11 Best Things to Do in Gjirokastër, Albania (2025)

Flickr / Emilio Poli

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Perched on the slopes of the Gjerë Mountains, Gjirokastër is one of Albania’s most enchanting cities — a place where stone roofs glisten under the sun and Ottoman-era houses cling to the hillside like a living museum. Known as the “City of Stone”, Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its distinctive architecture, rich history, and deep cultural soul.

From its mighty hilltop fortress to the winding cobbled streets of the Old Bazaar, Gjirokastër tells a story that spans empires and revolutions. This is the birthplace of writer Ismail Kadare and former leader Enver Hoxha, and every corner of the city bears the marks of Albania’s complex past. Yet beyond its history, Gjirokastër is alive — full of welcoming cafés, artisan workshops, and the timeless hum of daily life echoing through its stone alleyways.

How to Get to Gjirokastër

By Air: The nearest major airport to Gjirokastër is Tirana International Airport (Nënë Tereza), located about 230 kilometers north of the city. From Tirana, the drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, passing through scenic countryside and the towns of Fier and Tepelenë. Travelers arriving from Greece can also fly into Ioannina Airport (King Pyrrhus Airport), roughly 90 kilometers away, making it a convenient gateway for those exploring southern Albania and northwestern Greece. For international visitors, both airports connect to major European cities such as London, Rome, Athens, and Vienna. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gjirokastër on Booking.com.

By Car or Bus: Driving to Gjirokastër is one of the most rewarding ways to experience southern Albania. From Vlorë, the journey takes around 2.5 hours, winding through olive groves, mountain passes, and the beautiful Drino Valley. From Sarandë, the road climbs gradually inland, offering sweeping views of the hills before descending into the stone city. The SH4 highway is well maintained, and renting a car gives you the freedom to explore surrounding attractions such as Antigonea, Ali Pasha Bridge, and the Blue Eye Spring. For those without a vehicle, public buses and minibuses (furgons) operate several times a day, offering a comfortable and affordable alternative. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Where to Stay in Gjirokastër

To make the most of your visit to Gjirokastër, it’s worth staying overnight in the heart of the old town, where cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and views of the castle immerse you fully in the city’s charm. Accommodation here ranges from historic guesthouses to elegant boutique hotels, many set in beautifully restored Ottoman-era buildings.

For a luxurious stay, Hotel Gjirokastra offers stylish rooms with panoramic views and warm hospitality just steps from the Old Bazaar. Hotel Kalemi 2 combines modern comfort with traditional architecture, complete with carved wooden balconies overlooking the stone rooftops. Travelers seeking authentic local character will love Old Bazaar 1790, a family-run guesthouse that exudes history and charm.

For something more intimate, Kerculla Resort offers an exceptional hillside location with sweeping valley views and an infinity pool — ideal for watching the sun set over the castle. Budget travelers can find excellent value in cozy stays like Stone Rooms 1850, where personalized service and homemade breakfasts make every morning special. Whichever you choose, staying in Gjirokastër’s old quarter allows you to truly feel the rhythm of the city — from the morning call of roosters echoing off the stones to the soft glow of lanterns lighting the bazaar at night.

A Short History of Gjirokastër

The story of Gjirokastër stretches back over 2,500 years, its name derived from the Greek Argyrokastro — “Silver Fortress” — a poetic nod to the city’s gleaming stone architecture. Founded as a fortified settlement during the Hellenistic period, it grew under Byzantine and Ottoman rule into one of the most important cities in southern Albania. By the 17th and 18th centuries, Gjirokastër had become a major administrative and cultural center of the Ottoman Empire, famed for its elegant stone tower houses (kullë), which blended defensive strength with intricate artistry.

The city’s strategic location above the Drino Valley made it a natural stronghold for rulers and rebels alike. During the early 19th century, it came under the influence of Ali Pasha of Tepelena, who strengthened its fortifications and built the aqueduct and Ali Pasha Bridge that still stand today. In the 20th century, Gjirokastër played a pivotal role in Albania’s national awakening — it was here that both Ismail Kadare, the country’s most celebrated writer, and Enver Hoxha, its communist leader, were born. The contrast between art and ideology has left an indelible mark on the city’s identity.

After decades of isolation during the communist era, Gjirokastër emerged into the modern age with its heritage intact. In 2005, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its remarkably preserved Ottoman architecture and cultural continuity. Today, walking through its cobbled streets feels like traversing a living museum — where every stone, archway, and carved wooden door tells a story of endurance, artistry, and transformation. Gjirokastër is not merely a relic of the past; it is a city that continues to inspire writers, artists, and travelers alike, standing proudly as the stone heart of southern Albania.

When to Visit Gjirokastër

Visiting Gjirokastër in Spring (March–May)

Spring transforms Gjirokastër into a tapestry of color and light. The stone rooftops glisten under gentle sunshine, and the surrounding Drino Valley bursts into bloom with wildflowers and olive blossoms. This is one of the most pleasant times to explore the city’s steep cobbled streets without the summer crowds. The weather is mild — perfect for visiting the castle, bazaar, and the nearby ruins of Antigonea or Ali Pasha Bridge. Outdoor cafés reopen after winter, filling the old town with the aroma of Turkish coffee and mountain tea. It’s also a season of local festivals, where traditional music and food bring the community to life.

Visiting Gjirokastër in Summer (June–August) (Best)

Summer is the best time to visit Gjirokastër, especially for those who want to experience the city at its most lively. The days are long, hot, and full of energy — ideal for pairing a city visit with a trip to the nearby Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) or the beaches of Sarandë and Ksamil just an hour away. The Old Bazaar buzzes with travelers, artisans, and open-air performances, while the castle hosts cultural events under the stars. In July and August, Gjirokastër basks in golden light until late evening, and the scent of grilled lamb and oregano drifts from terrace restaurants overlooking the valley.

Visiting Gjirokastër in Autumn (September–November)

Autumn is a magical time to visit — the heat softens, the crowds thin, and the city takes on a quieter, more introspective beauty. The surrounding hills glow with shades of amber and rust, and the clear air makes for stunning photographs of the castle and old town. It’s the ideal season for slow exploration: wandering the Skenduli and Zekate Houses, sipping raki by the fire in a family guesthouse, or hiking through nearby villages. September still brings warm days, while October and November are cooler and peaceful — perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, unhurried experience.

Visiting Gjirokastër in Winter (December–February)

Winter in Gjirokastër is quiet and atmospheric. The air turns crisp, and a light mist sometimes settles over the valley, giving the stone rooftops a dreamlike glow. While some guesthouses close for the season, many remain open and offer cozy stays with wood-burning stoves and hearty homemade meals. The lack of crowds makes it an excellent time to explore the castle, Cold War Tunnel, and museums in solitude. Occasionally, a dusting of snow decorates the old town, adding a touch of magic to this already poetic city. For those who love stillness and local warmth, winter in Gjirokastër offers an intimate glimpse into its timeless charm.

Best Things to Do in Gjirokastër

1. Explore Gjirokastër Castle

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Emilio Poli

Dominating the skyline, Gjirokastër Castle is one of the largest and most impressive fortresses in the Balkans. Its origins stretch back to the 12th century, though it was expanded by the Ottomans in the 19th. Walking through its stone corridors, towers, and open courtyards, you’ll uncover centuries of Albanian history carved into every wall. From the battlements, the views over the Drino Valley are spectacular — a sweeping panorama of mountains, fields, and slate-roofed houses below.

The castle also hosts the National Museum of Armaments, displaying weapons from medieval times to the World Wars, along with relics from Albania’s communist period. One of its most haunting sights is the American Air Force plane, said to have made an emergency landing during the Cold War and later displayed as a trophy of defiance. Today, the castle also doubles as a cultural venue, hosting the National Folk Festival every five years, when traditional musicians fill the ancient walls with song and rhythm.

Location: Rruga Elvia Celebi Gjirokaster Albania | Hours: April - September, Every Day 9:00- 18:00 October-March 9:00-17:00 | Price: 400 lek

2. Wander Through the Gjirokastër Old Bazaar

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Sali Jonuzi

At the heart of the city lies the Old Bazaar, a labyrinth of cobbled lanes lined with stone-built shops and Ottoman façades. Dating back to the 17th century, it once bustled with merchants trading carpets, silver, and spices from across the region. Today, the bazaar remains the social and cultural heart of Gjirokastër — alive with artisans, cafés, and the scent of roasted coffee and mountain herbs.

Here you’ll find handmade souvenirs, from filigree jewelry to carved olive-wood bowls and embroidered textiles. Stop at a small çajtore (tea house) to sip mountain tea or raki as you watch life unfold in slow motion. The Mosque of the Bazaar, with its graceful minaret, adds an extra layer of history to this beautifully preserved quarter. Whether you come to shop, photograph, or simply wander, the bazaar is Gjirokastër’s living soul.

Location: Qafa e Pazarit, Rruga Alqi Kondi, Gjirokastër

3. Visit the Gjirokastër Ethnographic Museum

CC BY-SA 4.0 / JoraKasapi

Built on the site of Enver Hoxha’s birthplace, the Gjirokastër Ethnographic Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century domestic life. The museum is designed as a traditional Ottoman townhouse, complete with carved wooden ceilings, colorful rugs, and antique furnishings. Each room reveals the daily rhythms of a wealthy Gjirokastrian family — from the guest salon to the women’s quarters and kitchen.

What makes this museum remarkable is how alive it feels; it’s not just a display of objects but a window into how people once lived in this mountain city. The house’s vantage point also offers superb views of the castle and old town, making it both a cultural and visual highlight. For travelers who love history and architecture, this is one of Gjirokastër’s most essential stops.

Location: Rr Ismail Kadare, Gjirokaster, Albania | Hours: April to September 08:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 19:00 daily October to March 08:00 to 16:00 Wednesday to Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday) | Price: 200 Lek

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4. Step Inside the Skenduli House

CC BY-SA 4.0 / ShkelzenRexha

If the Ethnographic Museum introduces you to traditional life, the Skenduli House immerses you in it. This magnificent Ottoman-era residence, still owned by the Skenduli family, dates back over 300 years and has been lovingly preserved. Guided tours are often led by descendants of the original owners, who share family stories and explain the symbolism behind the architecture — from the hidden rooms to the ornate ceiling carvings.

Every detail speaks of craftsmanship and heritage: the intricate woodwork, stone fireplaces, and stained-glass windows. The top floor offers a beautiful view over the old town’s rooftops, while the ground floor retains original elements like the watchtower and water storage system. Visiting Skenduli House is like stepping into another century — a chance to feel Gjirokastër’s history as something personal and living.

Location: Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve Gjirokaster Albania | Hours: 9am-7pm Apr-Oct | Price: 200 lek

5. Admire the Zekate House

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Llukman Ibrahimi

Another jewel of Ottoman architecture, the Zekate House is a masterpiece of stone construction and one of the most iconic buildings in Gjirokastër. Built in 1812 for a wealthy general under Ali Pasha of Tepelena, it showcases the elegance and defensive ingenuity of the city’s traditional tower houses (kullë).

Inside, you’ll find airy rooms with arched windows, elaborately painted ceilings, and colorful frescoes that reveal the artistic tastes of the era. The upper floor, once reserved for honored guests, opens onto a wooden balcony overlooking the city and valley. Few places capture Gjirokastër’s blend of power, artistry, and refinement quite like the Zekate House.

Location: Rruga Bashkim Kokona Gjirokaster Albania | Hours: The Zekate house is open for visitors. A family member will come out and unlock the door. | Price: 200 Lek

6. Discover Ismail Kadare’s House

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek

For lovers of literature, Ismail Kadare’s House is a cultural pilgrimage. The famed Albanian novelist — whose works such as Chronicle in Stone brought Gjirokastër to life for readers around the world — grew up here, and the home now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and writing.

Inside, the rooms recreate the atmosphere of mid-20th-century Albania, while exhibits explore Kadare’s career, his international influence, and the ways his childhood in Gjirokastër shaped his storytelling. It’s both a tribute to Albania’s greatest writer and a moving reminder of how this small stone city has inspired art and imagination far beyond its borders.

Location: Ismail Kadare's house, Rruga Fato Berberi, Gjirokastër, Albania

7. Explore the Cold War Tunnel

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Adam Jones

Beneath the cobbled streets of Gjirokastër lies one of its most surprising attractions — the Cold War Tunnel. Hidden for decades, this 800-meter-long bunker was built in the 1970s under Enver Hoxha’s regime to shelter government officials in case of nuclear attack.

Today, it’s open to the public as a museum and time capsule of communist Albania. Walking through its dimly lit corridors and concrete chambers, you’ll pass old offices, sleeping quarters, and power rooms left eerily intact. The guided tours provide chilling insights into the paranoia of the era, making it one of the most fascinating and haunting sites in the city.

Location: Cold War Tunnel, Rruga Gjin Zenebisi, Gjirokastër, Albania

8. Cross the Ali Pasha Bridge

Just outside the city, the Ali Pasha Bridge (also known as the Dunavat Bridge) is a quiet relic of Gjirokastër’s Ottoman past. Built in the early 19th century as part of an aqueduct system commissioned by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the bridge once carried water to the castle.

Today, the arch still stands gracefully amid lush greenery and mountain views, reached by a scenic hike from the city’s outskirts. The walk itself is peaceful and offers a glimpse into rural life — stone paths, shepherds, and olive trees framing the route. It’s a perfect short excursion for photographers and nature lovers.

| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free

9. Visit the National Museum of Armaments

National Museum Of Armaments Gjirokastër

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Orest222

Located within the castle’s walls, the National Museum of Armaments complements a visit to Gjirokastër Fortress. Its exhibits trace Albania’s military history from the medieval era through World War II and the Cold War.

Old rifles, cannons, and uniforms line the stone halls, while displays highlight resistance movements and Albania’s long struggle for independence. For those interested in history, it offers an in-depth look at how Gjirokastër’s strategic position shaped both local and national events over the centuries.

Location: Castle of Gjirokastra, Rruga Elvia Celebi, Gjirokastër, Albania

10. Visit the Ruins of Antigonea

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Albinfo

A short drive east of Gjirokastër lies the ancient city of Antigonea, founded in the 3rd century BC by King Pyrrhus of Epirus, who named it after his wife, Antigone. The site spreads across a green hilltop overlooking the Drino Valley, offering both history and breathtaking views.

Wander among the remains of defensive walls, temples, and mosaic floors, all surrounded by olive groves and wildflowers. The peaceful setting and absence of crowds make it one of southern Albania’s hidden gems — a reminder that this region’s story stretches far beyond its medieval walls.

Location: Gjirokastër - Parku Arkeologjik i Antigonesë | Hours: Weekdays 8:00 - 16.00 Weekends 9:00 -15.00 | Price: 300 lek | Website

11. See the Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Eleroja

Although located about 25 kilometers from Gjirokastër, the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is one of the region’s must-see natural wonders. This deep freshwater spring shimmers in vivid shades of blue and green, its colors shifting with the sunlight.

Set in a shaded forest, it’s a refreshing escape from the city’s summer heat. The water is ice-cold — perfect for brave swimmers — and wooden viewing platforms make it easy to admire its surreal beauty. Visiting the Blue Eye is a beautiful way to connect Gjirokastër’s cultural richness with the natural magic of southern Albania.

| Price: 50 LEK