Tepelenë: The Complete Guide

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Timea

Tepelenë is a small town located on the left side of the Vjosa River on a plateau above the river in southern Albania. The castle / town walls overlook the river. The warlord and ruler of Southern Albania, Ali Pasha of Tepelenë was born at the nearby village of Beçisht and there is a statue of him in Tepelenë. He lived in Tepelenë castle here for a period and met Lord Byron there. This area has two towns, Tepelene and Memaliaj, 15 villages and castles, and caves, and waterfalls to see. “Kurvelesh” is a region in Albania, famous for the bravery, songs and pride.

History of Tepelenë

Early History

Tepelenë, located in southern Albania, has a history dating back to ancient times. The region around Tepelenë was inhabited by Illyrian tribes before the Roman conquest in the 2nd century BC. The Romans established settlements and roads in the area, contributing to its strategic importance in the region.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, Tepelenë was part of the Byzantine Empire and later the Despotate of Epirus. It experienced frequent invasions and changes in control as Byzantine influence waned and local Albanian rulers emerged. The region became a battleground between Byzantine, Serbian, and Ottoman forces vying for dominance in the Balkans.

Ottoman Era

In the late 14th century, Tepelenë fell under Ottoman rule following the Ottoman expansion into the Balkans. The Ottomans established Tepelenë as an administrative center within their empire, contributing to its economic and cultural development. The town grew as a trade hub and a center for Islamic culture in the region.

Ali Pasha of Tepelenë

The town gained prominence during the rule of Ali Pasha of Tepelenë (1740-1822), a powerful Ottoman ruler and military commander. Ali Pasha expanded his influence throughout southern Albania and northern Greece, establishing Tepelenë as his principal residence and a center of political intrigue and cultural patronage.

Modern Era

In the 20th century, Tepelenë became part of the newly formed Albanian state after Albania declared independence in 1912. The town experienced periods of economic development and political upheaval during the turbulent decades of the 20th century, including World War II and the communist regime under Enver Hoxha.

Contemporary Tepelenë

Today, Tepelenë is a tranquil town nestled in the scenic landscape of southern Albania. It retains traces of its rich history through archaeological sites, Ottoman-era architecture, and cultural traditions. The town serves as a reminder of its storied past while embracing modernization and tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into Albania’s historical and cultural heritage.

Visiting Tepelenë 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 Tepelenë on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

4 Best places to See in Tepelenë

This complete guide to Tepelenë 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 Tepelenë and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Lord Byron Square

Ali Pasha Tepelena was the Governor of Southern Albania from 1788 – 1822, was an Albanian warlord who is now celebrated for fighting the Turks. Such was his reputation that while they were on their Grand Tour, Lord Byron and his friend John Hobhouse, in 1809, travelled to Tepelena to meet him and stayed as […]

Location: Sheshi Lord Bajron, Tepelenë, Albania | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.9km

Visiting Lord Byron Square

Castle of Tepelenë

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gashi Bujar

The Castle of Tepelenë is situated on the North side of the city of Tepelene and houses a number of residential buildings inside it. The Byzantines first built a defensive tower in the town, which then was further developed during the Ottoman Period in the 15th century. In the early 19th century Ali Pasha supervised […]

Visiting Castle of Tepelenë

Benca Aqueduct

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Scheuerslow

The Aqueduct of Benca is situated by the Benca river, 2 km in north of the village with the same name. The Aqueduct was built in 19th century, by Ali Pashe Tepelena in order to supply fresh water to the Castle of Tepelena. The construction has 20 bridge legs and arches built of stone, unfortunately […]

Visiting Benca Aqueduct

Progonati Waterfall

Progonati Waterfall is a largely undiscovered waterfall with crystal-clean water plunges which plunges down 40m into a turquoise colored pool, then flows through a horizontal hole, to drops another 40 m into a second pool. The water then continues to cascade down a series of additional falls for several hundred meters until it reaches the […]

Visiting Progonati Waterfall

Best Time to Visit Tepelenë

Tepelenë, located in southern Albania along the Vjosë River valley, is a town steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Here’s a guide

to the best time to visit Tepelenë:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a delightful time to visit Tepelenë as the weather starts to warm up, and the surrounding countryside comes to life with blooming flowers and lush greenery. This season is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the nearby mountains and river valleys. Spring also offers opportunities to experience local festivals and events, including traditional music performances and cultural celebrations.
Summer (June to August): Summer is a popular time to visit Tepelenë, with warm temperatures and long sunny days. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor adventures such as rafting along the Vjosë River, swimming in natural pools and waterfalls, and picnicking in scenic spots. Summer also brings a variety of cultural events and festivals to Tepelenë, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Albanian traditions and hospitality.
Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Tepelenë, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for hiking and exploring the area’s natural beauty, with the foliage starting to change colors and creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Fall also offers opportunities to taste seasonal dishes made with local produce and to participate in harvest festivals and cultural events.
Winter (December to February): Winter in Tepelenë is relatively quiet, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. While some outdoor activities may be limited during this time, winter offers opportunities to explore indoor attractions such as historic sites, museums, and traditional Albanian houses. Winter is also a cozy time to visit Tepelenë, with local restaurants serving hearty dishes and warm hospitality.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Tepelenë depends on your preferences for weather, outdoor activities, and cultural events. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, Tepelenë has something to offer for every traveler throughout the year.

Average Temperatures in Tepelenë

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

How to get to Tepelenë

Tepelenë, located in southern Albania, offers several transportation options for travelers:

By Air:

The nearest major international airport to Tepelenë is Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) in Tirana, the capital city of Albania. From Tirana:

Car: The drive from Tirana to Tepelenë takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route includes major highways such as the SH4 and SH8, offering scenic views of the Albanian countryside.
Bus: Buses operated by various companies provide regular services from Tirana to Tepelenë. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, with stops at other towns along the route.

By Road:

From Gjirokastër: Tepelenë is approximately 1 hour away from Gjirokastër by car. The road between the two towns, SH4, is well-maintained and offers a picturesque drive through the Albanian mountains.

Local Transportation:

Taxi: Taxis are available in Tepelenë for local transportation within the town and nearby areas. It’s advisable to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.
Rental Car: Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring Tepelenë and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Rental car services are available at major airports and cities in Albania.

Similar Blogs

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jed Horne

Durrës Historic Walking Tour

As Durrës has been inhabited for almost 3000 years there is so much to see. The birthplace of emperors, visited by apostles and full of legends old ruins, from a flourishing period. The city with its broad beaches and mild climate, is also one of the biggest seaports on the Adriatic coast, the city of […]

15th February 2020

The Famous Pyramid Which Was Built After Enver Hoxhas Dead In His Memory

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Andreas Lehner

Travelling back to Tirana's Communist Past

Tirana has a fascinating history and each stage of it has left its marks on the city. From 1944 to 1990, Albania suffered a period of isolation during the Communist regime. While many of the communist landmarks were destroyed following the transition to democracy These communist landmarks that survive will let you experience a little […]

27th January 2020

CC BY-SA 3.0 / AltynAsyr

Tirana Historic Walking Tour

Tirana is a city with an eventful history. The city has been a part of the Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman Empire, struggled through World War II, witnessed communist rule, and worked through the turmoil of the 1990s after the collapse of communism. In a relative short distance you can see the landmarks of Tirana which […]

23rd January 2020