Beneath Sazan Island Lies a “Hidden City”: Albania’s Next Big Eco-Luxury Investment Opportunity

 Sazan Island, one of Albania’s most mysterious and strategically located territories, is once again in the spotlight following discussions about a potential large-scale eco-tourism investment and the island’s little-known subterranean world.

 Aerial view of Sazan Island illustrating the vision of the new investment in Sazan, where the 560-hectare protected natural area is intended to be turned into a luxury ecological resort, affecting only a limited part of the territory.

According to journalist Bardhi Sejdarasi, Sazan is not just a 560-hectare island with natural beauty and military history — it is also home to what he describes as a “hidden city” beneath its surface.

The “Hidden City” Under Sazan

 The illustration in Sazan Island and underground facilities.jpg brings to life journalist Bardhi Sejdarasi's testimony about the "hidden city" of Sazan — a complex network of tunnels, hospitals, and underwater military depots that are expected to be integrated into the new ecological and luxurious project without damaging the natural landscape.

While most people see Sazan as an untouched island surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the reality beneath the surface tells a different story.

Sejdarasi explains that during its years as a heavily fortified military base, extensive underground infrastructure was built across the island. This includes facilities such as:

• A bakery
• A medical infirmary and hospital spaces
• Supply and logistics depots
• Military tunnels and operational shelters

These structures form a complex underground network that gives Sazan a unique identity in the Mediterranean region — not just a natural island, but a layered historical site with strategic architecture hidden below ground.

Interestingly, the proposed development plan reportedly covers only around 45 hectares of the island, leaving the majority of its land and natural environment untouched.

Investment Interest and the Global Spotlight

The discussion has also gained international attention due to reported investment interest linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Media visuals and commentary have framed the project as a potential high-end eco-tourism destination that could transform Sazan into a luxury travel hotspot.

The concept being discussed focuses on balancing preservation with development — turning a historically restricted military zone into a controlled, sustainable tourism area.

Rather than replacing the island’s identity, the idea is to integrate its historical underground structures and natural landscape into a modern eco-luxury experience.

What Do Albanians Gain? Jobs and National Revenue

One of the key questions raised during the discussion was simple: What does Albania gain from such an investment?

Sejdarasi highlights two major benefits:

1. Employment Opportunities

Large-scale tourism development projects typically generate a significant number of jobs. From construction phases to long-term hospitality and service roles, local communities would benefit directly through new employment opportunities.

2. State Revenue and Economic Growth

Foreign investment also means increased tax contributions and economic circulation. Albania’s tourism sector already generates billions of euros annually, and projects like this could strengthen that figure further.

These revenues can be reinvested into public services such as:

• Pensions
• Public sector wages
• Infrastructure development
• Regional economic support

In this sense, Sazan could become not just a tourism destination, but an economic engine supporting broader national growth.

Competing in the Mediterranean Tourism Market

Another key argument raised in the discussion is Albania’s need to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding regional tourism market.

Countries like Montenegro, Croatia, and Greece have already positioned themselves as strong Mediterranean tourism hubs. To compete effectively, Albania must attract strategic, high-quality investments that align with sustainable development and global tourism trends.

Sazan Island, with its rare combination of natural beauty, military history, and strategic location, represents exactly the type of destination that could elevate Albania’s profile internationally.

A Unique Blend of History, Nature, and Modern Vision

What makes Sazan particularly compelling is its dual identity.

On one hand, it is a pristine island with untouched landscapes and ecological value. On the other, it is a silent witness to decades of military history, with a hidden underground world that few have ever fully explored.

If developed carefully and responsibly, the island could become a rare example of how history and modern eco-tourism can coexist — preserving heritage while opening new economic opportunities.

The conversation around Sazan Island is not just about investment — it is about transformation.

The idea of a “hidden city” beneath the island adds a layer of intrigue, but the real story lies in how Albania chooses to manage its natural and historical assets moving forward.

With proper planning, transparency, and sustainable development principles, Sazan could become a flagship destination for the region — combining heritage, innovation, and economic growth in one of the Mediterranean’s most unique locations.