Ali Pasha Castles in Albania: Porto Palermo, Butrint, Tepelenë
Updated 2026-11-01 · 6 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to visit Ali Pasha's castles in southern Albania
- Rent a car in Tirana, Vlorë, or Sarandë to cover both coastal and inland mountain routes efficiently.
- Drive south along the SH8 coastal highway between Himarë and Qeparo to access the Porto Palermo fortress on its peninsula.
- Travel south of Sarandë along the SH81 to Butrint National Park, then hire a local boatman or drive to the western channel to view the Vivari fortress.
- Follow the SH4 highway north from Gjirokastër or south from Fier through the Vjosë valley to visit the citadel walls in Tepelenë.
What is the history and architecture of Porto Palermo Castle?
Porto Palermo Castle is a well-preserved triangular stone fortress located on a small peninsula in the bay of Porto Palermo, built or reconstructed by Ali Pasha in the early 1800s.
Porto Palermo Castle stands along the Albanian Riviera between Himarë and Qeparo. Historical records debate whether Ali Pasha built the fortress entirely from scratch around 1804 or heavily reconstructed an earlier Venetian base. French military engineers likely assisted in designing the triangular plan, which features three stone bastions equipped with cannon emplacements overlooking the bay.
Inside, the fortress remains largely intact. Visitors can walk through dark, vaulted stone corridors, storage magazines, and interior courtyards. The flat roof offers unobstructed views across the bay, which served as a secure naval harbor during the Ottoman era and later as a submarine base in the Cold War.
Where is Ali Pasha's Castle at Butrint and how do you access it?
Ali Pasha's Castle at Butrint sits at the mouth of the Vivari Channel near the Ionian Sea, roughly one kilometer west of the main Butrint archaeological park.
This rectangular fortress was constructed in the late 18th or early 19th century to prevent French and British forces stationed in Corfu from controlling the fishery and shipping lanes around Lake Butrint. Measuring roughly 22 by 30 meters, the fort features two large round towers on the seaward corners and irregular square towers inland.
Because water levels in the marsh have risen, the fortress is surrounded by the Vivari Channel and marshland. Most travelers observe it from the viewing platform at the edge of the main Butrint archaeological site. To enter the structure directly, you must arrange a short ride with a local boat operator near the Vivari cable ferry.
What remains of the Castle of Tepelenë?
The Castle of Tepelenë consists of extensive polygonal stone walls that enclose modern residential homes, standing above the confluence of the Vjosë and Drino rivers.
Ali Pasha oversaw the expansion of his ancestral seat in Tepelenë starting in 1789, completing a massive residential and military compound in 1819. British poet Lord Byron visited the site in October 1809 and described the court's administrative activity and military barracks in his correspondence and poetry.
An earthquake in 1851 and subsequent conflict destroyed the interior palaces, but the exterior curtain walls and defensive gates remain intact. Today, the fortress grounds function as a quiet residential neighborhood of Tepelenë. Travelers can walk freely along the outer masonry, inspect the defensive bastions, and view the bronze statue of Ali Pasha located nearby.
How do Ali Pasha's castles compare in access, condition, and location?
The castles vary significantly in preservation and access, from the intact paid site at Porto Palermo to open urban ruins in Tepelenë and the water-bound fortress near Butrint.
Porto Palermo is the most physically intact and tourist-ready site, requiring a standard entrance ticket. Tepelenë serves as an open municipal landmark integrated into the town, while Butrint requires water transport for interior access due to coastal flooding.
The following table compares the locations, access methods, and typical visitor costs across the three key fortresses.
| Fortress | Location | Access Type | Typical Entry Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Palermo | SH8 highway, near Himarë | Direct road access via peninsula isthmus | 300–400 ALL (approx. 3–4 EUR), prices change |
| Butrint (Vivari) | Vivari Channel mouth, near Sarandë | Small wooden boat or long-distance view | Free to view; boat transfers cost 1,000–2,000 ALL (approx. 10–20 EUR), prices change |
| Tepelenë Citadel | Tepelenë town center, SH4 highway | Public urban streets, open access | Free public access |
What practical tips help when planning a tour of Ali Pasha's castles?
Combine coastal and inland roads over two days, carry cash in Albanian lek for small entrance fees, and wear sturdy footwear for uneven stone surfaces.
You can visit Porto Palermo and Butrint on a single driving route through Sarandë. Tepelenë sits inland along the SH4 corridor and pairs well with a broader itinerary including Gjirokastër or Përmet. Coastal roads are well-paved, but summer traffic can add significant driving time between Vlorë and Sarandë.
Card payment is rarely accepted at small ticket booths or by boatmen, so carry cash in lek. None of these fortifications have full accessibility features; expect dark stairwells, open drops without railings, and uneven stone paths. Bring a flashlight or mobile phone light when touring the interior chambers of Porto Palermo.