Borsh Castle, Sarandë

Castle and Mosque near Sarandë

Borsh Castle Albania 2
Borsh Castle Albania 2
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Timea

Borsh Castle sits high on the Sopot hill above the village of Borsh, a rugged crown of stone that looks straight out over the Albanian Riviera. The approach is half the fun: as you climb, the coastline opens up in layers-olive groves, pale limestone, and a band of turquoise that seems to stretch forever.

If you're using Sarandë as a base, this is one of the things to do in Sarandë that feels like a true escape from peak-summer crowds, especially after you've ticked off a walking tour of Sarandë and want a wilder, more panoramic side of the coast. Up top, it's quiet, breezy, and beautifully imperfect-more atmosphere than polish, with a surprise Ottoman-era mosque ruin tucked inside the walls.

History and Significance of the Borsh Castle

Borsh Castle is widely described as an ancient fortification with roots reaching back to the 4th century BC, later rebuilt and adapted across multiple eras as power shifted along the Ionian coast. Its position-around 500 metres above sea level-made it a natural lookout and a strategic stronghold, with clear sightlines over sea routes and the mountain-backed coast.

In the Middle Ages it’s often referred to as Sopot Castle, a name that turns up in historical references to the region and reflects the long, layered story of the site. What you see today is a patchwork of those centuries: surviving perimeter walls and towers, traces of internal divisions, and the foundations and fragments of structures that once supported daily life inside a fortified settlement.

The most distinctive feature is the Hajji Bendo Mosque within the castle complex-an Ottoman-era mosque that survives in a ruinous, evocative state and is frequently noted as one of the few (and most memorable) Islamic monuments found inside a coastal fortress on this stretch of the Riviera.

Things to See and Do in the Borsh Castle

Start with the outer walls and the entry areas, where the scale of the fortifications makes the site feel bigger than you might expect from the road below. Even in partial ruin, the masonry and the way the walls follow the contours of the hill give you a sense of how the fortress once controlled the landscape-and how little has changed in the views since then.

Make time for the mosque ruins, not just as a photo stop but as a quiet moment of contrast: an Ottoman-era religious space inside an older fortress, exposed to wind and weather, with an atmosphere that feels both fragile and stubbornly enduring. Depending on where you wander, you’ll also notice scattered remains of internal buildings and storage features that hint at how the castle functioned beyond defence.

Finally, treat this as a viewpoint as much as a monument. Walk the higher edges (carefully) and you’ll get long coastal panoramas over Borsh Bay-especially rewarding in late afternoon when the light softens and the sea turns glassy. This is the kind of place where you linger longer than planned simply because the horizon keeps pulling you back.

How to Get to the Borsh Castle

Most travellers reach Borsh via Sarandë or Himarë along the SH8 coastal road, then turn uphill toward the castle area before completing the last stretch on foot. The nearest practical airport options are Corfu International Airport (via ferry to Sarandë) and Tirana International Airport for onward road travel. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Sarandë on Booking.com.

There isn't a practical train route for reaching Borsh or the southern Riviera coast, so plan around road transport instead. Long-distance buses and furgons run along the coast between Sarandë, Himarë, and Vlorë, but schedules can be seasonal-ask to be dropped for Borsh and then continue by taxi or a brisk uphill walk.

Driving is the simplest option for flexibility: follow the SH8, look for turn-offs toward the castle, and expect narrow roads with occasional rough sections near the top, plus limited informal parking before you walk the final climb. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Borsh Castle

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon is ideal for softer light and cooler temperatures, and you’ll often have the ruins largely to yourself.
  • How long to spend: Plan 60-90 minutes if you want time for the climb, a slow wander around the walls, and a proper break for views.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven stone, loose gravel, and steep sections; it’s not suitable for wheelchairs, and strollers will be difficult.
  • Facilities: There are no reliable on-site services, so bring water and sun protection, then reward yourself with a meal or swim down at Borsh Beach afterward.

Where to Stay Close to the Borsh Castle

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Sarandë or Himarë for evenings, dining, and easy access to multiple sights; for a beach-first trip, stay along Borsh Beach so you can pair the castle with slow mornings by the sea. If you want to keep things close and simple, Vila Florika Hotel is a handy Borsh base that works well for combining the castle with beach time.

For a straightforward Riviera stay near the water, Hotel Blue Days puts you on the beach while keeping the castle within easy reach as a half-day outing. If you prefer an aparthotel-style setup for a longer stay, Holiday Hotel Borsh is another practical option for a relaxed, coastal base.

Is the Borsh Castle Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you like places that feel uncurated and real. Borsh Castle isn't a manicured, ticketed monument with plaques and barriers; it's a windswept ruin where the reward is the setting, the silence, and the sense of standing above an entire coastline.

It’s also a strong “contrast stop” on the Riviera: beach below, fortress above, and a tangible reminder that this coast has always been a corridor of trade, defence, and shifting empires. If you go in with the right expectations-good shoes, water, and a love of atmosphere-it’s one of those places that stays in your memory.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (406)

The Castle of Borsh sits above the village of Borsh and rewards a steep, winding 10–20 minute walk from limited roadside parking with sweeping, photogenic coastal views and evocative ruined walls; visitors note there’s little onsite interpretation, the stonework is largely unrestored and can be loose underfoot so use caution, and many say the site would benefit from more maintenance even though the panorama and opportunity to wander the ruins make it well worth a stop.

Jason Jong
8 months ago
"Worthwhile visit to a ruins of a castle. It’s a long and windy walk up. There is no way to drive up so you have to find limited parking. It’s wellworth it, the ruins are really in ruins and not kept with vegetable growing. There are a lot of loose rocks in the castle so be very careful. But the views and the ruins are fantastic...."
Petr Čermák
3 months ago
"Amazing place. Very photogenic scenery. But the castle deserves more maintenance."
Rebecca Morris
a year ago
"Beautiful views, definitely worth the steep walk up the hill. There was no parking area as such, we just left our car at the bottom of the path andstarted walking. The views were incredible. Not a huge amount of information about the site but was interesting to have a wander about. The site is only five minutes drive off the main road so worth a stop if in the area. A pretty steep walk of about 15 minutes but on a good path...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This works best with older kids who enjoy a short hike and exploring ruins; bring snacks, water, and keep a close eye near exposed edges and uneven stone. Pair it with a beach stop afterward so the climb feels like an adventure rather than a chore.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Come late in the day for calmer light and fewer people, then linger for the views and the feeling of having the hilltop to yourselves. It’s an easy way to add something dramatic and memorable to a Riviera day without committing to a full-on trek.

Budget Travelers

It’s a high-impact, low-cost stop-free to enter, big views, and plenty of time-value if you enjoy slow wandering and photography. Pack your own water and picnic supplies and treat it as a scenic, self-guided highlight.

History Buffs

Go slowly and look for the site’s layers: defensive lines, internal divisions, and the way later structures sit inside older fortifications. The mosque ruins add a powerful Ottoman-era note that makes the castle feel like a true cross-section of the coast’s long timeline.

FAQs for Visiting Borsh Castle

Getting There

Borsh Castle sits above the village of Borsh on the southern Albanian Riviera, with panoramic views over the Ionian Sea. It’s reached via the coastal road (SH8) and a final uphill approach on foot.
Park or get dropped as high as the road allows, then follow the most worn footpath uphill toward the visible walls. The route is short but steep, so take it steadily and watch your footing on loose gravel.

Tickets & Entry

No-entry is generally free and there’s nothing to pre-book, which makes it a great spontaneous stop.
It’s typically accessible every day, and many listings treat it as open at all hours because it’s an outdoor ruin rather than a staffed monument.

Visiting Experience

A quick visit can be done in about an hour including the climb and a fast circuit for views. If you enjoy photography or slow exploring, add another 30 minutes.
It’s much better in fair weather because the paths can get slippery and the wind can be intense on the exposed hill. On grey days, consider swapping it for a more sheltered stop and save the castle for clear skies.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Independent visiting works well if you’re comfortable without signage and you mainly want views and atmosphere. A guide adds value if you’re keen on the site’s layered history and the mosque’s context.
Combine the castle with a swim and late lunch at Borsh Beach, or link it with nearby stone villages like Qeparo for a fuller Riviera day. It’s an easy way to balance heritage and coastline in one outing.

Photography

Yes-this is a landscape-and-ruins kind of place, with dramatic walls, textured stone, and wide sea panoramas. The contrast between fortress remains and bright water makes photos look striking even on a phone.
Late afternoon is often best for warmer light and softer shadows on the stone, plus a calmer atmosphere. Early morning can also be beautiful if you want clearer air and fewer people.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility is limited due to steep gradients, uneven surfaces, and sections of loose rock. If mobility is a concern, consider viewing from lower pull-offs and prioritising safer, flatter sections near the approach.
Facilities are not reliable at the castle itself, so plan to use cafés or restaurants down in Borsh before or after your visit. Bring water, especially in summer, and treat this as an outdoor hike-like stop.

Nearby Attractions to Borsh Castle

  • Borsh Beach: A long, laid-back stretch of Riviera coastline that's perfect for cooling off after the climb and lingering for sunset.
  • Old Qeparo: A stone village on the hillside with narrow lanes and sea views, ideal for a slow wander and a coffee stop.
  • Himarë Castle: A historic hilltop fortification with sweeping coastal vistas and a more “town-meets-fortress” feel than Borsh.
  • Porto Palermo Castle: A compact coastal fortress on a small peninsula that’s easy to combine with a scenic drive along the SH8.
  • Bunec Beach: A quieter bay north of Borsh that’s good for a calmer swim day when you want fewer crowds and simple scenery.

The Borsh Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Sarandë!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: The Castle of Borsh, Borsh, Albania
Sarandë: 28 km

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