In short
- Bring all your food and drinking water.
- Pack closed shoes for hiking and water shoes for swimming.
- Take cash to pay for parking and boat tickets.
In this article
Packing for Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park requires preparation. Because Sazan is an abandoned military base, you will not find restaurants or stores. Your bag needs to cover hiking, swimming, and basic survival for a 5 to 7-hour boat trip.
Do I need to bring my own food and water to Sazan Island?
Yes, you must bring all your own food and drinking water.
There are no facilities on Sazan Island. You will not find any cafes or water fountains. Pack plenty of drinking water for the entire day. Bring snacks or a packed lunch to eat on the beaches.
What shoes should I wear on Sazan Island?
Bring closed walking shoes for the hiking trails and water shoes for the beaches.
You will explore abandoned military areas and bunkers on land. Closed shoes protect your feet from debris. The beaches in the marine park, like Sazan Port Beach, are covered in pebbles. Water shoes make walking into the sea much easier.
What beach gear should I pack for the marine park?
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a quick-dry towel.
The Mediterranean sun is strong between May and October. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem. Wear your swimwear under your clothes, as there are no changing rooms. A quick-dry towel is useful after swimming in the pebble bays.
What do I need to explore the Sazan Island bunkers?
You need a headlamp or a fully charged phone torch.
The Cold War-era bunkers and tunnels are completely dark inside. A reliable light source is essential for exploring them safely. Remember to stick to the marked paths at all times due to unexploded ordnance and military ruins.
Do I need cash for a day trip to Sazan Island?
Yes, bring cash to pay for boat tickets and port parking.
Standard boat tours cost between €25 and €35 per person. You will also need to pay parking fees if you drive to Vlorë Port. Card machines are not always available on the boats or at the docks, so carrying physical cash is highly recommended.
What items are banned on Sazan Island?
Leave drones, fishing gear, and camping equipment at home.
Drones are strictly prohibited on Sazan Island due to military and naval restrictions. Commercial and recreational fishing are totally banned throughout the 12,428-hectare marine park. Overnight stays and camping are not allowed anywhere within the park boundaries.
Questions travellers ask
Can you buy food on Sazan Island?
No. Sazan Island lacks commercial facilities. You must bring all your own food and water for the entire trip.
Are drones allowed on Sazan Island?
No. Drones are strictly banned on Sazan Island because of ongoing military and naval restrictions.
Do I need hiking boots for Sazan Island?
Heavy hiking boots are not necessary. Standard closed walking shoes are sufficient for the 1 to 2 hours of marked hiking paths.
