City: Albania
Top Things to do in Albania
Countries
What to do and see in Albania, Albania: The Best Castles
in Europe (grey)
Restaurants in Albania
1. Irmaj Castle
2. Kruja Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 530 reviews
Reviewed By Rotty300 - Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
A place not to be missed. The little cobbled streets up to the castle have cafes and quirky shops to look at, then when you reach the castle it is amazing. A museum that is one of the best I've been in. A restaurant for lunch and drinks and the views are stunning. A leisurely day can be spent here and one not to be missed. Make sure you have proper shoes
3. Penisola Di Porto Palermo e Castello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
You will spot the peninsula from the coastal road. Just make sure you exit the narrow unpaved lane leading to an off road parking lot, and have at least 2 hrs free time. One hour to explore the Ali Pasha Tepelena castle at the peninsula top (read that review), and afterwards to take a relaxing swim or two in beautiful and calm Palermo bay beach.
4. Gjirokaster Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 838 reviews
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
We've travelled entire Albania during our 2 week tour and two towns I can point out being the most beautiful are Berat and Gjirokaster. Gjirokaster is only an hour drive from the seaside resorts of Saranda and Ksamil, and I'd suggest everyone holidaying there to make a day excursion. Gjirokaster sits on slopes of Gjere mountains overlooking a huge valley. The Castle occupies a commanding position and is a beautiful site while approaching the town. The fortress dates back to 12 c, modified and reshaped over the centuries. It's main feature, the clock tower was added in 1800's by Ottoman governor Ali Pasha Tepelena who's also responsible for a magnificent sea fortress at Porto Palermo north from Saranda on the Ionian coast (read that review). The Castle houses a military museum consisting mostly of captured WWII Italian and German weapons and a US fighter plane from the cold war era (different versions on it), as well two Pasha tombs and some underground Ottoman era rooms. However, most impressing are the views of the valley and old town below. Like most such places in Albania entry fee is extremely cheap and there are good English explanations throughout the place.
5. Rozafa Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 808 reviews
Reviewed By marybC8078UU - London, United Kingdom
We went here on a very rainy day with two kids. Despite the rain they really had a great time! A huge castle where kids can roam and discover freely. And there is a lovely little cafe next to the museum in the old Venetian building in the centre of the castle keep, that hangs off the side of the cliff and has floor to ceiling windows with stunning views. Great toasted cheese sandwiches on a cold and wet day to warm us up!
6. Petrela Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
The castle of Petrela is located on a rocky hill at the height of 400 m above sea level. Since antiquity, this fortress controlled the crossroads with economic and military importance, as Via Egnatia. It is thought that was built in the late antique period (III-IV century AD) and was rebuilt during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565).
Reviewed By klodianhajdari - Tirana, Albania
this castle is small and easy to a reach, is located 30 min away from tirana, here you can go a visit lot of illyrian old place and petrela castle
7. The Castle of Himara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By maddies599 - Tirana, Albania
What a pleasant surprise this was on my trip to Himare! The castle is beautiful and there are actually people living in homes build around the castle! Would highly recommend visiting at sunset as the views of the town of Himare and the coast are stunning!
8. Preza Castle
9. Rodoni Castle
10. Porto Palermo Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By kamoalbi - Tirana, Albania
Situated in Porto Palermo Bay or Panorma Bay in ancient times. Built by a French architect who also built a secret tunnel under the 32 m deep well. Legend says that to keep this secret, Ali Pasha killed the architect along with the engineers after the works were completed. I was there last weekend and this time I liked it more as the guide in charge there gave us a more detailed presentation of the history of this castle and the life of Ali Pasha. Not to mention the stunning landscape of the Albanian Riviera from the towers of this castle.
