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This is a collection of pictures from Albania. They are from different places in the north and central regions of the country.
If you look up all articles from Albania, you will also find a world heritage site and a regular travelogue. Before you do, start with these pictures from Albania.
This gallery contains images from a road trip in Albania. Towns include Shkodër, Tirana and Berat.
92 Photos
Afterwards, find more photo galleries on Sandalsand.
Fast facts
Albania is a small country in southeastern Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula. It covers about 28,700 square kilometers and has a population of around 2.8 million. The country shares borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece, and has a long coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
Albania’s history stretches back to ancient times. It was once part of Illyria, inhabited by Illyrian tribes who resisted Roman conquest for centuries. The Romans eventually took control, followed by the Byzantines and later the Ottomans. Albania remained under Ottoman rule for more than 400 years.
The country declared independence in 1912, following the collapse of Ottoman power in the region. In the 20th century, Albania experienced political instability, foreign occupation, and dictatorship. After World War II, communist leader Enver Hoxha ruled with an iron grip, isolating the country from both the West and the Soviet bloc.
Hoxha’s regime lasted until the 1980s and left Albania impoverished and closed off. In the early 1990s, Albania transitioned to democracy and a market economy. The process was difficult, marked by unrest and economic collapse, especially during the 1997 financial crisis.
Today, Albania is a parliamentary republic and a member of NATO. It is also a candidate country for membership in the European Union. The country has made significant progress in infrastructure, tourism, and international relations over the past two decades.
Albania offers a diverse and largely unspoiled landscape. Its Riviera features clear waters and quiet beaches, while the interior has rugged mountains, rivers, and traditional villages. UNESCO sites such as Gjirokastër, Berat, and Butrint highlight its rich cultural heritage.
Religious tolerance is a hallmark of Albanian society. Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Catholics have coexisted peacefully for generations. Visitors often find Albania welcoming, affordable, and full of surprises.
Learn about the country on Wikipedia. The text above is derived from various sources.
Map and regions
Albania can be divided into three regions (source):
Coastal Albania, Albanian Riviera is the long narrow strip between about 10 and 30 km wide along the whole Albanian coast, bordering both the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea.
Northeastern Albania is the inland region to the north of the Shkumbin River, bordering Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Southeastern Albania is the inland region to the south of the Shkumbin River bordering North Macedonia and Greece, and including the great border lakes, Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa.
Sandalsand’s images are from a road trip from Shkodër in the north to Tirana in the centre, and Berat in the south. The drive continued into North Macedona at Lake Ohrid.
