Description: Detailed large political map of Albania showing names of capital cities, towns, states, provinces and boundaries with neighbouring countries.
Situated
in Southeastern Europe Albania offers pristine beaches,
fascinating cultural sites as well as dramatic mountain
citadels, which have now become extremely rare to find
in Europe. Although Albania and its people have suffered
greatly from the past wars and hardship, this country
remains unique and its people friendly and open-minded.
To the northeast: Kosovo sits there like a close cousin - and indeed, many ethnic Albanians live in Kosovo, making this border feel more like a family reunion than an international boundary.
To the east: North Macedonia (the map still shows its old name "THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA") stretches along Albania's eastern frontier. This is where you'll find some of the most beautiful mountain crossings in the Balkans.
To the south: Greece forms Albania's longest international relationship. From the mountains of Gjirokastër down to the coastal areas near Sarandë, this border represents centuries of shared Mediterranean history.
To the west: The Adriatic Sea isn't just a border - it's Albania's gateway to the world, transitioning into the Ionian Sea in the southwest.
Looking at the map, you can't miss Tirana - it's marked with that distinctive red square right in the center. This isn't an accident of geography.
For locals: You already know Tirana is where everything happens - government, business, culture. This central location makes it accessible from anywhere in the country.
For travelers: Think of Tirana as your base camp. Looking at this map, you can see how it connects to every major city - Durrës to the west for the coast, Elbasan to the southeast for mountain adventures, and Shkodër to the north for lake country.
For students: Notice how many countries have their capitals in central locations? This helps with governing because it's roughly equal distance to all parts of the country.
Looking at the northern region, this is where Albania gets seriously mountainous and seriously beautiful.
Shkodër dominates the northwest, sitting pretty next to Lake Shkodër (you can see it on the map as that blue patch). This city is like Albania's northern gateway - historically important and still a major cultural center.
Kukës appears in the northeast, tucked into the mountains near Kosovo. This is frontier country, where you'll find some of Albania's most traditional mountain communities.
Has is that small region in the far northeast corner - it might look tiny on the map, but it's strategically positioned where Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro almost touch.
Don't miss Krumë, Bajram Curri, Pukë, and Lezhë - these smaller cities shown on the map each have their own character and local pride.
The central region is where Albania's economic heart beats strongest.
Durrës sits right on the coast and you can see why it's crucial - it's Albania's main port city. Looking at the map, notice how close it is to Tirana? That's no coincidence. This is where international trade flows into Albania.
Elbasan appears prominently in the central-eastern area. Historically, this was a major crossroads, and looking at the map, you can see why - it sits at the intersection of routes from Tirana to the eastern mountains.
Kavajë is positioned between Tirana and Durrës - a strategic location that's made it an important agricultural center.
Krujë appears north of Tirana and every Albanian knows this name - it's where national hero Skanderbeg made his stand against the Ottomans.
Other central cities visible on the map include Burrel, Mat, Bulqizë, Dibër, and Peshkopi - each representing different aspects of Albania's central mountain and valley communities.
The southern region is where Albania really shows off its Mediterranean personality.
Vlorë commands the southwestern coast where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. Looking at this map, you can see its strategic coastal position - it's been important for centuries.
Korçë sits in the southeastern mountains near the Macedonian border. This is Albania's "Little Paris" - a cultural center that's produced many of the country's writers and intellectuals.
Gjirokastër appears in the south-central mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage city that looks like it's carved from stone.
Berat is positioned in the central-south region - another UNESCO site known as the "City of a Thousand Windows."
Fier and Lushnjë represent the agricultural heartland of southern Albania, positioned in the fertile plains.
The coastal southern cities include Sarandë (Albania's riviera gateway), Delvinë (near the Greek border), and Pogradec (on beautiful Lake Ohrid).
Mountain communities like Tepelenë and Përmet show how Albanians have made homes in even the most challenging terrain.
Looking at the different colored regions, you're seeing Albania's administrative structure at work. Each color represents a prefecture - think of these as mini-states within Albania.
For map enthusiasts: Notice how the boundaries often follow natural features like rivers and mountain ridges? That's practical governance - using nature's own boundaries.
For travelers: These different regions often have distinct dialects, foods, and customs. The map is showing you cultural regions as much as administrative ones.
For locals: You probably already know that people from Shkodër have a different accent than people from Korçë, and this map shows you why - geographic separation creates cultural distinction.
Looking at the map's legend, you can see how cities are ranked by population:
The red dots mark chief towns of prefectures (like state capitals), while black dots show chief towns of districts (like county seats).
Looking at the blue areas on the map, you can spot Albania's major lakes:
These aren't just pretty features - they're major sources of freshwater, fishing, and increasingly, tourism.
Looking at this map with traveler's eyes, you can start planning incredible journeys:
If you're Albanian, this map might make you see your country differently. Notice how compact but diverse Albania is - from the coastal plains to the mountain peaks, from the northern lakes to the southern riviera. Every colored region, every marked city, every border crossing represents part of your national story.
Looking at this political map, you're not just seeing lines and colors - you're seeing how a nation organizes itself, how geography shapes culture, and how a small country can be incredibly diverse. Albania might look small compared to its neighbors, but this map shows a country that's strategically positioned, culturally rich, and geographically blessed.
Whether you're studying for an exam, planning a trip, or just curious about this beautiful corner of the Balkans, this map is your guide to understanding Albania from the inside out. Every city, every boundary, every colored region tells part of the story of a country that's been shaped by mountains, sea, and the dreams of its people.
Physical Map of Albania
Physical map and map image of Albania.
Road Map of Albania
Road map and map image of Albania.
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