The family of the U.S. president wants to turn an Albanian island into a mecca for ultra-wealthy vacationers. Where there are currently only lizards, snakes, and seabirds, a luxury resort will be built. €1.2 billion will be spent on the project. In Albania, it is already being called “Trump Island.” Sazan Island is currently used only by the Albanian navy: the small port serves as a base and is guarded by just three soldiers. But that is about to change:
Albania has already given the green light to transform the island into an exclusive holiday destination. At present, it remains one of the few uninhabited islands in the Mediterranean. From Military Outpost to Exclusive Destination The Albanian government is generously accommodating U.S. investors. Tax breaks have been granted, and infrastructure costs are also being covered.
The Trumps plan to invest $1.4 billion in the 5.7-square-kilometer island, which locals already call Ishulli i Trumpeve (“Trump Island”). U.S. President Donald Trump has also given his blessing to the project led by his daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner. “We are bringing the best architects and the best hotel brands—it will be extraordinary!” the president’s daughter said enthusiastically. Kushner explained that they wanted to create “a top-tier exclusive destination” for guests “seeking privacy.”
The only structures on Sazan so far are about 3,000 concrete bunkers, former underground ammunition depots, and a handful of ruined residential buildings. Currently, the island can still be reached only by excursion boats from the port city of Vlora. Sazan Island’s Location: Albania’s Tourism Boom Albania is becoming increasingly popular with tourists: in just a few years, the Balkan country has transformed from a hidden tip into a tourist magnet.
Since 2021, the number of foreign visitors has more than doubled, rising from 5.52 million to 11.7 million in 2024. But the tourism boom is also drawing criticism. Concerns have been raised about “Trump Island.” A luxury resort could threaten nearby nature conservation efforts in the Karaburun-Sazan National Park.
According to existing regulations, beach use, construction of marinas, and boat traffic in the region are not permitted. A new airport currently being built near Sazan is also controversial, as it is located in a largely protected lagoon and bird sanctuary.
The EU has also expressed skepticism over the construction of the new airport: in the summer of 2023, both the European Parliament and the European Commission opposed the project, stating that it violated national laws and international agreements.
