Kanina Castle

The castle sits on a flat hilltop surrounded by remnants of stone walls and towers. Different construction periods are clearly visible: the lowest layers are rough Illyrian stonework, above that – precise Byzantine masonry from the 6th century (Justinian I's reconstruction), and higher still – Ottoman additions. Inside the walls lies a large grassy field, ruins of several medieval churches, and remains of a paved road. The scale is impressive: walls stretch along the hilltop perimeter for hundreds of meters.

The main reason to climb is the panorama. From the castle walls you get a 360-degree view: to the north – Vlora Bay and the city, to the west – the Adriatic Sea and Karaburun Peninsula, to the south – the beginning of the Albanian Riviera. On clear days, the horizon line where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea is visible. Sunset from here is considered one of the best on the coast.

The place is quiet and uncrowded. No cafés, souvenir shops, or organized tours. You may encounter grazing goats and local residents on a walk. Near the parking area, there's an entrance to a communist-era bunker.

Age – earliest fortifications date to the 3rd century BC, rebuilt in the 4th, 6th, and 15th centuries

Elevation – 380 m above sea level with panoramic views of Vlora Bay, the Adriatic, and Karaburun Peninsula

Area – 3.6 hectares, one of the largest fortresses in southwestern Albania

Justinian's reconstruction – rebuilt in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I as part of the Byzantine defense system

Historical significance – served as the center of the Principality of Valona in the 14th century, linked to Ismail Qemali (father of Albanian independence)

The first fortified settlement on the hill was established by the Illyrian Amantes tribe in the 3rd century BC. Its strategic position above Vlora Bay made it a key defensive point in the region. In the 4th century AD, the settlement was transformed into a fortified town. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian I carried out a major reconstruction as part of the Byzantine frontier fortification program. In the 14th century, the castle became the center of the Principality of Valona and a seat of local rulers.

The castle passed through Byzantine, Norman, Serbian, and Ottoman hands. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent personally visited Kanina. The fortress suffered major damage during the Venetian bombardment of 1690, Italian Army shelling in World War I, and the Vlora War of 1920. Today, the remaining structures include walls, towers, and fragments of paved roads. The site holds cultural monument status.

From central Vlora (6 km, 10–15 min by car):

– By car via the road through Kanina village, signposted. Free parking at the base

– Taxi – 500–800 ALL (≈ €5–8 / $5–9) one way

– Bus to Kanina village from Vlora bus station – around 100 ALL, then 1 km uphill walk

– On foot from central Vlora – about 1 hour (6 km with 380 m elevation gain)

On site:

From the parking area to the castle – 10–15 minutes on foot via a steep path. Rocky terrain, slippery after rain.

Season: April–October offers comfortable weather. In summer (July–August), midday temperatures exceed 35°C with no shade on the castle grounds.

Time of day: Sunset – best light and panoramic views. Morning (before 10:00) – cooler and nearly empty.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours for the visit. Walking from Vlora adds about 2 hours round trip.

Avoid: Midday hours in summer – blazing sun with no shade. After rain, the path becomes slippery.