Ali Pasha's triangular fortress on its own tiny peninsula — dark vaulted halls, rooftop sea views, and a swimmable cove right beside the walls.
Fortress · swim spot
Small fee at the gate
1–2 hours + a swim
Qeparo or Himarë
In a sheltered bay just south of Himarë, a low triangular fortress sits on a knuckle of land barely attached to the shore. Porto Palermo Castle is linked to Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the powerful early-19th-century ruler of this coast, and it remains remarkably intact: cool, dark vaulted chambers inside, and a flat roof with views over the entire bay.
The bay itself did Cold-War service as a secret submarine base — the tunnel bored into the far headland is still visible from the castle roof. Bring swimwear: the pebble cove beside the causeway has clear, calm water and makes the perfect post-fortress cooldown.
Right off the SH8 between Himarë (15 min) and Qeparo (5 min) — the turn is signposted and parking is by the causeway.
A small entry fee is collected at the gate in season (carry some lekë in cash). Daytime opening; hours stretch longer in summer.
Late afternoon gives soft light on the walls and a quieter cove. Bring a torch or use your phone — the inner halls are genuinely dark.
The beach and old village are five minutes away — castle in the morning, beach all afternoon.
An easy add-on to a Himarë stay — combine with the old town castle for a two-fortress day.
Tavernas at Qeparo beach or back in Himarë — fish, village salad, and the afternoon planned over coffee.
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