Albania is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform its tourism landscape with the redevelopment of Sazan Island, a historically significant and uninhabited jewel in the Adriatic Sea. Set against a backdrop of pristine turquoise waters and steeped in military history, this 5-square-kilometer island is on the brink of an €1.4 billion metamorphosis into a luxury resort. The project, spearheaded by entrepreneur Jared Kushner, is poised to turn Sazan Island into one of Europe’s most talked-about tourism destinations under the banner of the Sazan Island Touristic Resort.
Breathing New Life into Sazan Island’s Rich History
Located near the Strait of Otranto, just 30 kilometers from the southern city of Vlora, Sazan Island offers a compelling blend of history and nature. Long considered off-limits, the island is a relic of Albania’s military past, complete with underground tunnels, nuclear shelters, and Italian-era fortifications. Its layers of history span from being an Italian outpost during the early 20th century to serving as a strategic base against human trafficking in the 1990s.
The turning point came in December 2024, when a presidential decree officially decommissioned Sazan Island’s military status, clearing the way for redevelopment. This declaration marked the beginning of Kushner’s vision to transform the island, blending its historical significance with a world-class tourism offering. “This project is about honoring the past while reimagining the future,” Kushner explained in a recent interview. “Sazan has a story worth telling, and our plan is to weave that story into an unparalleled luxury experience.”
Jared Kushner: A Strategic Visionary
Best known as the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner has emerged as a driving force behind this landmark project. Through his company, Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC, Kushner has secured strategic investor status under Albanian law—a clear indication of the government’s commitment to forging global partnerships that shape the future of Albania’s economy.
Kushner’s initiative represents more than just an investment in Albania’s tourism sector. It’s an effort to position the country as a high-end destination on the global map, reflecting a broader national strategy to attract elite investors and establish a reputation for luxury tourism. By leveraging international attention, his involvement has already begun to shine a spotlight on Albania as a destination worth exploring.
Military Relics Meet Five-Star Luxury
One of the most striking elements of Sazan Island’s transformation is its commitment to integrating the island’s Cold War-era heritage into the modern resort experience. The island’s existing features, from subterranean bunkers to remnants of over 3,000 military defense structures, offer an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to connect with its history. These relics are set to be incorporated into the resort’s design, presenting a unique combination of historical exploration and luxurious relaxation.
In addition to its cultural value, the project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits. The construction phase alone is set to create 1,000 jobs, offering a direct boost to local communities. Beyond that, the resort’s operations are expected to attract a steady stream of global tourists, thereby generating considerable revenues for Albania over the long term.
Albania’s Evolving Coastline
Sazan Island is just one piece of a broader strategy aimed at reshaping Albania’s tourism sector. Kushner has also proposed another high-profile project in the Zvernec area, a location known for its natural beauty and ecological significance within Albania’s protected coastal zones. Together, these projects suggest an exciting future for a country once considered an under-explored corner of Europe.
Redefining Albania’s Identity
Transforming Sazan Island into a luxury resort is about more than just tourism—it’s a bold statement about Albania’s readiness to claim a place on the global stage. By converting a once-restricted military site into a hub of leisure and culture, this project reflects the country’s shift toward openness, innovation, and economic advancement.
Albania’s Prime Minister recently described the initiative as “a beacon of our nation’s future,” underscoring its significance not only for tourism but also for reshaping global perceptions of Albania. With its blend of history, natural beauty, and luxury, Sazan Island promises to attract an eclectic mix of visitors—from history enthusiasts to high-end travelers eager to explore a truly unique destination.
As the €1.4 billion redevelopment unfolds, all eyes will be on Albania, a small nation making a big statement. Sazan Island is more than just a resort; it’s a bold leap into the future, signaling a new era of opportunity, innovation, and global recognition for Albania.
