Half day boat trip from Vlore to Sazan Island

Departing early from Vlora, your adventure begins with a boat ride to Sazan Island, Albania’s largest island and part of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park since 2010. The island is a fascinating blend of untouched natural beauty and haunting remnants of Cold War history. Once a strategic military outpost facing the Strait of Otranto, Sazan was heavily fortified by the communist regime as Albania’s first defense line against perceived threats from the western bloc. On arrival, you'll explore the eastern side of the island and the Gulf of Shenkoll, where abandoned military docks and fortifications remain. Guided by an expert, you’ll visit the former residential buildings, bunkers, and tunnels that once housed soldiers and their families, offering a unique glimpse into the Cold War past.

After discovering Sazan’s military past, the tour continues with a relaxing visit to the stunning Admiral Beach—one of the few sandy and swimmable beaches on the island. From here, you’ll board the boat again to cruise along Sazan’s dramatic coastline, visiting remote coves and towering cliffs famously named by the British: Hell’s Hell, Devil’s Bay, and the rugged Rocky Rocks, reaching up to 300 meters in height. The final stop brings you to one of Albania’s hidden coastal treasures—the Illyrian Cave, also known as Haxhi Ali Cave. Once the hideout of the 16th-century pirate Haxhi Ali, the cave served as a strategic base from which he defended the region's waters and traded with locals. Here, you can choose to snorkel in the cave’s pristine waters or relax on the boat with a drink, ending your day immersed in both natural beauty and historical intrigue.