Ali Pasha's Castle: A Coastal Fortress with a Storied Past
Explore Ali Pasha's Castle in Ksamil: a historic fortress offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse into Albania's rich past.
Ali Pasha's Castle, near Ksamil, Albania, is a captivating historical site dating back to the 16th century, rebuilt in 1819 by Ali Pasha of Tepelenë. Situated on a small island at the mouth of the Vivari Channel, the castle offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the region's Venetian and Ottoman past.
A brief summary to Ali Pasha's Castle
- Kalaja e Ali Pashës, SH81, Ksamil, 9706, AL
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Hire a local fisherman to take you by boat to the castle, as it's located on an islet and only accessible by water.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore more of the area's history and natural beauty.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more pleasant experience.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding landscape from the castle.
Getting There
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Boat
The only way to reach Ali Pasha's Castle is by boat. Head to the car park at the entrance of the Butrint archaeological site. Several locals offer boat rides to the island for a small fee. Expect to pay around 2500 lekë for a round trip, including time to visit the castle. Negotiate the price before you get on the boat.
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Public Transport
From Saranda, take the bus towards Butrint. Ask the driver to drop you off at the car park for Ali Pasha's Castle, about 1 minute before Butrint. The bus costs 100 lek (€1). From the car park, you'll need to hire a local fisherman to take you to the castle by boat.
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Taxi
From Ksamil, you can take a taxi to the entrance of Butrint National Park. From there, you will need to find a local boat to take you to the castle. The taxi fare from Ksamil to Butrint is approximately €5. Ensure you have some local currency for the taxi fare.
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