Lekuresi Castle is situated at the top of Lekuresi Hill, just behind Sarande itself. You can drive there but as it was a cloudy day we decided to walk. From the directions on my phone it was supposed to take an hour. I don’t think I’ve ever walked so far or so high in my life. Part of the route is along a main road, up the hill (it’s all uphill) and trucks and buses were passing by at a high speed. We did stop at a hotel on the way up for glasses of sparkling water on the terrace.
When we arrived at the bottom, Anthony was up and away walking far ahead of me, I walk far too slow for anyone. He did occasionally wait to see if I was managing. It was a slow and steady walk for me, we hardly saw anyone else, only tour buses going up and down.
Not much of the castle is still intact and the gift shop and cafe have been built into the remains. This was something I found odd in all of Albania, that new buildings were allowed to be incorporated into ancient remains.
History Of Lekuresi Castle
Lekuresi Castle was built in 1537 by the Ottoman emperor Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, when he attacked Corfu and needed control over the harbor and the Saranda-Butrint road. With its strategic location, the castle offered protection against the Venetians and held a garrison of about 200 soldiers. The castle, which used to inhabit the village of Lëkurës, was raided under the attack by Ali Pasha of Tepelena in the 18th century and has been abandoned ever since 1878. Source – Visit Saranda
The views are magnificent and it was well worth the climb to admire the scenes of the valleys below.
I had to use the torch on my phone to get a good look at these mosaic tiles, I wonder how they will preserve these, as they are open to the elements.
The tour buses were out in force that day and it was amusing to watch the various tour leaders with their numbered placards walking around trying to herd up their passengers. Equally it was as funny to watch the passengers trying to find their bus.
One thing I knew for sure I would not be walking back. We had passed a restaurant on the way up and would be having lunch there and taking a taxi back. It had been recommended to us as an excellent place to eat. The restaurant was still a 20 minute walk though from the castle though.
Natyra Restaurant
I was amazed that I completed this climb, no mean feat for me. We did sit for a few hours enjoying our lunch and the views and looking up the history of the castle.
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well done on making it up there, I don’t think I could do so! The mosaics in particular look interesting and of course the views are great 🙂
Thanks Sarah, I thought so too, they were quite hidden away so not getting too much attention
Really well done for doing that strenuous walk! What fab views from the restaurant… Shame the ruins are nt more extensive
Thanks Sue, yes I agree. I think it’s a problem with funds too. There are so many castles and fortresses throughout Albania
It’s funny to read of the big groups of tourists in the sheep herding style, because there was simply none of that when we were there – we barely saw any visitors apart from Greeks. I guess we hit it just in time. Glad you persevered with the climb though Ali, it always makes you feel good in the end.
I think we got our timing wrong, also a month later and it will be packed. I’ve just seen one of the Sunday supplements featuring the best beaches in Albania. Not so secret anymore. Very popular with Americans too.
How quickly things can change!
Alli, congrats for making the climb. I love how traveling often pushes us out of our comfort zone. The sheep are quite interesting.
Thanks Suzanne, I was very proud 😁
As you should be! Malcolm and I tried a hike like that in Colorado a few years ago – to see a lake. I didn’t make it 10 feet! Between the altitude and the incline, I was toast.
Yes it was the never ending incline that finished me!
I have to say, he looks much fitter than you, but I admire you for taking it on, Alison. I love seeing sheep, or goats, about in the hills.
Is it that obvious😂 he’s even walking in slides!
Ali, Congrats for completing the long and uphill walk. The castle and surrounding views are beautiful.
Good thing the views from the top were so worth making that trek up the hill. Fantastic pictures of the castle! And I always love sheep in the road 🙂
Thanks Meg, the people we did talk to were amazed that we had walked
Not sure I would have enjoyed that walk with all the traffic! But the views and restaurant look good.
Thanks Anabel, once we got to the bottom, away from the town it was fine but such a slog!
You did an amazing job Ali and Anthony did great in herding his flock haha. At least you both survived.
Haha thanks Teresa, not sure I could surpass that feat
You did great. Pat on the back for you.
Definitely worth the walk to see those views. Good on you!
Sounds like a fabulous hike and the reward, those panoramic views.