Borsh Castle stands on a green hill above Borsh village and the coast of Albania’s Riviera. From Qeparo, you can plan a short drive to the area, then follow the uphill approach to the ruins for views over the Ionian Sea and Borsh plain.
- Setting: A hill above Borsh village and the coast.
- From Qeparo Napolon Complex: About 8 minutes by car; the castle is about 2.9 km from this hotel in Qeparo.
- Approach: A narrow paved road leads toward the hill, followed by a cobbled uphill path, according to Visit Saranda.
- Entry: The Albanian Development Fund describes access as free.
Where Borsh Castle Is
Borsh Castle overlooks Borsh village and the Albanian Riviera coast, with the Ionian Sea and Borsh plain visible from within its walls. Its position on a green hill makes it a distinct landmark above the village.
Albania’s official tourism site says the castle was built in ancient times and rebuilt during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The ruins inside the walls include an Ottoman mosque.
How do you get from Qeparo to Borsh Castle?
From Qeparo, the practical plan is to drive toward Borsh and continue up the approach road toward the hill.
A route from Old Qeparo toward Borsh uses dirt roads, rocky paths and the SH8 coastal road, but does not continue all the way to the castle. If you’re planning to hike, don’t treat that route description as directions to the castle entrance. The Qeparo centre walking guide covers paths around the village.
What to Expect on the Approach
The approach includes an uphill walk on a zigzagging cobbled path. Visit Saranda describes a narrow paved road leading from SH8 toward the hill, followed by a 5–10-minute walk to the castle. That timing describes the final path, not the journey from Qeparo.
The route from Old Qeparo uses dirt roads and rocky paths as well as the coastal road; it does not confirm a continuous walking route to the castle.
Planning Your Visit
Access is described as free by the Albanian Development Fund. Official opening days and hours are not published in the sources reviewed, so check the official site before you go.
Temporarily closed
This place is listed as temporarily closed. Check the official site before you go.
Last checked November 2026.
Visit Saranda reports that there are no visitor facilities at the castle and advises stopping in Borsh village for supplies and water. The sources reviewed do not say whether the approach or the castle interior is accessible to visitors with mobility impairments, so check access conditions before setting out if that matters for your visit.
Pairing the Castle with Porto Palermo
Porto Palermo offers a coastal contrast to the hilltop ruins, with a bay, a beach and Ali Pasha Castle. Albania’s official tourism site describes the area as a stop on tourist itineraries between Himara and Qeparo. The Porto Palermo Castle visit guide covers that neighbouring coastal stop.
FAQs
Is Borsh Castle free to visit?
The Albanian Development Fund describes access to Borsh Castle as free. Official opening hours are not published in the sources reviewed.
How long is the walk up to the castle?
Visit Saranda describes the final cobbled path as a 5–10-minute walk. That duration does not include travel from Qeparo or the drive up the access road.
What can you see at Borsh Castle?
The ruins include an Ottoman mosque, and the site looks over the Ionian Sea and Borsh plain.