9 Best Things to Do in Gjirokaster, Albania
Are you looking for the best things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania? This town is a popular destination in Albania, so you can’t miss it on your Albania Itinerary.
Wondering what to do in Gjirokaster? Visit Gjirokastra Castle, walk around the Gjirokastra Bazaar, hike to the Ali Pasha Bridge, see the tower houses, and take a guided tour of the Cold War Tunnel.
This ultimate guide to visiting Gjirokaster includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania.
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Best things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania
Albania’s Stone City has well-preserved Ottoman architecture and typical stone houses. The historic center of Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We loved exploring this charming hilltop town.
1. Gjirokastra Castle & Museum
Wondering what to do in Gjirokaster? The castle is situated on a hilltop in Gjirokaster, offering a magnificent view of the city and the valley. It is the most visited place in the town and the second-largest fortress in the Balkans.
The castle is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM in the high season. The entrance fee to the castle is 400 LEK (4 EUR) per person. Children under 12 years are free of charge.
Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours wandering around the castle, which allows enough time to read the information boards, see all the attractions, enjoy the fantastic views, and visit the two museums.
To learn more about the history of the city, visit the Gjirokastra Museum and the Arms Museum. The entrance fee to the Gjirokastra Museum is 200 LEK (2 EUR) per person.
Read the full post → How to Visit Gjirokastra Castle
2. See Bazaar Mosque
The Bazaar Mosque, also known as Memi Bey Mosque, was built in the 17th century in the Old Town, next to the Old Bazaar. It is the only one of the city’s thirteen mosques that have not been demolished by the communists in the late 1960s, as it was designated a cultural monument by the Albanian government.
The restoration works by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in 2020 have contributed to preserving the beauty and structure of the mosque.
Read our → Albania Itinerary
The Bazaar Mosque (Xhamia e Pazarit) is open every day, and only a donation is required for entry. In the corner is the minaret, which consists of 99 steps and represents the 99 names of God as given in the Quran.
Are you hungry? We recommend having lunch at the nearby Taverna Kuka or Te Kubé restaurant.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
3. Gjirokaster Bazaar (Old Town)
Gjirokaster Bazaar is a must-visit in Albania. The Old Town has charming restaurants and cafés along the steep cobbled streets. It’s the perfect place to wander, shop, meet the locals, and take great photos of the old Ottoman buildings. You can also buy traditional and handmade Albanian products.
The Old Bazaar was originally built in the 17th century but was destroyed by fire in the 19th century. After that, the bazaar was completely rebuilt.
During the day, the Old Town is full of tourists and groups. However, from late afternoon you can enjoy a walk without the crowds. We recommend you have dinner at the Vojsava restaurant and soak up the lovely atmosphere of the city. Don’t miss the beautiful panoramic view at the Gjirokaster Obelisk.
4. Hike to the Ali Pasha Bridge
Looking for more top things to do in Gjirokaster? The Ali Pasha Bridge, also known as Dunavat Bridge, is a must-see attraction in Gjirokastra, which can be reached by an easy scenic trail.
You can reach the trailhead from the Old Town of Gjirokastra in about 30 minutes by a steep walk. But if you arrive by car, park as close as possible to the bridge and from there you can reach the bridge in about 10-15 minutes with an easy walk.
TIP
Wear suitable hiking or sports shoes, as the trail is rocky.
Recommended post → Ali Pasha Bridge Guide
5. Gjirokaster’s Cold War Tunnel
The Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokaster is an underground tunnel and bunker complex built during the communist era and is now used as a museum. The tunnel complex is 800 meters long and has 59 rooms. This bunker is designed to accommodate many different functions in the case of a nuclear attack.
The Cold War Tunnel is only accessible by a guided tour. The tour usually takes 20-30 minutes and costs 200 LEK (2 EUR) per person.
When we visited in June, the tours started every 1.5 hours from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. As the Cold War Tunnel is located near the Bazaar, we recommend you check the current opening hours in person at the entrance.
The underground bunker was built under Gjirokastra Castle in the late 1970s under communist dictator Enver Hoxha, but it was never used. This bunker and the countless smaller bunkers and shelters across the country reflect Albanian communist dictator Enver Hoxha’s paranoia about invasion and a nuclear attack.
In the summer, it’s a truly refreshing experience as the temperature in the tunnel is 16 degrees all year round. So bring a sweater or a light jacket.
See also → Butrint National Park
6. Stroll Through the Streets of the Manalat Quarter
Walking through the winding streets of the Manalat Quarter is a truly magical experience just a 10-15 minute walk from the Old Town. This is a steep and hilly part of the city with a stunning view of Gjirokastra Castle.
The Manalat District is quieter and less touristy than the Old Town. If you visit the Ali Pasha Bridge, you will walk through this historic quarter.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
7. Visit Blue Eye Albania
One of the best things to do in Gjirokaster is to take a day trip to Blue Eye Albania. The Blue Eye, known as Syri i Kaltër, is a natural freshwater spring famous for its crystal clear turquoise water. From above, this natural wonder looks like a human eye. Blue Eye is just a 50-minute drive away. You can get from the parking lot to the Blue Eye by walking, a little train, or an electric scooter.
It is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM from May to October and from 8 AM to 4 PM from November to April. The entrance fee to the Blue Eye is only 50 LEK (0.5 EUR) per person.
The water is ice-cold, and the temperature in Blue Eye Albania is around 10°C all year round. Therefore, it’s incredibly crowded in summer as locals come here to cool off.
Read the full post → How to Visit Blue Eye
8. Try Traditional Albanian Food
One of the best things to do in Gjirokaster is to sample traditional Albanian and authentic local dishes.
Qifqi: Gjirokaster’s typical dish is qifqi (fried rice balls). Cooked rice is mixed with beaten egg, dried mint, salt, and black pepper. They are then made into small balls and fried in olive oil.
Oshaf: A traditional baked dessert made with sheep’s milk, sugar, and dried figs, which you should try if you visit Gjirokaster. The cinnamon and ground cloves provide an unforgettable flavor.
Our favorites were Moussaka, Byrek, Tave Kosi, Village Salad, and Fergese. For restaurant recommendations, scroll to the bottom of the post.
9. Zekate & Skenduli House
One of the best attractions in Gjirokaster, Albania, is the Zekate House. The Zekate and Skenduli houses are among the most beautiful and well-preserved typical Ottoman houses in Gjirokastër. Gjirokaster has more than 500 traditional houses and a designated UNESCO cultural monument, most dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Admire the iconic stone buildings with their white-washed facades and wooden balconies. The flat stone roofs gave Gjirokaster the nickname “Stone City”.
Under communism, the fortified houses were nationalized and later returned to their rightful owners. Descendants of the original owners take care of the houses and welcome guests to tour the rooms.
See also → Berat ‘The City of a Thousand Windows’
The Zekate House was built in the “kule” style for Beqir Zeko, a general administrator of Ali Pasha, around 1811-1812. The majestic appearance of this house was a symbol of the elite of the time.
This three-story house provides an insight into the vernacular architecture of the city and the lifestyle of local inhabitants centuries ago.
The entrance fee to the Zekate House is 250 LEK (2.5 EUR), while the Skenduli House is 300 LEK (3 EUR). Guided tours are usually available between 9 AM and 7 PM, but hours may vary. Don’t skip a visit to the nearby Ethnographic Museum.
Where to Stay in Gjirokaster
It was one of our favorite towns where we stayed during our trip to Albania. For the best experience, we recommend staying at the Bed and Breakfast Kotoni or the Alsara Guesthouse near the old town. But if you are arriving by car, choose accommodation with parking like the “Villa 70” Guesthouse, which is also close to the old town on foot.
Recommended post → Best towns to stay in Albania
Best hotels in Gjirokaster
- Mid-Range: Sharm Hotel Luxury or Kerculla Resort
- Budget: Hotel Fantasy
How to Get to Gjirokaster, Albania
Gjirokaster, also known as Gjirokastra, is about a 3-3.5 hour drive from Tirana, 2 hours from Himare, and 1 hour from Saranda. The nearest airports are Ioannina Νational Airport (airport code IOA) and Corfu International Airport (CFU) in Greece.
But most travelers to Albania arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA), as you can get cheap flights there.
Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights.
We drove from Ksamil via Saranda to Gjirokaster. The driving time was about 1.5 hours. The roads were in good condition. Always wear your seat belt and obey the speed limit!
Saranda to Gjirokaster Day Trip
If you don’t want to worry about how to get from one city to another, join a guided tour. Visit Gjirokastra Castle, Gjirokastra Bazaar, the Cold War Tunnel, Skenduli House, and the Blue Eye.
Book this excellent day tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
Group tours usually depart between 8 AM and 1 PM. The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking tour guide, all entry tickets, and transportation by air-conditioned car/van.
How to Get Around
The best way to explore Gjirokaster is on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance. You can also travel by taxi or local buses.
Buses stop at the bus stop in the lower part of the new city. It takes about 30 minutes to walk up a steep cobbled path to the Old Town. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi for around 300-500 LEK (3-5 EUR).
Getting around by car is not easy, as the streets in the Old Town are narrow, and parking is limited (especially in high season).
As some cobbled streets are pretty steep, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes.
Best Restaurants
You can find many local restaurants, vegetarian options, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.
- Taverna Tradicionale Kardashi (Traditional Albanian food, near the Ali Pasha Bridge)
- Kujtimi Restaurant (A popular restaurant near the Gjirokastra Bazaar)
- Vojsava Restaurant (Perfect place for dinner)
- Restaurant Tradicional Odaja (Our favorite restaurant)
- Gliko Snack Bar & Pastisserie (You must try Oshaf)
Best Time to Visit Gjirokaster, Albania
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is from May to October. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the nearby attractions. The hottest months are July and August. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 40°C.
The summer months are the peak season in Albania when hotel prices are higher and attractions are busier. The average annual temperature is 21°C.
We visited Gjirokaster in early June and had fantastic weather.
How many Days do you Need in Gjirokaster?
Most people only take a day trip and spend a few hours in this charming town. However, we recommend you spend at least 1-2 full days and enjoy the best things to do in Gjirokaster. Then travel to Saranda, Ksamil, Berat, or Himare.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Gjirokaster will help you plan your next trip to Albania. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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