The 1,400-acre island, situated at the convergence of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, at the entrance to the Gulf of Vlora, boasts towering trees, rare flora, and turquoise waters. For decades, it served as a military sanctuary.
As a strategic military base for Albania's communist regime, the island was designated a no-go zone for many years. Dictator Enver Hoxha transformed it into a fortified stronghold to defend the country against potential threats from NATO or the Soviet Union. At the height of its military use, the island accommodated 150 military families, with schools, theaters, and hospitals. Today, it is dotted with ruins, tunnels, and roughly 3,600 military bunkers scattered across the landscape.
The island's isolation has allowed its natural beauty to remain largely intact, with its microclimate classified as subtropical, in contrast to the typical Mediterranean climate.
The development project by Affinity Partners, the investment firm of Jared Kushner, has already received preliminary approval from the Albanian government. The proposed plan includes comprehensive tourism development, featuring 5-star hotels and a yacht marina. The project enjoys the full backing of the Albanian government, which is offering complete tax exemptions during construction, while the state is responsible for providing all infrastructure—ranging from water and sewage systems to electricity.
However, the investment has prompted significant opposition, particularly from environmental groups. The island is part of the Karaburun-Sazan Marine National Park, where the coastlines and waters within a 2-kilometer radius are protected by stringent environmental legislation.
Albania is not Kushner’s sole investment in the region. Recently, Affinity Partners signed a 99-year lease agreement with the Serbian government, enabling the firm to renovate two buildings that previously housed the headquarters of the former Yugoslav People's Army. These buildings will be repurposed into a luxury complex, featuring a hotel, residences, shops, and office spaces.
