If travelling by car, access to the site can be slightly tricky. The narrow road up to the castle eventually reaches a small car park but this only holds 12 cars plus another four to six vehicles on areas just off the road on the way up. We arrived mid-morning to find the road at the bottom on the hill blocked with large tour buses but there was ample street parking available nearby and it is a 10 to 15 minute uphill walk to the top. Another problem with the car park is that it gets blocked by small mini buses in the morning and as there is nowhere to turn, this entails reversing back down the hill to the first bend. We concluded the bus blockage actually did us a favour. Once up there the entrance fee is 400 lek. We would recommend checking tickets, we were actually given student tickets priced at 120 lek despite handing over full price money. We pointed this out to the collector who then printed tickets with the correct price, presumably this is some form of scam. Once up there the castle is very good. Its position gives it marvellous 360° views, the best of any castle we visited in Albania. This is mainly the reason for visiting Roxafa. Most of the buildings are ruins from the Venetian and Ottoman periods although there is a restored building in the middle of the site which houses the historical museum (separate charge) which is worth a look. There is also a small cafe. Including the museum, we spent a couple of hours here.

We actually liked it more than we expected! Not only the views from the castle to the surrounding city are nice, but also the castle itself. It’s in good shape and considering the surrounding city area, it’s really clean. The entrance fee of 400 Lekë for adults is fair. If you’re elderly or for any other reasons have problems with walking, just be aware that the floor is quite slippery and uneven in some parts. Btw we came here by taxi which cost us hefty 8 € after negotiation, which is why we decided to walk back to the city (about 4 km).

It was easy to get here by Taxi from the town in front of the tourist office, it drove up to the Castle. From the ticket office to the top is still a long uphill walk on river rocks. Once in the castle it’s easy walk with view of the lake etc. the little museum is really worth visiting, it opens at 10, the castle opens at 9. There is a small cafe and toilets. Try and get there early before the tours. Getting back from the castle is a long hike down. After waiting for a taxi, I offered to pay a tourist for a ride down in their car. They dropped us off at the circle and we walk back to our hotel, which was next to the tourist office. It’s a busy street with shops so the walk doesn’t seem that long.

Impressive, worth visiting, excellent view over Skodra, its surroundings and the lake. Very small parking at the castle, in busy periods road blocked by parked cars. Better park down and walk, around 7-8 minutes.

Warning! : Watch out for holes! At the top my partner was taking a picture and accidentally backed into a hole (see photo). Thankfully a backpack was warn, the backpack allowed for him to not slip straight down, it allowed a few seconds for me to pull him out. Without the backpack...ugh! If someone falls in, your surely breaking at least one body part...if not more serious. Please mind where you/your children are walking. The castle sits on the top of a hill overlooking the city. There are walls that date back to the 4th century BC. Make sure to pick up the useful map/brochure at the gate.

First of all, the price is only 400 lek (€4). It's a nice but spicy walk to the castle. Once you're in you have a really nice view, that alone is worth the 400 lek. The castle (ruin) itself is ok but not that special, it lacks a bit information to be honest. But for that amount of money it's worth a visit