Himara Castle & Old Town
In town — 15–20 min walk uphill from the promenade
Castle
Porto Palermo Castle
Central peninsula of Porto Palermo Bay, south of Himara
- Period
- Early 19th century (c. 1804)
- From Himara
- ~10 km south on SH8 (14–20 min drive)
- Entry
- 300 ALL (~€3), cash only — Albanian Lek only, no card or euros
- Hours
- Typically 09:00–19:00 in summer; check on arrival in shoulder season
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours at the castle, 2–3 hours including a swim in the bay
About Porto Palermo Castle
Porto Palermo Castle is a triangular Ottoman fortress with three round bastions, built on a narrow peninsula in one of the most photogenic bays on the Albanian Riviera. Commissioned in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Ioannina, the castle is the headline landmark of every southbound boat tour from Himara — and the easiest, most rewarding half-day trip from town by car.
History
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.
What You See
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.
Photos
How to Visit
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.
Best Time to Visit
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.
Location
Deep Dive: Full Visitor Guide
History, practical tips, and route notes in long form — the article that goes deeper than this page.
See Porto Palermo Castle from the Sea
How operators reach this site by boat, which tours include it, and what the arrival looks like from offshore.
Pair With: Porto Palermo Beach
The natural other half of the day. Sand and sea after stone and history.
Book a Guided Visit
Prefer to go with a guide? Browse Porto Palermo Castle tours and excursions with fixed prices and free cancellation.
See tours on GetYourGuide →Nearby
- Porto Palermo BeachBeach
- Porto Palermo Submarine TunnelCold War Site
- Qeparo
Questions
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.
Other Landmarks Near Himara
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