How to Visit Porto Palermo Beach & Castle in Albania
Porto Palermo Beach is a hidden gem in Albania that we discovered by chance when we visited Porto Palermo Castle. This beach is an ideal stop for those traveling through Albania’s breathtaking Riviera.
You can easily get to the beach from Himare and spend a few hours relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing. Then, combine your visit with the stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and historic castles nearby to make the most of the experience.
This ultimate guide to Porto Palermo Beach includes the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect during your visit, and practical information.
Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.
NO TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT
Where is Porto Palermo Beach?
It is located along the Albanian Riviera, just a 15-minute drive from Himare, near the Porto Palermo Castle.
How to Get to Porto Palermo Castle
Unfortunately, we could not find reliable information about whether there is a bus service to the castle or the beach, so we recommend asking locals how to get there by public transport.
The easiest way to get to the castle and the beach is by car. We drove from Himare to Ksamil and stopped at the attractions on the way.
Parking is free in front of Palermo Beach, and the castle is just a short walk away. Although we arrived early, there were many campers parked a few steps from the sea.
Read our → Ultimate Albania Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Himare, Albania
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Himare is from May to September. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for swimming, boat trips, and exploring the nearby attractions. The hottest months are July and August. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 40°C.
The summer months are the peak season in Albania when hotel prices are higher and attractions are busier. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
The average annual temperature in Himare is 23°C. We visited Porto Palermo Beach at the end of May and had fantastic weather.
Porto Palermo Castle & Palermo Beach
Porto Palermo Castle was built by Ali Pasha of Tepelena in the early 19th century. The island on which the castle is situated used to be isolated from the land. Later, the island was connected to the mainland to facilitate communication by a narrow strip of land filled with stones.
This triangular-shaped castle served as a prison and shelter for military units during and after World War II. The castle was declared a cultural monument in 1948.
The castle is open to visitors during the summer season from 9 AM to 7 PM and during the winter season from 8 AM to 4 PM. The entrance fee to Porto Palermo Castle is 300 LEK (3 EUR) per person. Tickets can only be paid in local cash (LEK).
See also → Ali Pasha Bridge
We recommend you explore the castle first, enjoy the beautiful panorama, and then relax on the beach.
Palermo Beach is very child-friendly as the water is shallow for a few meters before it gets deeper. The calm and clear waters of the bay are a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the underwater world.
TIP
We recommend having lunch at Porto Palermo Restaurant, where you can have fresh seafood and cold beer while enjoying the view.
Keep reading → Things to Do in Himare
Porto Palermo Beach & Parking
Porto Palermo Beach is just a 2-minute drive from the castle on the main road. You can park for free near the main road, and the beach is free to visit.
This stunning small beach has turquoise waters and a beach bar where you can buy food and drinks. Fortunately, it’s not as popular yet as it’s further away from the main attractions. But if you are traveling to Ksamil or Saranda, we recommend a short stop here.
If you’re looking for more stunning beaches, check out our post on the best beaches in Himare.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
Where to Stay near Porto Palermo Beach
Himare or Borsh are perfect bases for exploring the beach. Alternatively, stay in Dhermi, a 35-minute drive away. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Himare
- Luxury: Artis Blue Relax
- Mid-Range: Rea Boutique Hotel or First House
- Budget: Alex Boutique Hotel
Wondering where to stay in Himare? We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Himare.
Best hotels in Dhermi
- Luxury: La Brisa Boutique Hotel
- Mid-Range: Empire Beach Resort – Adults Only or Nassau Hotel
- Budget: Essos Villas
Recommended post → Dhermi Beach Hotels & Resorts
What to Pack
- Sunscreen: You don’t have to worry about sun damage with this reef-friendly UVA/UVB sunscreen.
- Quick-dry towel: This microfibre quick-drying towel is ideal for traveling, hiking, swimming, bathing, and sports.
- Power bank: An essential accessory for anyone who needs reliable power on the go.
- Grayl Filtered Water Bottle: The Grayl filter removes viruses and bacteria and filters microplastics, chemicals, and heavy metals. Fill up your filtered water bottle anywhere and drink crystal-clear water wherever you go.
- Swimsuit
- Snorkeling equipment
- Hat and sunglasses
- Camera gear
- GoPro
- Snacks
- Plenty of Water
- Local money (LEK) or EUR
We hope you found our guide to Porto Palermo Beach useful and will inspire you to visit Albania. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
RECOMMENDED POSTS
Where to Stay in Albania: 8 Best Towns + Map
Valbona Valley National Park, Albania: Complete Guide
