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

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

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

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

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.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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.

Travel Tips

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.

Conclusion

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

Filming date: August 11, 2024 Sazan Island: Summer Sea Excursion.

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