Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park: The Complete Guide from Vlora

Look across the bay from Vlora's seafront and you will see a long mountainous peninsula and a small island at its tip. That is Karaburun and Sazan, and together they form the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, Albania's first national marine park, created in 2010.

Only a few kilometres from a busy city, this coastline still feels wild. There are no hotels, almost no roads and no beach bars on the cliffs. It is just limestone, pine, caves and water so clear that boats seem to float in the air.

Where is the Karaburun Peninsula?

Karaburun is the largest peninsula in Albania. It closes the Bay of Vlora on the west side and ends near the point where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. Its western coast is steep and almost untouched. The eastern side, facing Vlora, has small coves and pebble beaches. These are the beaches we stop at on our tour.

What you can see in the marine park

• Hidden beaches. Small pebble coves reachable only by sea, with water that turns from turquoise to deep blue.
• Haxhi Ali Cave. The largest sea cave in Albania, on the western cliffs. Read our full guide to Haxhi Ali Cave.
• Sazan Island. Albania's largest island and a former military base, now open to visitors. Discover Sazan's history.
• Marine life. On calm days you can snorkel over seagrass meadows and see fish, sea urchins and, if you are lucky, dolphins in the bay.
• Grama Bay. On the far side of the peninsula, where sailors carved inscriptions into the rocks over many centuries.

How to get to Karaburun from Vlora

There is no public road to the beaches of the marine park, so the only practical way is by boat. You have three options:

1. A full-day group boat tour from Vlora port. This is the easiest and best-value option, and it is what we run every day: about 3 hours at Karaburun, plus Haxhi Ali Cave and Sazan.
2. A speedboat from Orikum or Radhimë. It is faster but more expensive, and usually for a shorter trip.
3. A private boat charter. Good for groups who want their own schedule.

Tip: Book at least one day ahead in July and August. Boats fill up quickly in high season.

Best time to visit

The boat season usually runs from late May to early October. June and September are the sweet spot, with warm water, calm seas and fewer people. In July and August the water is warmest but the bay is at its busiest. If the wind is strong, captains may change the route for safety. That is normal, and it is why the open western coast is sometimes skipped.

Swimming and snorkelling tips

• Bring water shoes. The beaches are pebbles and rocks.
• A mask and snorkel make a big difference. The visibility is excellent.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and take all rubbish back with you. This is a protected area.
• There is little natural shade, so a hat and water are essential.

Is a boat tour worth it?

Yes. For most visitors, the day on the Karaburun coast is the highlight of a holiday in Vlora. It is the closest thing to a "secret" Mediterranean coastline that you can still reach in a single day trip from a city.