Getting from Himara (Greek: Χειμάρρα, Albanian: Himarë) to Porto Palermo (Greek: Πόρτο Παλέρμο, Albanian: Porto Palermo) is one of the easiest trips on the Albanian Riviera (Greek: Αλβανική Ριβιέρα, Albanian: Riviera Shqiptare). The distance is roughly 20 km south along the SH8 coastal highway, and the drive takes 25-30 minutes depending on traffic and season. You can drive yourself, take a taxi, catch a southbound bus, or join a boat tour that includes the bay as a stop. The road passes through Borsh (Greek: Βόρση, Albanian: Borshi) with dramatic sea views nearly the entire way. Porto Palermo is home to a 19th-century fortress built by Ali Pasha (Greek: Αλή Πασάς, Albanian: Ali Pashë Tepelena), a sheltered turquoise bay, and some of the best swimming on the coast. No matter how you get there, the trip is short enough that you can go and return in a half day with time to spare.
Quick Summary: Transport Options at a Glance
| Option | Time | Cost (one way) | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental car or scooter | 25-30 min | 2,000-4,000 ALL/day (20-40 EUR) rental | High — full flexibility | Couples, families, multi-stop days |
| Taxi | 25-30 min | 1,500-2,500 ALL (15-25 EUR) | High — door to door | No rental, small groups |
| Bus (southbound) | 30-40 min | 100-200 ALL (1-2 EUR) | Low — dropped on main road | Budget travelers |
| Boat tour | Varies | 3,000-6,000 ALL (30-60 EUR) | Medium — fixed schedule | Scenic experience, swimmers |
Driving Yourself: Car or Scooter
Driving is the best option if you already have a rental. The route follows the SH8 south out of Himara, climbing slightly before dropping along the coast past Llamani Beach and through the village of Qeparo. After Qeparo, the road continues south through Borsh and then reaches the signed turnoff for Porto Palermo on your left.
The road is paved and in decent condition. It is two lanes with occasional tight curves — standard for the Albanian Riviera. If you have driven the Llogara Pass stretch, this section is easier. Scooters handle it well, though keep your speed moderate on the curves.
Parking at Porto Palermo is free. A small lot sits near the castle entrance. In July and August, arrive before 10:00 to guarantee a close spot. Overflow parking is available along the approach road.
Fuel: Fill up in Himara before heading out. There are no gas stations between Himara and Porto Palermo.
For rental options and pricing, see our car and scooter rental guide. A scooter rents for around 2,000-4,000 ALL (20-40 EUR) per day and is the most popular way to explore these short distances on the Riviera.
By Taxi
A taxi from Himara center to Porto Palermo costs around 1,500-2,500 ALL (15-25 EUR) one way. Always agree on the price before getting in — meters are rare on the Riviera.
Round-trip deal: If you want the driver to wait while you visit the castle and swim, negotiate a return fare upfront. A wait-and-return trip typically runs 4,000-5,000 ALL (40-50 EUR) total for 2-3 hours. This is reasonable when split between two or more people and saves the hassle of finding a return ride.
Finding a taxi: Taxis wait near the Himara waterfront and around the main square. Your hotel or guesthouse can also call one — this is often the fastest option. There is no app-based ride service in Himara.
Tip: For the return trip, have the driver's phone number so you can call when you are ready. Hailing a taxi at Porto Palermo is unreliable — there is no taxi stand at the castle.
By Bus
Any southbound bus heading from Himara toward Saranda passes through on the SH8 and can drop you near Porto Palermo. The fare is roughly 100-200 ALL (1-2 EUR), paid in cash to the driver.
How it works: Tell the driver you want to get off at Porto Palermo. The bus stops on the main road at the junction, not at the castle itself. From the SH8 turnoff, it is a 10-15 minute walk downhill to the bay and castle entrance.
Schedule: Buses from Himara heading south pass roughly every 1-2 hours during the day in summer, less frequently in the shoulder season. There is no fixed timetable posted at the stop — this is Albania, and buses run on loose schedules. The most reliable departures are in the morning. Check the Himara local buses guide for current information, or ask at your accommodation.
Return by bus: Flag down any northbound bus on the SH8 heading back toward Himara. Stand by the road at the Porto Palermo junction and wave when you see one coming. Buses usually pass in the afternoon, but waiting 30-60 minutes is normal. If you need reliability, arrange a taxi for the return.
Bus verdict: The cheapest option by far, but the least convenient. Best if you are on a tight budget, comfortable with uncertainty, and do not mind the walk from the main road. Not ideal if you have kids or limited mobility.
By Boat Tour
Several boat tour operators from Himara include Porto Palermo Bay as a stop on their itineraries. This is not point-to-point transport — it is a scenic trip with swimming stops along the coast, and Porto Palermo is one of the highlights.
Typical boat tour pricing:
| Tour Type | Duration | Price | Porto Palermo Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-day group tour | 3-4 hours | 3,000-4,000 ALL (30-40 EUR) | Usually included |
| Full-day group tour | 5-7 hours | 5,000-6,000 ALL (50-60 EUR) | Included with other stops |
| Private boat charter | Flexible | 15,000-30,000 ALL (150-300 EUR) total | Fully customizable |
Boat tours depart from Himara's small port area, usually between 9:00 and 10:00. You approach Porto Palermo from the sea — one of the most photogenic arrivals on the Riviera, with the castle sitting on its peninsula against the turquoise water. Most tours give you 30-60 minutes to swim in the bay before continuing.
The trade-off: you are on someone else's schedule, and you typically do not get time to visit the castle interior. If the castle is a priority, drive or take a taxi instead. If you want the scenic approach and swimming, a boat tour is hard to beat.
For operator details and booking tips, see our Himara boat tours guide.
What to See at Porto Palermo
The trip is short, but what you find at the other end is worth the effort. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to see everything properly.
Ali Pasha's Castle
The triangular fortress was built in 1804 by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the semi-autonomous Ottoman governor who controlled much of southern Albania and northern Greece. French military engineers designed the structure — three thick stone walls anchored by pentagonal bastion towers, sitting on a narrow peninsula that juts into the bay.
Entry fee: 300 ALL (3 EUR) per person, cash only in Albanian Lek. Children under 12 enter free. There is no card reader, so bring small bills. Euros are not accepted at the gate.
Hours: 9:00 to 19:00 in summer (roughly May through September), 8:00 to 16:00 in winter.
Inside, you can explore the hexagonal central chamber, corridors, former prison cells, and climb to the rampart walkways. The views from the top are the highlight — a 360-degree panorama of the bay, the surrounding hills, the submarine tunnel entrance carved into the northern cliffs, and the open Ionian Sea.
Budget 45 minutes to an hour for the castle.
The Bay and Swimming
Porto Palermo Bay is one of the most sheltered spots on the Albanian Riviera. The surrounding hills block most winds, so the water is often glassy calm even when the open coast is choppy. The water clarity here is exceptional — deep turquoise, almost unreal in photos.
The main swimming area sits below the castle. It is pebbly and partly rocky — bring water shoes. There is one or two seasonal beach bars renting sunbeds for around 500-1,000 ALL (5-10 EUR) per set. No full beach club experience here, and that is part of the appeal.
Snorkeling near the rocky substrate around the castle peninsula is rewarding: sea urchins, starfish, small reef fish, and good visibility.
The Cold War Submarine Tunnel
On the northern side of the bay, a tunnel entrance is carved into the cliffs — a relic of Albania's isolationist Hoxha era. The military built it to hide submarines from satellite detection. The tunnel is visible from the road and from the water, though interior access is restricted. Boat tours and kayakers get the best views of the entrance.
Swimming Spots Beyond the Castle
If you have your own transport, explore the small coves on the approach road and around the bay's perimeter. Some are accessible by short scrambles from the road. For more remote options, see our guide to secret coves near Himara by kayak.
The Road Between Himara and Porto Palermo
The SH8 between Himara and Porto Palermo is one of the more scenic coastal stretches in Albania. After climbing out of Himara, the road traces the hillside above the Ionian with wide views south.
Notable stops along the way:
- Llamani Beach — just south of Himara, a quick swim detour
- Qeparo village — a few cafes, worth a 10-minute coffee stop
- Borsh — the longest beach on the Riviera (roughly 7 km), visible from the road. Combine with Porto Palermo on the return. See best day trips from Himara for multi-stop itineraries.
The road has guardrails on most exposed sections but stays two lanes throughout. Drive cautiously on blind curves, especially on a scooter.
Return Logistics
Getting back to Himara is straightforward if you have your own vehicle — reverse the drive. For other options:
Taxi return: Call the driver whose number you saved. If you did not arrange a return, ask at the beach bar to call one from Himara. Wait times: 15-30 minutes in summer, longer off-season.
Bus return: Walk to the SH8 junction and flag a northbound bus. Timing is unpredictable — do not rely on this if you have evening plans.
Boat return: Included with tour operators. For private water taxis, confirm pickup time before the driver departs.
Best approach for non-drivers: Taxi with a prearranged return. Split the 4,000-5,000 ALL (40-50 EUR) round trip between your group and it becomes very affordable.
Transport Comparison: Which Option Should You Choose?
| Factor | Car/Scooter | Taxi | Bus | Boat Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (round trip) | Rental only | 4,000-5,000 ALL (40-50 EUR) | 200-400 ALL (2-4 EUR) | 3,000-6,000 ALL (30-60 EUR) |
| Flexibility | Total | High (with prearranged return) | Low | Low |
| Scenic value | Good — coastal road | Good — same road | Good — same road | Best — sea approach |
| Castle access | Yes — full visit | Yes — full visit | Yes — but 15 min walk from road | Usually no (swim only) |
| Multi-stop possible | Yes — Borsh, Qeparo, beaches | Possible (extra cost) | Difficult | Operator's itinerary |
| Best for | Independent travelers | Small groups, no rental | Budget backpackers | Experience seekers |
Our recommendation: Rent a scooter for the day. It costs less than a taxi round trip, gives you full freedom to stop at Borsh or Qeparo, and the coastal ride itself is part of the experience. If you do not ride scooters, a taxi with a prearranged return is the next best option.
For broader transport planning on the Riviera, check our practical info and getting here pages.
Practical Details at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~20 km via SH8 |
| Drive time | 25-30 minutes |
| Castle entry | 300 ALL (3 EUR), cash only, Albanian Lek |
| Castle hours | 9:00-19:00 (summer), 8:00-16:00 (winter) |
| Parking | Free at castle entrance |
| Swimming | Free, pebbly beach below castle |
| Sunbed rental | 500-1,000 ALL (5-10 EUR) |
| Facilities | Basic — 1-2 seasonal beach bars |
| ATM at Porto Palermo | No — bring cash from Himara |
| Mobile signal | Spotty in the bay — works on the road |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Porto Palermo from Himara?
Porto Palermo is roughly 20 km south of Himara along the SH8 coastal road. The drive takes 25-30 minutes by car or scooter. The route passes through Qeparo and near Borsh, with sea views for most of the journey.
Can you take a bus from Himara to Porto Palermo?
Yes. Any southbound bus toward Saranda passes the Porto Palermo junction on the SH8. The fare is 100-200 ALL (1-2 EUR). The bus drops you on the main road, and you walk 10-15 minutes downhill to the castle and bay. Return buses are infrequent — have a backup plan.
How much does a taxi cost from Himara to Porto Palermo?
A one-way taxi costs 1,500-2,500 ALL (15-25 EUR). For a round trip with waiting time, negotiate 4,000-5,000 ALL (40-50 EUR) upfront. Always agree on the price before departure. Save the driver's number for the return pickup.
Is Porto Palermo worth visiting from Himara?
Absolutely. The combination of Ali Pasha's fortress, the sheltered turquoise bay, the submarine tunnel, and easy swimming makes it one of the best half-day trips on the Albanian Riviera. You can see everything in 2-3 hours and still be back in Himara for a late lunch.
Do you need a car to visit Porto Palermo?
No. Taxis, buses, and boat tours all reach Porto Palermo from Himara. A taxi is the most practical option if you do not drive — arrange a round trip for 4,000-5,000 ALL (40-50 EUR). A rental scooter is the cheapest independent option at 2,000-4,000 ALL (20-40 EUR) per day.
