Bunkers, Bunkers, Bunkers

An uninhabited ex-military island

This was a long day…I moved to a new city AND I explored a military island AND I rested and restored on a beach.

Let’s talk about this military island, Sazan Island. It is a former military base that was used during the Cold war and is covered with an incredible network of bunkers and tunnels. You can see the bunkers peppered all across the landscape, which leaves the imagination to go wild about what is beneath your feet.

It’s quite the mysterious place and the island was only recently opened, allowing visitors to explore a portion of the island. But much of the area is still off limits.

From what I understand, the island is technically still an operational military base. Which is why we were only allowed to explore a very small and controlled area of the island, under strict supervision. As the guide kept reminding those that attempted to stray from the pack, ‘Hey, you! Get back here, you are not James Bond and this is still a miliary island!”

Sazan was constructed to withstand a nuclear attack. Since the buildings have been abandoned for decades they are falling into ruin now.  You can see how life might have been like on this island that lacked power and potable water for the 3000 soldiers under the Albanian Communist government.

Stories tell of fierce battles that were fought here, with the secret coves of the island being used by pirates to hide their treasures.

There are the remains of a school, barracks, church, archaeological remains, other old buildings, too many bunkers to count, drowned ships, making this island an intriguing adventure and you get a real glimpse of these interesting hidden details.

Sazan Island is also perfectly situated where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. It is the largest island in Albania, with an area of 5.8 square kilometres.

_{Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion.  There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.}