Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park

Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park Overview

Karaburun-Sazan Marine National Park, or “Parku Detar Karaburun-Sazan” in Albanian, is a spectacular protected marine area located off the coast of Albania in the Ionian Sea. Spanning an area of approximately 32 square miles (84 square kilometers), the park includes the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, making it the first and only marine park in Albania.

Positioned near the city of Vlorë, it is nestled in the heart of the Albanian Riviera, offering an exceptional combination of natural beauty and cultural significance. The park’s terrain is a captivating mixture of rugged cliffs, underwater caves, and crystal-clear waters. The Karaburun Peninsula features steep limestone cliffs rising dramatically from the sea, dotted with dense Mediterranean vegetation, such as evergreen shrubs, oak trees, and wild herbs.

The marine environment is equally striking, characterized by vibrant coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and submerged archaeological ruins. Notable features include Haxhi Ali Cave, a massive sea cave carved into the limestone, and the pristine beaches of Grama Bay, which is famous for its ancient carvings and inscriptions left by sailors over centuries.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park teeming with biodiversity. The waters are home to loggerhead turtles, Mediterranean monk seals, and various dolphin species, including the common bottlenose dolphin. The seabed supports a rich array of marine life, from groupers and amberjacks to octopuses and colorful sea anemones.

Bird watchers may spot yellow-legged gulls, peregrine falcons, and even Eleonora’s falcons soaring over the cliffs and rocky coastlines. The interplay between terrestrial and marine ecosystems makes this park a haven for diverse wildlife.

Visitors to Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park are drawn to its unique blend of natural and historical attractions. Popular activities include snorkeling and scuba diving, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world, including ancient shipwrecks and submerged relics from both Roman and World War II eras. Boat tours are a favored way to navigate the coastline, providing access to secluded beaches and dramatic cliffs. For those seeking more adventure, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding offer an intimate experience of the park’s tranquil waters. Hikers can explore trails along the Karaburun Peninsula, taking in breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.

The park faces several conservation challenges, including the impacts of illegal fishing, marine pollution, and unregulated tourism. However, significant strides have been made in protecting its ecosystems, thanks to collaborations between local authorities, environmental organizations, and international partners. Efforts to promote sustainable tourism and raise awareness about marine conservation have contributed to preserving the park’s natural treasures while supporting the livelihoods of nearby communities.

Park Map

Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park Highlights

Wildlife

Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, located off the coast of Albania, is a pristine marine area renowned for its vibrant underwater biodiversity and unique coastal ecosystems. This marine park is Albania’s first, protecting numerous marine and terrestrial species. Below are some of the more popular marine and terrestrial species found within the park.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
The loggerhead sea turtle is a frequent visitor to the marine park’s coastal waters. Known for their large heads and powerful jaws, these turtles often forage in the seagrass meadows and rocky reefs of the park.

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
These highly intelligent and social dolphins are often seen swimming near the coast of the marine park. Bottlenose dolphins are known for their playful behavior and are a highlight for visitors.

Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
One of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, the Mediterranean monk seal occasionally inhabits the caves and secluded areas of the marine park’s coastline.

Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
A key species in the rocky reef ecosystems, the dusky grouper is a large, slow-growing fish that plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of the marine environment.

Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
Known for their intelligence and ability to camouflage, common octopuses inhabit the shallow waters and rocky crevices of the marine park, fascinating divers with their unique behavior.

Sea Urchin (Paracentrotus lividus)
These spiny echinoderms are abundant on the rocky seabeds of the marine park. Sea urchins play an important role in controlling algae growth in the underwater ecosystem.

Moray Eel (Muraena helena)
The moray eel is a predatory fish that hides in crevices and coral reefs within the park. With its snake-like body and sharp teeth, it is a fascinating species to observe.

Starfish (Astropecten aranciacus)
This brightly colored echinoderm is a common sight on the seafloor, adding to the marine park’s vibrant underwater scenery.

Spiny Lobster (Palinurus elephas)
A valued species in the Mediterranean, the spiny lobster can be found in the rocky habitats of the marine park. It is known for its long antennae and impressive size.

Striped Red Mullet (Mullus surmuletus)
This small but distinctive fish is frequently seen in shallow sandy areas of the marine park, recognized for its bright red stripes and foraging behavior.

Birds

Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park is also home to a variety of stunning bird species, which nest and thrive along the rugged coastline and cliffs of the area. Below are some of the popular bird species found within the park.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Renowned for being one of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon nests on the cliffs of the marine park and hunts smaller birds with incredible precision.

Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
A common sight along the coastline, this large gull is known for its bright yellow legs and loud calls, often seen soaring over the waters or scavenging along the shore.

European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis)
This striking seabird is often seen perched on rocks or diving underwater to catch fish. It is recognizable by its slender body and glossy black feathers.

Audouin’s Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii)
This rare and elegant gull is a highlight for birdwatchers. It is easily identifiable by its pale grey plumage and red beak, often seen near the park’s quieter beaches.

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
A graceful bird, the common tern is known for its sleek body, forked tail, and impressive diving skills as it hunts for fish in the park’s coastal waters.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
This small white heron frequents the shallow waters of the marine park, easily spotted by its long neck, thin black bill, and delicate yellow feet.

Mediterranean Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan)
This pelagic bird is often seen gliding over the open sea. It nests on the coastal cliffs and islands, forming an integral part of the marine park’s bird population.

Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)
Known for their long migrations, Cory’s shearwaters can be seen soaring above the park’s waters. Their calls are commonly heard at night during the breeding season.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Although more commonly associated with inland areas, barn swallows can be seen in the marine park during migration, known for their agile flight and distinctive forked tails.

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
This brightly colored bird is often spotted along the park’s coastline and lagoons, where it hunts for small fish with remarkable precision and speed.