For the ancient Greeks and Romans it was "Sason", while the Albanians call it "Sazan".
Saseno is a small island of just under 6 square kilometers, located in front of Vlora Bay, on the Otranto Channel. A major obstacle that has been a problem for decades inaccessible military post, and which is now becoming one of the main tourist attractions in Albania.
The islet is in fact a small paradise of wild and uncontaminated nature, where you can explore trails that are not exactly easy but extremely fascinating and mysterious, testimony to its stormy military past. Here the crystal clear waters and the awesome beaches They act as a counterpoint to the relics of the Cold War, a part of which was recovered by archaeologists and exhibited in the Durres Archaeological Museum.
Saseno's turbulent past resurfaces in every corner of this great rock with a peak of almost 340 meters above sea level, among the 3600 bunkers spread across its surface and underground tunnels kilometers long, built for the soldiers of Enver Hoxha's communist Albania.
During fascism the first fortification works were built here, but also roads, houses, schools and theaters. Almost everywhere you can still admire some of the buildings built during italian domination and later during the Cold War period, although a large part of the structures were destroyed during the last joint exercise between NATO and the Albanian military forces. Among them, also the Villa that Mussolini built on the islet in 1930.
Saseno is half an hour by ferry from Vlora, the port that receives tourists is located on the east side. From here you can walk to the west coast, where they are located. mouth of hell (Hell's Throat) Devil's Bay, (Devil's Gulf) that present a spectacular and very deep cove similar to an open-air cave.
Towards the south you will find one of the most incredible places on the island, the wonderful Almirante Beach (Ammiraglio Beach), nestled between cliffs, bathed by waters whose transparency is a clear testimony of the isolation that has protected Saseno, allowing it to remain uncontaminated.
Since 2010, the islet has been part, together with the Karaburun Peninsula, of the Karaburun-Saseno National Park, It can be reached aboard one of the many boats that depart from the port of Vlora. Here you can admire the wonderful Gruta de Haxhi Aliu, considered the largest and deepest of all Albania. A unique and exciting show like few others in the world.
