From Cold War Base to Trump-Kushner Paradise: The Future of Sazan Island

Albania's Sazan Island: Wild Nature, Cold War Ruins, and the Trump-Kushner Touch

If you're the kind of traveler who dreams of hidden beaches, mysterious ruins, and untouched nature, say hello to Sazan Island — one of Albania’s most fascinating and under-the-radar spots. Floating where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, just off the coast of Vlore, this rugged little island packs a serious punch for its small size.

Only about 30 minutes by boat from the mainland, Sazan feels like another world. It’s Albania’s largest island, and one of the most remote corners of the country — complete with turquoise coves, dramatic cliffs, and a thick blanket of subtropical vegetation that feels more like Greece or North Africa than the Balkans.

And here's the twist: beneath all that beauty lies an abandoned Cold War military base… and possibly the next luxury resort hot spot of Europe. Let’s dive in.

From Empire Outpost to Cold War Ghost Town

Sazan has had a seriously busy past. It’s been a strategic outpost since Roman times, traded hands through the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and was claimed by Italy in 1920. Mussolini built a lighthouse and military base, and after World War II, the island was handed back to Albania.

Then came the Cold War era, and Sazan went full James Bond. Albania’s then-isolated regime turned the island into a secret military zone. Hidden tunnels, concrete bunkers, underground hospitals, and barracks popped up everywhere. Thousands of soldiers were stationed here, including Soviet troops — though that alliance didn’t last long.

By the '90s, after communism collapsed, the island was abandoned by the military and locked off from the public. It wasn't until 2015 that tourists were finally allowed in. Today, visitors can hike past moss-covered bunkers, wander old army buildings, or snorkel around coral reefs with not a soul in sight except the occasional donkey or lizard.

Nature Is Taking Over (in the Best Way)

Despite its tough past, Sazan is now a peaceful little wilderness. Think wild rosemary and thyme sprouting from cracks in old concrete, fig trees growing beside bunkers, and pine trees swaying in the breeze. The island’s got a kind of haunting beauty — like nature is slowly reclaiming everything man built.

It's also a key part of the Karaburun-Sazan Marine National Park, so the surrounding waters are pristine. Snorkelers and divers will love exploring its seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and clear blue waters where dolphins, sea turtles, and even monk seals sometimes make an appearance.

Tourism here is still small-scale, with local guides offering boat trips to hidden spots like Paradise Bay and Saint Nicholas Bay. Most people visit on day trips since overnight stays aren't allowed — at least for now.

A New Chapter? Ivanka, Kushner & the Resort Buzz

In early 2024, things got a lot more interesting. Reports broke that Jared Kushner (yes, that Jared Kushner) and Ivanka Trump are planning to turn part of Sazan into a luxury resort. Their investment firm received the green light from Albania’s government to move forward on a massive development project.

The plan? Build a five-star resort with private villas, a yacht marina, and top-tier facilities — all while promising an eco-friendly design that blends with the island’s natural look. According to them, it’s going to be an “extraordinary” place that respects the island’s beauty and biodiversity.

Renderings show sleek, modern structures tucked into the hillsides, nothing too flashy or high-rise. Ivanka herself called the project challenging but exciting — especially since there’s no existing infrastructure.

If this goes ahead, Sazan could be transformed from a forgotten military base to Europe’s next ultra-luxe island getaway.

Not Everyone's Onboard

Of course, big plans bring big questions. Environmental groups are raising red flags about building anything on a protected marine island. More people means more boats, more pollution, and more pressure on delicate ecosystems.

Local tour guides and small business owners are also worried they’ll be pushed aside if the island becomes too exclusive. Many feel the project moved forward with little public input and worry it’s all happening too fast.

There’s also chatter in the U.S. about whether it’s appropriate for political families to be investing in projects abroad — especially when those deals involve government connections.

That said, some local officials are welcoming the idea, saying it could bring jobs, boost tourism, and help put Vlore on the map as a high-end destination. A new airport and marina are already in the works nearby, and Sazan is seen as the crown jewel of this bigger vision.

So What's Next for Sazan?

Right now, Sazan Island stands at a crossroads. It’s still wild and mysterious, filled with history, nature, and that "last frontier" feeling. But big changes could be coming — and fast.

Whether it becomes the next St. Barts or manages to keep its untamed soul, one thing’s for sure: this hidden island is no longer a secret.

So, if you want to explore Sazan in all its raw, untouched glory, now’s the time to go. Hike the overgrown trails, snorkel the quiet coves, and stand inside a Cold War bunker surrounded by fig trees. It might not stay this way forever.