Day trip from Vlore to Sazan Island and Karaburun Peninsula

You’ll board a boat to reach Sazan Island, Albania’s largest island and part of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park since 2010. Sazan’s beauty lies in its contrasts — wild, untouched nature alongside the concrete ruins of Cold War military bases. Once the first Albanian outpost in the Strait of Otranto, Sazan was heavily fortified during communist times.Upon arrival, you’ll explore the Gulf of Shenkoll with its old military docks and fortifications guided by an expert who will share stories of soldiers and families once living there. Afterwards, relax on the crystal-clear shores of Admiral Beach (Saint Koll’s Beach), one of the few sandy spots on the island. Back on board, you’ll sail past dramatic cliffs and coves known by evocative names like Hell’s Hell, Devil’s Bay, and Rocky Rocks, reaching heights of over 300 meters. Next, visit the Haxhi Ali Cave, named after a 16th-century Albanian pirate who used it as a hideout and refuge. The cave’s turquoise waters and history make it one of the marine park’s gems. Continuing along the Karaburun Peninsula, you’ll admire its rugged beauty — a 15 km stretch with beaches such as Saint Jan, Aquamarine, and Saint Basil. After lunch, enjoy the scenic return across the Bay of Vlora, passing the Riviera’s famous beaches of Zhironi, Kalasa, and Cold Water.Today, Sazan remains officially a military zone and welcomes visitors from May to October.