Best Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania (Guide 2024)

In southern Albania, Gjirokaster is a captivating UNESCO-listed city. It’s called ‘the City of Stone’ due to its Ottoman-style roofs. The city sprawls elegantly along steep slopes by the Drino River valley. Wander its cobblestone streets, browse carpet and ceramic shops, and enjoy local food for a memorable experience. Discover Gjirokaster’s highlights and activities in Albania. Make sure to visit Gjirokaster to experience its rich history and unique charm completely.

7 Best Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania

Gjirokaster shines as a highlight of your Albania adventure. Upon arrival, the town instantly captivates with its winding cobblestone streets, Ottoman architecture, and commanding hillside fortress.

Due to its well-preserved history, adorned with layers of Albanian and Ottoman remains, this charming hilltop city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. With numerous attractions to explore, it’s advisable to set aside sufficient time to fully experience the distinct areas of this captivating destination.

Good to Know : While it’s often assumed that Gjirokastra resembles Berat, known as the ‘city of a thousand windows’ by UNESCO, each holds its unique charm. Despite architectural parallels, these Albanian towns offer varied attractions, activities, and culinary delights. To truly grasp their individual allure, we suggest exploring both.

1. Explore the Gjirokaster Bazaar in the Old Town

Make sure to stroll through Gjirokaster’s lively bazaar in the heart of the Old Town. These busy streets have been bustling with trade since Ottoman times. It’s a must-see spot when you’re in Gjirokaster. Check out the old buildings, do some shopping, and enjoy the city’s authentic atmosphere. And don’t forget to treat yourself to some tasty ice cream at Kodra Sweet hill!

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The Bazaar, constructed in the 17th century, was reconstructed after a fire two hundred years later. Its narrow streets, made of lovely limestone, have charming cafes and small stores. Artisans sell different things such as herbal teas, olive oil, and local honey, along with carpets, souvenirs, and old items.

Tip : The bazaar truly transforms under the evening sky, so don’t miss the opportunity to wander its lanes after dusk. Indulge in delectable culinary delights at one of the cozy eateries nestled within this vibrant district.

Read also: Best Albanian Souvenirs: Traditional Albanian Gifts

2. Manalat Quarter

In Gjirokaster, you’ll find the Manalat Quarter with its beautiful houses on winding streets. This historic area sits higher up in the valley, away from the busy Old Town. It’s peaceful and offers great views of the castle and mountains. Getting there involves a bit of a climb, but it’s worth it, especially at sunset.

Read also: Best Things to do in Albania in 2024

3. Gjirokaster Castle and Museum

Sitting on a hill near the Bazaar, Gjirokaster Castle overlooks the city and valley. It’s the second largest castle in Albania and worth visiting. The castle has stone arches, old tombs, and a big courtyard with cannons, making it perfect for photos.

Explore 1500 years of Gjirokaster’s history, full of mysteries. Wander through the castle to discover untold stories. Take guided tours for deeper insights or visit inner museums for an extra 200 LEK. The Gjirokaster Museum showcases the city’s history, and the Arms Museum displays historic weapons found on-site. Whether you love history or just want to visit Gjirokaster, these attractions provide fascinating glimpses into its past.

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The large historical site has a clock tower, a church, two museums, a captured United States Air Force plane, and more interesting spots. Plan to spend 2-3 hours there to explore its history and enjoy the city views. You can see both the old and new parts of town from higher up, with beautiful scenery all around.

Opening Hours & Admission : The site is open every day from 9 AM to 7 PM. Entrance tickets cost 200 LEK (approximately 1.70 USD) for access to the castle, with an additional 200 LEK required for entry to the museums.

4. Visit Bazaar Mosque

In addition to the Gjirokaster Bazaar, the Old Town has other interesting places like the Old Bazaar Mosque. It was built in the 17th century and is the only mosque left from the 13 built during the Ottoman era. Unfortunately, the communist regime destroyed the others in the 1960s. This mosque was saved because it’s considered a cultural monument.

Read also: Best things to do in Theth, Albania 2024

Constructed as an integral component of the Bazaar, this mosque stands as a solitary survivor of the 18th-century fire, rendering it one of the city’s most ancient edifices. Welcoming visitors daily, entrance to the mosque is unrestricted and free for all.

Tip : Behind the mosque within the ‘Kube’ domes, you’ll discover Te Kube café. This beautifully decorated establishment, overseen by a welcoming proprietor, provides a perfect sanctuary from the summer heat. Treat yourself to delicious homemade fare, refreshing lemonade, and quality coffee while taking a break from your wanderings through the Old Town.

5. Explore Gjirokaster’s Cold War Tunnel

Underneath Gjirokaster’s Old Town and Castle, there’s an old communist-era bunker, now a museum. This underground tunnel was built secretly in the 1970s. It’s 800 meters long and has 59 rooms. The bunker gives us a glimpse into the fears and plans of Albania’s former leader, Enver Hoxha. It was made to be a safe place during emergencies like war or nuclear threats.

Near the municipality lies the entrance to the Tunnel, awaiting curious visitors eager to explore Albania’s past. Guided tours, lasting about 20 minutes, offer insights into the bunker’s history and purpose, rendering it one of Gjirokaster’s most unique attractions.

Operating hours vary depending on the season:

• High season (April to October): 9 AM to 5:30 PM
• Low season (November to March): 8 AM to 2 PM

Embark on a journey through time and explore this intriguing relic of Albania’s Cold War history, hidden beneath the picturesque streets of Gjirokaster.

Read also: Castles and Fortresses to Visit in Albania

6. Explore the Blue Eye

Not far from the city, you’ll find the beautiful Blue Eye. This stunning spring has clear blue water, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Even though swimming is not allowed, some visitors still sneak in for a quick dip, despite warnings from the guards.

Tip : Arrive early to savor the serenity before the crowds descend. As the day progresses, the allure of the Blue Eye attracts throngs of visitors, leaving only a small area accessible for swimming due to the swift currents elsewhere.

If you don’t like swimming, you can take a relaxing walk on nearby short trails or enjoy a drink at one of the cozy restaurants nearby. The Blue Eye is a 30-minute drive away, then a 15-minute walk from the parking lot.

Buses leave Gjirokaster for Saranda every hour. Tickets cost about 300 LEK (around 2.55 USD). Tell the driver you want to get off at Syri I Kaltër (Blue Eye). To go back to Gjirokaster or head to Saranda, just stop a bus on that route.

Please be aware : Albania faces significant challenges with waste management. We encourage visitors to contribute positively to the environment by picking up any litter, particularly plastic, during their visit. Let’s strive to leave the area in a better condition than we found it.

The entrance fee : 50 LEK (approximately 0.50 USD).

7. Visit UNESCO Designated Old Town Houses

Gjirokaster’s old houses are recognized by UNESCO as a cultural treasure. They’re rare remnants from the time of the Ottoman Empire. These houses have special features like flat stone roofs. They give the city a unique identity, earning it the nickname ‘the City of Stone’. Built in the 17th century, these tall houses show Gjirokaster’s long history. They attract visitors who want to learn about its past.

Above the bustling marketplace, there are iconic stone buildings with white walls and wooden balconies. These houses were once owned by wealthy families and some still exist today. During communism, they were taken over by the government but later returned to their original owners. Nowadays, descendants manage and operate two famous houses for visitors: the Zekate House and the Skenduli House.

The Zekate House

The Zekate House was built around 1811 in a famous architectural style called ‘Kule’. It shows how rich people lived back then. The building has a big front that tells us about its design and the wealthy lives of the people who lived there. It has two tall towers, stone arches that are three stories high, and beautifully carved wooden ceilings. Inside the rooms, which are over 200 years old, visitors can start to picture what life was like for the people who lived there.

Entry Fee : 200 LEK (approximately 1.70 USD)

The Skenduli House

The Skenduli House is open to everyone and gives a look into its interesting history and special design. You can see all the rooms, like a wedding room and a bunker. Tours with guides explain how it was used and what makes it unique. Built in the early 1700s, it’s one of the best-preserved homes around, showing its lasting beauty and history.

Guided tours are typically offered from 9 AM to 7 PM for both houses, although there’s a possibility that the residents may be unavailable at times. Therefore, it’s advisable to inquire in advance to ensure availability.

Entry fee : 200 LEK (equivalent to approximately 1.70 USD).

Read also: Explore Albania: List of World Heritage Sites

Looking for Accommodation in Gjirokaster, Albania?

You can see most of Gjirokaster’s top spots in a day, but staying longer, maybe one or two nights, is a good idea. This city is really peaceful and perfect for unwinding. You’ll find some lovely places to stay in the Old Town, letting you experience Gjirokaster’s UNESCO-recognized architecture up close.

Top Dining Destinations in Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster is known for its special food and fresh ingredients. It has many great places to eat, especially around the Old Bazaar. These restaurants serve tasty Albanian dishes. Whether you want breakfast or dinner, Gjirokaster’s food scene will make you want to come back for more. Here are some top places to eat in Gjirokaster:

In Gjirokaster, you can find a range of places to eat, from old-style taverns to trendy cafes. Whatever your taste, there’s something here for everyone, whether you’re into local dishes or international cuisine. When you visit this charming city, make sure to check out these great places to eat.

How to get to Gjirokaster, Albania

Reaching Gjirokaster, Albania is quite straightforward from any major city or town within the country. The typical starting point for most travelers is the capital city of Tirana. From Tirana, you have the option to either drive or take a bus to visit Gjirokaster.

Read also: Best things to do in Berat, Albania (2024 Guide)

Traveling to Gjirokaster by Bus

From Tirana : Departures from Tirana’s southbound bus station occur frequently throughout the day, with approximately 10 buses available between 5 AM and 8:30 PM. Ticket prices are set at 1000 LEK (equivalent to 8.50 USD), and the journey typically spans 6 to 7 hours, depending on the number of stops made along the route.

From Berat : If departing from Berat, there are three daily bus services departing from Berat Bus Terminal. The first departs at 8 AM, followed by two additional services at 2 PM. Tickets are priced similarly at around 1000 LEK (8.50 USD), with the journey duration averaging between 3 to 3.5 hours. These buses provide convenient options for travelers looking to visit Gjirokaster, allowing you to explore the city’s captivating attractions and immerse yourself in its rich history.

From Saranda : There is a direct bus to Gjirokaster departing every hour from 5:30 AM to 3 PM from Saranda’s bus station. If you’re planning to visit Gjirokaster, this bus offers a convenient option for transportation. A single ticket is priced at 300 LEK (equivalent to 2.55 USD), and the journey typically lasts around 1 hour. Upon arrival at Gjirokaster Bus Station, situated at the base of the hill, travelers have the option to proceed on foot for approximately 30 minutes to reach the Old Town or opt for a quick 5-minute taxi ride.

Good to know : It’s advisable to procure your tickets in advance to secure your seat or enlist the assistance of your accommodation provider to facilitate the booking process. Albanians are known for their warm hospitality and willingness to assist travelers, making communication easier, even if language barriers exist. Utilizing tools like Google Translate can further aid in effective communication during your journey.

Read also: Best Things to do in Tirana, Albania (2024 Guide)

Traveling to Gjirokaster by Car

For those who prefer to venture at their own rhythm, renting a car in Albania is the ideal option. From traversing mountainous routes near Theth to witnessing breathtaking sunsets over the Adriatic Sea, having a car grants you the liberty to craft your own journey devoid of rigid schedules. When driving through Albania, it’s advisable to stick to the main roads, as the smaller ones are frequently unpaved and may pose challenges for regular vehicles.

Navigating the City

Most of the city’s main sights are in the Old Town, close together and easy to walk to. It’s about a 30-minute walk to and from the bus station at the bottom of the hill. If you don’t want to walk, you can take a taxi instead. If you’re driving, it’s best to park outside the center, especially near the old bazaar, to avoid traffic jams.

How Much Does Gjirokaster Cost?

Albania is affordable and great for budget travelers visiting Gjirokaster. You can enjoy two main courses and a salad for two at just 10 EUR (about 10.15 USD). Accommodations, from hostels to hotels, are budget-friendly and often come with free breakfast. In Albania, it’s best to have enough cash with you since cards might not always work.

Costs of Traveling in Gjirokaster

Traveling on a budget in Gjirokaster usually costs between $130 and $190 per person per week. Mid-range expenses range from $390 to $1010 USD. If you prefer a luxury experience, it can be between $980 and $1260 USD. Costs can change depending on where you stay, how you get around, and what you do. Flight costs aren’t included in these estimates.

Best Time to Visit Gjirokaster, Albania

Gjirokaster has hot summers and mild winters, with more snow in the mountains. The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is good, but summers can be busy. For a quieter visit, go in May/June or September. These months have nice weather and fewer tourists, perfect for exploring and hiking. When you visit Gjirokaster, you’ll love its UNESCO-listed charm, old streets, Ottoman buildings, and hillside fortress.

Tip : Gjirokaster is quieter in winter, with snow possibly making walks on its cobblestone paths tricky. Many places to stay and eat might close, so it’s better to visit in warmer months.

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