How to Hike to the Ali Pasha Bridge in Gjirokastra
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.
This ultimate guide to the Ali Pasha Bridge includes the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect on the hike, and practical information.
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Best Time to Visit Gjirokaster
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Gjirokaster 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. We visited Gjirokaster in early June and had fantastic weather.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Gjirokaster
How to Get to the Ali Pasha Bridge, Albania
The bridge can only be accessed on foot. For the best experience, visit the bridge at sunset. 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. Alternatively, you can join a walking tour in Gjirokastre, including a visit to the bridge.
Book your tour through Viator or GetYourGuide.
Ali Pasha Bridge History
In the past, the water supply problem was solved by storing rainwater in cisterns – large rooms located underground or on the lowest floor of buildings, filled by a system of roof gutters. The castle had many enormous cisterns, which supplied water to people living within and outside the walls.
In the early 19th century, the ruler Ali Pasha of Tepelena commissioned a huge aqueduct to carry water from natural springs in the Sopot mountains behind Gjirokastra more than 10 kilometers to the castle. The bridge was part of this large aqueduct system.
A large part of the aqueduct system was destroyed in 1932. But this section in the Dunavat quarter of Gjirokaster still remains.
Ali Pasha Bridge Hike
We recommend you start your morning by exploring the Gjirokastra Castle, then wandering around the Old Bazaar, trying some traditional food, and taking a guided tour of the Cold War Tunnel. Then, finish your day with a scenic hike to the bridge. During the hike, you can explore a part of Gjirokastra that most people usually skip.
Follow the signs from the city and take an easy hike. We don’t recommend starting the hike at noon as there is no shade on the path, and the heat will make the walk unbearable. Therefore, we suggest you visit early in the morning or late afternoon. From the trailhead, you can see the bridge in the distance and enjoy the magnificent views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Wear suitable hiking or sports shoes, as the trail is rocky.
Halfway through the hike, the path will split in two. The upper trail leads to the top of the bridge, while the lower trail leads to the bottom, where you can enjoy a fantastic view. You can cross the bridge safely at your own risk! But we don’t recommend it for those who are afraid of heights!
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
Are you hungry? After visiting the bridge, we suggest having lunch or dinner at the Taverna Tradicionale Kardashi.
We enjoyed visiting this peaceful place and only met a few tourists. We also passed a shepherd who was leading his flock of sheep. Don’t forget to bring enough water and use sunscreen.
See also → Ultimate Albania Itinerary
Where to Stay in Gjirokaster
Although you can take a day trip to Gjirokaster if you have enough time you should spend at least 1-2 full days in the “Stone City”. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Old Town. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Gjirokastër
- Mid-Range: Sharm Hotel Luxury or Kerculla Resort
- Budget: Hotel Fantasy or “Villa 70” Guesthouse
We hope you found our guide to the Ali Pasha Bridge useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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