Sazan Island Albania: How to Visit the Abandoned Military Ghost Town

Sazan Island Albania is the largest island in the country. For decades, this mysterious place was a completely closed Soviet military base. Today, it is partially open to international travelers. It has quickly become one of the most popular day trips on the Albanian Riviera.

The island is located near Vlore. It is a key part of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park. Visitors come here for two reasons: beautiful wild landscapes and fascinating Cold War history. In this guide, I will share my personal experience and practical tips for your trip.

Sazan Island Albania: 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 and Wild Beach

Albanian’s name for this place is Ishulli i Sazanit.

The island covers an area of 5.7 square kilometers. Its coastline stretches for about 15 kilometers.

The landscape consists of steep cliffs that drop sharply into the crystal-clear Ionian Sea.

Hills are covered with thick pine forests and Mediterranean shrubs. There is no natural drinking water here, and the island remains completely uninhabited.

The Tourist Beach

There is only one beach available for tourists. It starts on the right side of the ship pier. The beach stretches along the rocky shore for about 200 meters.

Important details from my trip:

• The beach is pebbly and completely wild.
• There are no umbrellas, sun loungers, cafes, or restaurants.
• The island is located near Albania’s border, so strict border area regulations apply. You might even spot an Albanian border patrol boat cruising nearby.

Exploring the Abandoned Military Base

The main highlight of Sazan Island Albania is its ghost town.

A narrow road leads from the pier up into the mountains. Walking among the pine trees, you will see countless concrete bunkers and deep military trenches.

Today, they are overgrown with wild bushes and slowly falling into ruin.

The Mountaintop Town and Cinema

At the peak of the mountain lies a massive, abandoned military town. During the Cold War, between 2,000 and 5,000 soldiers, officers, and their families lived here permanently.

Today, it is a true ghost town. You can walk through the ruins of barracks, residential houses, a giant dining hall, and even a military cinema.

The area is now overgrown with wild fig trees. During my walk, I tried the local figs — they are small but incredibly sweet.

How to Get to Sazan Island Albania from Vlore

Buying Tickets in Advance

Excursion boats depart from the Port of Vlore every single day during the summer season. The ships are docked at the pier and ready for boarding from 09:00 AM.

💡 My Advice: Buy your boat tickets the evening before your trip. You can find ticket stands easily along the Lungomare promenade in Vlore. If there are free seats left, you can buy a ticket near the ship in the morning. The current ticket price is 2,500 ALL (approx. €25) per person.

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 Boat Route & Entertainment

Most excursion companies offer a combined day trip. The itinerary includes both Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula.

• Ships depart from Vlore at 10:00 AM.
• Some boats visit Sazan first, while others head to Karaburun first. Always confirm the exact schedule with your tour guide.
• The boat usually stops at Karaburun for 3–3.5 hours and stays at Sazan Island for 1.5–2 hours.
• The return to the Port of Vlore is scheduled for 18:00 (6:00 PM).

On my trip, the crew served fresh fruit on trays on the top deck in the morning. The guides also organized fun games and traditional Albanian dances on board to keep everyone entertained.

Arrival at Sazan Island Albania

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.

Food, Facilities, and Services

On Sazan Island:

• There is absolutely zero infrastructure. No shops, no bars, no toilets.
• Bring your own water, snacks, and sun protection. This is crucial during the hot summer months.

On the Excursion Ship (e.g., Aquamarine):

• There is a fully stocked bar selling cold drinks and snacks.
• The upper deck features comfortable sun loungers for sunbathing.
• The air-conditioned indoor hall stays pleasantly cool if you want to escape the heat.

Planning Your Vlore Trip: Best Services

To make your trip smooth and budget-friendly, I recommend planning your logistics in advance.

• Where to Stay: Choose a hotel near the Port of Vlore. It will save you a lot of time on the morning of your boat tour. Check out the widest selection of local accommodations on Expedia.
• Car Rental: If you plan to explore the rest of the Albanian Riviera before or after Vlore, rent a vehicle via DiscoverCars. They offer great prices and transparent insurance options.

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.

You might be interested to learn more about the beaches of Karaburun.

Final Thoughts & Unique History

Walking through the former military camp feels like traveling back in time.

The most surreal part of my tour was visiting the abandoned school. Inside, you can still see old school desks where the children of Albanian officers studied under socialism.

Interestingly, these school desks look exactly like the ones used in the USSR during the Brezhnev era. It is a haunting but beautiful monument to Albania’s isolated past.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I visit the island without a tour?

No. Sazan is a restricted military area. You can only access it via licensed boat tours or registered excursions.

How much does the Sazan Island boat trip cost?

The average price is €25 per person. This price usually covers the transfer to both Sazan Island and the wild beaches of Karaburun.

How long does the excursion last?

The boat tour lasts a full day (about 8 hours): departure is at 10:00 AM and return to Vlora port is scheduled for 18:00 (6:00 PM).

Can I stay overnight on the island?

No. Overnight stays are strictly prohibited. The island has no hotels or open campsites. All tourists must leave by the late afternoon.

Are there any facilities on Sazan Island?

No. The island is completely uninhabited and lacks tourist infrastructure. Make sure to bring your own water, food, and sun protection.

Video: Abandoned Military Town on Sazan Island Albania

Filming Date: August 11, 2024.

Watch my short video walk below. It captures the eerie silence of the abandoned buildings, broken only by the loud chirping of summer cicadas.

More videos about locations and travel routes in Albania are available on the Life in Albania YouTube channel.