Albania is a country full of natural beauty, mountain villages, and ancient ruins. But one of its most special features is its many castles. These castles are spread across the country and tell stories of battles, kings, empires, and Albanian legends. The best way to see them is by car. If you rent a car in Albania, you can visit both the famous castles and the hidden ruins that are far from the cities. Our guide will take you to the top castles to visit in Albania.
You will most likely begin your road trip to Albanian castles in Tirana because most international flights arrive at Tirana International Airport. This makes it the most convenient place to rent a car. If you book your car online before your flight, it will be ready when you land. From there, you can drive straight to your first historic stop.
Tirana Castle, also called the Fortress of Justinian, is located in the heart of the capital. It is one of the easiest castles to visit in Albania, especially if you are staying near the centre. This castle is not large, but you will still feel its history. It is the remaining wall of a once bigger Byzantine fort. You can find it along Shëtitorja Murat Toptani, surrounded by trendy cafes and modern shops.
Continue your castle road trip to Petrela Castle. About 30 minutes south of Tirana, this is one of the best-preserved castles in this region. It is located in the village of Petrelë, sitting high on a hill above the Erzen River valley. The views from the top are beautiful, and the castle has a traditional restaurant inside its central tower.
Preza Castle is on the opposite side of Tirana, near Fushë Prezë. This hilltop fortress gives you quiet views of Tirana and even across to Krujë Castle in the distance. It is not as restored as Petrela, but its simple beauty and peaceful setting make it special.
If you are curious to explore more ancient places, several lesser-known ruins are close to Tirana. You can hike to Dajti Castle, which was built on old Illyrian foundations and is located near Dajti National Park. Nearby is Persqopi Castle, also known as the ancient city of Brysaka, not far from Petrelë. Another old site is Dorezi Castle, located 26 kilometres from Tirana. It is one of the oldest castles in this part of Albania. Finally, Dorezi Castle is on a hill in the Ndroq suburb. These places are often quiet and less visited.
After exploring the castles around Tirana, drive north. This part of Albania holds some of the most important fortresses in the country’s past. You will see sites linked to national heroes, ancient battles, and dramatic landscapes. These stops are key highlights of any castle road trip in Albania.
Krujë Castle is one of the most important castles in Albania. It was the centre of resistance against the Ottomans in the 15th century. Here, Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, led battles over two decades. The castle still has historic walls, where you can walk and imagine the past struggles. Inside the complex, you can visit the Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum, which are both set in restored buildings.
A mosque, a Turkish bath, and the Tekke of Dollmë add to the site's cultural value. The castle is well preserved. From the outer walls, you can enjoy wide views across the plains and even the Albanian Alps. You can reach Krujë in about an hour by car from Tirana.
The next stop on your route is Lezhë Castle, which rises 322 metres above Lezhë. From the top, you will see the Drin River winding through the valley and the Adriatic Sea on the horizon. This castle has Illyrian roots, but it was later expanded by the Romans and modified again by the Ottomans. Lezhë Castle is quieter than some more famous sites. It is also a good place to rest and walk if you head north towards Shkodër.
Rozafa Castle, near the city of Shkodër, is one of the largest and oldest castles in Albania. It stands on a limestone hill, where the rivers Bunë and Drin meet. This was a perfect defence spot, and people have lived here since Illyrian times. Over the centuries, the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans all controlled Rozafa.
One unique story tied to Rozafa Castle is the legend of Rozafa, a woman who was walled into the fortress to keep it standing. Today, visitors can walk through the large stone gates, climb the inner walls, and explore what remains. There is also a museum with displays about the castle’s history. You can visit the site of an old church, which was later turned into a mosque, showing how religion and power shifted over time. From the high points of the castle, you will enjoy some of the best views in the north, with rivers, mountains, and the city.
Heading south brings you to some of the most beautiful castles in Albania. These sites are in UNESCO-listed towns where history, culture, and architecture come together. You will also enjoy views of rivers, valleys, and traditional rooftops. This is the best region that history lovers should visit.
Berat Castle stands on a high hill above the historic town of Berat, one of the oldest cities in the country. Built in the 4th century, the castle was expanded and improved over many years. Today, people live inside the walls, offering a unique experience. You can walk along cobblestone streets, see old houses, and talk to locals who live in the castle neighbourhood. Inside, you will find historic churches, old mosques, and small local restaurants. As you walk through the narrow paths, every turn gives you a new view of Berat and the Osum River valley.
Gjirokastër Castle is the second largest fortress in the Balkans. It rises above the city of stone houses and looks over the Drin Valley. You will immediately notice its size. The walls stretch across a wide hilltop. Inside, the castle holds many historic displays, including catacombs, a Cold War jet, and the Ali Pasha Clock Tower. These items show how important this city was in different times.
There is also a large open-air stage where folk festivals are held. The castle has been used for both defence and culture. Walking through the tunnels and rooms gives you a full picture of Gjirokastër’s past. The views from the top are wide and clear, and the stone-built city below is one of the best preserved in Albania. This is a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture.
Libohovë Castle is located south of Gjirokastër. It was built by Ali Pasha as a gift for his sister. Today, the castle is in ruins, but some corner towers still stand strong. From the site, you can enjoy panoramic views over the Drin Valley and the slopes of Mount Bureto. Inside the grounds, you will also see a bunker left from the communist era, showing how the site continued to have a role even in modern times. Though it’s not as visited as Berat or Gjirokastër, Libohovë Castle gives a different feel because it is more remote and untouched.
From the southern towns, head toward the coast and the mountains. These areas are quieter and less crowded, but they offer some of the most scenic views in the country. You will find castles above beaches, on hilltops, and near crystal-clear bays. This part of your journey adds variety to your route, with sea breezes and sunset views.
Porto Palermo Castle is near the town of Himarë, sitting on a small island in a sheltered bay. Built by Ali Pasha in the 19th century, it was later turned into a prison, but today it stands as one of the best-preserved castles in Albania. You can walk through its thick stone walls and explore its old rooms without large crowds. The castle’s seaside location makes it a favourite stop for travellers driving the Albanian Riviera. You’ll see boats, calm water, and green hills around the bay. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place to stop, stretch your legs, and take some photos.
High above the beach town of Himarë is the ancient Himarë Castle. This site dates back to the 8th century BC, making it one of the oldest settlements in the region. Over time, the town was slowly abandoned, but now a few residents have returned. Inside the castle walls, you can find old churches, broken stone houses, and views of the bay below. It is a good place to rest and enjoy the sea breeze, especially if you want a break from the busy beaches. The road to the top is narrow but drivable, and the views are worth the short climb.
Lëkurësi Castle sits on a hill above Sarandë, one of the biggest coastal towns in southern Albania. Built in 1537, the castle was designed to protect the route between Sarandë and the ancient city of Butrint. While the site is in ruins, it has been transformed into a restaurant and viewing terrace. This is one of the best sunset spots on the Ionian Sea coast. You can see the Greek island of Corfu from the terrace, the bright blue sea, and the hills around Sarandë. While it is not a full museum like other castles, many tourists come here to enjoy the food, the view, and the relaxed atmosphere.
You can finish your road trip in Vlorë, at the country’s southern tip. This region has ancient ruins, wetlands, coastal villages, and castles that show Albania’s past. Many sites here are close to beaches and water channels.
The Butrint area has three main castles that are part of or near the archaeological site. The first is the Venetian Castle, found inside the protected area. It now houses the Butrint Museum, which displays objects from different periods, from Greek to Ottoman times. Across the Vivari Channel, you will find the Triangular Castle. It has a unique shape and can be reached by a cable ferry. The third site, Ali Pasha Castle, sits on an island at the channel’s mouth. It is a popular summer stop, and local boatmen often offer rides.
Rodoni Castle is located on Cape Rodoni, which stretches into the Adriatic Sea. It was built during the time of Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania. Later on, the Venetians rebuilt it. The sea has damaged the lower walls, but the upper parts still stand and offer great views. You can enjoy the beach, take peaceful walks, and explore what remains of the fortress. It is a quiet place that feels far from busy tourist spots, making it an ideal location to end your road trip.
High above Borsh Beach, you will find the ruins of Borsh Castle. Most of the outer walls have crumbled, but inside, you will still see the Haxhi Bendo Mosque, which is mostly intact. The setting has mountain views on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. Even though much of the structure is broken, the atmosphere is special. The silence, fresh air, and panoramic views make it worth the short hike. This is a great final stop to think about the many castles in Albania, from ancient ruins to restored museums.
Albania has 158 castles and fortresses, and many are declared cultural heritage sites. We have covered the most beautiful, the best preserved, and those with the most unique views. You need to drive to explore them, as many castles sit on hills or in remote areas without public transport. Rent a car in Albania with Final Rentals to make the most of your trip. Choose from compact cars for city drives or spacious SUVs for exploring rugged areas, and get instant confirmation when you book.
