Gjirokastër: The Complete Guide

Gjirokastra Albania
CC BY-SA 4.0 / ShkelzenRexha

Gjirokastër is a town located in southern Albania. Although in a valley between the mountains of Gjerë and Drinoat it is still 300 metres above sea level.

Gjirokastër is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman  and justifiably a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  In some ways a strange looking town, as it is constructed on steep slopes and stone-covered buildings which seem to be standing on top of each other. Most of the traditional looking houses were built in the early 19th century. Steep cobbled streets add to its charm.

It is the birthplace of author Ismail Kadare an the former Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha.

The city houses Gjirokastra Castle, one of the oldest in the Balkans.

 

 

History of Gjirokastër

The town grew up around the foot of the 13th century castle. The town is first mentioned in 1336 by Greek name, as part of the Byzantine Empire. It was captured in the 15th century and flourished under Ottoman rule. It became the regional capital and a major trading center.

Visiting Gjirokastër for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Gjirokastër on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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7 Best places to See in Gjirokastër

This complete guide to Gjirokastër not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Gjirokastër and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Gjirokastër Castle

Gjirokastër Castle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Emilio Poli
Gjirokastër Castle is a large 12th century castle that looks over the town of Gjirokastër, from its hilltop perch. The Ottoman’s renovated and built upon the castle and added a clock tower and aqueduct in the early 19 century.In fact much of the castle that can be seen today dates back from the early 19th […]
Location: Rruga Elvia Celebi Gjirokaster Albania | Hours: April - September, Every Day 9:00- 18:00 October-March 9:00-17:00 | Price: 400 lek | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Gjirokastër Castle

Gjirokastër Old Bazaar

House In Gjirokastra
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Sali Jonuzi
The Bazaar of lies at the centre of the Old Town in Gjirokastra and sits beneath the castle walls. The neighbourhood has cobblestone streets, medieval facades, and array of wonderfully handcrafted gifts. The history of Bazaar dates back in 17th century although a fire in the 19th century caused parts to be rebuilt. Many of […]
Location: Qafa e Pazarit, Rruga Alqi Kondi, Gjirokastër | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Gjirokastër Old Bazaar

Skenduli House

Skenduli House Gjirokastra
CC BY-SA 4.0 / ShkelzenRexha
Skenduli House is a lovingly restored Ottoman-era House in Gjirokaster’s old town. The house dates from the early 1700s, and was partially rebuilt in 1827, and although the property has changed hands during the communist period, it was returned to the original family. You will most likely be shown around by a member of the […]
Location: Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve Gjirokaster Albania | Hours: 9am-7pm Apr-Oct | Price: 200 lek | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Skenduli House

Gjirokastër Ethnographic Museum

Ethnographic Museum Of Gjirokaster 01
CC BY-SA 4.0 / JoraKasapi
Gjirokastër Ethnographic Museum is based in the site of communist dictator Enver Hoxha’s birth home, in Gjirokastër’s Palorto Quarter, in Albania. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1966 and then rebuilt as a as a model traditional Gjirokastra house. Many features of the house were copied from particular houses around the city.In 1991 […]
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 | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Gjirokastër Ethnographic Museum

Zekate House

Zekate House, Gjirokastër, Albania
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Llukman Ibrahimi
Zekate House, at the top of Palorto quarter, in Gjirokastër, Albania. This three-story house dates from 1811 and is thought to be the ‘best surviving example of an ottoman tower house in Gjirokastra’. It belonged to Beqir Zeko, who was a general administrator of Ali Pasha. The house has two fortified tower houses and a […]
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 | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Zekate House

Ali Pasha Bridge

Ali Pasha Bridge, Albania
© 2025 Noamds Travel Guide
Ali Pasha Bridge, was part of a large aqueduct system commissioned by Ali Pasha of Tepelenë in the beginning of the 19th century.Gjirokastra castle didn’t have an available water source at the time, and Ali Pasha quickly discerned the need for this structure. The aqueduct would feed the castle’s cisterns with water from the Mount […]
| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Ali Pasha Bridge

Ruins of Antigonea

Antigonea House With Peristyle Albania
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Albinfo
The ruins of Antigonea are located only 14 km to the east of Gjirokastër, near the village of Saraqinishtë in the Drino valley. The ruins of this city offer one the best archaeological sites in south Albania. King Pyrrhus of Epirus (319-272 BC) was the king of the Molossians, one of the three main tribes […]
Location: Gjirokastër - Parku Arkeologjik i Antigonesë | Hours: Weekdays 8:00 - 16.00 Weekends 9:00 -15.00 | Price: 300 lek | Website | Distance: 6.3km
Visiting Ruins of Antigonea

Best Time to Visit Gjirokastër

The best time to visit Gjirokastër, Albania, largely depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

  1. Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Gjirokastër, as the weather is mild, and the countryside bursts into bloom with wildflowers. Temperatures are comfortable for exploring the city’s historic streets and attractions, such as Gjirokastër Castle and the Ethnographic Museum. Spring also sees fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic experience.
  2. Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Gjirokastër, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby mountains, swimming in the rivers, and exploring the city’s UNESCO-listed old town. However, be prepared for higher temperatures and larger crowds, especially in July and August, which are the hottest months of the year.
  3. Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another great time to visit Gjirokastër, with mild temperatures and stunning fall foliage. The weather remains pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and sightseeing. Autumn is also harvest season, so you can sample local produce at the markets and enjoy traditional Albanian dishes at the city’s restaurants. Additionally, there are fewer tourists compared to the summer months, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
  4. Winter (December to February): Winter is the quietest time to visit Gjirokastër, with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. While the weather may not be suitable for outdoor activities, it’s an excellent time to explore the city’s museums, galleries, and historic sites without the crowds. Winter also offers opportunities to experience local festivals and cultural events, such as the Gjirokastër Winter Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich heritage and traditions.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Gjirokastër depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience during your trip. Whether you prefer the mild temperatures of spring and autumn, the vibrant energy of summer, or the peaceful ambiance of winter, Gjirokastër offers something for every traveler throughout the year.

Average Temperatures in Gjirokastër

  • January 12°C 24
  • February 14°C 21
  • March 16°C 16
  • April 21°C 9
  • May 23°C 9
  • June 28°C 6
  • July 33°C 2
  • August 32°C 2
  • September 28°C 14
  • October 24°C 21
  • November 17°C 32
  • December 14°C 24