The best things to do in Gjirokaster + a complete travel guide.
Gjirokaster, known as the “City of Stone,” is one of my two favorite towns in Albania, with Berat being the other. During our four-night stay, we had the chance to explore its many unique and captivating sights. From the imposing Gjirokaster Castle with its panoramic views, to the beautifully preserved traditional Ottoman houses, and the bustling charm of the Old Bazaar, Gjirokaster offers a rich blend of history and culture.
In this guide, you’ll find all the must-see attractions and experiences that make this UNESCO-listed town so special.
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About Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is nestled in southern Albania, in the picturesque Drino Valley, surrounded by the dramatic Gjerë Mountains. Known for its unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm, the town features a distinct atmosphere with its steep cobbled streets and striking stone houses that cascade down the hillside.
Its elevated location provides stunning panoramic views of the valley below. Gjirokaster’s strategic position near the Greek border has influenced its diverse cultural and architectural heritage.
The town has a relaxed, timeless feel, where life moves at a slower pace, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Albanian experience.
Language and Currency
In Albania they pay with the Albanian Lek (ALL), but in many places the Euro is accepted too.
The exchange rate is the following:
1 ALL = 0,01 Euro
100 ALL = 1 Euro
The spoken language in Albania is Albanian, and English is often spoken by younger people. We did experience that people in Albania are so kind, they will go out of their way to communicate with you when there’s a language barrier.
A brief history of Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster, often referred to as the “City of Stone,” is one of Albania’s most historically rich and architecturally unique cities. This city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2005), known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, with traditional stone houses, cobblestone streets, and the dominating Gjirokaster Castle.
The city’s origins date back to the 13th century, when it was part of the Byzantine Empire. However, Gjirokaster truly flourished during the Ottoman era, starting in the 15th century, when it became an important administrative and commercial center in the region. Its striking architecture is a reflection of this period, with many grand Ottoman-style mansions built by wealthy landowners.
Gjirokaster also played a significant role in Albania’s modern history. It is the birthplace of the country’s infamous communist dictator, Enver Hoxha, who ruled Albania with an iron fist from 1944 to 1985. His influence can still be felt in the city today, with the Ethnographic Museum housed in his former home and the Cold War tunnels beneath the city, constructed to protect the regime during times of war.
Today, Gjirokaster is celebrated not only for its history but also for its vibrant culture, which includes traditional Albanian music, crafts, and cuisine. The city remains a living museum, attracting visitors with its rich past and stunning landscapes.
How to get to Gjirokaster
Getting to Gjirokaster is fairly straightforward. Situated about 230 kilometers south of Tirana, you can reach the city by car in around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. If you’re traveling from the coastal city of Vlore, the drive is approximately 2 hours, while from Saranda, it’s just a 1.5-hour journey through scenic mountain roads.
I highly recommend renting a car to fully explore Gjirokaster and other hidden gems in the region at your own pace. For the best deals and coverage, check out Discovercars.
Parking in Gjirokaster is convenient, with spaces available near the Old Bazaar and at various hotels and guesthouses.
If you’re not planning to rent a car, guided tours from Tirana are also a great option for a day trip or multi-day visit. You can easily book highly-rated tours here!
Alternatively, buses to Gjirokaster depart from Tirana’s South Bus Terminal several times a day. Tickets are best purchased at the terminal, where staff can assist with schedules and routes.
How many days in Gjirokaster
I recommend spending at least 2 full days exploring Gjirokaster. This is enough time to see all the highlights while taking it slow. So 1 or 2 nights in the city should be enough.
You can find the best hotel recommendations later in this post.
Best time to visit Gjirokaster
As temperatures in Gjirokaster often rise over 30 degrees Celsius in summer, I’d say it’s better to avoid this time of year (July/August). The best times to visit are either spring or Autumn.
Right now I’m sitting in a café in Gjirokaster, writing this blog post (October 9th) and the temperatures are amazingly pleasant. Because this town is up in the mountains it is generally cooler, but with the sun it is absolutely incredible! I highly recommend visiting in Autumn, as temperatures are still around 25 degrees Celsius.
The best things to do in Gjirokaster
Explore Gjirokaster Castle
The castle of Gjirokastër is majestically positioned atop a hill, offering great views and forming one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. As you approach town, the imposing fortress and its picturesque medieval clock tower are impossible to miss.
Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, this castle has survived many eras and different rulers. From the Byzantine, to the Ottoman, and even the communist era, this castle has played a huge role in them all!
With no less than 158 castles and fortresses scattered across Albania, Gjirokastër Castle quickly become one of my favorite castles in the Balkans!
Entrance to the castle costs 400 LEK (€4,-) per person.
This castle has quite a history, having been used for just about everything from military defense to a prison, under different rulers. Gjirokastër Museum, situated inside, is open for viewing for an additional 200 LEK (€2), where you’ll be learning about the very interesting past of this city.
The museums displays are so well-written, it’ll hook you right in and you’ll want to read every single sentence in the entire museum! I absolutely love how it was so easy and interesting to learn about Gjirokasters history!
You will also get access to the interesting Armament Museum, that has an impressive collection of weaponry and you’ll get the chance to take a look inside prison cells.
I loved spending a few hours in the castle while learning about its interesting history. I highly recommend visiting the Gjirokaster Castle!
Stroll through the Old Bazaar
Before I visited Gjirokaster, I had heard about the Old Bazaar, but somehow, I never quite expected the charm awaiting me. Located right in the heart of town, the Old Bazaar represents several centuries of tradition in its historical architectural style.
Its cobblestone streets are lined with stone buildings and wooden shopfronts that seem to melt into the traditions of Ottoman architecture, combined with the vibrant culture of the locals.
Walking down the bazaar, it felt like being thrown back in time. Smells fill the atmosphere of traditional Albanian cuisine, like byrek and qifqi, as local artisans try to sell their crafts, ranging from intensive work on silver jewelry to handmade carpets. Everything feels cozy yet friendly, full of hidden history in every corner.
The Old Bazaar is, at the same time, a living point of aggregation for locals and tourists, where the spirit of Gjirokaster can be felt.
Interesting fact: during the 19th century, due to a fire, the bazaar had to be rebuilt but kept its historical character in tune with modern times.
Insider tip: Many rugs hanging outside the shops are actually not handmade, but made in a factory. If you want something more authentic, make sure to go inside the shop and ask for their handmade products. You’ll get the most unique souvenir and experience Albanian hospitality like never before!
Take a look inside Skenduli House
When visiting Gjirokaster, you might notice some huge fortified houses (Kullas). There are about 600 of these houses in Gjirokaster and they were all built in between the 17th and 19th century during the Ottoman occupancy. Many of these houses can be seen from the castle.
Some of these fortified houses are now open to visitors and will give you an incredible insight into traditional Albanian life. The most popular Kulla to visit is Skenduli House.
Built in the 18th century, this well-preserved fortified house showcases impressive traditional architecture with beautiful woodwork, large rooms, and stunning views over the town below.
You can freely explore the house, but make sure to ask the owner or his daughter to see the Men’s Room. This is the most beautiful room in the house, only used for weddings. It’s where the men celebrate, while the women celebrate in a similar room; the Women’s Room.
The house was quite interesting to see, with bunkers and place for storage downstairs, several spacy rooms on the first floor and the most rooms including the women’s and men’s rooms are on the second floor. The 2nd floor is also made for spending summer, as the front of the floor is out in the open.
Entrance is 300 LEK (€3,-).
Discover Zekate House
Another one of these notable fortified houses is Zekate house.
The Zekate House is one of Gjirokaster’s largest Ottoman-era homes, offering an authentic look into the region’s history. Built in the early 19th century, this fortress-like structure features twin towers and is known for its beautifully decorated interiors.
The house’s imposing facade and strategic hilltop position provide panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. The house of Zekate is one of the best-preserved examples of a residence belonging to a wealthy merchant and is able to show the visitor firsthand the magnificence and architectural geniality of Gjirokaster’s Ottoman heritage.
The entrance fee for Zekate house is a bit cheaper, with 250 LEK (€2,50), and it’s definitely worth checking out!
Visit the Ethnographic Museum
Another one of my favorite activities in Gjirokaster is visiting the Ethnographic Museum. This special museum is located in one of Gjirokaster’s fortified houses, which was once the birthplace of Enver Hoxha; the communist leader of Albania.
Filled with traditional costumes, textiles, and many household items, you’ll get some incredible insights in 19th century Albanian life!
Entrance to the Ethnographic museum costs 500 LEK (€5,-) and it’s definitely worth a visit!
Tour the Cold War Tunnel
The same communist leader, Enver Hoxha, built thousands of bunkers and tunnels all over Albania, in the communist era. Paranoia about being invaded after breaking off from the Soviet Union, led him to built these bunkers and tunnels, in the early 1960s.
The cold war tunnel was only built in the 1970s. It is one of the only 3 anti-atomic bunkers in Albania. However, it was never used, like all of Albania’s 168,000 bunkers.
The Cold War Tunnel was meant as a secret shelter for important government officials in case of a nuclear attack. Inside, there is an 800 meter tunnel that breaks off into 59 rooms.
The bunker was finished in the 1980s and unlike the museum bunkers in Tirana, this one remains unchanged to this day (aside from some additional lighting)
You can visit the Cold War Tunnel for 200 Lek (€2,-) per person, and this fee includes a 30-minute guided tour. The bunker is about 16 degrees Celsius, all year round, so don’t forget to bring a jacket!
Ps. Want to explore more tunnels? Centered in the old town, there’s also the Nostalgia Tunnel which is quite interesting. Entrance costs only 100 Lek (€1,-)
Hike to Ali Pasha Bridge
If you’ve visited the Gjirokaster Museum in the castle, I’m sure you know who Ali Pasha is. Quickly explained, Ali Pasha was an Albanian, Ottoman ruler who had a big influence on Gjirokaster back in the early 19th century. He was quite an interesting and quirky man, as you’ll learn in the Gjirokaster Museum.
Ali Pasha was also very smart and tactical. He has solved many issues in the city, of which one was that Gjirokaster Castle and the town below didn’t have enough drinking water, especially during times of siege. Ali Pasha came up with a solution to that, building a huge aqueduct for getting water from the nearby Sopot Mountain, into the castle and the town.
Though much of the original aqueduct has been lost, the remaining portion of the Ali Pasha Bridge serves as a testament to the engineering capabilities of the time and the legacy of Ali Pasha’s influence in the region.
As our guesthouse was quite close to the Ali Pasha Bridge, we decided to hike there one morning and were quite surprised by the views of it! You can stand under the bridge, as well as walk over it. I highly recommend checking out this historical sight, once crucial to the town below.
Admire the city from Gjirokaster Obelisk
The Gjirokaster Obelisk is one of those central places that you’ll easily miss if you don’t know about it. But that’s exactly what makes it a hidden gem! Located in the center of the Old Bazaar, the Gjirokaster Obelisk stands tall among the iconic stone rooftops.
The Gjirokaster Obelisk, also known as the Education Obelisk is a prominent monument that stands near the first Albanian School in Gjirokaster. It symbolizes the city’s role in promoting education and national identity during the late Ottoman period.
Visiting the Obelisk is a must-see when visiting Gjirokaster, if you ask me. It not only offers great views over the city, but also a peek into Albania’s educational history. You must check it out!
Visit the Bazaar Mosque
At only a stone’s throw from the local bazaar, you’ll find this beautiful hidden gem in Gjirokaster. The Bazaar Mosque is a highlight for the combination of Ottoman architecture and Albanian history.
The 18th-century mosque stands as a witness to the town’s cultural heritage and can be used as a quiet place for thinking right in the middle of the Old Bazaar.
As it’s a religious site in Gjirokaster, make sure to dress modestly and cover your shoulders. To avoid crowds, I recommend visiting in the morning.
I found that admiring the mosque from outside was enough for me, as this towering building is absolutely stunning!
Experience the Gjirokaster Folk Festival
If you truly want to experience traditional Albanian life and culture, then you must attend the Gjirokaster Folk Festival!
The Gjirokaster Folk Festival is one of Albania’s most important cultural events, celebrating traditional Albanian music, dance, and folklore. Held in the historic city of Gjirokastër, this festival brings together performers from across Albania and the Albanian diaspora, as well as other Balkan countries, showcasing the richness of the region’s folk traditions.
The festival was first established in 1968, during the communist era, with the aim of promoting and preserving Albania’s rich folk heritage. It is initially held every 5 years in the Gjirokaster Castle, but the last editions have been in 2015 and 2023.
With lots of performances of Albanian Folk music, dance, costumes, and much more, the Gjirokaster Folk Festival is an experience like no other!
Make sure to check this website on updates for the next Gjirokaster Folk Festival.
Where to stay in Gjirokaster
With plenty hotels and guesthouses in Gjirokaster, you’ll find the perfect one for you in no time!
We stayed in Guesthouse Hasko and I must say; it was amazing! The hosts were so kind to us and made us delicious (included) breakfast every morning. You get incredible views over the castle and it’s very quiet at night.
I do recommend this guesthouse ONLY if you are well-footed. Because it is located a lot higher than the old town, meaning, you have to climb up steep roads. It made us feel very fit in the 5 days that we spend there 😉
Here are my other recommendations:
Best location – Mani Guest House
Most romantic – DAM Stone Boutique Hotel
Budget – Friends’ Guesthouse & Hostel
Luxury – KERCULLA Resort
Perfect for families – Doda Guest House
Where to eat in Gjirokaster
As a digital nomad, I rely on wifi and power plugs in restaurants all the time, which is why I’ve spend hours in many different restaurats in Gjirokaster. My favorites were:
- Rumors Restaurant Lounge
- SIMPLE Restaurant
- Submarine 105
- Te Kalaja Restaurant
- Festival Patisserie
I recommend tasting the traditional dessert in Gjirokaster: Oshaf. It is a bowl of sheep’s milk (custard), dried figs, and cinnamon. Every restaurant in Gjirokaster serves this local dessert and believe me: It tastes divine!
Final thoughts on things to do in Gjirokaster
You will have an incredible trip to Gjirokaster now that you’ve got all the information you need!
Happy travels!
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