Borsh Castle, also called Sopot Castle, is a ruined fortress situated on a rugged hilltop above the village of Borsh in the Albanian Riviera. The structure’s origins date back to antiquity, and its current standing remnants were put together during several reconstruction phases throughout the Middle Ages. Borsh Castle remained in use and maintained its strategic importance well into the Ottoman era. That was also when Hajji Bendo Mosque, the castle’s most prominent feature, was erected.
Nowadays, the castle is long left in disuse and largely dilapidated. Despite its paramount historic significance, no serious efforts have been undertaken by the Albanian cultural authorities towards its maintenance. The site, including the mosque’s interior, is always open for free visits from the public.
This is the destination we chose for a motorbike day trip out of the city of Saranda, on our first excursion in Albania.
Renting a Scooter in Saranda
For a scooter trip, it is essential to have a scooter. After a short walk around Saranda, we spotted two motorbike rental places. They were located within a few steps’ distance from each other, by the roundabout at the junction of Naim Frasheri and Shenjtoret streets. One was renting underbones for €15 and the other scooters for €10. Although still not cheap by any chance, we naturally went for the latter, given the lack of a better option and the time to properly look for one.
From Saranda to Borsh
So on a chilly but dazzling winter morning, we mounted on our newly-acquired bike and rode off, headed for Borsh Castle. The way was straightforward to follow, sticking on Road SH8 for the entire 38-km route until Borsh. The road was in fairly good shape and scarcely used by other vehicles. But however few those vehicles were, they needed to be paid close attention as their drivers were inclined to barrel like mad on the wrong traffic lane past sharp curves; or to stop right in the middle of the road for a casual gab with a passing-by pal. Cows, goats, and donkeys were generally careful with their ventures across the road. The views towards both the rough mountains of the hinterland and the vast Ionian Sea off the inaccessible coast below were constantly stunning.
In Lukove Village
Apart from the regular picture stops, we had a proper break in Lukove. That was a picturesque Greek village overlooking the sea from the steep green slopes. It was rather developed touristically, hosting a number of summer resorts and guesthouses. We enjoyed a cup of coffee in the sunlight that deluged the little balcony of a cute cafe we spotted along the road.
Borsh Castle
About two hours after we started from Saranda, we made it to Borsh village. The sun was well hidden by then behind a thick mass of gloomy clouds, but fortunately, no rain fell. Right at the village center, we took a small road leading north towards the castle. That led us to a serpentine paved path, which we drove up accompanied by a clutter of ringing bells and scurring hoofs that a goat herd produced during their panicked flight. Our way was obstructed by a landslide at some point along the path. We had to leave the bike and proceed on foot to the top.
We found the castle gate open and its premises utterly quiet, so that we could explore the area at our ease and climb up some walls and the minaret. We took our time to enjoy the epical views, take plenty of pictures and some drone shots, and back we headed the same way.
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