ISLAND · BAY OF VLORË
Sazan Island
Sazan Island: Albania's largest island, by boat from Vlorë
Sazan is Albania's largest island: about 5.7 km² of rocky limestone hills at the entrance to the Bay of Vlorë, with no permanent residents. Its coastal waters belong to the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park. A closed military area for decades, it was opened to the public in July 2015. Boats land at a harbour on the east side, and Triton's five-hour tour spends about 40 minutes ashore.
Sazan within the day's route
Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, Karaburun Boat Tour- About 5 hours
- From Vlorë
- Sazan Island stop: around 40 minutes
Where is Sazan Island?
Sazan lies across the mouth of the Bay of Vlorë, about 5 km off the tip of the Karaburun peninsula; the strait between the two is called the Mezokanal. The island is small: about 4.8 km long, 2 km across at its widest point and about 5.7 km² in all.
Two rocky hills form its spine, and the higher one rises to about 340 m (Albania's National Coastline Agency gives 342 m). The western side drops steeply to the open sea, while the eastern side, facing the bay, slopes more gently. That sheltered east coast holds the island's harbour and its beaches.
Can you visit Sazan?
Yes, as a day visitor. Sazan was a closed military area for decades and opened to the public in July 2015. Its past still shapes a visit: according to Triton's 2026 information, the docking pier is under Albanian military supervision, and arrival and departure times are strictly enforced.
Stay in the permitted areas near the landing, follow the crew and any military signs, and listen to the guide on board, who explains each stop. Entry to the island is free in the 2026 season; the beach services are paid.
What does a landing look like?
On Triton's Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave and Karaburun tour, Sazan is the first stop: Triton lists about 40 minutes for the speedboat ride from Vlorë and about 40 minutes ashore. The boat ties up at the harbour on the east side, and the whole stop stays within a short walk of the pier.
There is time to swim from the pebble beach beside the landing, or to walk a short way and look at Cold War buildings from the outside. Forty minutes leaves no time for the hilltops or the far side of the island.
THE TOUR THAT LANDS ON SAZAN
Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, Karaburun Boat Tour
Triton's speedboat tour from Vlorë makes three stops in about five hours: Sazan Island, then Haxhi Ali Cave, which the boat enters, then a long swimming stop at a beach on the Karaburun coast. Departures are listed at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00.
Operated by Triton- About 5 hours
- From Vlorë
- Sazan Island stop: around 40 minutes
What one ticket covers
The ticket covers the speedboat, a local guide who speaks English, Albanian or Italian, life jackets for every passenger and insurance. Sunbeds and umbrellas at the beach cost extra, and the beach restaurants take cash only.
Triton gives this order and these timings for reference only; the sea and the crew can change them on the day.
Choose a departure time See the full itinerary on TritonVISITORS ON SAZAN
What visitors say
Google reviews of Sazan Island, shown unedited and in the language each visitor wrote.
Original text
Sazan Island is a beautiful place with incredibly clear, crystal-blue water. The beach is quite rocky, with large stones both on the shore and in the sea, so don’t forget to bring water shoes – they really help! There are also sea urchins in the water, so it’s worth watching where you step. A beautiful natural place and a great stop during a boat trip around the area.
Original text
Albania its not for Sale
Original text
Not much to see there. Went on Sazan only for 30 minutes, then we had to leave. Most of the areal is forbiden military zone.
Visitor reviews for this destination. Original text is preserved. Read reviews on Google Maps Reviews as shown on Triton's Sazan Island page
Sazan Island
Sazan in Triton's photographs
Pictures from Triton Boat Tours' own library, taken on the island and along the tour's route.
Sources
BEFORE YOU GO