy the beach.

In case you are using one of the boats that operate daily towards Sazan, expect to start the trip around 9 am in the morning in the port of Vlora and get back to the same place around 6 pm. If you want you can rent a smaller boat that can send you to Sazan/Karaburun faster. We recommend taking the daily boat as the trip is worthy, relaxing, and you can stop for some hours in Karaburun or Sazan for a coffee or to enjoy the beach.

You can expect a unique experience in Albania, listen to the legends at the cave of pirate Haxhi Ali, as you drink a coffee or eat you meal at the boat.

The boat ticket from Vlora towards Sazan/Karaburun costs around 25$.

There are a lot of operators who offer visiting Sazan island within one day starting from the city of Tirana. While it can be managed to visit this Island by traveling very early from Tirana towards Vlora to arrive in time for the boat, we suggest a 2 day tour when visiting Sazan island and we have good reasons why. Vlora is a very interesting city with many attractions, city life, traditional foods, and more, making it worthy of at least staying for one night in this city.

The main boats which operate Sazan do also provide food and drinks along the route, usually they give a welcoming coffee in the morning and a mini croissant which is included in the boat ticket. You can also bring food with you , we recommend bringing some fruits or sanduic to have with you.

You might be surprised when visiting Sazan, you will notice thousands of ‘bunkers’ in this military base. They were built during the communism for war purpose by the regime. In the past military personnel and their families used to live in this island.

Karaburun peninsula can be visited by boat from the port of Vlora. There are regular boats operating this route during the summer season. The trip is an experience to remember which we recommend to every tourist.

Zverneci island is in the city of Vlora, within the Narta Lagoon. It is connected with the land by a wooden bridge.

To visit Zvernec you need to travel to Vlora, and from there drive for 15 minutes towards this island.

Apart from natural beauty , tall trees, Zvernec is mostly visited because of its monastery, Zvernec Monastery. This medieval Byzantine church was built during around the 12th century. Zvernec Monastery attracts a lot of visitors during the day and is a recommended site during all year.

Ksamil Islets, are small island in the touristic destination of Ksamil.

To get to Ksamil from Tirana you need to take the road itinerary which goes through Durres, Kavaja, Lushnje, Fier, then enter the ‘Levan highway’ , Tepelena, Gjirokastra and Saranda, from Saranda in 15 minutes you should be in Ksamil.

To reach Ksamil and its beautiful islets you have to take a 4 hour trip, in a distance of 277 km between this beach location and the capital. The road might have a considerable distance but it goes through diverse landscapes with eye catching mountains, Vjosa river and valley, until reaching the blue of the sea.

Ksamil and its islets offer some of the very best view of Albanian Riviera, beautiful paysage , eye catching sea and islands, without forgeting being very near Saranda and UNESCO site of Butrint. Ksamil is a must go destination in the Balkans.

In case you are traveling from Tirana or Durres, we recommend stay at least 2 days is this beautiful destination to get the most from your time here.

Tongo Island is at the very south of Albania, near the border with Greece.

Tongo Island is a small island with reach aquatic life, with sea turtles, seals and raw species that have been observed in its shore.It can be reached by boat, it can be a nice option to try camping or spend some beach hours during the summer season, far away from the crowds.

If you are interested in visiting this island, you need to take the route which goes to Saranda and from there pass the border with Greece at ‘Qafe Bote’, in 30 minutes you should be in meters distance from the Island. Another option is to take a boat ride from Ksamil and nearby locations without passing the border.

Kune Island is located of the coast of Albania in the Adriatic Sea, in Lezha District.

Kune Island has a distance of 73 km from Tirana, it can be reached in 1 and half hour by car.

This island at the Adriatic Sea is rich in biodiversity, having a lot of plant species, amphibians, mammals, birds. Kune-Vain is a very important natural park in Albania.

Maligrad Island is located deep in the Albanian part of Prespa Lake.

This Island in Prespa lake has a church in it built during the 14th century which adds to the attractiveness of this destination, it also has some caves making a suitable environment for wildlife.

To arrive in this Island you need to take the route towards south east of Albania, Pogradec and then Pojan, as we near our destination which will be visible, there take a local boat ride and go to Maligrad Island.

This island is located in the North of Albania, at ‘Vau i Dejes Reservoir’.

This Island can bee seen from the road when you take the route from Vau Dejes towards Koman. You need to take a boat from the main route to access this island. Reach Shurdhah Island by taking the route from Tirana towards Vau Dejes and Koman, also you can reach Shurdhah Island from Shkodra, going to Vau i Dejes and again towards Koman.

This island is located on the coastline of Vlore County, Still Island is a small island with dimensions of 100 meters of length and 80 meters width, it was a military zone back in the time of communism regime and entry at this island was prohibited until the fall of communism.

The islands in Albania are a nesting ground for a lot of bird species. We mentioned most of the islands you can visit in Albania. If you are interested for a tour at one or some of them , albaniatourism.al and its guide agents will be ready to show you some beautiful destinations.

The most recommended time for a visit at the islands of Albania is during the summer as there is very easily to access them during the summer season, boats operate regularly during this period of the year.