Albania is an up-and-coming tourist destination that’s rapidly gaining popularity. The capital, Tirana, is growing rapidly with people coming for city breaks, and the Albanian Riviera has been nicknamed the Maldives of Europe. But, if you look a bit further, off the beaten path, you’ll find a country steeped in history, and a place that exemplifies that better than most is Gjirokaster. In this blog, we take a look at the best things to do in Gjirokaster, a historical city that will open your eyes to the triumphs, trials and tribulations the Albanian people have faced over the years.
History of Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster, known as the City of Stone, has a fascinating history. The city dates back to ancient times and in the 14th century, was recorded as being called Argyrokastro – Gjirokaster’s old name. It thrived under Ottoman rule, becoming an important administrative and commercial centre, with many of its famous stone houses and the grand Gjirokaster Castle built during this period.
In the 19th century, Gjirokaster became a hub for resistance against Ottoman rule, a struggle that continued until Albania gained independence in 1912. During World War II, the city experienced occupation by Italian forces from 1939 to 1943 and then by German forces until 1944. This period left a significant mark on the city’s history and architecture.
During the communist era from 1946 to 1991, Gjirokaster saw the construction of an extensive network of tunnels under Enver Hoxha’s regime. These tunnels were built as a precaution against potential invasions and reflect the era’s tense political climate. Some of these tunnels are still accessible to this day.
Today, Gjirokaster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era buildings and its influences from many different cultures. It’s definitely worth visit and there are some pretty interesting things to do in Gjirokaster too.
🎒 Tip: Gjirokaster is a great day trip from Ksamil. In fact, the distance from Gjirokaster to Ksamil is only 68 km, and it typically only takes an hour and 20 minutes to reach. Day trips from Ksamil to Gjirokaster are a popular way to explore this UNESCO site.
Gjirokaster Travel Essentials
Before we dive into the best things to do in Gjirokaster, let’s make sure your Albania trip is smooth and safe.
First things first, have you thought about how you’ll get around?
🚗 If you’re comfortable driving, renting a car in Albania is one of the easiest ways to travel. You can book your car rental here. You will need to be 21 or over and have a valid driving license, International Driving Permit and a credit or debit card in the driver’s name.
🚙 If you prefer to have a private driver and tour guide, you can book this full-day private tour option here.
✈️ Arriving in Albania? Gjirokaster is about 3 hours away from Tirana Airport. Save time and stress by booking a private transfer here.
😴 Still need a place to stay? You can book your Gjirokaster accommodation here.
✋ And don’t forget about travel insurance. It’s super important to be covered for any unexpected events. Grab your travel insurance here.
Best Things To Do In Gjirokaster
1. Explore the Gjirokaster Bazaar (Old Town)
One of the things to do in Gjirokaster you can’t miss is checking out the Bazaar in the Old Town. It’s the heart of the area, and wandering through this historic market or going on a walking tour gives you a real taste of local life.
The streets are cobblestone and winding, with old-world charm and modern touches. You’ll find all sorts of boutique shops selling handmade crafts, spices, and colourful textiles. And when you need a break, there are plenty of cosy cafes and restaurants to grab some tasty Albanian food.
A tip for shopping: Haggling is common here, so don’t be shy about negotiating prices, it can make shopping even more fun!
🥾 You can book a walking tour of Gjirokaster here.
🎒 Or, on this (private) Gjirokaster tour, explore the Bazaar as well as the Castle, Skenduli House and the Cold War tunnel before spending time at the Blue Eye. Transportation and admission tickets are included.
2. Gjirokaster Castle & Museums
Another one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster is to visit Gjirokaster Castle. It’s a massive fortress that’s been around since the 12th century and really stands out from wherever you are in the city. The stonework and designs are incredible and give you a glimpse into the city’s rough history.
From the castle, you get amazing views of Gjirokaster’s old houses, the Drino Valley and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot for photos and just soaking in the beautiful scenery. And if you look up, you’ll spot the clock tower, which is probably the castle’s most famous feature. There’s plenty to see inside too, from old tanks, artillery and even century-old ovens!
You can take a castle tour to learn more about the castle itself and its history, and there are museums within the castle for an extra 200 LEK (you pay for this once you’re inside the castle). These museums are packed with interesting artefacts from different periods, like the Ottoman era and the communist period. Don’t miss the old artillery and prison cells when you’re wandering around the museums.
You should set aside at least 2 hours to fully explore and enjoy the views, but bare in mind that you can’t drive to Gjirokaster castle – you park halfway up and then walk the rest. But, we think it’s one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster, and is definitely worth your time.
Entrance cost and opening times: Gjirokaster castle is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm. Tickets are 200 LEK (about £1.70), and if you want to visit the museums, it’s another 200 LEK.
🏰 Admission tickets and a private guide is included on this (private) Gjirokaster tour, where you get to explore the Castle before heading off to visit the Bazaar (old town), Skenduli House and the Cold War tunnel and the famous Blue Eye. Transportation is included.
3. Manalat Quarter
If you venture higher up in the valley, you’ll find the Manalat Quarter, a steep part of Gjirokaster that overlooks the castle. The Manalat Quarter feels like a living museum, with beautiful stone houses on sloping terraces and narrow lanes winding through the neighbourhood. It’s easily one of the most beautiful things to do in Gjirokaster.
As you explore, you’ll come across small, traditional houses, old fountains and local residents going about their daily lives, giving you a feel for Gjirokaster’s authentic side.
Plus, if you’re looking for a quieter experience (because Gjirokaster can get pretty busy), then making your way to Manalat Quater is one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster. You won’t find the usual crowds here, so you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning views of the city, the castle and the valley without having to share them with other tourists.
Tip: If you are hiking to Ali Pasha’s bridge, you’ll walk through this area.
4. Ali Pasha Bridge
While you’re in the Manalat Quarter, make sure to check out the Ali Pasha Bridge. This spot is one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster. Originally a 12-kilometre-long aqueduct built in the 19th century by Ali Pasha, an Albanian leader under the Ottoman Empire, it has a fascinating history.
Though most of the stone-built aqueduct was demolished in 1932, the remaining section still attracts many visitors. It holds historical significance and once linked Gjirokaster to nearby regions.
It takes around 20-30 minutes from the Gjirokaster castle area to hike here. The trail is full of loose rocks, so we’d recommend wearing sturdy shoes for this one. Also, follow as you get closer to the bridge, follow the signposts rather than Google Maps – it’s an easier hike. If the weather is nice, take a picnic and enjoy the scenery. Although it’s just a short walk from the city, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world.
Read about: The Ultimate Guide for Renting A Car in Albania
5. Bazaar Mosque
When you’re wandering around the streets of Bazaar, you’ll no doubt come across the Bazaar Mosque. The Bazaar Mosque is the last remaining Mosque in Gjirokaster out of the 13 constructed during the Ottoman era. In the 1960s, communists destroyed the other 12. Remarkably, the Bazaar Mosque escaped demolition and instead, its soaring dome ceilings found an unexpected use as a practice area for circus acrobats, who hung their trapezes from these heights.
In the 1990s, the Mosque was returned to the Muslim community to once again become a place of worship. Now, non-Muslim visitors can visit the Mosque as long as they respect the cultural and religious norms associated with the Mosque.
In a small room beneath the stone arches under the Mosque, you will find a cute little cafe and bookstore called Te Kubé, which we highly recommend stopping by! While enjoying a bite to eat and a drink, there are lots of books, crafts and music to browse. It’s a great spot to relax, or if you’re a digital nomad like us, it’s an awesome place to work for a few hours.
Entrance cost and opening times: It is free to enter Bazaar Mosque, but there is a donation box. The Mosque is open every day from 3 am to 11 pm.
6. UNESCO Old Town Houses – Zekate House
To really appreciate Gjirokaster’s history, we think it’s essential to see how the wealthy families lived back in the day. For us, visiting one or two of the UNESCO-listed houses was definitely one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster. These historic homes give you a real sense of the past, with their classic Ottoman-style architecture, unique stonework, and cosy wooden interiors.
To get a real feel for this history, visit the Zekate House. It’s one of the best-preserved and most beautiful old houses in Gjirokaster, and it’s included in this walking tour. Built between 1811 and 1812, it belonged to Beqir Zeko, a general administrator under Ali Pasha. This grand tower house, or kullë, is not just aesthetically pretty, it has a seriously strong defensive structure, which was common back then for wealthy families.
The house has three floors, with storage and a kitchen on the ground floor, living quarters on the first, and a grand reception room on the top floor. In here, you’ll find frescoed walls, a carved ceiling and a beautiful old fireplace. The views from the house over the river valley are amazing.
Houses like Zekate House give you a real feel for what life was like in Gjirokaster back in the day. It’s like stepping into the 19th century, and it’s pretty cool to see how the city’s elite used to live.
Entry to Zekate House is 200 LEK (approximately USD 1.70).
7. Rafting on Vjosa River
If you’re up for some adventure, rafting on the Vjosa River is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster. About an hour from the city, the Vjosa is one of Europe’s last wild rivers, so you’re in for some seriously unspoiled nature.
The rafting trip is great for both beginners and seasoned pros. You’ll paddle through clear waters, with amazing views of cliffs, canyons, islands and lush forests all around you. There are calm stretches where you can just chill and take it all in, plus some exciting rapids to really have fun.
The whole experience takes around 3 hours and includes everything you need, with safety gear and instructions. So, whether you’re looking to get your heart racing or just want to enjoy Albania’s natural beauty in a fun way, rafting on the Vjosa is an awesome experience.
Price: It usually costs around 50-60 euros per person, depending on the tour operator.
💦 You can book river rafting on the Vjosa here.
8. Visit the Blue Eye
Most tours to Gjirokaster that include the Blue Eye will take you to this stunning natural spring, but if you’re travelling by car in Albania, it’s an easy trip too, just under an hour away.
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) is one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster if you’re visiting the area. The water is incredibly clear and a striking sapphire blue that allows you to see down over fifty meters, though no one really knows how deep it goes! It’s tucked away in a forest of oak and sycamore trees, making it a peaceful and scenic place to chill out, especially if you get there at the right time.
As this is one of the most popular things to do from Gjirokaster and in Albania overall, we recommend trying to arrive before 9 am, before the crowds. It opens at 8 am and closes at 8 pm. If you get here before 9 am, you should almost have the place to yourself.
There are plenty of signs warning against swimming, so please don’t swim. You’ll see plenty of people getting in, but it’s gradually ruining the environment and will be contaminating the water flow. There is a restaurant, called Blue Eye on Google Maps. Here is a good spot to just dip your feet in to cool off without causing any harm.
9. Skenduli House
Another must-see in the beautiful UNESCO city is the Skenduli House. Built in 1703, the house is one of the original Ottoman-era houses and has been maintained by the Skenduli family, a prominent and wealthy family during the Ottoman period, for generations. The current caretaker, who is a descendant of the original owners, gives tours of the house (the tours take around 40 minutes), which give you a fascinating insight into the house’s history and what life was like for his ancestors.
The house itself is incredible. It has multiple floors with rooms designed for different purposes, from grand reception halls to cosy private quarters. The intricate woodwork and carved ceilings are stunning, and the clever way the house was built to handle different seasons shows just how much thought went into its design. Visiting Skenduli House gives you a real feel for the lifestyle and social customs of the time, making it one of the top things to do in Gjirokaster.
Admission price: 200 LEK (approximately USD 1.70)
🎒 Tip: Visit Skenduli House and the Cold War Tunnel (below) on this walking tour, which also includes the castle and the Bazaar (old town).
10. Cold War Tunnel
The Cold War Tunnel is another one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster if you’re looking to get a glimpse into Albania’s more recent past. This extensive underground bunker was built in the 1970s during the paranoid reign of Enver Hoxha, who feared both external invasion and internal dissent. The tunnel, hidden beneath the city, was designed to protect the local government and key officials in the event of a nuclear or chemical attack.
Exploring the Cold War Tunnel is a stark reminder of the fear and suspicion that characterised the communist era in Albania. The tunnel is dark, damp and eerie, with long corridors leading to various chambers, including command rooms and sleeping quarters. We recommend booking a walking tour as it’s a great way to tick off several of the best things to do in Gjirokaster and give you some context about the tunnel’s construction and the broader political situation in Albania during the Cold War.
Entrance cost: 200 LEK (approximately USD 1.70). Your admission ticket is included on this walking tour.
11. Ethnographic Museum
While you’ve already got a taste of how people in Gjirokaster lived back in the day from the historic houses, the Ethnographic Museum provides you with a closer look at the everyday details and customs that were part of life here. Visiting this museum is definitely one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster. It’s set in the house where Enver Hoxha, Albania’s former communist leader, was born, and inside, you’ll find all sorts of traditional clothing, old household items, and tools that show how life was really lived here.
The building itself is another amazing example of Gjirokaster’s typical architecture, with classic wooden interiors and stone walls. We think visiting this museum during your trip to Gjirokaster ties everything together nicely, giving you a fuller picture of the city’s past.
Entrance cost and opening times: The price of the Ethnographic Museum is 200 LEK (about USD 1.70) and it’s open from 8 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm every day (April to September).
Best Time to Visit Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and cool, wet winters. Spring (March to June) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Gjirokaster. The weather is comfortable and there are fewer tourists around. July and August can get pretty hot, and the city tends to be packed with visitors as it’s the busiest time of year in Gjirokaster.
If you’re visiting during the busy season, it’s a good idea to get there early. We went in the afternoon in June, and it was tough to find parking, plus there were loads of tour buses. Getting an early start will make your visit a lot nicer.
How to Reach Gjirokaster
Bus
How to Travel From Saranda to Gjirokaster by Bus
To get from Saranda to Gjirokaster by bus, head to the bus station here (on the road between Friendship Park and the Basilica Synagogue ruins), the journey takes about 1.5 hours. The buses run between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm and a ticket costs around 400 LEK (4.40 USD/3.40 GBP). They are independent buses, so they might not leave exactly on time – it’s best to ask around for the next departure.
How to Get From Tirana to Gjirokaster by Bus
To get from Tirana to Gjirokaster by bus, head to the Regional Bus Terminal North and South Albania, located about a 20-minute drive from the city centre. The bus ride takes about 4 hours, and the buses can be small and hot inside as they often have no air conditioning, so keep this in mind if you’re looking for comfort. The cost of a bus from Tirana to Gjirokaster is 900 LEK (9.50 USD/7.70 GBP). Make sure to bring cash as tickets are bought directly from the driver.
🎒 Tip: If you want to visit this UNESCO city from Tirana, this day trip from Tirana to Gjirokaster and the Blue Eye is a great option to tick off several hotspots in one day.
How to Reach Gjirokaster by Car
The best way to get to Gjirokaster, and explore the country in general, is by renting a car in Albania. We used Discover Cars for our car rental and found Albania to be one of the cheapest places we’ve ever rented a vehicle. The main roads and highways are in good condition, but other drivers can be quite chaotic, especially in cities.
Read our top tips for driving in Albania, and you should be more than ok.
FAQs about Best Things to Do in Gjirokaster
What is Gjirokaster known for?
Gjirokaster, the City of Stone, is known for its Ottoman-era architecture, with stone houses and slate roofs that give it a really unique look. It’s also known for its impressive castle that overlooks the city. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Albania’s former communist leader, Enver Hoxha. As you explore, you’ll get a real sense of the city’s history and Albania’s past through its architecture and things to do.
Is Gjirokaster worth visiting?
Absolutely, Gjirokaster is worth visiting. This historic city has so much to offer. You can wander through the old houses, check out the lively Bazaar and explore the impressive castle. If you’re more into nature, you can hike up to Ali Pasha Bridge for some great views. Coming here and exploring the best things to do in Gjirokaster will really open your eyes to the tough history the people here have had to endure.
How long should you spend in Gjirokaster?
You can easily spend a few hours or even a full day in Gjirokaster, it really depends on how much you want to see and how fast you like to explore. If you’re planning to wander through the Bazaar, check out the Castle and a few more of the best things to do in Gjirokaster, you’ll need at least a full day to take it all in.
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