Porto Palermo Castle (Ali Pasha Castle)

Porto Palermo Castle – Ali Pasha’s Fortress

Porto Palermo Castle stands on a small peninsula in a beautiful, sheltered bay on the Albanian Riviera, about 10 km south of Himarë on the road to Borsh and Sarandë. The triangular fortress was built in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelenë, the powerful ruler of Epirus.

What to See

• Walk through the vaulted rooms, corridors and old prison cells.
• Climb to the top for great views over the bay and the turquoise water.
• The bay is lovely for a swim; there is a small beach next to the castle.
• Nearby you can see the entrance of a former Cold War submarine tunnel in the mountain (not open to the public).

Visitor Information

• Opening hours: usually daily about 09:00–18:00 (often longer in summer).
• Ticket: about 300 lek per person, cash.
• Parking is available near the entrance.
• Plan 1–2 hours. It can be busy with tour groups in high season – come early or late.

How to Get There

By car on the SH8 coastal road: about 1 hour 15 minutes from Sarandë and 20 minutes from Himarë. Buses between Sarandë and Himarë/Vlorë pass the turn-off; from the main road it is a short walk down to the castle.