Top 8 Castles in Vlorë
Best castles in Vlorë offer a glimpse into the region's rich past. Vlorë, a coastal city in Albania, features historic castles situated amidst mountains and the Adriatic Sea. The area's landscape includes the Ionian Sea and the Albanian Riviera, providing diverse settings for these historical sites. These fortifications reflect various cultural and military influences throughout centuries.
Best castles in Vlorë
- The most popular castles is Himara Old Town and Castle Ruins, a castle that is the historic old town of Himara, situated on a hill high above the modern seafront. This site contains an old town with inhabited houses and several Orthodox churches.
- Another must-see spot is Porto Palermo Castle, a well-preserved fortress located in the picturesque Bay of Porto Palermo. Visitors can explore its three-sided design with gun bastions and a hexagonal central chamber.
- Visitors also love Kanina Castle, a castle perched on the slope of Shushicë Mountain. This ancient settlement offers panoramic views of Vlorë city, its bay, and the Adriatic Sea.
- Vlorë is known for ancient Illyrian, Byzantine, and Ottoman-era castles. These sites offer a variety of historical experiences, from well-preserved fortresses to ancient ruins with inhabited areas.
- The castles in Vlorë are appreciated by the komoot community. There are 14 upvotes and 62 photos shared by visitors for the highlights in this guide.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Porto Palermo Castle
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an example of a well-preserved fortification system by Ali Pasche Tepelena
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Himara Old Town and Castle Ruins
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- the fortress sits on a hill above the city
- the first parts of the castle were built in the early centuries and later expanded by the Byzantines and Venetians
- in the winding streets overgrown with plants there are remains of houses, guard posts, storage rooms and a small chapel with frescoes
- very charming everything
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Ancient City of Butrint
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Old Himarë
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View of Ali Pasha Castle
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Venetian triangular fortress
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Kanina Castle
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It's quite chill to stroll around there ;)
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An Ottoman castle with an interesting structure – well worth a visit.
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The Ali Pasha Fortress, located in a sheltered bay - originally on an island, now on a peninsula - of Porto Palermo, is also known as the "Castle of Porto Palermo". It is said to have been built around 1800 on a Venetian ruin. The builder, the Ottoman Pasha of Albanian descent named Ali Pasha Tepelena, ruled large parts of Ottoman Albania and northern Greece. Built from limestone, the walls are sometimes more than 3 meters thick, ensuring pleasant temperatures inside during the hot summer months. The complex with a triangular floor plan and three round corner bastions is similar to the fortress in Butrint. It was in a military restricted area until 1989 and was used by the Albanian military during the communist era. In the immediate vicinity of the fortress is the country's only submarine bunker, which was of great strategic importance for Albania during communist times and was therefore also used for military purposes until 1989.
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The castle rises on the slope of Shushicë Mountain, about 380 meters above sea level. It was built on the site of an ancient settlement, one of the oldest in the Vlora region. It is believed that the castle was built in the 3rd century BC. In the 4th century AD, the castle was converted into a fortified town. In the 6th century AD, the castle was rebuilt by Justinian I. The castle was the center of the Principality of Valona in the 14th century.
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It is named after Ali Pasha of Tepelena, who resided there until 1820 - Ottoman Castle.
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Great view of the sea and the beach from Himare Castle. There is a lot to discover in the castle itself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles in Vlorë offer the most impressive panoramic views?
For breathtaking panoramic views, you should visit Kanina Castle, which offers vistas of Vlorë city, its bay, and the Adriatic Sea. Porto Palermo Castle provides spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and the rugged Albanian Riviera. Additionally, Himara Old Town and Castle Ruins boasts superb views of the Ionian Sea, the Ceraunian Mountains, and Livadhi Beach, and is considered an excellent spot for sunset watching.
What is the historical significance of the castles in Vlorë?
Vlorë's castles are steeped in history, reflecting centuries of Illyrian, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences. Kanina Castle, for instance, dates back to the 3rd century BC and was a center of the Principality of Valona. Porto Palermo Castle, built by Ali Pasha in the early 19th century, was crucial for defense and trade. Himara Old Town and Castle Ruins has origins from the 5th-4th centuries BC, serving as a Chaonian fortification.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in Vlorë?
Yes, several castles in Vlorë can be enjoyable for families. Himara Old Town and Castle Ruins offers a unique experience with its inhabited old town, cobbled streets, and small churches, allowing for cultural immersion. Exploring the ruins and imagining past battles at Kanina Castle can also be an engaging activity for children.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Vlorë?
The best time to visit the castles in Vlorë is during spring and autumn. The weather during these seasons is mild, making exploration more comfortable and enjoyable, especially for sites like Kanina Castle which involves some walking.
How can I get to the castles in Vlorë?
Kanina Castle is about a 20-minute drive from Vlorë city center, with parking available. Porto Palermo Castle is located a few kilometers south of Himarë and is accessible by road. Himara Old Town and Castle Ruins can be reached via a 15-minute uphill walk from the Himara promenade or a scenic hiking trail from Livadhi Beach.
Are there hiking opportunities near the castles in Vlorë?
Yes, the region around Vlorë offers various hiking opportunities. For instance, you can find hiking trails in the broader Vlorë area, including routes like the 'View of Dhërmi loop from Llogara National Park' or the 'Canyon Viewing Platform – View of Gjipe Beach loop from Vunoi'. You can explore more options in the Hiking in Vlorë guide.
What unique architectural features do Vlorë's castles possess?
Kanina Castle features imposing gates with intricate carvings, labyrinthine passageways, large courtyards, and ancient cisterns, reflecting diverse cultural influences. Porto Palermo Castle stands out with its unique three-sided design, three large gun bastions, and a hexagonal central chamber with a domed ceiling.
Can I find amenities like cafes or guesthouses within the castle areas?
Within Himara Old Town and Castle Ruins, you can find cafes and guesthouses, as it is a living historical settlement with inhabited houses. For other castles like Kanina Castle and Porto Palermo Castle, amenities are generally found in the nearby towns or villages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles, besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the Vlorë region offers cycling and running opportunities. You can find various cycling routes, such as the 'View of Piqeras – View of Borsh Beach loop from Saranda' or the 'View of the Pass – Llogara Pass loop from Piera 6' in the Cycling in Vlorë guide. For running, routes like the 'Diamond Hotel and Bunker loop from Saranda' are available in the Running Trails in Vlorë guide.
What makes Himara Old Town and Castle Ruins a unique visit?
Himara Old Town and Castle Ruins is unique because it's not just a ruin but a living historical site with inhabited houses, giving it an authentic feel. Visitors can wander through ancient cobbled streets, discover several small Orthodox churches (including the 11th-century Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus), and experience local life within the castle walls.
Are there any specific historical periods or influences prominent in Vlorë's castles?
Vlorë's castles showcase a blend of historical periods. Kanina Castle, for example, has origins tracing back to the Illyrian period (3rd century BC) and was later influenced by Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish cultures. Porto Palermo Castle is a notable example of early 19th-century Ottoman-era military architecture, attributed to Ali Pasha of Tepelenë.
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