CASTLES VLORË COUNTY

Kalaja e Kaninës stands as a majestic ruin 380 meters above sea level on Mount Shushica, overlooking the Bay of Vlora with commanding strategic position. The fortress originates from the 3rd century BC as a settlement of the Amantes, an Illyrian tribe, before Byzantine transformation in the 4th century under Justinian I's reign. Its 1-kilometer surrounding wall encompasses 3.6 hectares, reflecting the castle's importance through medieval periods when it served the Angevin Kingdom and Principality of Valona until 1417, when Ottoman forces took control. Declared a cultural heritage monument in 1948, Kanina Castle remains a testament to the region's multilayered historical significance and architectural resilience.

Borsh Castle, also known as Sopot Castle, crowns a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea in the village of Borsh along Albania's picturesque Riviera. Originating in the 4th century BC and fortified further by Venetian and Ottoman powers across centuries, this 5-hectare fortress features massive stone blocks up to 3 meters wide. The castle is accessible via a newly asphalted road followed by a scenic 5-10 minute zigzagging cobblestone path, offering visitors free entry and dramatic coastal views, though no facilities are currently available on site.

Himara Castle, known as the Old Castle, stands on a rocky hill 240 meters above sea level, overlooking the Ionian Sea and the town of Himarë. With origins tracing back 3,500 years to the Greek Chaonian tribe and refinements through the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, this layered fortress preserves ancient walls, cobblestone alleys, house ruins, and multiple churches including Saints Sergius and Bacchus. The castle remains partially inhabited by local residents, creating an authentic cultural experience alongside panoramic views extending to Corfu and surrounding canyons, making it a living monument rather than merely a historical site.

Ali Pasha's Castle, also known as Kalaja e Ali Pashës, occupies a small island at the mouth of the Vivari Channel near Ksamil, within Butrint National Park. The fortress traces its origins to the late 15th or early 16th century when Venetians constructed it as a strategic stronghold, though Ali Pasha of Tepelenë significantly enhanced its defenses with gun batteries in 1804 and rebuilt it in 1819 with three towers. Visitors can reach the castle by boat from the Butrint archaeological site entrance for approximately 2500 lekë, experiencing both Venetian and Ottoman architectural influences while enjoying panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.

Kalaja e Lëkurësit, also known as Lëkurësi Castle, rises prominently on a strategic hill overlooking Sarandë and commands vistas extending across the Ionian Sea to the island of Corfu. Built in 1537 by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, this 16th-century fortress showcases a blend of Ottoman and Venetian military architecture with its nearly square shape and two round towers featuring defensive loopholes. Located just seven minutes from the town center, the castle is free to visit daily from 8 AM to 11 PM and features an on-site restaurant serving Albanian cuisine during the summer season.

Porto Palermo Castle sits within the scenic bay of Porto Palermo, a few kilometers south of Himarë along the Albanian Riviera, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. Though traditionally attributed to Ali Pasha of Tepelenë in the early 19th century, the fortress most likely originated with Venetian builders, featuring the characteristic triangular plan with round bastions at three corners. Visitors can access the well-preserved three-sided fortress for a modest fee and explore its interior garrison quarters and northeast bastion prison, while the nearby abandoned submarine tunnel from the 1960s-1980s Communist era adds another layer of intrigue to this dual-history coastal landmark.