Tour

From Tirana: Day Tour to Sazan Island , Haxhi Ali Cave and Karaburun

12 hours

Easy

If you're up for a fun and exciting trip in the midst of Albania’s nature, this day tour to Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and Karaburun is for you!

A unique coastal trilogy in the Albanian Riviera—Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and Karaburun—coexist in perfect harmony. The largest island in Albania, Sazan Island, home to a very natural world and some of the most beautiful beaches invites every adventurous tourist for a vacation to remember!

If you’re looking for your next adventure, Kalemi’s Day Tour to Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and Karaburun should be next on your bucket list.

Here are some basic pieces of information about the tour that you may find helpful:


  • Tour Duration: 12 hours
  • Minimum Age: All ages are welcome
  • Departure Point: Tirana
  • Departure Time: 6 a.m.
  • Arrival Point: Sazan Island
  • Arrival Time: 9 a.m.
  • Highlighted Sights: Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, Karaburun
  • Mode of Transportation: Minibus/Ferry
  • Language(s) of Tour Guide: English
  • Price: €120 per adult, €50 per child


Are Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and Karaburun Worth Visiting?

During the summer, every tourist wants to explore something new and interesting, and Sazan Island should definitely be your top choice. One of the things that makes this place truly special is its rich history, going back to the Cold War and the Soviet Union, as it used to be a high-security military base.

Then, we have the mesmerizing coastline of Karaburun, Albania, which is sure to leave you speechless. The rugged cliffs and pristine shores unveil a captivating atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in the Balkans.

How to Get to Sazan Island from Tirana

Now let’s have a look at how you can actually get to Sazan Island from Tirana:

  • By Bus - You can’t get to Sazan Island by bus, as you’d need to hop on a ferry. What you can do is take a bus from Tirana to Durrës, Vlora, or Saranda, where you can take a ferry to the island. However, you might find this to be a bit of a hassle.
  • By Taxi - The same goes for a taxi, which you can reserve from Tirana by contacting various taxi companies, like CityTaxi or SpeedTaxi. A ride from Tirana to Durrës costs around €30, whereas to Vlorë, it costs around €45. Then, you can catch a ferry to the island, but your arrival time to Sazan depends on what time you get to the terminal and the ferry departure times.
  • Book a Kalemi Tour - Booking a Kalemi Day Tour is the most convenient and practical way to get to the island. All you have to do is inform the tour guide about your pickup location, and that’s it! Transportation from your hotel to the island and back is included in the price of the tour. Sazan Island is about three hours away from Tirana, as well as Karaburun, which you can reach either directly from Tirana or by taking a ferry from Sazan Island.

If you’re interested, you can book this tour now on Kalemi.com, and all you have left to do is sit back and wait for the journey to begin!

Day-tour to Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and Karaburun Tour Highlights

Here’s some extra background information on all the spots you’ll get to visit during your day tour of Sazan Island:

#1. Sazan Island

With a modest area of about 5.7 square meters, Sazan Island is home to beautiful coves, lush forests, and numerous historical sites. It was once used as a chemical weapon and submarine base by the Soviet Union due to its strategic location.

The island was officially opened to the public back in 2017, letting tourists admire the pristine coastline and valuable relics up close. Most visitors take boat tours of the island, going around and exploring the coves and beaches along the coast.

#2. Haxhi Ali Cave

Nestled in the Karaburun Peninsula, the Haxhi Ali Cave is a real gem. Made out of sharp rocks and turquoise waters, the cave has a magical and mysterious feel to it.

Lots of tourists like to go snorkeling or scuba diving near the cave to explore, as it’s home to a wonderful underwater world.

#3. Karaburun

Located where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea, the Karaburun Peninsula is the definition of heaven on Earth. It’s the largest peninsula in Albania, and it’s only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Karaburun is also home to the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, consisting of some of the most beautiful caves in Albania, beaches, and an impressively rich underwater world.

The beaches in the area aren’t too crowded, and you can get sunbeds and an umbrella for a reasonable price to enjoy a day in the sun.

Restaurant to Dine at while on Sazan Island

Being a bit of a remote area, there aren’t many places around the island where you can grab a bite, but here’s the closest choice:

Alda Karaburun Restaurant - Located on the Karaburun Peninsula, Alda Karaburun is the closest option near Sazan Island. It’s situated right by the shore, surrounded by the vibrant greenery of the peninsula. You can enjoy a meal with the stunning backdrop of the coast, looking exceptionally beautiful during the sunset.

They offer numerous kinds of dishes, from traditional Albanian food to seafood. However, it would be smart to have a packed lunch or snack with you, as this restaurant is a bit far from where the tour will take place.

Can You Swim in the Haxhi Ali Cave, Karaburun, and Sazani Island?

Yes, you can swim in these destinations, and the best way is to explore each of them by boat, as you’ll be doing in this Kalemi day tour. The crystal-clear waters and the sandy beaches are irresistible, and what better way to freshen up than to hop in for a swim?

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What's included?

    In this day tour from Tirana to Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and Karaburun, the following are included:

    • Transport by ferry
    • Tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    Exclusions

      However, these aren’t included in Kalemi’s tour from Tirana:

      • Food and drinks
      • Tips
      Please note

        The itinerary of the Sazan Island tour might be subject to change depending on the weather.

        What to bring

          Here’s what you can bring along for the most enjoyable trip:

          • Light clothing
          • Sneakers
          • Backpack
          • Water bottle
          • Swimsuit
          • Sunglasses
          • Snack
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