Is Gjirokaster, Albania Worth Visiting?

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A UNECO World Heritage Site title, charming Old Bazaar and historic castle – is it enough to deem Gjirokaster, Albania worth visiting?

Gjirokastër (often written as Gjirokastra), is a spectacular city in southern Albania that’s worth visiting for its historic town centre. The destination is admired by culture-seeking travellers, anyone who appreciates an impressive castle, and those looking to explore inland Albania.

Gjirokastër is frequently mentioned as one of the must-see places in Albania.

Its remarkable streets of the old bazaar, assortment of Ottoman-era architecture, and prominent hilltop fortress are just a handful of reasons why Gjirokaster is unquestionably worth visiting.

In this guide, discover the best things to see and do as well as practical information for visiting Gjirokaster, Albania.

Quick List: Sites to See in Gjirokaster, Albania

• Gjirokaster Castle
• The Old Bazaar
• The Cold War Tunnel
• The Ethnographic Museum
• Skenduli House and Zekate House
• Ali Pasha Bridge
• Ura e Kordhocës Bridge
• The Field of Bunkers
• Liqeni i Viroit Park
• The Drinos River

Essentials for Visiting Gjirokaster, Albania

📸 Gjirokaster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places in Albania.

🚶🏻‍♀️The town is not huge so one or two days in Gjirokaster will suffice.

🏰 Among the best things to do and see in Gjirokaster are the Castle, Old Bazaar, Cold War Tunnel, multiple museums, and energetic nightlife.

✈️ If you’re an international visitor, it’s easiest to book a flight to the capital city of Tirana in order to reach Gjirokaster.

🚐 From Tirana, the easiest options for getting to Gjirokaster is with a rental car or by booking a guided tour with transportation included (there are many!).

🎨 Gjirokaster is known for wood and stone carving. One of the most unique activities to try while visiting Gjirokaster is this local wood crafting experience.

Map of Things to Do in Gjirokaster

Interesting Places in Gjirokaster Worth Visiting

1. Gjirokaster Castle

The origins of the Gjirokaster Castle stem back to the 12th century. It is the most iconic symbol of the city and hard to miss as you gaze at Gjirokaster’s landscape.

Standing prominently on the highest point of the hill, it overlooks the historic town just below it. Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s worth stopping into the castle for the stunning views found at the very top.

One can easily spend an entire morning or afternoon at the Gjirokastër Castle as it has various sights to see within it and many information boards to read.

You’ll find a controversial American Air Force plane, prisons that were used as recently as during the communist regime, and traditional features such as a clock tower and church.

The Gjirokaster Castle is impressively equipped with exhibits, which even include old war tanks. But for an additional admission fee, you have the option to see more. Within the castle grounds, it’s possible to access a couple of specialty museums such as the Weapons Museum.

Entry to the Gjirokaster Castle itself costs under €5 per person, with separate museum fees between €2 – €3 extra.

It is not necessary to purchase entry tickets ahead of time, but you can expect a short line if you’re visiting during the summer. Overall, the Gjirokaster Castle is honestly the best of its kind in Albania and alone, makes visiting Gjirokaster worth it.

2. The Old Bazaar in Gjirokaster

The ancient village of Gjirokaster is endearing on its own, but its true highlight is the old bazaar, also known as Pazari i Vjeter. Particularly if you’re traveling from a country that has nothing like it, it’s definitely the most memorable thing to do in Gjirokaster.

The bazaar runs along a handful of streets in the center of the old town. Traditionally, this bazaar used to sell essentials and necessities for the many civilizations before us.

Nowadays, it’s a small network of adorable storefronts, cafes, and restaurants. For that picture perfect scene of old world Albania, the bazaar alone makes visiting Gjirokaster worth it.

The old bazaar is the perfect place to pick up a small souvenir from one of the countless craft shops or even antique shops selling trinkets with historic value.

The most unique craft we came across in Gjirokaster is the art of chiseling paintings into stones.

You’ll see a number of artists proudly displaying their portraits of scenes from Gjirokaster, all etched into slabs of stone by hand. During our entire time in Albania, we never really saw anything else quite like this.

Places to see within the old bazaar quarter:

• Gjirokastër Obelisk – A (free!) stone carved monument that offers sweeping views of the city and castle.
• Bazaar Mosque – This religious emblem of Gjirokastër has remarkably withstood the test of time, destruction, and the communist regime.
• Topulli Square – One of the main entrances to the bazaar is this historic town square with prominent statues, a UNESCO plaque, and restaurants.

Where to Eat In Gjirokaster

The old bazaar in Gjirokaster is not only the best area for shopping, but it’s also the best place to eat. There is a variety of different types of places to choose from when it comes to meal time in Gjirokaster.

Everything from modern restaurants with stylish decor to no-frills homestyle eateries. Compared to the tourist traps of the Albanian Riviera, visiting Gjirokaster is worth visiting in order to have a reasonably priced and authentic meal.

A few of the restaurants in Gjirokaster that stood out to us include:

Snack Bar Simple – A small family operated eatery serving traditional favourites at the highest quality and at extremely reasonable prices.

Komiteti Bar – This beautifully designed bar includes a detail-oriented interior and delightful outdoor seating area.

Taverna Brahimi – Located just outside of the hustle and bustle, this family-owned restaurant serves comforting local cuisine at the highest standard, combined with a full frontal view of the castle.

3. The Cold War Tunnel

Enver Hoxha, Albania’s communist dictator at the time, built a network of underground tunnels beneath the Gjirokaster Castle in the 70s.

The labyrinth was meant to serve the purpose of a bunker to be used in the case of a foreign invasion. The underground complex is quite vast and is said to have only been built to shelter important members of Albania’s government.

An expected occupation in Albania never occurred, which in the end left the bunker unused for its main purpose.

For a small entrance fee of 200 lek (€2), you can tour the tunnel system with a guide. The subterranean journey takes 30 minutes and allows you to see the intricate details of how a “would be” bunker functions.

You can simply buy tickets at the booth in person for the next upcoming tour, which usually runs every hour.

Note for parents: The tunnels are dark and there are no directions posted on the walls, so you must follow the guide to know where you are going. If you have children who tend to run off, it’s important to be mindful of the tunnel’s setup so you can keep an extra close eye on them. Even as adults, it’s easy to imagine how someone can get lost in the maze.

4. The Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum of Gjirokaster is a historic site that’s slightly deceiving. Unlike the many ancient homes surrounding it, the building was actually only built in the 60s and on top of the birthplace of the country’s former dictator, whose original home burned to the ground.

The museum house was rebuilt in a classic Albanian-Ottoman style to match its neighbours.

Inside the Ethnographic Museum are pieces that exemplify the region’s heritage from the 19th century. Many of the exhibits are recreations of typical clothing, furniture, decor, and artwork, primarily from the perspective of a wealthy family during this era.

Admission to the museum is under €3 per person and open to the public year-round.

5. Skenduli House and Zekate House

Both Skenduli House and Zekate House are prime examples of homes owned by wealthy families from the 1800s that are still standing in beautiful condition. The homes are built in a tower style and are of quintessential design, decor, and construction.

Visitors can get a first-hand experience of what life was like during a historical period in Gjirokaster and witness the authentic replicas of rooms, clothing, and furniture.

Each homes comes with interesting features, such as a compartment used to hide people and move throughout rooms without being seen. The lifestyle that the homes portray is indeed grand, with interior fresco paintings, formal reception halls, and wood-carved ceilings.

The impressive details go beyond just looks, as the homes are equipped with engineering efforts that were magnificent for their times, such as a sewer and water distribution system.

Entrance fees to the Skenduli House and Zekate House are under €3 per person.

6. Hiking and Walking Trails

Surrounding the immediate town centre of Gjirokaster are quieter residential streets. If you are an avid walker or looking to get off the tourist circuit, head to the side of the castle that’s opposite the bazaar.

You’ll stumble upon some really old cobblestone walkways, stunning houses and beautiful views of the mountains and ravine. At the very edge of town, you’ll also find a hiking trail that leads to the Ali Pasha Bridge.

The Ottoman era bridge is completely constructed of stone and balances perfectly between the canyon.

The beginning of the trail can be found here, which then you can decide to take the lower or upper route. For a more panoramic view, remain on the higher path. It’s important to keep in mind that there are no fences or security measures in place, so the trek should be completed at your own risk.

Travelers eager to discover hidden gems wherever they go will find this risky hike to the Ali Pasha bridge worth visiting Gjirokaster.

Other Places to Visit in Gjirokaster With a Car

7. Ura e Kordhocës Bridge

Normally, we feel like “roadside attraction” devalues a place’s beauty, but in this case, it’s really the perfect way to describe this bridge. We randomly stumbled upon it during a drive along the main motorway through Gjirokaster, and this stone bridge quickly caught our eye.

There isn’t much else to be said or seen about the bridge other than its striking location and the grand scenery behind it. If you’re traveling with a car and have a few minutes, don’t hesitate to make a stop here for a unique photo opportunity.

The Ure e Kordhocës Bridge can be found here on Google Maps.

8. The Field of Bunkers

By order of the same dictator who built the underground Cold War tunnel, over 750,000 concrete bunkers are found throughout Albania. They’re most noticeable to the naked eye if you are driving since they’re usually placed along the hillsides and in strategic positions.

It is very common to see one or two in one specific spot, but to see more than ten situated together is quite fascinating.

There is one hillside just outside of Gjirokastër that contains a small colony of old bunkers. You’ll find a few that are the standard size as seen everywhere, and then there are a couple that are the size of a tiny home.

If you dare, you can even walk into them as they’re not guarded or maintained by any means. Travelers who love their drone photos will especially appreciate an aerial photo of the field.

9. Liqeni i Viroit Park

Just a couple of minutes from Gjirokaster is a nature reserve and pedestrian-only park with a small reservoir.

The center of Gjirokaster can get overwhelmingly stimulating, with the many sounds, crowds, and sights. Escaping the flurry of the city can be refreshing, and there’s no better place nearby than Liqeni i Viroit park to unwind.

The park is comprised of a small lake, a couple of waterfront restaurants, and a lovely pedestrian-only walking path around the perimeter.

From bird watching to enjoying the children’s playground, it’s simply a peaceful corner of Gjirokaster that only people who know about it will visit.

10. The Drinos River

The River runs along the E853 motorway that runs in parallel with Gjirokaster. Rivers in Albania are severely underrated and one of the country’s most extraordinary natural features.

There are many places along the Drinos River that are easily accessible in order to enjoy the refreshingly crisp water or the serene sound of the rushing water.

For locals, we noticed that they don’t flood to the beach at the first sign of a summer heatwave. Instead, the rivers keep them cool as they set up lounge chairs and float down the streams.

The Drinos River, along with most of Albania’s other major rivers, also tends to be much cleaner than the popular beaches of the Riviera.

👍 You May Like: Visiting Përmet and the Vjosa River

How Many Days to Spend in Gjirokaster, Albania

We made the mistake of calling Gjirokastër a town while visiting, and a local was surprised that we would refer to it in that way. To them, it’s a city! Although it may look small in coverage area, Gjirokastër (like many Albanian cities) is dense.

It is comprised of small streets and corners that you wouldn’t necessarily see just by looking at it on Google Maps. With that being said, it is both a very manageable place to explore in a short amount of time and somewhere you can return to multiple times to see what you missed the first time.

For first-time visitors to Gjirokaster, we’d recommend at least one full day or a weekend stay. To make it worth visiting Gjirokaster, setting aside 24 hours or 48 hours will make you feel accomplished.

The many museums and historical landmarks like the castle require some time to walk through and plan for. However, you’ll want to not limit yourself to just these attractions and allow time to simply wander.

The bazaar is located in the historic town center which is a haven for anyone who enjoys street photography. Evenings and night life in Gjirokaster is also surprisingly active with many sidewalk bars and restaurants serving into the wee hours.

How to Add Gjirokaster to Your Albania Itinerary

Gjirokastër is a gem worth making room for in your itinerary and the travel time to southern Albania.

The historic centre of Gjirokastra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the early 2000s and is one of the most fascinating places in Albania to see for yourself. It is famous for the preserved conditions of Ottoman era architecture, the influence of Islamic traditions, and Byzantine churches.

Dating back to the 18th century, there is proof of cultures clashing under the same zip code. You’ll even see churches in addition to mosques that were built within the same period.

Although much of Albania’s tourism is focused on its coastline (or the Albanian Riviera), there are many interesting cities such as Gjirokaster that are located inland and are being overlooked.

Gjirokaster is not a secret destination. However, it’s not overwhelmingly crowded to the point that it’s no longer enjoyable. Even if you’re solely visiting Albania for its beaches, adding Gjirokaster to your itinerary is still very doable and accessible.

By Driving

The best way to fit Gjirokaster into your Albania itinerary is by road tripping the entire country. We’ve even put together a full guide on planning your own Albanian road trip!

After spending time along the Albanian Riviera, you’ll make an easy detour to Gjirokaster. The route requires going around a mountain ridge that divides Vlorë County and Gjirokaster County. Departing from further south, it’s possible to reach Gjirokastra from Sarandë in just one hour by car.

It is also possible to rent a car in Sarandë just to make a trip to Gjirokaster for a day or two and return back to Sarandë. If you are beginning in Tirana up north, it’s a 3.5-hour journey to reach Gjirokaster by the inland motorway.

A compact car can cost as little as €30 per day! Not a bad price to pay for the flexibility and convenience.

By Bus

Bus travel in Albania is by far the most affordable way to see all the major sights. However, public transportation can be very outdated, which means timetables and tickets are still physical.

In other words, it’s almost never possible to reserve bus tickets with an app or online. You must be prepared to do things the old-fashioned way.

In Saranda, the bus to Gjirokastër leaves near Friendship Park, and you can find the exact location in Google Maps here. The bus costs under €5 one-way and leaves for Gjirokastër multiple times before 2pm.

Buying a ticket is also unfortunately a gamble. There are travel agencies near Friendship Park that sell tickets in person, or you can attempt to give the bus driver cash. Overall, taking the public bus to Gjirokastër is best for solo travelers or those without a strict schedule.

Guided Tours

Guided tours to Gjirokaster that include transportation are the most effortless way to visit the UNESCO site. There are a handful of options when it comes to all-inclusive tours which depart from various parts of Albania.

These types of excursions make it incredibly easy for even beginner travelers to discover the most, without the luxury of time. Booking a guided tour will alleviate any hesitation you may have when deciding whether Gjirokaster is worth visiting or not.

Top rated Gjirokaster tours include:

• Full day tour of Gjirokaster from Tirana
• Full day tour of Butrint, Saranda & Gjirokastër from Tirana
• Half day tour of Gjirokaster Castle from Sarandë

Practical Visitor Information

Average Costs of Travelling in Gjirokaster

Whether you’re on a budget or not, a trip to Gjirokaster can be very affordable. It is one of the rare destinations that may be world renowned yet retains everyday prices that haven’t completely skyrocketed due to tourism.

What we particularly appreciate the most about Gjirokastra are the low admission fees to even the most popular attractions. Entrance to the Gjirokaster Castle is around €2 per adult with additional fees from €2 – €5 for various museums.

The cost of food and eating out varies depending on where you go. If you avoid the tourist traps, it’s possible to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at a modest place for €10 per person or less.

Travelers who are not mindful of prices can pay much more at restaurants targeted towards foreigners.

Accommodation in Gjirokastër will by far be the most costly aspect of your trip but still, comparatively inexpensive. Since the city is best explored on foot, finding a centrally located hotel or apartment is key.

Although this may sound more expensive, it doesn’t have to be, especially if you visit during shoulder season. A luxury hotel room with a pool and a view can cost as little as €60/night during the month of October. During the month of August, we paid €45/night for a one-bedroom apartment.

Should You Visit Berat or Gjirokaster?

Berat is a city further north and shares the same UNESCO Site title with Gjirokastër. Both cities are celebrated for their well-preserved urban layouts from the Ottoman era and remnants of fused cultures ranging from Illyrian, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Berat is equally frequented by tourists and unquestionably, just as beautiful of a historic center to visit. As not all travelers may have time to include both cities in one trip, it’s understandable to try and choose just one to visit.

To decide on Berat or Gjirokaster, it’s recommended to take into consideration the rest of your itinerary items. For example, if you are only planning on staying near Tirana or the northern section of Albania, it makes more sense to go to Berat.

Travelers that are primarily spending time along the riviera in the south will find Gjirokaster much easier to reach.

After seeing both Berat and Gjirokastra, we personally believe Gjirokaster is worth visiting slightly more due to its natural landscape.

The mountainous backdrop makes the city feel more grand and majestic with no shortage of gorgeous panoramic views. Gjirokaster Castle is also more impressive in size and condition.

How to Get Around Gjirokaster

Many travelers will focus on the historic center of Gjirokastër. Naturally, this makes the most sense as it’s the most charming and is where you’ll find the main attractions. The old quarter of Gjirokastër is just that – old.

It was never exactly built with the thought of cars or public transportation in mind. If you are only spending one or two days in Gjirokastër, stick to getting around on foot.

Walking will allow you to see all of the top landmarks and experience Gjirokastër on a personal level.

There are a few bus lines which service Gjirokaster. However, they’re mostly useful for commuting locals but tourists may still want to know there is a bus that connects the new town (in the valley) to the old town (on the hill).

Still, it only saves you an incremental amount of time and when you combine it with waiting around for the bus plus traffic, you’re better off just walking.

Taking a taxi from point A to point B within the town is also an option that’s not as expensive as it sounds. You’ll definitely want to discuss the price before you get in the taxi, but you should be able to get across town for no more than €10.

Taxis are also only able to get you so far, as some roads within the bazaar do not allow cars.

When to Visit Gjirokaster, Albania

Similar to many top destinations in Albania, Gjirokaster doesn’t close down on a seasonal basis.

This means that despite any rain or colder weather, attractions such as the castle and museums are open year-round. This is great news for travellers who are seeking cheaper accommodation, fewer crowds, and better photo opportunities.

Weather wise, September is the ideal month to visit as the temperature is comfortable without being too hot. October is also an agreeable option, although there is a bigger chance of some rainfall.

It does not regularly snow in Gjirokastra, so if you do not mind colder temperatures, visiting in winter can be a very unique experience.

Where to Stay In Gjirokaster

GuestHouse 1805 (Historic Building) – CHECK PRICES

Caramel Boutique Hotel (Luxury) – CHECK PRICES

Alsara Guesthouse (Central Location) – CHECK PRICES

More Albania Travel Posts:

• Unique Things to Do in Albania
• Is Ksamil Worth Visiting?
• Visiting the Ancient Settlement of Lin, Albania
• The Best Hidden Gem Beaches in Albania
• 7 Must-See Places in the Balkans

Gjirokaster Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator