Sazan Island & Karaburun Coastal Exploration

12h
Albania
Photo Andi  M.
Andi M.
Tour Provider
View Andi ’s tours
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
12h
Group size
1-8 tourists,
over 10 y.o.

A full-day journey into the hidden beauty of the Albanian Riviera, centered around Sazan Island and the Karaburun–Sazan National Marine Park. The experience combines dramatic coastal landscapes, traces of Albania’s military past, and the quiet atmosphere of a historic monastery, bringing nature, history, and culture together in one day.

Along the wild coastline of the Karaburun Peninsula, clear waters and remote bays offer space for swimming and relaxation away from crowds. On Sazan Island, former military tunnels and fortifications reflect its strategic past against rugged cliffs and open sea views. At Haxhi Ali Cave, you can swim inside a sea cave shaped by centuries of waves, while Zvernec Island invites a walk across a wooden bridge to a well-preserved 14th-century Orthodox monastery in the Narta Lagoon.

The day combines a scenic drive, a small-group speedboat journey, and balanced stops for exploration and swimming — ideal for travelers of all fitness levels who value meaningful places as much as beautiful scenery.

from
$165
per tourist
Departing from
Tirana
Tour date and time
Number of individuals
1-8 tourists, over 10 y.o.
Or request private custom tour
Any dates between 1 Jun and 31 Aug are available.
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Photo Andi  M.
Andi M. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
I really believe I am lucky for being born and living in this attractive country, Albania. Passionate about the wild nature, fascinating history, and mindblowing traditions and local rules, I would be happy to welcome you to Albania and share all this beauty with you and show you around. In the 7 last year I have been exploring my country and working as a tour guide, hotel manager and welcoming service. From all my little experience so far have understood that tourism and promoting my country is something I love and enjoy so I believe I would never get tired of this. Despite my job position, I can not promise you will find me always in the office. I really enjoy guiding and highly participate in Hiking Guides around the Albanian Alps or Peaks of Balkans. Also, we travel quite a lot in cultural sites of Albania and UNESCO sites, so there is a good chance of seeing each other inside a museum, or somewhere in the evening for a Raki! Gezuar! 🙂

Tour highlights

wooden bridge of Zvernec
Picturesque Zvernec Island Monastery
Walk across a wooden bridge to a 14th-century Orthodox monastery set on a tranquil lagoon surrounded by pine trees
Boats
Exciting Small-Group Boat Adventure
Cruise along the stunning Karaburun coast and around Sazan Island, stopping at hidden bays and sea caves for swimming and exploration
Enchanting Haxhi Ali Cave
Swim and snorkel inside a natural sea cave steeped in maritime history and local legends

Route details

We depart from Tirana at 07:30 and drive south toward Vlora (approximately 2.5 hours).

At around 10:00–10:30, upon arrival in Vlora, we join a small group boat tour and begin a 3-hour excursion within the Karaburun–Sazan National Marine Park. The boat route includes the coastline of the Karaburun Peninsula, a stop at Sazan Island (with free time for swimming), a visit to Haxhi Ali Cave (Pirates’ Cave) with approximately 20 minutes to swim and explore, and stops in several remote bays along the Karaburun coast for swimming and relaxation. After the boat tour, we return to Vlora.

At around 14:00, there is free time for lunch in Vlora.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the Zvernec area and walk across the wooden bridge to Zvernec Island to visit the Monastery of St. Mary. There is time to explore the monastery grounds and the lagoon surroundings.

In the evening, we drive back to Tirana, with arrival in the evening.

Difficulty
Easy
Minimal physical activity. Suitable for everyone regardless of fitness and age

Conditions

Included
  • Speedboat Tour in Vlora – Small Group
  • All transportation from Tirana/Durres and back
  • Tour guide
  • Visit to Zvernec Monastery and the lagoon
  • Entrance fees
Extras
  • Lunch and drinks
  • Any private expenses

It's important to know

What should I bring with me for the tour?

You should bring comfortable clothes, swimming suits, towels, and sunscreen.

Cancellation of booking

Available dates

Select date
Number of individuals
1-8 tourists, over 10 y.o.
from
$165
1 tourist
Or request private custom tour
Any dates between 1 Jun and 31 Aug are available.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Tirana

The group meets at: Tirana or Durres

The tour’s last location: Tirana or Durres

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