Karaburun-Sazan

The Karaburun-Sazan area encompasses the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, forming the core of Albania's only Marine National Park. The peninsula is an uninhabited wilderness, reachable mainly by boat or via long, challenging hikes. It has pristine, untouched coves such as Grama Bay, where ancient seafaring inscriptions are still visible on the rock faces. Sazan Island, a former high-security military base, was only recently opened to the public, offering a unique landscape of abandoned bunkers and distinct flora. The protected marine area is renowned for its high biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, and impressive sea caves, notably the Haxhi Ali Cave, which is large enough for boats to enter. For divers and snorkelers, the region provides some of the Mediterranean's best sites, featuring ancient shipwrecks and animated coral reefs. As there are no permanent settlements, the nature remains raw and wild. Boat excursions typically depart from the port of Vlorë or from nearby Radhimë. The best time to visit is from June to September when the sea conditions are most stable. Karaburun-Sazan is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the rugged, maritime side of Albania away from any modern civilization.

Nearby cities

Vlorë

City of independence

Saranda

Southern coastal resort

Ksamil

A paradise coastal resort in southern Albania, famous for its four small islands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Llogara Pass

A spectacular mountain pass at over 1000 meters altitude, separating the Adriatic and Ionian seas with breathtaking coastal views.

Palasë

The first coastal village south of the Llogara Pass, famous for its long white pebble beach and high-end resort developments.

Qeparo

A unique two-part village on the Albanian Riviera featuring a historic hilltop old town and a relaxing coastal area.

Orikum

Orikum is located at the southern end of the Bay of Vlorë.

Novoselë

Novoselë is an important agricultural center in southern Albania, near the mouth of the Vjosa River.

Kotë

Kotë is a strategically located village in the hinterland of Vlorë.

Selenicë

Selenicë is world-famous for its deposits of natural bitumen, which have been mined since ancient times.

Levan

Levan is a significant town in the Myzeqe plain of southwestern Albania.

Brataj

Brataj is a picturesque mountain village in the Shushica river valley, south of Vlorë.

Cakran

Cakran is a village rich in history located in the hills south of Fier.

Patos

Patos is an important industrial center in southwestern Albania, defined by its oil extraction.

Fier

Industrial and cultural center

History & landmarks

Butrint

A premier UNESCO World Heritage site near Sarandë, featuring exceptionally preserved ruins from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras.

Llogara Pass

Mountain pass to the Riviera

The Blue Eye

Karst spring

Karaburun Peninsula

The largest peninsula in Albania is an uninhabited nature reserve.

Sazan Island

The largest island in Albania is located at the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas.

Kaninë Castle

Ancient fortress on a hill above the Bay of Vlora.

Gjon Boçari Castle

A 16th-century fortress near Tragjas, belonging to the local noble Gjon Boçari, protecting the bay of Vlorë.

Grama Bay

Grama Bay on the Ionian coast has been a sheltered harbor for sailors since antiquity.

Nature

Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park

This is Albania's only marine national park, protecting the waters around the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island.

Narta Lagoon

This large lagoon north of Vlora is a significant wetland for water birds.

Pishë Poro Nature Reserve

Pishë Poro Nature Reserve.

Vjosa River

The Vjosa is considered one of Europe's last wild rivers.

Shushica River

A tributary of the Vjosa river, flowing through the rugged hinterland of Vlora.

Maja e Çikës

Maja e Çikës is the highest peak of the Ceraunian Mountains, standing at 2045 meters.

Seman River

The Seman River is formed by the confluence of the Osum and Devoll rivers and traverses the fertile Myzeqe Plain.

More places

Butrint

Butrint is an ancient ruined city and a national park in southern Albania near Saranda.

Zvërnec Monastery

The Saint Mary's Monastery is located on a small island in the Narta Lagoon, accessible via a long wooden bridge.

Vlorë Industrial Park

The Vlorë industrial park is a newly developed zone for modern manufacturing and energy infrastructure.

Port of Vlorë

Vlorë is Albania's second-largest port and a key site for oil and gas transport.

Oricum

Ancient port on the Adriatic coast that played a strategic role in the wars between Caesar and Pompey.

Battle of Vlora Site

Historic area of the 1920 Vlora War, where Albanian volunteers forced the withdrawal of occupying Italian troops.

Amantia

Ancient Illyrian city known for its well-preserved stadium.

Byllis

Significant Illyrian city and cultural center.