Sazan Island, Albania — How to Visit the Military Ghost Town
Sazan Island is an island located on the western border of the Republic of Albania.
Once completely closed, today it is partially open to foreign tourists.
Moreover, today Sazan Island is a popular vacation spot for both foreigners and Albanians.
Sazan Island: Part of the Marine Park
- Tourists have fun on the deck of the Aquamarine ship.
Sazan Island is located near the city of Vlora and is part of Albania’s national marine park.
In Albanian, the park’s name is written as “Parku Detar Karaburun-Sazan,” which means “Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park.”
This place attracts both Albanians and foreign tourists due to its picturesque landscape and interesting military history.
Landscape of Sazan Island
- The coast of Sazan Island close up.
Sazan is the largest island in Albania.
The name in Albanian is written as Ishulli i Sazanit.
It covers an area of 5.7 sq. km and has a coastline length of about 15 km.
Its surface consists of mountains covered with forests and shrubs.
The coastline is steep, with cliffs that sharply descend into the sea.
There is no drinking water on the island and it is uninhabited.
Beach on Sazan Island
- An unequipped beach on the island of Sazan in Albania.
There is only one beach on the island accessible to tourists.
It starts on the right side of the ship pier and extends to the rocky shore for about 200 meters.
The beach is pebbly and not equipped with facilities for relaxation. There are no umbrellas or sun loungers. There are no cafes, bars, or restaurants.
This is because the island is near Albania’s border, and border area regulations apply.
In the sea, you may see a border patrol boat cruising near the island.
Abandoned Military Town
- An abandoned bunker next to the road on the island.
The route to the town passes along a narrow road among pine trees and shrubs.
Along the entire length of the road, you will encounter numerous machine gun bunkers and trenches.
Today, they have fallen into disrepair and are overgrown with bushes.
Mountaintop Cinema
- The central part of the military town together with the cinema.
At the mountain’s peak, there was once a large military town where soldiers, officers, and their families lived.
The number of military personnel at different periods in the island’s history ranged from 2,000 to 5,000 people.
There was a cinema, a dining hall, barracks, and houses for officers.
Today, the mountain’s peak is overgrown with fig trees, which produce very sweet (although small) figs.
How to Get to Sazan Island
Gathering at the Port of Vlora
- Three-deck ship Aquamarine at the pier in Vlora.
The journey begins at the port of Vlora.
Early in the morning, tourists fill the port to board their ship.
Excursion ships dock at a designated area.
Buying Tickets for the Aquamarine Ship
- Tickets can be purchased before boarding the Aquamarine ship.
Tickets for the ship should be purchased in advance in the evening at sales points along the Lungomare promenade.
If there are available seats, you can buy tickets in the morning near the ship. The ship is docked at the pier from 09:00 every day in the season.
The ticket price is 2,500 lek (25 euros).
Beginning of the Journey: Choosing a Ship
You need to be sure about which ship you will take for the journey.
Usually, tourists are treated to fruit on the ship in the morning.
They are placed on trays for anyone who wants to eat. Anyone who manages to get to the tray can enjoy some.
Excursion: Departure and Route
- Entertainment on deck during the trip to Sazan Island.
Ships depart from the port of Vlora at 10:00 am.
The route begins with either a visit to the island of Sazan or a visit to the peninsula of Karaburun.
Both places, Sazan and Karaburun, are typically visited on the same trip.
You should check with your guide to confirm where your route begins, as each ship follows its own schedule. Some ships go to Karaburun first, while others go to Sazan first.
On the peninsula, the ship usually stops for 3-3.5 hours, while on the island, it stays for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Entertainment on board ensures you won’t get bored: the guide will engage you in a game or organize a dance circle.
Return to Vlora port is usually by 18:00.
Arrival at Sazan Island
- Tourists walk along the pier towards the island.
After visiting Karaburun, the Aquamarine ship heads to the pirates’ cave.
It passes by it (without going close to it) and sets course for Sazan Island.
Arrival at the island is around 14:30 or 15:00 in the afternoon.
Tourists can choose between swimming and a guided tour of the military town.
You decide whether to go to the town or to the beach.
Return to Vlora
- The ship is rapidly moving away from the island.
Rested tourists return to the ship.
The gathering time to board the ship for the return to Vlora is 16:30.
Arrival at Vlora port is scheduled for 18:00.
Sazan: Food and Services
- Two teams of tourists play on the deck of a ship.
On Sazan Island:
- There are no cafes, bars, or restaurants. There is nowhere to buy snacks.
- The beach is not equipped with umbrellas or sun loungers. It is essentially an empty space with pebbles on the shore.
- The island has an interesting history that the guide explains well.
On the Aquamarine Ship:
- There is a bar on board selling drinks and snacks.
- The upper deck is equipped with sun loungers for relaxation and sunbathing.
- The indoor hall remains cool and is convenient for those who do not tolerate heat well.
- The trip is accompanied by light music.
- The guide organizes dances, games, and entertainment for tourists.
Useful travel services
Plan your trip in advance. It saves time and money.
- 🏨 Accommodation → Booking.com
- 🚗 Car rental → DiscoverCars
- 🎟 Tours → GetYourGuide
- ✈️ Flights → Kiwi.com
Travel Tips
- The ship stays on Sazan Island for about 1.5 hours.
Before the trip, make sure the weather is suitable, choose your route, and select a specific ship.
Ships vary and belong to different companies. Routes and stop durations at the island (or peninsula) may differ.
Don’t forget to bring water, as this is especially important in hot weather.
For those looking to discover even more unusual and little-known routes in Albania, we’ve prepared a review of Unique Places in Albania — routes away from the cities. You’ll also find a link to Karaburun there.
FAQ — Sazan Island
Can you visit Sazan Island on your own?
No. Access is only by boat or organized tour.
How much does a trip to Sazan Island cost?
On average, about 25 euros per person. The trip usually includes Sazan and Karaburun.
How long does the trip take?
About 8 hours, including stops at Karaburun beaches.
Can you stay overnight on the island?
No. The island is uninhabited. Everyone returns the same day.
Is there any infrastructure on the island?
No. Bring water, food, and sun protection. There are no restaurants or cafes.
If you’ve decided to come to Albania
You can organize your trip using our booking forms for tickets, accommodation, and excursions.
✈️ How to get to Albania
The best option is to fly to Tirana.
Then travel to Vlore by car or taxi.
👉 Find cheap flights:
🏨 Where to stay in Vlore
Choose accommodation near the port.
It is convenient for early departures.
Benefits:
- saves time in the morning
- wide choice of hotels
- easy logistics
👉 Find accommodation in Vlore:
🚤 Tours to Sazan Island
The easiest way is to book a tour.
It includes boat transfer and guidance.
Good option if you don’t have a car.
👉 View tours:
Useful travel services
Plan your trip in advance. It saves time and money.
- 🏨 Accommodation → Booking.com
- 🚗 Car rental → DiscoverCars
- 🎟 Tours → GetYourGuide
- ✈️ Flights → Kiwi.com
Conclusion
- School desks in an abandoned school on Sazan Island.
Sazan Island is interesting for its military history, as well as its picturesque views of the mountains and sea.
You will learn from the guide about life on the island during the stagnation period and the Cold War. You will see schools where Albanian children studied under socialism.
The school desks are exactly the same as those in the USSR during the time of Leonid Brezhnev (General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee during the USSR).
Video: A Walk Through a Former Military Camp on Sazan Island
Shot Date: August 11, 2024
The video shows — a short walk among abandoned buildings in a military camp on Sazan Island. Only the chirping of cicadas breaks the silence of nature, surrounded by beautiful views of nature and the sea.
Subscribe to the Life in Albania channel and like it — price reviews and up-to-date information about life in Albania.
All photos and videos are taken by the author during personal trips.
If useful, you may support the project.
