Himara Castle & Old Town
In town — 15–20 min walk uphill from the promenade
Castillo
Porto Palermo Castle
Central peninsula of Porto Palermo Bay, south of Himara
- Época
- Early 19th century (c. 1804)
- Desde Himara
- ~10 km south on SH8 (14–20 min drive)
- Entrada
- 300 ALL (~€3), cash only — Albanian Lek only, no card or euros
- Horario
- Typically 09:00–19:00 in summer; check on arrival in shoulder season
- Tiempo necesario
- 1–1.5 hours at the castle, 2–3 hours including a swim in the bay
Sobre Porto Palermo Castle
El castillo de Porto Palermo es una fortaleza otomana triangular con tres bastiones redondos, construida en una estrecha península en una de las bahías más fotogénicas de la Riviera albanesa. Encargado a principios del siglo XIX por Alí Pasha de Ioánina, el castillo es el hito principal de cada excursión en barco hacia el sur desde Himara — y la excursión de medio día más fácil y gratificante desde la ciudad en coche.
Historia
The present castle was built around 1804 by Ali Pasha Tepelena, the powerful Albanian-Ottoman ruler who controlled much of southern Albania and northwestern Greece between 1788 and 1822. Some sources point to earlier Venetian or Turkish fortifications on the site dating to around 1662, but the current triangular structure with three round bastions is Ali Pasha's design. Its purpose was strategic — to control the Himariot population and project Ottoman authority along this stretch of coast. The bay's geometry made it valuable to every regional power that came after, including the Cold War submarine programme in the 1960s.
Qué se ve
The triangular plan with three round bastions at each corner; dark vaulted galleries running inside the curtain walls; the rooftop terrace with 360° views over the bay and the submarine tunnel opposite; the seaward face — the most photographed angle, especially in morning light; the small swimming spots on the rocks just below the castle walls.
Fotos
Cómo visitarlo
Drive south from Himara on SH8 — the same coastal road that runs the length of the Albanian Riviera. The turnoff to Porto Palermo is signed about 8–10 km out of town. A short paved road descends to the peninsula, with parking near the castle gate. By scooter: works perfectly for this trip; rentals in Himara run €15–20/day. By taxi: ~1,500–2,000 ALL (€15–20) one way — negotiate a round-trip.
Mejor momento para visitar
Morning (08:00–11:00) when the sun lights the seaward face and the bay is at its calmest. Late afternoon for golden light on the inland side. Sunset cruises silhouette the castle dramatically but leave the structure itself in shadow.
En profundidad: guía completa del visitante
Historia, consejos prácticos y notas de ruta en formato extenso — el artículo que profundiza más que esta página.
Ver Porto Palermo Castle desde el mar
Cómo llegan los operadores a este enclave en barco, qué excursiones lo incluyen y qué aspecto tiene la llegada desde alta mar.
Combínalo con: Porto Palermo Beach
La otra mitad natural del día. Arena y mar después de piedra e historia.
Reserva una visita guiada
¿Prefieres ir con guía? Explora las excursiones y visitas a Porto Palermo Castle con precios fijos y cancelación gratuita.
Ver excursiones en GetYourGuide →Cerca
- Porto Palermo BeachPlaya
- Porto Palermo Submarine TunnelEnclave de la Guerra Fría
- QeparoPlaya
Preguntas
Who built Porto Palermo Castle?
Ali Pasha of Ioannina (also called Ali Pasha Tepelena), the Albanian-Ottoman ruler who governed much of southern Albania and northwestern Greece from 1788 to 1822. Construction was completed around 1804. Earlier Venetian or Turkish fortifications may have stood on the same site, but the present triangular castle is Ali Pasha's design.
How much is the entrance fee?
300 ALL (~€3), cash only. Albanian Lek only — no cards and no euros accepted at the gate. The bay and surrounding beach are free to access; the fee only covers entry to the fortress itself. The nearest ATMs are in Himara, so sort your cash before driving down.
Is the castle the same as the submarine tunnel?
No — they are different sites in the same bay. The castle sits on the central peninsula and dates from the early 19th century. The submarine tunnel was built between 1969 and 1988 at the bay's northern end and remains a restricted military zone. Both are visible from each other; most boat tours include the tunnel exterior as a separate stop.
Can you swim at Porto Palermo Castle?
Yes — there is no entry fee for the water. You can swim off the rocks immediately below the castle walls and on the small beach near the peninsula's base. The water is exceptionally clear, often considered the most photogenic on this stretch of coast. Bring water shoes for the rocky entry points.
How long does it take to visit?
Budget 1–1.5 hours for the castle itself — the gallery walk, the rooftop, and photos. Add another hour or two if you want to swim in the bay or include the submarine tunnel viewpoint. A morning visit pairs naturally with lunch in Qeparo village or back in Himara.
Otros lugares de interés cerca de Himara
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