Want to know the best things to do in Gjirokaster Albania?
If you’re planning a road trip to Albania, you must visit Gjirokaster. Known as the Stone City, Gjirokastër is a UNESCO-listed town and one of Albania’s most beloved gems.
From the hilltop castle and quirky museums to cobbled lanes and Ottoman architecture it’s a place steeped in history and charm. The historic centre is small, but there so much more to Gjirokaster.
We have visited Gjirokaster three times now. Firstly as part of our Albania Road Trip in March 2025. We loved it so much that we’ve been back twice more.
In this Gjirokaster Travel Guide we’re sharing our favourite things to do in Gjirokaster. Whether you’re travelling by campervan like us, or staying in a guesthouse in the old town, this list has all you need to know.
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Best things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania
We have organised this list of things to see in Gjirokaster in the order that we visited. You can use this list as a one-day Gjirokaster itinerary. Begin by taking a taxi up to the Castle (or walking all the way to the top of the hill).
1. Gjirokaster Castle
The 12th century Gjirokaster Castle sits at a height of 336m, overlooking the valley. At over 500m long, its one of the largest castles in the Balkans. It has been a strategic fortress for centuries.
Ali Pasha expanded the fortress in the 18th century, and it was used as a prison during the communist era.
The castle is open to visitors, and now houses three museums: an armaments museum, history of Gjirokaster museum, and the former prison.
It was definitely eerie walking through the prison, and seeing the cells where political prisoners were kept. There was no glass on the windows, it would have been freezing here in winter!
We took a taxi to the top of the hill, and planned to gradually walk downhill from there, visiting the best Gjirokaster attractions on the way.
The castle is open from 9am to 4pm daily, closed Mondays. Entry fee is 400 Lek, with an additional 200 Lek for the museums. Allow 2 hours to visit the museums and wander through the grounds looking at the views.
TIP: try to get there early before the tour groups arrive.
As you make your way down the hill from the castle, stop to check out some of the artisans selling jams & marmalade and handmade textiles.
2. Cold War Tunnel
(Not to be confused with the Cold War Museum – which is also called the Cold War Tunnel – confusing, we know!)
Just before the entry to the old town and Bazaar you’ll find the “cold war tunnel” that goes under the castle. You can wander through the tunnel – look out for the tunnels to the side that have been concreted shut.
Once out the other side, you’ll get another great view of the surrounding valley.
It’s free to wander through this tunnel, and its open all the time. The tunnel is about 100 metres long, and is lit well.
TIP: The other side of this tunnel is is a good place to launch a drone if you have one, and want to avoid flying near people.
3. Gjirokaster Old Town and Bazaar
The Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster is in the heart of the Old City. It dates back to the 17th century though a lot was destroyed by fire in the late 19th century and rebuilt.
The bazaar originally had artisan workshops, and now the streets are lined with souvenir shops and restaurants. The central “square”, which is really just the intersection of 5 streets, is a great place to sit for people-watching.
4. Cold War Museum (aka Cold War Tunnel)
The Cold War Museum (also called the Cold War Tunnel) is one of many such bunkers that were built in Albania during the communist era under dictator Enver Hoxha. This tunnel is 800m long and had 59 rooms.
The bunker was designed to house 200 people in the event of a nuclear attack. It was stocked with enough food and medicines for three months. What would happen after three months is anyone’s guess!
We took a guided tour through the tunnel to see some of the party officials’ rooms, the ventilation system and the decontamination rooms. Because of recent rain, we weren’t able to go in to see the generator.
Oh, and we also saw the bathrooms. There were two toilets – for 198 people – the mayor and one other official had their own toilets. Imagine the line up in the morning!!
The tunnel has pretty much been left as it was, and we were encouraged to sit at the desk in the office for photos! Not something we are used to in a museum.
Entry fee to the tunnel is 200 Lek, and guided tours run on the hour. The tour takes about 20 minutes, which is plenty of time.
Just near the stairs up to the entry to the tunnel you’ll find the Kalimera Patisserie. We were recommended this place by friends. They make great coffee, and delicious Basque Cheesecake here!
Ottoman Era Houses
One of the things Gjirokaster is well-known for is the Ottoman-era houses. There are several of these open to the public, which give an idea of what life was like for a wealthy family during these times.
5. Skenduli House
The Skenduli house was built in 1700 by the patriarch of one of the wealthiest families in southern Albania (at the time). The house sprawls over three levels, with 64 windows, 44 doors, 9 fireplaces and 6 toilets!
The house was partially renovated in the 1890s and retains its intricate mosaics, frescoes and carved ceilings.
Entry fee is 300 Lek and we got a guided tour. It was interesting to learn how the men and women lived and celebrated important events quite apart. Even during a wedding the bride would only appear before the men for the ceremony and then would return to the women’s celebration room.
During the communist era, the house was taken over and used as the ethnographic museum. After 1991 the house was returned to the family who have since opened it up to show what life was like in 19th century Gjirokaster.
6. Zekate House
This house was built for an administrator under Ali Pasha, in 1811-12. This house is perched high on the hill. It’s a bit of a climb to get up there, but well worth it for the views.
There is a lovely terrace here where you can enjoy a coffee or a drink. Entry to the house is 250 Lek but you can visit the terrace for free.
7. Ethnographic Museum
Since 1991 the Ethnographic Museum has been housed in this building which was built on the site of Enver Hoxha’s birth house. From 1966 to 1991 the anti-fascist museum was housed here.
The Ethnographic Museum houses cultural artefacts like furniture, costumes and household items. There is nothing in the collection about Hoxha.
Entry costs 500 Lek and the museum is open from 9am to 4pm daily.
8. Ali Pasha Bridge
The so-called Ali Pasha bridge was actually part of an aqueduct system, built by Ali Pasha, that brought water into Gjirokaster from Mt Sopot, 10km away.
It’s a bit of a hike to get here, but a really interesting one. Leaving the town of Gjirokaster, you’ll pass the Kardhashi Restaurant (stop here on your way back!) then walk through a small village and then some farmland. We saw a shepherd with his flock here, and another man walked by with several pack horses.
You’ll come to a corner and then you’ll see the bridge. Many people stop here and just take photos, but you can continue on to the bridge and walk over it.
9. Enjoy a cocktail in the Old Bazaar
We just happened to return to Gjirokaster for Nigel’s birthday, and we may have enjoyed a couple of cocktails at the Hangover Bar in the main “square” in the bazaar. With outdoor seating this is a great area to sit and sip on a drink while you watch the world go by.
10. Try the local food
Traditional Albanian food is really delicious. You’ll find many restaurants in the Old Bazaar serving traditional dishes, and several good ones outside the centre too. There are a couple of specialities here in Gjirokaster that you should try. Qifqe are rice balls fried to be crispy on the outside and soft on inside. Qofte are meatballs, Fasule is a bean dish that we really enjoyed, and also Patëllxhanë which is stuffed eggplant.
In the Bazaar we recommend Furra Restaurant, but if you’re happy to walk a bit (or you’re visiting the Ali Pasha Bridge), don’t miss the home-cooked food (and hospitality) at Kardhashi Traditional Food. We’ve eaten here a couple of times
11. Take a day trip to the Blue Eye
The best day trip from Gjirokaster is to the Blue Eye. This natural spring is one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. The drive is about 45 minutes (or you can take a public bus from the main highway).
From the carpark it’s a decent walk to the Blue Eye (around 2km) or you can hire a scooter, or jump on the little tourist train. Entry is 100 Lek per person, and you buy your ticket before the walk.
Once you arrive at the Blue Eye, there are a couple of restaurants (and they were building a guesthouse when we visited) and some further walking paths. Don’t miss the viewing platform above the spring, where you’ll really see the blue colour.
NOTE: Swimming is not permitted at the Blue Eye.
The Blue Eye is located about half way between Gjirokaster and Sarandë, and many people choose to visit when travelling between the two cities.
Gjirokaster Travel Guide – Essential Information
How to get to Gjirokaster, Albania
Gjirokaster is located in the south of Albania, on a hill overlooking the Vjosa River valley.
By Air
There is an international airport in Tirana, however many visitors to the south of Albania fly into Corfu, Greece and take the ferry to Saranda, Albania.
By Car
Gjirokaster is situated on the main north-south highway in Albania, around 230km (3 hours driving) from Tirana. If you’re coming from the south, it’s 50km or an hour’s drive from Sarandë.
The roads are sealed and in good condition in both directions.
You can rent a car from either Tirana or Saranda if aren’t driving with your own car or campervan.
By Bus
There are no trains in Albania, but you can take a bus from Tirana or Sarandë. The buses are cheap, but can be quite slow. In Tirana the bus leaves from the South and North Bus Terminal. The bus will cost around €10
In Sarandë the bus leaves from the Bus Station in the centre of town, between the Friendship Park and the archeological ruins of the Basilica. Expect to pay around €4
You can also take a day tour from Sarandë to Gjirokaster (and the Blue Eye)
A private taxi from Tirana to Gjirokaster will cost from €100-150.
Getting around Gjirokaster
As an historic city that is located on a (steep) hillside, the best way to get around Gjirokaster is to walk. But be warned, this hill is STEEP!! You’ll definitely earn your beers or sweet treats after a day of sightseeing in Gjirokaster.
We did over 16.5k steps on our day in Gjirokaster and we started with a taxi to the castle!
TIP: Wear comfortable walking shoes, a lot of the streets are cobbled.
Where to stay in Gjirokaster
We are travelling around Albania in our campervan, so if you’re like us and in a motorhome or RV, there are several campsites just along the main highway. No need to negotiate the tiny winding streets of the old town!
We stayed at Camping Ora. We paid 1500 Lek (€15) per night which included electricity, toilets and hot showers, as well as fresh water fill up, grey and black water disposal.
We’ve been back and stayed twice more with Arbi and his family here. They are really developing the campsite. They should have an additional toilet and shower block for 2026 and apparently they are even putting in a pool!
If you’re looking for a hotel in Gjirokaster, you’ll find plenty of small guesthouses and hostels around the old town. We recommend booking.com to check for availability and compare pricing.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Gjirokaster?
We think the best time to visit anywhere in Albania is during the spring or autumn. The summer time can be very hot, and very busy. As tourism is just emerging in Albania, a lot of restaurants and smaller businesses close down in the winter time.
Spring and Autumn offers the best of all worlds – pleasant daytime temperatures for wandering around the city sightseeing, not too many tourists, and still plenty of choice when it comes to eating out.
How long do you need in Gjirokaster?
Gjirokaster is one of those places that we could have spent a week – we loved it there. Just wandering around the old town, sitting at a cafe, eating all the good food… it’s amazing!
Having said that, you can visit Gjirokaster in one day – the way we’ve listed the sites here is how we visited them in a day.
Is Gjirokaster worth visiting?
Oh yes!! Gjirokaster is one of our favourite places we visited in all of Albania. If you like history and culture, friendly locals and great food, then definitely add Gjirokaster to your Albania Road Trip Bucket List.
Watch our Gjirokaster Travel Film
As we are road-tripping around Europe, we’re creating weekly travel vlogs to showcase the places we visit, and give you a glimpse into what life is like on the road.
You can check out all our Albania videos on our Albania Road Trip playlist.
Where to next?
Continue your Albania Road Trip with a visit to the Albanian Riviera! Or, if you’re heading north, why not visit the Benjë Thermal Baths or check out another UNESCO World Heritage Listed city at Berat.
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