Sazan Island
Ishulli i Sazanit
Albania's largest island, a former Cold War military zone, with bunkers, tunnels and abandoned barracks still standing.
Sazan Island guards the entrance to Vlorë Bay and covers about 5.7 square kilometres. It has served as a military fortress for Italy, the Soviet Union and Albania. During the Hoxha era, many bunkers, underground tunnels and nuclear shelters were built, and the island was closed off for a long time after its residents were evacuated. In recent years it has opened to guided group visits, where you can see abandoned barracks, a military school and coastal bunkers. The western cliffs have exceptionally clear water. Boat trips are often combined with the Karaburun Peninsula route, and the crossing takes about 1 hour. There are no supplies on the island, so bring your own drinking water.
Opening hours
Summer only; access by tour boat to the island
Nearby sights
- Zvërnec Monastery
- Narta Lagoon
- Karaburun Peninsula & Haxhi Ali Cave
- National Museum of Independence
- Independence Monument (Flag Square)
- Muradie Mosque
- Ethnographic Museum of Vlorë
- Kuzum Baba