From Tirana/Durres: Sazan & Karaburun Peninsula by Speedboat

Vlorë County, Albania



Escape Tirana and explore Albania’s wild Riviera on a full-day adventure. Visit Sazan Island, snorkel in Haxhi Ali Cave, and relax on Karaburun’s remote beaches in the protected marine park.

Full-Day Coastal Adventure from Tirana to Karaburun and Sazan Islands

This full-day tour from Tirana suits travelers interested in coastal nature, history, and swimming along Albania’s Ionian coastline.

Description

The tour starts with hotel pickup in Tirana and a scenic 2-hour drive to Vlorë, including a brief coffee stop to enjoy the countryside. From Vlorë, board a speedboat to explore the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, a protected natural area.

Visit Sazan Island, a former secret military base with abandoned bunkers and tunnels. You will have about 35 minutes to explore its unique historical sites and coastline.

Next, cruise to Haxhi Ali Cave, a sea-carved cave beneath the Karaburun cliffs. Spend approximately 20 minutes swimming or snorkeling in its clear waters.

The tour continues with around 3 hours of free time on a secluded Karaburun beach, accessible only by boat. You can swim, sunbathe, or visit the optional beachfront bar (food and drinks not included).

Return by boat to Vlorë for 45 minutes of free time to walk along the promenade, eat, or shop locally before the drive back to Tirana in the afternoon.

Highlights

  • Full-day coastal tour from Tirana with hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Scenic speedboat ride through Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park
  • Explore abandoned military base on Sazan Island
  • Swim and snorkel in Haxhi Ali Cave’s clear waters
  • Three hours free time on secluded beaches of Karaburun Peninsula

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Tirana
  • Round-trip drive to Vlorë in air-conditioned vehicle
  • Licensed English-speaking guide and personalized assistance
  • Marine park entrance fees and local permits
  • Speedboat rides to Sazan and Karaburun Islands
  • Free time to swim

Excludes

  • Lunch and drinks (available for purchase at the beach bar)
  • Tips for the guide (optional)
  • Sunbeds

Important Information

  • Vendors on Sazan Island and Karaburun beaches do not accept credit or debit cards. Bring cash in euros or Albanian lekë for purchases.
  • Sea conditions may be wavy, especially in the afternoon. Bring a light jacket and dress comfortably for the boat ride.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking Tips

Wear swimwear and bring sunscreen, a towel, and cash for optional purchases. Morning departures are recommended for calmer seas and better swimming conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes hotel pickup in Tirana, a 2-hour drive to Vlorë, a speedboat trip to Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, plus time for swimming and exploring.
The scenic drive from Tirana to Vlorë takes approximately 2 hours, including a coffee break in the countryside.
Yes, the tour offers opportunities to swim along the Ionian coastline within the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park.
The speedboat departs from the port of Vlorë, located on Albania’s Ionian coast.
Yes, Sazan Island is within the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, a protected natural area in Albania.
On Sazan Island, you can see abandoned military bunkers, tunnels, and remnants of its former secret military base.
It’s recommended to bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera, but no special equipment is required for the tour.
You will have about 35 minutes to explore Sazan Island’s historical sites during the tour.
Yes, children can join the tour, but it’s best to check age or safety restrictions on the official website.
The tour operates mainly during warmer months; check the website for current availability and hours.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.4M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again