Pirate lore often stirs up visions of remote forts and hidden coastal strongholds steeped in battles for treasure and territorial control. These places, some crafted by empires to fend off pirates, now stand as testaments to an era when corsairs ruled the seas and fortified coastal defenses were essential.
Across the globe, remnants of these defenses tell tales of sieges, trade wars, and the relentless pursuit of dominion over the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Below, you will learn about ten must-see pirate fortresses and coastal strongholds, where you can learn the real history of coastal protection and the stories of those who built and defended them.
1. Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico
This historic fortress, commonly known as El Morro, is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Its construction began under Spanish rule in 1539, with the fort evolving over 250 years into a six-level stronghold designed to protect the island from sea-based attacks. The British, Dutch, and pirates all tried to invade Puerto Rico, but Castillo San Felipe del Morro ensured all of their efforts failed.
El Morro is today part of the San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the US National Park Service. When visiting, you’ll have the chance to explore its historical barracks, dungeons, and original cannons facing the Atlantic Ocean. One interesting thing is that the fort is also home to Puerto Rico’s oldest lighthouse, which was built in 1846.
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The site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and it closes only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. An entrance fee grants access to both El Morro and the nearby Castillo San Cristóbal. Make sure to book a guided tour so that you can learn the most about the rich history of the fort.
2. Gramvousa Island, Crete, Greece
Off the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, is located a charming island, renowned for its Venetian fortress and historical significance. Yes, it’s Gramvousa Island, whose fortress was built between 1579 and 1584 during Venetian rule. This fortress was strategically positioned to defend Crete from Ottoman incursions and pirate attacks. Its elevated location provided a commanding view of the surrounding sea routes, which made it a pivotal defensive structure.
In the early 19th century, during the Greek War of Independence, Gramvousa became a refuge for revolutionaries and pirates. The fortress served as a base for insurgents, and the island’s inhabitants engaged in piracy to survive, hence its nickname, “Pirate Island.”
At present, Gramvousa Island is a popular tourist destination. We encourage you to explore the well-preserved fortress, which offers panoramic views of the Cretan coastline and the turquoise waters of the Balos Lagoon.
Access to Gramvousa is typically via boat tours departing from the port of Kissamos. These excursions often include a visit to the nearby Balos Lagoon. This means you can enjoy both interesting deep history and also impressive natural attractions.
3. Fortress of St. Nicholas, Croatia
Located at the entrance of the St. Anthony Channel near Šibenik, Croatia, this fortress is a remarkable example of Renaissance fortification architecture. It was constructed in the mid-16th century by the Venetians. The Fortress of St. Nicholas was designed to protect the city and its port from sea-based threats, particularly from the Ottoman Empire. The impressive and very unique triangular shape of the fortress, as well as its robust construction, made it a formidable defensive structure.
In 2017, the iconic site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the “Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries.” This designation in itself shows you how important and significant the architecture and history of this fortress really are.
Today, you can explore the fortress through organized boat tours departing from the Šibenik waterfront. These tours will provide you with a glimpse into the history of the Fortress of St. Nicholas and will offer stunning views of the surrounding seascape. The interior features well-preserved gunpowder storage rooms, barracks, and defensive walls. They allow you to step back in time and experience the strategic importance of this maritime stronghold.
4. Port Royal, Jamaica
This was once dubbed the “wickedest city on earth” because of its notorious reputation as a haven for pirates and privateers in the 17th century. Located at the southeastern tip of Jamaica, it was established by the English in 1655 and quickly became a bustling hub of commerce and vice. This led Port Royal to attract figures like the infamous pirate Henry Morgan. The city’s prosperity was abruptly halted on June 7, 1692, when a devastating earthquake submerged much of it into the sea. This led to significant loss of life and infrastructure.
Today, you can still see attractions in Port Royal, such as the remnants of Fort Charles, the only fort to survive the 1692 earthquake. You can see here historical artifacts and learn about the maritime history of the city. The Giddy House, a tilted building resulting from a 1907 earthquake, provides an intriguing experience of disorientation. As for the Port Royal Archaeological Museum, it showcases artifacts recovered from the sunken city.
5. Fuerte de San Diego, Mexico
Constructed in 1617 by the Spanish Empire to protect the vital port from pirate attacks, Fuerte de San Diego was designed by Dutch engineer Adrián Boot and features a distinctive five-pointed star shape, a strategic design for defense. In 1776, a significant earthquake damaged the original structure, leading to its reconstruction between 1778 and 1783 under engineer Ramón Panón. The rebuilt fort played a crucial role during the Mexican War of Independence, notably falling to insurgent forces led by José María Morelos in 1813.
Today, Fuerte de San Diego houses the Museo Histórico de Acapulco. The museum’s 12 exhibition halls showcase artifacts from the pre-Hispanic era, colonial times, and the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. These show the significance of Acapulco, the city where the fortress is located, in global commerce. In this museum, you can explore the fort’s original architecture, including its bastions, moat, and panoramic views of Acapulco Bay.
6. Fort King George, Tobago
You can find this well-preserved 18th-century fortification atop Scarborough Hill in Tobago. It offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s colonial past. Constructed by the British between 1777 and 1779, the fort was designed to protect the island from potential invaders and played a significant role in Tobago’s military history. Over the years, it changed hands between the British and French, reflecting the turbulent colonial era.
Today, Fort King George serves as a historical site open to the public. Visitors can explore several restored structures, including the officers’ barracks, gunpowder magazines, prison cells, and a bell tank. The original cannons remain positioned along the fort’s walls, offering panoramic views of Scarborough and the Atlantic Ocean.
The fort also houses the Tobago Museum, located within the former barrack guardhouse. The museum features artifacts from Tobago’s early history, including Amerindian relics, military memorabilia, and colonial-era documents.
7. Fortress of Suomenlinna, Finland
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you can find on a cluster of islands off Helsinki’s coast, is renowned for its historical significance and architectural grandeur. It was in 1748, under Swedish rule, when its construction began, aiming to fortify the eastern territories against Russian expansion. Originally named Sveaborg (Castle of Sweden), the fortress played a pivotal role in regional defense strategies.
Over the centuries, Suomenlinna transitioned through various sovereignties. In 1808, during the Finnish War, it fell to Russian forces and remained under Russian control until Finland’s independence in 1917. Post-independence, the fortress was renamed Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland) and continued to serve military purposes until the mid-20th century.
Today, Suomenlinna is a vibrant district of Helsinki, home to approximately 800 residents. Visitors can explore its extensive fortifications, historic buildings, and museums that chronicle its storied past. The King’s Gate, a prominent symbol of the fortress, and the Great Courtyard are among the notable landmarks. The island also offers scenic walking routes, cafes, and art galleries.
8. Fort James, Antigua
This historic fortification was constructed by the British in the early 18th century. Located at the entrance of St. John’s Harbour in Antigua, it’s named after King James II of England and was built to protect the island from potential French invasions and pirate attacks. Construction began in 1706, with significant expansions completed by 1739. At its peak, Fort James was armed with 36 cannons and housed a barracks accommodating 75 men.
Today, visitors to Fort James can explore its remnants, including several cannons, a powder magazine, and the foundations of the fort’s walls. The site offers panoramic views of St. John’s Harbour and the Caribbean Sea. While the fort is in a state of ruin, its historical significance and scenic location make it a noteworthy destination.
9. Portobelo, Panama
This historic town is famous for its colonial-era fortifications and rich cultural heritage. Established by the Spanish on Panama’s Caribbean coast in 1597, it served as a crucial port for the transshipment of gold and silver from the Americas to Spain. To protect these valuable shipments from pirates and privateers, the Spanish constructed several forts, including San Jerónimo and Santiago de la Gloria, whose ruins still stand today.
In 1980, UNESCO recognized the historical significance of these structures by designating the “Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo” as a World Heritage Site.
Visitors to Portobelo can explore these well-preserved fortifications that offer insights into colonial military architecture and panoramic views of the bay. The town also hosts the Church of San Felipe, home to the revered statue of the Black Christ, which attracts thousands of pilgrims annually during the Festival of the Black Christ on October 21.
10. Charles Fort, Ireland
This fort is a prime example of a late 17th-century star-shaped fortification. Found in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland, Charles Fort was constructed between 1678 and 1682 during the reign of King Charles II and was designed by William Robinson, the architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin. The strategic position of the fort overlooking Kinsale Harbour was intended to protect against naval attacks, particularly from the French and Spanish.
Charles Fort actually played a major role during the Williamite War in 1690, where it endured a 13-day siege before capitulating to Williamite forces. It remained a British garrison until 1922. During all this time, it witnessed various historical events, including the Irish Civil War, during which it was partially destroyed.
Today, Charles Fort is managed by the Office of Public Works and is open to the public year-round. When there, you can explore the well-preserved bastions, barracks, and ramparts of the fort. And you’ll also enjoy the panoramic views of Kinsale Harbour and the surrounding coastline. The on-site visitor center provides historical exhibits and guided tours.
