You can only stay on it for 1 hour! The former military base is now one of the biggest attractions in Albania.

Although Albania cannot boast the same island richness as the Croatian coast, it certainly competes in mystery. For centuries, one particular island, situated at the very southeast, passed through various hands, excluding its locals. When it finally came under the control of Albania, it became one of the biggest state secrets, serving as a military base.

When the Albanian government finally permitted visits in 2015, Sazan Island, the largest island in Albania situated between the Strait of Otranto and the mouth of the Gulf of Vlorë, quickly became one of the country’s major attractions.

Sazan Island, Photo: Julien Seguinot CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

Since ancient times, Sazan Island has been ruled by various powers, including the Roman Empire, Byzantine, Ottomans, Venetians, Greece, and finally Italy until World War II. After the war, it was populated by fishermen and their families, and the military built fortifications.

During the communist era and the Cold War, when Albania relied upon the Soviet Union, the island became one of the largest fortified military bases in the country. Only military personnel and their families were allowed to live there, and at one point, it was reported that up to 10,000 people resided on the island.  It has residential buildings, a kindergarten, a hospital, and a school.

When the communist era ended, the island was closed to the public and became uninhabited. Today, many who visit the island can still find traces of those who used to live there.

Being a crucial part of the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, this beautiful  Sazan Island is home to a vast array of caves, bays, and cliffs, contributing to exceptional biological diversity. Located right next to the famous Karaburun peninsula, Sazan forms the natural boundary line between the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. It has a length of 4.8 km, a width of 2.7 km, a total area of 5.7 km2, and a 15-kilometer-long coastline.

Besides its intriguing history, the island attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and many hidden bays such as Devil’s Bay (Gjiri i Djallit) and Inferno (Gjiri i Xhehnemit), St Nicolo Bay, and Sazan Port.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A POST SHARED BY SCHIAVONE CARMEN (@SCHIAVONE_CARMEN_)

To visit Sazan Island, you need to hire an agency that offers boat trips. These agencies are often located in Vlore, and the trip usually takes a few hours. The main port is a popular starting point for these trips, allowing you to explore the island. The maximum allowed time on the island is typically limited to 1 hour, so you’ll need to choose whether you want to explore or relax on the beach during your visit.

Many do choose to stay at the port and enjoy capturing the experience of visiting such a magical place.

Sazan Island, Photo: Albinfo, CC BY 4.0

Even though your visit to the island might be brief, it’s worth checking out. The experience of visiting such a former state secret is worthwhile if you find yourself in the area. It is one of the top attractions in Albania.