With its reputation as one of the most charming and picturesque towns in Albania, Gjirokastër is an essential stop on any trip to the country. Although the town and especially its historic part are not very large, they boast a distinct character. Gjirokastër is defined by its centuries-old Ottoman houses with slate roofs and white plastered walls, nestled against the hillside, making it an exceptionally photogenic destination.
In this blog, you can discover more about this stunning place, including fun activities and the best sights in Gjirokastër.
Where is Gjirokastër located in Albania?
Gjirokastër is situated inland, in the historic region of Epirus, in the southern part of Albania, close to the Greek border.
Approximately 230 kilometers south of the capital, Tirana, Gjirokastër is easily accessible by car or public transport. Nearby, you’ll find more of Albania’s renowned attractions, such as the natural Blue Eye spring (Syri i Kaltër), the verdant mountain town of Përmet, and the hot springs at Kadiut Bridge. This makes it a great base for exploring the rest of Southern Albania.
Why Gjirokastër is worth visiting
Gjirokastër is certainly worth visiting for its unique mix of history, culture, and architecture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City, Gjirokastër offers a window into the past with its exquisitely preserved Ottoman houses and the impressive castle that offers panoramic views over the city. Wandering through the old town and visiting several of the historical museum houses are among the best activities in Gjirokastër.
Berat or Gjirokaster?
Both Berat and Gjirokastër are UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities and are among the most enchanting towns in Albania. Often compared, choosing between them can be quite difficult. While they share similarities, such as the presence of a castle, their hillside locations, and their stunningly picturesque old towns, Berat and Gjirokastër have distinct differences.
Gjirokaster, also known as the City of Stone, is notable for its unique Ottoman-inspired architecture. The old town is a beautiful maze of narrow, cobblestone streets and historic stone houses with typical slate roofs. It’s a place where you can truly feel immersed in ancient Albania. The Ottoman mansions, opened as museums by local families, offer a unique peek into authentic Gjirokastër. This destination is significantly far from the capital city, Tirana.
Berat is known as the ‘city of a thousand windows’. This nickname refers to the characteristic architecture of the old houses in the Mangalem and Gorica districts, which cling to the hillside along the banks of the Osumi River, presenting a cascade of windows. The quaint alleys, wooden-framed houses, bright white walls, and countless windows of Berat’s two old districts create a picturesque scene where time seems to stand still.
Despite their similarities in Ottoman architecture and historic charm, Gjirokastër and Berat each provide a unique experience. Gjirokastër features a distinctive stone style, while Berat is characterized by its riverine setting. Both cities offer the chance to visit their castles or citadels, but Gjirokastër is particularly known for its Ottoman museum houses, while in Berat, the numerous mosques and churches are a must-visit.
If you have to choose between the two based on their location, Berat is closer to the capital city, Tirana, while Gjirokastër lies deep in the south of the country. If your time in Albania is limited and doesn’t allow for extensive travel, Berat is a more accessible option from Tirana. Both cities are stunningly beautiful, and if time permits, visiting both is highly recommended.
Where to Stay in Gjirokastër
Staying overnight in Gjirokastër is essential if you truly want to experience the authentic atmosphere of this enchanting mountain town. It’s best when the day visitors have left, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility and wander leisurely through its picturesque streets. Additionally, Gjirokastër serves as a great base for exploring other notable sights in Albania, making it an ideal starting point to discover more of the country.
For the best experience, you should stay right in the heart of the historic center. Here, you can choose from cozy hostels, charming boutique hotels, or luxurious hotels. How about spending the night in an authentic Ottoman-era mansion for an extraordinary stay in Gjirokastër?
Booking.comThe best hotels in Gjirokastër:
#1 The Stone Sky Hotel is highly regarded as one of the best hotels in Gjirokastër. This hotel offers stunning mountain views and includes a garden, a shared lounge, a restaurant, and a bar. The rooms are warmly decorated in a modern style and feature luxuriously large beds.
#2 Hotel Fantasy provides modern, bright, and airy rooms with fantastic views of the city. The location is truly exceptional. Even if you don’t stay overnight, you are welcome to enjoy a snack or a drink in the garden. We didn’t stay here, but we did visit to enjoy a coffee with a magnificent view.
#3 Rose Garden Hotel is not only housed in an Ottoman building but also features the luxury of an outdoor pool, which is seasonal. Trust us, during our December visit, a refreshing swim wasn’t appealing, but the lovely garden and the stunning architectural details make the Rose Garden Hotel an excellent choice.
#4 Boutique Hotel Musée resides in another authentic Ottoman house. This hotel boasts a beautiful decor rich in woodwork, special ceilings, and fine details. It’s special because it is run by the family that restored this magnificent building to its original glory.
#5 Hotel Kalemi offers beautifully authentic hotel rooms in an equally authentic building. A significant highlight is the delightful courtyard. During the summer months, an extensive breakfast is served here, offering panoramic views of the city and the castle.
10 Top Things To Do in Gjirokastër
#1 The Old Town, recognized UNESCO Heritage Site
The old town of Gjirokaster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is indeed one of Albania’s most impressive sights. Here you can discover authentic Albania, with its historic merchant houses and unique architecture.
Known as the Old Bazaar or Qafa e Pazarit, this area is a labyrinth of zigzagging streets lined with traditional white plastered houses. Historically the commercial heart of the town, many authentic shops have now been replaced by souvenir shops.
Eventually, you will reach the central point of the bazaar — though too modest to be called a square. Here you’ll find the most iconic view of Gjirokaster with a beautiful white plastered shop nestled between two shopping streets.
#2 The Castle of Gjirokastër
The Castle of Gjirokastër, a monumental historical fortress, dates back to before the twelfth century. Perched strategically on a hillside at 336 meters high, it offers a breathtaking view over the valley.
Remarkably expansive, it is the second-largest castle in Albania. Historically, it served as a citadel, a kind of fortified town, rather than a luxurious residence. During the communist regime of dictator Zog, its dungeons housed political prisoners.
Along with the rest of the town, the castle was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. Today, the castle is open to visitors and houses multiple museums, towers, houses, fortress walls, two mausoleums, an American airplane, and more.
#3 Ottoman Architecture
The Ottoman architecture in Gjirokaster is unique and distinguishes the city. It turns Gjirokaster into a kind of historical open-air museum with white plastered houses topped with slate roofs.
Originally built on mountain flanks to save fertile agricultural land, it’s precisely this location that defines Gjirokaster. There was no room for a large square, leading the city to develop differently from others without a central square. The old town is made up of winding streets and stunning vistas.
Predominantly, natural stone and limestone were available at this mountain location. Gjirokaster is also called the City of Stone because even the roofs are made of stone. The typical slate roofs give the town its characteristic appearance. It’s this stony character, combined with the Ottoman influence, that typifies the architecture of Gjirokaster.
The typical mansions in Gjorikaster, known as kullë, or tower houses, were built by wealthy landowners. Constructed as well-defendable residences, they could store large amounts of food and ideally had their own water source. The upper floors were typically used for social gatherings and are therefore characterized by beautiful interiors.
Many of these houses are now recognized as cultural monuments and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Three of them have been opened by the owners as a kind of museum house, offering a special glimpse into the history of the city: the Zekate House, Skenduli House, and Kadare House.
#4 Zekate House
The Zekate House stands as a prime example of Ottoman architecture in Gjirokastër. Built around 1811, it illustrates the splendor of that era’s elite. With its distinctive twin towers, towering three-story stone arches, and beautifully carved wooden ceilings, this house reflects the wealth of its past residents. Initially owned by Beqir Zeko, an ally of Ali Pasha, the regional ruler, the house embodies historical opulence.
The residence spans four levels, designed typical of the tower houses from this period. The ground floor was used for storage, while the first floor served as the main living area. Bedrooms were located on the second floor. The top floor features three spacious rooms, each tailored for different seasons, equipped with large windows for the summer and smaller ones with a substantial fireplace for the winter months.
One of the highlights is the reception room situated between the twin towers, adorned with vibrant floral patterns and colorful stained glass windows, along with a traditional bench that wraps around the walls. This room opens up to a balcony that offers picturesque views of the Gjirokastër Castle and the Drino Valley. When visiting, make sure to notice the exquisite wooden details such as the staircase, built-in cabinets, and the craftsmanship in the ceiling work.
#5 Skenduli House
The Skenduli House in Gjirokastër is an outstanding example of 19th-century local architecture and is considered the most authentic and well-preserved structure in the old town. Our guide pointed out the original paintings that are still visible on many parts of the building’s exterior.
Named after the Skenduli family who built it in 1823, the wealth of the family is evident in the numerous fireplaces, bathrooms, doors, and windows throughout the home. Visitors typically receive a tour from one of the family’s descendants, who recounts not only the functions of various rooms but also shares personal stories of growing up in the house, in a charming mix of English, French, German, and Albanian—a truly memorable encounter!
#6 Kadare House
The Ismail Kadare House is the childhood home of the famous Albanian writer Ismail Kadare. Constructed in 1799, it showcases the characteristic Ottoman architecture of Gjirokastër. After being declared a cultural monument in 1991, the house was renovated and later opened as a museum on January 28, 2018, to celebrate Kadare’s 80th birthday. Fans of Kadare’s “Chronicle in Stone” will recognize the house from the novel, adding a layer of literary significance to their visit.
#7 The Cold War Tunnel
One of the most captivating attractions in Gjirokastër is the Cold War Tunnel, nestled beneath the castle complex. During our visit to Albania, we found it particularly enlightening to delve into the history of the communist regime, and the Cold War Tunnel in this city is an ideal place for such explorations.
The tunnel serves as a stark reminder of the paranoia of Enver Hoxha, the communist dictator, during the Cold War era. Hoxha was deeply concerned about a potential foreign invasion, a fear that intensified after Albania severed ties with the Soviet Union in the 1960s. Despite his fears, Albania remained largely unnoticed on the global stage, with few outside the country paying much attention to its internal affairs. Driven by his suspicions, Hoxha ordered the construction of thousands of bunkers across Albania, including those in Gjirokastër.
Constructed secretly in the early 1970s underneath the castle, the Cold War Tunnel extends over 800 meters and features 59 rooms. It was intended as a sanctuary for the party elite and other top officials in the event of a nuclear attack, equipped with government facilities, sleeping quarters, an independent power supply, and water storage. The existence of this extensive tunnel was unknown to the town’s residents until the fall of communism in Albania.
Today, the bunker stands empty, its contents looted during the 1990s. Tours of the tunnel last approximately 20 minutes and provide a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period in Albanian history. The main entrance is conveniently located near the town hall.
#8 The Mosque of Gjirokastër
The Bazaar Mosque, also known as the Memi Bey Mosque, is a historical mosque situated in the Old Town. Constructed in 1757 during the Ottoman period, it is notable for its ancient frescoes and inscriptions.
This mosque is one of the few in the city that endured through the communist era, an intriguing fact considering its unique use during those times. It was repurposed as a training hall for circus acrobats, whose trapezes swung from its lofty dome.
#9 Ali Pasha Bridge
The Ali Pasha Bridge is one of Gjirokastër’s lesser-known treasures, hidden away in a narrow valley outside the historic city center. Originally part of an extensive aqueduct system established in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha, its purpose was to transport water from Mount Sopot to Gjirokastër Castle. While most of the aqueduct was destroyed in 1932, this particular section in the Dunavat district has survived.
Visiting the Ali Pasha Bridge offers a truly special experience. You’ll navigate through a maze of homes in Gjirokastër before opening up to a serene valley. The bridge itself, no longer in use, still stands as a breathtaking spectacle with its high arches gracefully spanning the valley below. For those eager to uncover the less traveled paths of Gjirokastër, a stroll to the Ali Pasha Bridge is definitely worthwhile.
#10 Ethnographic Museum
One of the highlights in Gjirokastër’s old town is the former residence of dictator Enver Hoxha, now converted into an ethnographic museum. Despite its historical association with the controversial figure, the building no longer bears any reminders of its past.
The museum is dedicated to preserving the local culture and history of Gjirokastër, displaying household items, traditional costumes, and cultural artifacts that paint a vivid picture of life in the 19th century.
5 Best Things To Do near Gjirokastër
#11 Blue Eye
Often described as a hidden gem in Albania, the Blue Eye, known locally as Syri i Kaltër, has become a must-visit attraction in the south of the country, despite no longer being quite so hidden. Located roughly 50 minutes from Gjirokastër, this natural spring is a geological wonder nestled near the village of Muzinë.
The area around the Blue Eye, surrounded by mountains clad with oak and plane trees, is nearly as stunning as the spring itself. The spring’s water emerges from at least 50 meters deep, bursting forth with incredibly clear, turquoise hues that resemble an eye when viewed from above—the dark blue center representing the pupil surrounded by a lighter blue-green iris. The water is quite cold, averaging between 10-13°C, which doesn’t deter many visitors who often take a refreshing dip, despite signs advising against swimming.
While a quick visit to see the Blue Eye is certainly worthwhile, there’s more to do in the area. Consider taking a leisurely stroll through the beautiful surrounding landscape or dining at the nearby floating restaurant, where you can savor traditional Albanian dishes while enjoying the scenic view.
#12 Përmet
Taking a day trip from Gjirokastër to Përmet immerses you in the extraordinary natural beauty of Albania’s countryside. Just over an hour’s drive away, Përmet is a quaint and lesser-known destination, home to merely 10,000 inhabitants, yet it offers a wealth of natural attractions.
Përmet is renowned for its spectacular natural surroundings and offers breathtaking views, such as those from the vantage points overlooking the Vjosa River and the Nemërçka mountains. The town is also an excellent place for hiking enthusiasts. One of the highlights is a trek to the Sopotit waterfall. Although the waterfall itself might not be the most impressive, the panoramic views of the mountains more than compensate. The hike originates in the mountain village of Strëmbec. The paths might be narrow and challenging, but reaching the top rewards you with stunning vistas.
Another must-visit near Përmet is the Lengarica Gorge, located close to the famous Benje thermal baths. During the summer months, you can walk through the river in the gorge and even encounter some smaller warm springs. The gorge presents a dramatic landscape perfect for those who love hiking and enjoying the great outdoors.
#13 Benja Thermal Baths
A wonderful day excursion from Gjirokastër is a trip to the Benja Thermal Baths, situated about an hour’s drive near Përmet. Also known as Banjat e Benjes, these natural hot springs are set in an idyllic location at the base of a mountain river, overlooking a valley framed by an ancient Roman bridge with stunning mountain backdrops.
Though referred to as ‘hot springs’, the waters here are more tepid than hot, which doesn’t make them any less inviting. The warmth is said to originate from sulfur springs, and despite frequent mentions of a strong sulfur smell, it is quite mild and not bothersome.
The central feature here is a large pool crafted from natural stones that gathers the thermal waters. Additionally, scattered further down the valley are several smaller, natural pools. While the main pool is popular and often busy, the smaller ones offer a more secluded bathing experience. The area becomes lively in summer, but quieter spots can be found by exploring further along the valley.
The surroundings of Benja Thermal Baths are equally appealing for leisurely hikes, providing access to caves with views across the gorge and the scenic landscape. The most striking feature here is the medieval stone bridge that arches over the blue-green sulfur-rich waters, making it a picturesque spot worth capturing.
#14 Sarande
Just an hour’s drive from Gjirokastër, Sarandë is a vibrant gem on the Albanian Riviera, perfect for a day trip. Known for its lively atmosphere and stunning beaches, Sarandë offers a mix of relaxation and local culture.
The city’s promenade is a focal point where you can stroll by the sea, sample local delicacies at cafés, and soak in the bustling daily life. In the mornings, the promenade becomes a gathering spot for fishermen selling their catch and locals exchanging the latest news. Sarandë is also celebrated for its beautiful beaches, some of which are private and attached to hotels or bars, though there are plenty of public beaches along the promenade as well.
A visit to Lëkurësi Castle is highly recommended. Perched on a hill just outside the city center, it offers panoramic views of Sarandë and the coast. The castle now houses a restaurant, making it an ideal spot for a meal with a view.
Another historic landmark is the Forty Saints Monastery. The ruins of this 6th-century Byzantine monastery not only offer a glimpse into the region’s religious past but also feature breathtaking views over Sarandë and Lëkurësi Castle. A small fee allows you to explore this serene and historic site.
For nature lovers, the area around Sarandë provides excellent hiking opportunities with spectacular coastal views, particularly the path leading from Sarandë to Ksamil. The surrounding hills also offer a variety of shorter trails ideal for a quick escape into nature.
A day trip to Sarandë is a delightful diversion from Gjirokastër’s historical and cultural explorations, offering a chance to enjoy the Mediterranean vibe, exquisite beaches, and the natural beauty of the Albanian Riviera.
#15 Ksamil and Butrint National Park
From Gjirokastër, a day trip to Ksamil and Butrint is the perfect blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Butrint National Park, a protected UNESCO site just 15 minutes south of Ksamil, displays centuries of Albanian history with ruins from ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottoman times, set within a gorgeous natural preserve surrounded by wetlands.
The archaeological site at Butrint includes a diverse array of structures from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages, such as city walls, a baptismal font, a Roman theater, and two castles. These ancient ruins, hidden among the local flora and fauna, give Butrint a distinctly mystical feel. Noteworthy sites include the Triconch Palace and the Lion Gate.
Exploring Butrint National Park is like walking through a timeline of history. Meanwhile, the nearby town of Ksamil offers a pleasant contrast with its beautiful Adriatic beaches, providing a relaxing end to a day filled with discovery.
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