How to Visit Gjirokastra Castle: Complete Guide (2024)
Gjirokastra Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Albania, so you should add it to your Albania Itinerary. It is the most visited place in Gjirokastër and the second-largest fortress in the Balkans.
You can walk around the beautiful clock tower, visit the two museums, see the armory & prison, and enjoy the fantastic view of the valley and the city.
This ultimate guide to visiting Gjirokaster Castle includes the best time to visit, how to get there, practical information, and what to expect on your visit.
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- How to Visit Gjirokastra Castle: Complete Guide (2024)
- Best Time to Visit Gjirokaster
- How to Get to Gjirokastra Castle
- Gjirokaster Day Trip from Saranda
- Gjirokastra Castle History
- How to Visit Gjirokastra Castle, Albania
- Gjirokastra Castle Opening Hours
- Gjirokastra Castle Entrance Fee & Ticket Prices
- Where to Stay in Gjirokaster
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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. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance! We visited Gjirokaster in early June and had fantastic weather.
How to Get to Gjirokastra Castle
The castle is situated on a hilltop in Gjirokaster, offering a magnificent view of the city and the valley. Most people come to Gjirokaster from Saranda, Himare, or Tirana.
Buses stop at the bus stop in the lower part of the new city. It takes about 30-40 minutes to walk up a steep cobbled path to the castle. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi for around 300-500 LEK (3-5 EUR) and reach the castle in less than 10 minutes.
Recommended post → Albania Itinerary for 2 Weeks
Tirana to Gjirokaster
The driving time between the two cities is approximately 3-3.5 hours, depending on traffic. A taxi to Gjirokaster costs between 14.000-15.000 LEK (140-150 EUR).
Direct buses run several times a day from 05:00 to 20:30. The journey time takes 4.5 hours, depending on traffic. The bus ticket to Gjirokaster costs 1200 LEK (12 EUR) per person. You can buy your bus ticket on the bus or online.
Alternatively, book a day trip from Tirana to Gjirokaster, which includes a visit to the Blue Eye via Viator or GetYourGuide.
Saranda to Gjirokaster
The distance between the two cities is about 55 km, and the travel time is usually 1 hour, depending on traffic.
There are only 5 buses a day to Gjirokaster at 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2:15 PM, and 2:30 PM. Check the current bus timetable HERE. The bus ticket to Gjirokaster costs 450 LEK (4.5 EUR) per person. A taxi from Saranda to Gjirokaster costs between 35-60 EUR.
Good to know
There are no direct buses from Himare and Ksamil to Gjirokaster.
Make the most of your visit, and drive from Saranda first to the famous Blue Eye Albania (Syri i Kalter) and then continue on to Gjirokaster.
Car Rental in Albania
The best way to get around Albania is by car, as you can easily reach the best places and hidden gems. We did our Albania Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace. Once you arrive at Tirana International Airport (airport code TIA), you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car. Another option is to rent a car in Saranda.
Buy an eSIM and data package for Albania.
The car rental costs will be different when you travel to Albania in high season (June to September) or low season and rent a car in advance or at the last minute. You will spend around 30-50 EUR daily for a standard car with full coverage.
Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability HERE.
We drove from Ksamil via Saranda to Gjirokaster. The roads were in good condition. Always wear your seat belt and obey the speed limit! The driving time was about 1.5 hours.
Gjirokaster Day Trip from Saranda
If you don’t want to worry about how to get from one city to another, join a group or private tour of the old town of Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can 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.
Gjirokastra Castle History
The name of the castle comes from an Albanian princess. According to the story, Princess Argjiro was the sister of the ruler Gjin Zenebishi when the castle was occupied by Ottoman invaders in the 15th century. The Albanian princess refused to surrender, so Argjiro took her baby, ran to the castle walls, and leaped to her death. According to legend, the princess died, but her son survived the fall.
The Gjirokastra Castle (Kalaja e Gjirokastrës) was built in the 12th century. Under the Ottoman rule of Ali Pasha in the early 19th century, the castle was rebuilt and expanded with the iconic clock tower and aqueduct. Then, the fortress was converted into a prison by King Zog I and was also used during the communist era. During World War I and II, the castle was transformed into a shelter for the city’s inhabitants against airstrikes.
How to Visit Gjirokastra Castle, Albania
We parked at our accommodation and walked up to the fort. In the high season, parking spaces in the Old Town run out quickly. There is limited parking available at the castle. We passed through the Old Bazaar and climbed the stairs to the castle. There are plenty of vendors, restaurants, and cafes around the bazaar.
As there are many steps leading up, we recommend to wear comfortable shoes. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours wandering around the castle, which allows enough time to read the information boards, enjoy the fantastic view of the Old Bazaar, and visit the museums.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Gjirokaster
We enjoyed walking around the castle, but there was little shade, so we recommend avoiding visiting during midday. If you visit on a hot summer day, wear a hat, use sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
Good to know
There are free toilets in the castle courtyard.
Are you hungry? After visiting the castle, we suggest having lunch at the Restaurant Tradicional Odaja and discovering the bazaar. Then, if you have enough time, hike to the Ali Pasha Bridge or join a guided tour of the Cold War Tunnel.
What to See in Gjirokastra Castle
Artillery Gallery
To the right of the main entrance is a small building (Bektashi Tomb) containing the remains of two Bektashi Babas inside. Passing through the stone tunnel, you can see many artillery pieces. The entrance to the museum is at the end of the gallery.
Good to know
Under the castle is a network of tunnels and bunkers built during the communist era.
Italian Fiat L6/40 tank (1940)
It is one of only three remaining tanks of its type in the world, out of 283 commissioned by the Italian forces in World War II. The tanks designed for reconnaissance were not suitable for frontline conflict, so many were destroyed in action. Those that survived the war were gradually phased out and recycled for scrap.
See also → Ksamil Guide
Gjirokastra Museum & Prison
The castle’s last and largest prison was built in 1932 by King Zog. During WWII, the prison was used by the Italian and German occupation forces. After the war, the communists expanded the prison and used it to hold political prisoners. In the 1960s, the prison was closed and converted into the Arms Museum.
The entrance fee to the Gjirokastra Museum is 200 LEK (2 EUR) per person.
The Clock Tower
The clock tower was built under the rule of Ali Pasha in the early 19th century to display the time so that people could determine the time of the five daily prayers. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful sight in the castle, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Unfortunately, the clock is no longer working.
Festival Stage
The stage was erected in the 1980s and hosts the Albanian National Folk Festival, which takes place every five years. The National Folk Festival is the symbol of Albanian folk culture.
The courtyard, scattered with cannons, offers a beautiful view of the Drino Valley, the surrounding mountains, and the Old Bazaar.
The American Airplane
Did you know that an American military aircraft, a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, is on the castle grounds? Previously, there were two different stories about how this plane ended up in the castle.
According to the US version, the pilot got lost in heavy fog on the way and went off course. Then, he made an emergency landing in Albania due to low fuel. While in the Albanian version, Albanian People’s Army pilots intercepted a US spy plane in Albanian airspace and forced it to land at Rinas Airport.
In fact, the plane landed at Tirana Airport in December 1957. After several weeks, the pilot returned to the US, but the aircraft remained in Albania. So, the plane was brought to Gjirokastra in the mid-1970s to be displayed at the Arms Museum in the castle.
Gjirokastra Castle Opening Hours
The castle is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM in the high season. However, it is open only from 9 AM to 4 PM during the low season.
Gjirokastra Castle Entrance Fee & Ticket Prices
The entrance fee to the castle is 400 LEK (4 EUR) per person. Children under 12 years are free of charge.
For students, the ticket costs 120 LEK (1.2 EUR). The ticket for pensioners and disabled persons costs 200 LEK (2 EUR). Card payments are not accepted, so bring enough cash (LEK or EUR).
Good to know
On the last Sunday of every month, it is free to visit for Albanian citizens.
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 Gjirokastra Castle 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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