Island
Sazan Island
Vlorë · Albanian Riviera
QUICK INFORMATION
- CATEGORY
- Island
- COUNTRY
- Albania
- REGION
- Vlorë · Albanian Riviera
- DURATION
- 2–3 days
ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
Sazan sits at the strait between the Bay of Vlorë and the open sea, the largest island of Albania. Its position guarding the bay made it a fortress island for a century: fortified by Austria-Hungary before the First World War, held by Italy in the interwar years, and then sealed as a secret submarine base by the communist army until 1990s. Its bunkers, tunnels and naval village survive largely intact, and boat tours from Vlorë land visitors to walk the ghost base — combined with swimming in the island’s clear coves.
WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE
What you’ll experience
THE EXPERIENCE IN DETAIL
What it’s really like
HIGHLIGHTS
Moments worth savouring
WHAT TO EXPECT
Good to know before you go
MAP & LOCATION
Sazan Island
Sazan Island, Vlorë, Albanian Riviera, Albania
40.4917, 19.2833
MORE EXPERIENCES
More to do in Vlorë
FOOD & DRINK
Where to eat nearby
Seafront restaurants along the Lungomare — grilled fish and seafood by the water, busiest in summer evenings.
Traditional kitchens in the centre away from the promenade — lakror, spit-roast meats and everyday Albanian cooking at local prices.
HOTELS & STAYS
Where to stay nearby
Hotels on the Lungomare promenade — beach, cafés and the evening walk from the door; the quieter southern end is the better swim base.
The historic centre around Flag Square — the grand-hotel atmosphere and walking distance to the monuments and the port.
ITINERARIES
Day-by-day routes
NEARBY DESTINATIONS
Continue the journey
PART OF
Keep exploring
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