Sazan Island: How to Visit Albania's Military Island
Updated 2026-11-01 · 5 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to Visit Sazan Island from Vlorë
- Travel to the port or tourist embarkation docks in Vlorë.
- Book an excursion with a licensed boat operator running trips to Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula.
- Board your designated vessel for the 30- to 60-minute transit across the Bay of Vlorë.
- Disembark at the harbor of Sazan to explore the designated walking trail through the former military settlement.
- Return to the boat for the scheduled trip back to Vlorë or onward stops along the coastline.
Where is Sazan Island and why was it restricted?
Sazan Island sits at the entrance of the Bay of Vlorë where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. It served as a heavily fortified military installation throughout the 20th century, barring civilian entry for decades.
Sazan Island covers an area of roughly 5.7 square kilometers. During the Cold War, the Albanian communist regime transformed it into a strategic fortress designed to withstand naval blockades and invasions. Thousands of military personnel and their families lived on the island, supported by residential quarters, a school, a hospital, artillery installations, and a vast network of underground bunkers and defensive tunnels.
Following the political transition in Albania, the military base fell largely into disuse. In 2010, the waters around Sazan and the adjacent Karaburun Peninsula were designated as the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park. The island officially opened to seasonal civilian tourism in 2015, although an active Albanian-Italian naval detachment still operates on a restricted portion of the base.
How do you get to Sazan Island from Vlorë?
You can reach Sazan Island by taking an organized day cruise or a private speedboat from the commercial port or the Lungomare piers in Vlorë. No public ferry connects Sazan to the mainland.
Most excursions depart Vlorë between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM during the summer season, which runs from late spring through early autumn. Transit times vary depending on the vessel; standard excursion ships take about 45 to 60 minutes, while rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and speedboats make the trip in approximately 30 minutes in calm sea conditions.
Advance reservations are advisable during the peak holiday months of July and August. Most operators sell combination tickets that include Sazan Island along with visits to the sea cave of Haxhi Ali and beaches along the Karaburun Peninsula.
How much does a boat trip to Sazan Island cost?
Shared boat excursions to Sazan Island cost between €20 and €55 (approx. 2,000 to 5,500 ALL) per person, though prices change based on season and boat category.
Large excursion vessels offer the lowest fares, generally charging between €20 and €30 (approx. 2,000 to 3,000 ALL) per passenger. Smaller group speedboats are more expensive but travel faster and access narrower coastal areas. Private boat charters provide custom itineraries and range from €200 to €500 (approx. 20,000 to 50,000 ALL) for the day, with fuel typically accounted for in the contract. Please note that prices change over time.
Boat fares almost always cover transport only. Food, refreshments, and guide services are rarely included in the basic ticket price, so check the terms with your chosen operator before booking.
| Tour Type | Typical Price (EUR) | Typical Price (ALL) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Excursion Boat | €20 - €30 | 2,000 - 3,000 ALL | 6 - 8 hours |
| Speedboat / RIB Group | €35 - €55 | 3,500 - 5,500 ALL | 4 - 6 hours |
| Private Boat Charter | €200 - €500 | 20,000 - 50,000 ALL | Full Day |
What can you see and do on Sazan Island?
Visitors can inspect the ruins of the Cold War military settlement, observe defensive bunkers, and swim at the rocky beach by Saint Nicholas Bay.
The primary walking route begins at the harbor and winds up toward the derelict garrison town. Along the path, travelers can view abandoned administrative offices, barracks, residential apartments, and concrete pillbox bunkers. Many buildings have suffered structural decay and vandalism, so enter structures with extreme caution or remain strictly on established pathways.
Nature enthusiasts can view native Mediterranean maquis scrub and birdlife along the hillsides. Saint Nicholas Bay (Gjiri i Shën Kollit) near the port features clear water suitable for swimming during designated stopover times. Note that visitors are granted a fixed window—usually between one and two hours—before boats continue their route.
What should you bring and prepare before visiting Sazan Island?
Bring plenty of drinking water, food, sturdy walking shoes, and sun protection, as Sazan Island has no commercial infrastructure or shops.
Because the island is largely uninhabited and operates without tourism facilities, you will find no cafes, grocery stalls, or working public restrooms. Carry enough water to stay hydrated in open heat, particularly in midsummer when shade along the military ruins is scarce.
Wear closed-toe shoes with reliable traction, as the ground contains loose rock, gravel, and deteriorating concrete. Respect all military boundaries and signs marking active naval territory, and do not attempt to handle discarded metal debris or enter sealed subterranean tunnels.