Porto Palermo Fortress — Beaches, History & How to Visit

Porto Palermo Fortress (hereinafter referred to as Porto Palermo) is a military fortification built by Ali Pasha Tepelena on a rocky peninsula in Albania.

The fortress is a massive fortification. It has an open second floor and a protected inner first floor.

Essentially, the fortress is located on an island connected to the mainland by a narrow, low-lying isthmus.

In Albanian, it is written as Kalaja e Porto Palermos, which means “Porto Palermo Fortress.”

History of Porto Palermo

The fortress is situated in the largest bay of the Albanian Riviera — Porto Palermo Bay.

In ancient maps, the bay was referred to as Panorma Bay (Panoramic Bay).

The Italians called it Porto Palermo, and this name has remained to this day.

The peninsula, where the fortress stands, extends about 300 meters into the sea and divides the bay into two parts.

One part of the bay is home to round-shaped marine farms and the fortress peninsula. In another part there is an abandoned submarine base.

The Abandoned Submarine Base

In the northern part of the bay lies the former submarine base.

Entry to the base is closed to tourists.

From the road, you can clearly see abandoned barracks, a military town, and a shelter carved into the rock.

A cave with massive gates once served as a refuge for submarines.

Porto Palermo Fortress: A Historical Overview

The fortress has a distinct triangular shape.

It consists of two levels: a walled first floor and an open platform on top.

Governor Ali Pasha Tepelena

The fortress was once the residence of Ali Pasha Tepelena.

Official Information

Above the entrance there was an inscription on a stone (which is no longer there) in Greek: “… the fortress was built by Ali Pasha Tepelena in 1804 with the help of French military engineers …”.

The walls of the fortress are lined with natural stone blocks and are more than 1 meter thick. On the sea side the walls are 3.2 to 3.5 meters thick. The height of the walls is from 6 to 10 meters.

Since 1948, the fortress has been recognized as a cultural monument and is under state protection.

Interesting fact: The triangular shape of the fortress resembles the letter “A” or an inverted “V.” The “A” stands for Ali Pasha Tepelena, while the “V” represents his wife, Vasiliqi.

Fortress Museum

Entry to the fortress is ticketed: the price is 300 lek.

Opening hours during the summer season: Monday to Sunday, 09:00–19:00, with no days off.

Coordinates of the fortress entrance: 40.062185, 19.791045

First Floor: Interior View

What does the fortress look like inside?

Inside, it is cool and dark.

The floor, made of smooth natural stone, resembles medieval castles. Numerous passageways with semicircular arches create a unique atmosphere.

The fortress was designed for long-term sieges:

• A well for fresh water was dug (now dried up).

• Some rooms served as barracks for soldiers.

• Other rooms were used as storage for ammunition, weapons, and food supplies.

• At the center, there is a large hall where the entire fortress garrison could gather.

• In one corner, there is a kitchen and a dining area.

Thus, the first floor functioned as a storage area and living quarters for the garrison.

The Upper Platform

What’s at the top of the fortress?

A single massive stone staircase leads up from the first floor.

At the top, everything is simple: a flat platform and thick walls with embrasures.

At the corners, there are small towers providing an overview of the walls. In the center, there is a round fortified room with additional embrasures.

The purpose of Porto Palermo Fortress was to control the only road running along the coast from north to south.

Sea Panorama from the Fortress Walls

From the fortress embrasures, you can take stunning photos as a keepsake.

Once, this place witnessed historical events. Today, it offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the sea.

Beaches on the Porto Palermo Peninsula

The Beach Near the Fortress

On the isthmus near the fortress, there is a beach for swimming and relaxation.

Tourists are drawn to its shallow waters and the opportunity to cool off on hot summer days.

The entry into the sea is easy: the seabed consists of sand and fine pebbles.

The water in the bay is cold, likely due to freshwater mountain rivers flowing into the sea.

Tourist Trailers Near the Beach

Some travelers explore the area in camper vans, staying overnight in cozy trailers.

These trailers are parked along the beachline.

The Shore for Extreme Enthusiasts

On the other side of the isthmus, swimming is also possible.

However, there is no beach here, and the water is even colder.

This spot is perfect for thrill-seekers.

Entering the water is difficult due to numerous boulders and rocky formations.

This part of the bay is home to many red and dark-red sea stars, ranging in size from 10 to 40 cm.

We caught one, took a photo with it, and then released it back into the sea.

Snorkeling: Swimming with a Mask and Snorkel

Is snorkeling in Porto Palermo Bay interesting?

Snorkeling enthusiasts will be amazed by the underwater world. The bay is home to many fish species, including moray eels.

The sea depth varies from 3–5 meters to over 15 meters. While the author hasn’t verified this personally, other swimmers have reported such depths.

Tourist Recommendations

I highly recommend using water shoes (aqua shoes) as the shoreline here is rugged.

This will help you avoid potential hazards:

• Sea urchins

• Sharp rocks

• Slippery stones

• Injuries and scratches

You’ll feel much safer when entering and exiting the sea.

Why Visit Porto Palermo Fortress

Porto Palermo Fortress is an intriguing destination for many reasons.

What can you do and experience here?

• Sea lovers can swim in the bay’s cool waters.

• Snorkeling enthusiasts can explore Porto Palermo Bay’s diverse marine flora and fauna.

• History buffs will appreciate the fortress and the legacy of Ali Pasha Tepelena.

• Some may be fascinated by the rock formation with the submarine shelter entrance.

• Nature lovers will enjoy the surrounding mountains and unique southern plant life.

• Several beaches along the bay continue to attract numerous visitors.

Thus, a visit to Porto Palermo Fortress offers both a historical tour and a chance to relax on the nearby beaches.

Keep in mind that Albania’s swimming season lasts from April to October.

If you’re interested in Albania’s fortresses, check out our collection of Hiking Trails in Albania — Walking Routes and Scenic Paths. It features one-day routes with convenient starting points from the cities.

Video: Porto Palermo Fortress and Panorama of the Bay with Island

Shot Date: June 6, 2024

The video shows a panorama of the bay, the island with the fortress, and an abandoned submarine base from the time of Enver Hoxha.

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