Sazan Island: A Hidden Gem in Albania & Kushner Project

Sazan Island is one of the most fascinating places in Albania. Located at the entrance of the Bay of Vlora, between the Adriatic and Ionian coastal worlds, it is a destination where nature, military history and mystery come together in a way that feels completely different from the rest of the Albanian Riviera.

For decades, Sazan was known more as a restricted military island than a tourist destination. Its abandoned buildings, tunnels, bunkers and former military structures still tell the story of a time when the island was closed to the public and used for strategic defense. Today, it has become one of the most intriguing stops for travelers who want to explore Albania beyond the usual beaches and cities.

For Kalemi DMC, Sazan Island is a strong destination for private boat trips, special-interest tours, incentive groups, photography itineraries and coastal programs from Vlora.

Where Is Sazan Island?

Sazan Island is located off the coast of Vlora, at the entrance to the Bay of Vlora. It sits close to the Karaburun Peninsula and forms part of the wider Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, Albania’s most important marine protected area.

Its position is one of the reasons the island has always been strategic. From the sea, Sazan controls the entrance to the bay and sits near the maritime route between Albania and Italy. On clear days, the island can be seen from parts of the Vlora coast, giving it a quiet but powerful presence in the landscape.

The island is usually visited by boat from Vlora.

Many boat trips combine Sazan Island with the Karaburun Peninsula, Haxhi Ali Cave and nearby swimming stops, making it one of the best full-day coastal experiences in southern Albania.

Why Visit Sazan Island?

Sazan Island is worth visiting because it offers something rare in the Mediterranean: an island that feels wild, historical and slightly mysterious. It does not have the polished look of a luxury beach resort, and that is exactly what makes it special.

Visitors come here for abandoned military buildings, old barracks, tunnels, coastal views, clear water and the story of an island that was once almost completely closed to civilians. Walking through parts of Sazan can feel like stepping into an open-air museum of Albania’s military past.

At the same time, the island is surrounded by beautiful sea. The waters around Sazan and Karaburun are part of a protected marine landscape, with rocky coasts, caves, underwater life and secluded swimming areas. For travelers who like both history and nature, Sazan is one of the most unusual destinations in Albania.

A Short History of Sazan Island

Sazan Island has had a long and complex history because of its strategic location. Over time, it has been connected with different powers and military interests in the Adriatic and Ionian region. During the 20th century, it became especially important as a military base.

The island was used by Italian, Soviet and Albanian forces during different periods. Under communist Albania, Sazan was heavily militarized and closed to most civilians. It had soldiers, military families, tunnels, bunkers, storage facilities and infrastructure built for defense.

What to See on Sazan Island

The most interesting part of Sazan Island is the contrast between nature and abandonment. Visitors can see

• old military buildings
• former residential blocks
• bunkers
• tunnels
• roads that once served a restricted military community.

Some areas feel almost frozen in time. Empty windows, concrete walls, overgrown paths and silent structures create a powerful atmosphere. This makes the island especially interesting for photography, documentary-style travel and travelers who enjoy places with a strong sense of history.

The island also has natural beauty. Rocky coastline, clear water, Mediterranean vegetation and views toward Vlora and Karaburun make the experience visually striking. Depending on the tour and access conditions, visitors may also have time for swimming or a beach stop.

Sazan Island and Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park

Sazan Island is part of Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, a protected marine area that includes both the island and the Karaburun Peninsula. This is one of the most important coastal and marine landscapes in Albania.

The park is known for cliffs, caves, bays, rocky coastlines, underwater life and secluded beaches. It is a destination where the sea is not just a backdrop, but the main attraction. The marine park gives Sazan a stronger ecological and travel value, especially for visitors interested in nature, boat trips and responsible tourism.

How to Visit Sazan Island

The usual way to visit Sazan Island is by boat from Vlora. Boat trips operate seasonally, especially during the warmer months, and often include multiple stops along the coast.

A typical trip may include Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, the Karaburun Peninsula and one or more swimming stops.

Because Sazan has a special history and parts of the island may have access restrictions, visitors should not assume that every area is open. It is important to check the current access rules, safety conditions and tour permissions before planning the visit.

Sazan Island, The future and the Jared Kushner Resort Project

The future of Sazan Island is one of the most discussed tourism topics in Albania. Sazan is now at the center of a major luxury development proposal linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.

In January 2025, Reuters reported that Albania’s government had granted strategic investor status to Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC, a company linked to Jared Kushner, for a planned luxury resort project on Sazan Island. The proposal involved a 45-hectare development and an estimated investment of around 1.4 billion euros, with the government saying the project could create approximately 1,000 jobs.

The project has been presented as part of Albania’s ambition to attract high-end tourism and position the country as a luxury Mediterranean destination. Plans reported in international media have included hotels, villas, restaurants, recreational facilities and the possible adaptive reuse of parts of the island’s Cold War-era military infrastructure. Supporters argue that the development could bring investment, employment and global visibility to Albania’s coastline.

At the same time, the proposal has created strong public debate. Sazan Island lies within the wider Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, an area valued for its marine biodiversity, coastal scenery and ecological sensitivity. Environmental groups and critics have raised concerns about how a large-scale resort could affect protected habitats, the marine landscape and the island’s unique historical character.

The controversy has also expanded beyond Sazan. Kushner-linked coastal plans have been associated with the nearby Zvërnec and Vjosa-Narta area, where environmental concerns, land ownership disputes and public protests have become major national issues. Reuters reported that villagers in Zvërnec claim land connected to the wider resort project was wrongfully sold, while developers and government representatives have defended the investment as legal and beneficial for Albania.

By summer 2026, the debate had become part of a broader protest movement in Albania, often referred to as the “Flamingo Revolution.” Protesters have criticized the lack of transparency, the impact on protected coastal areas and the role of foreign investors in sensitive public landscapes. AP reported that the movement includes opposition to a resort on Sazan Island and development near Narta Lagoon, with activists demanding more transparency and environmental protection.

The project has also drawn attention from European institutions. The Guardian reported in July 2026 that members of the European Parliament warned Albania that support for Kushner-backed resort plans in sensitive coastal areas could create problems for the country’s EU accession path, especially regarding environmental standards, transparency and public consultation.

For travelers, this means Sazan Island is a destination in transition. Today, it remains valuable for its military history, abandoned infrastructure, wild landscape and location inside one of Albania’s most important marine areas. In the future, it may become a very different destination if luxury resort development moves forward.

For this reason, anyone planning a visit should check the most updated access rules, boat routes and local conditions before traveling.

FAQ About Sazan Island

Where is Sazan Island located?

Sazan Island is located off the coast of Vlora, at the entrance to the Bay of Vlora. It is part of the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park in southwestern Albania.

How do you get to Sazan Island?

The most common way to visit Sazan Island is by boat from Vlora. Many tours combine the island with Haxhi Ali Cave and the Karaburun Peninsula.

Is Sazan Island open to tourists?

Sazan Island has been open to visitors since 2015, but access to specific areas can vary. Travelers should check current rules, safety conditions and tour permissions before visiting.

What is Sazan Island famous for?

Sazan Island is famous for its former military base, abandoned buildings, Cold War atmosphere, strategic location and natural setting within Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park.

Can you swim at Sazan Island?

Swimming may be possible depending on the boat route and conditions. Many boat trips combine Sazan with better swimming stops around Karaburun and Haxhi Ali Cave.

Is Sazan Island good for families?

Sazan Island can be interesting for families with older children, especially those who enjoy history and boat trips. For families with very young children, the route should be planned carefully because access and walking conditions may be limited.

What is the best time to visit Sazan Island?

The best time to visit Sazan Island is from late May to September. June and September are especially good for warm weather and a smoother travel experience.

Can Sazan Island be visited from Tirana?

Yes, but it is better as a long day trip or as part of an overnight stay in Vlora. Travelers usually go from Tirana to Vlora by road, then continue to Sazan by boat.

Should I visit Sazan Island or Karaburun?

The best option is to combine both. Sazan offers history and abandoned military sites, while Karaburun offers caves, cliffs, beaches and swimming stops.

Can Kalemi DMC organize a Sazan Island tour?

Yes. Kalemi DMC can organize private Sazan Island experiences from Vlora, including boat trips, transfers, Karaburun combinations, Haxhi Ali Cave stops and tailor-made Albania itineraries.