Here limestone cliffs drop straight into the sea, carved into caves and hidden coves that are mostly reachable only by boat. Beneath the surface lie meadows of Posidonia seagrass and shipwrecks ranging from ancient times to the Second World War, while dolphins and loggerhead turtles are among the species recorded in the park. Sazan, Albania’s largest island, is uninhabited and was a closed military zone for decades.
Most visitors explore on a boat trip from Vlorë or Orikum, cruising along the peninsula to swim in clear water at secluded bays such as Grama, where sailors carved inscriptions into the rock over the centuries. Many trips also stop at the Haxhi Ali Cave, a sea cave named after a legendary pirate, and snorkelling and diving excursions are available too. Plans for a resort on Sazan have been the subject of public debate, so check current arrangements for landing on the island before you go.
With its wild cliffs and empty beaches, a day on the water here reveals a quieter, little-developed side of the Albanian coast.
