Is Porto Palermo Castle Worth Visiting? (1970)
Ali Pasha's compact stone castle sits on a spit in a near-enclosed turquoise bay south of Himarë, with a decommissioned submarine tunnel nearby and excellent swimming either side.
About Porto Palermo Castle
Ali Pasha's triangular sea fortress on a Riviera peninsula — one of Albania's most photogenic castles.
Yes — a small triangular fortress on its own peninsula, and one of the coast's best swims.
1.5–2 hours
~200–300 lek
June to September, late afternoon
Is Porto Palermo Castle worth your time?
Why Porto Palermo Castle is worth it
Ali Pasha's compact stone castle sits on a spit in a near-enclosed turquoise bay south of Himarë, with a decommissioned submarine tunnel nearby and excellent swimming either side.
Who will love Porto Palermo Castle
Road-trippers on the SH8, swimmers and history-curious beach travellers.
Who might skip it
Anyone expecting extensive ruins — the interior is bare and takes 20 minutes.
Tips to make it worth it
Bring swimming gear; the bay beside the causeway is calmer and clearer than most Riviera beaches.
Map & nearby
FAQ — Porto Palermo Castle
- Can you swim at Porto Palermo?
- Yes — the sheltered bay on either side of the castle causeway is one of the calmest and clearest swimming spots on the Riviera.
- Who built Porto Palermo Castle?
- It is generally attributed to Ali Pasha of Ioannina in the early 19th century, though some elements are thought to be earlier Venetian work.
- Is Porto Palermo Castle worth visiting?
- Yes — Porto Palermo Castle is one of Albania's rewarding stops, especially for travellers who value authentic settings, photogenic scenery and value for money compared to Western Europe.
- Who is Porto Palermo Castle best for?
- Porto Palermo Castle suits curious independent travellers, couples, photographers and small groups who enjoy a mix of nature, culture and slower-paced discovery over resort-style tourism.