Best Anchorages in Porto Palermo

All-Weather Shelter

Porto Palermo is unique on the Albanian coast — the only anchorage with genuine all-round protection from every wind direction. The narrow S entrance opens into a completely enclosed bay with 30m+ depth and steep limestone walls on three sides. The bay shelters boats equally from Bora (NE katabatic), Sirocco (SE), and Maestral (NW). This makes it the essential storm refuge for the entire Albanian Riviera — if the forecast deteriorates, run for Porto Palermo.

Ali Pasha's Fortress

The triangular fortress at the bay entrance was built by Ali Pasha of Ioannina in the early 19th century, during the last decades of Ottoman rule over Albania. Remarkably well preserved, the battlements and towers are accessible by dinghy to the E quay. The fortress guards the S entrance channel and creates the dramatic skyline that announces Porto Palermo from several miles south. Entry is free; the interior ruins are safe to explore.

Cold War Submarine Base

Albania's communist government used Porto Palermo as a submarine base from the 1950s until the fall of the regime in 1991. Four tunnels bored into the western cliff face are visible from the anchorage — they housed Soviet and Chinese-built submarines. The tunnels are accessible by dinghy from the outside and provide a remarkable historical dimension to an already extraordinary anchorage. Do not enter the tunnel interiors — structural stability is unknown.

Entry & Approach

Approach Porto Palermo from the south only. The S entrance channel is narrow — 50–80m wide — with rocks on both sides. Approach at 5 knots maximum on echosounder. Once inside the entrance, the bay opens dramatically and depths increase rapidly to 30m+. No facilities ashore beyond the fortress ruins. Arrive fully provisioned — nearest provisioning is Himarë (15km S) or Vlorë (45km N). Clearance at Sarandë or Himarë (June–September) required before visiting.