Walking through Gjirokaster in Albania, you find yourself in a different zeitgeist. This UNESCO town is characterized by the many Ottoman houses that are excellently preserved. Its cobbled streets, stone houses and impressive castle carved entirely from stone make Gjirokaster also known as “the city of stone. Browse around the colorful bazaar, look inside an Ottoman house and taste the regional cuisine. Here you can read about the best things to do, the best restaurants and where to stay in Gjirokaster in Albania!
10 best things to do in Gjirokastër
Gjirokaster is located in the south of Albania and is a city rich in history and culture. Just as Berat this city should not be missed during a tour of Albania. Spend 2-3 days here to admire the many unique sights in Gjirokaster or plop down on one of the cozy terraces and enjoy this wonderful cultural heritage in Albania!
1) Castle of Gjirokaster
The castle of Gjirokaster (Kalaja e Gjirokastrës) flaunts itself on the highest hill of the city. This castle is completely hewn from stone from the surrounding mountains. The first layers are said to date back to the 6th century AD, but the beautiful bell tower dates back to the 18th century. Today, you can walk through the old castle and its open courtyard where you have a fantastic view of the mountains and Drinos Valley. Or take a look at the accompanying museum in the castle, where you can learn more about the history of Gjirokaster and the historical weapons discovered here.
Opening hours castle: daily from 9 am to 6 pm (museum until 5 pm) | Price: 200 LEK (€2) for the castle and 200 LEK (€2) for the museum
2) Gjirokaster Bazaar (Old Bazaar)
Wandering around the ‘Old Bazaar’ we found to be one of the most fun things to do in Gjirokaster! The original Bazaar burned down in second half of the 19th century but was later completely rebuilt as it was originally. Now you can stroll through the cobblestone streets filled with artisan stores, cafes and restaurants. In front of the white limestone houses, you can see colorful souvenirs and products displayed all around you. From local crafts like olive oil, honey and raki to carpets, clothing and wooden artwork. Especially in the evening, the bazaar comes alive, with the terraces between the stores filling with tourists and locals.
3) Bazaar Mosque
Strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Bazaar, you are bound to pass the Gjirokaster or Bazaar Mosque. This stone 17th-century mosque is the only one remaining from the Ottoman era. All other mosques were unfortunately destroyed during Albania’s communist regime. The Bazaar Mosque was used as a circus school during communism but was restored to its proper use in the 1990s. Behind the mosque today you will also find a cozy cafe and bookstore called Te Kubé. This café is situated in the stone vault that is part of the mosque and the perfect place for breakfast or lunch.
Opening hours mosque: daily from 09h to 16h30 | Price: free of charge
4) Looking inside Ottoman houses
More than 500 of Gjirokaster’s traditional houses have been designated as cultural monuments under the UNSECO statute. Here lived the rich families of the Ottoman era, and after the communist regime, these houses were also given back to the rightful families. Now you can peek inside these unique, stone houses filled with sleeping quarters, guest rooms and hammams intertwined by a network of corridors and secret doors. There are several houses you can look inside but these two are the most fun to do in Gjirokaster in Albania: the Zekate house and the Skenduli house.
Skenduli House
The Skenduli house dates back to the early 18th century, with a descendant of the original family guiding you through the various rooms. Depending on whether it was winter or summer, other rooms were put to use. You will also find a bunker, a wedding hall and even a secret floor where the wife could sneak a first look at her future fiancé. Explore the different floors and pay special attention to the fine carvings throughout the house. For admission you pay 300 LEK (€3) and you can visit from 09:00 to 19:00.
Zekate House
The Zekate house is very special especially along the outside. The two stone towers that were used as defenses are connected by stone arches which makes the house so photogenic. But inside, you will also find the traditional Ottoman interior once again with stained glass windows and colorful carpets. Admission to the Zekate house is 250 LEK (€2.5).
5) Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum of Gjirokaster in Albania is also located in a typical Ottoman, stone house. This building stands on the site of the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the former communist leader of Albania. After the original building burned down, it was replaced by this model house. Here you can look inside again and find, among other things, an exhibition of textiles, costumes and household objects. You will learn more about the town of Gjirokaster, its festivals and customs.
Museum opening hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Price: 200 LEK per person (€2)
6) Cold War tunnel
Former Communist leader Enver Hoxha was enormously paranoid and had as many as 168,000 bunkers built throughout Albania for fear of a nuclear attack or foreign invasion. The “Cold War Tunnel” in Gjirokaster is a fine example. You can take a guided tour to explore this underground network of tunnels and furnished rooms. A tour lasts about 30 minutes, costs 200 LEK (€2) and starts at the Tourist Information Centre in Gjirokaster. Tours start on the hour in high season, but it’s best to check with the information point.
7) Ali Pasha bridge
The Ali Pasha Bridge was once part of a gigantic 12-kilometer-long aqueduct. The bridge is named after Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha, who took over the city of Gjirokaster in 1811. Most of this stone aqueduct was demolished in 1932, but you can still visit a remnant of it. Situated among a narrow gorge, this is very impressive walking to the bridge! Walking through the green hilly landscape, you will pass shepherds herding their sheep and goats and forget for a moment the hustle and bustle of Gjirokaster. From the castle of Gjirokaster it takes about 45 minutes to reach the bridge.
8) Manalat Quarter
Walking toward the Ali Pasha Bridge, you’ll pass the Manalat Quarter. This historic neighborhood is located outside the Old Town of Gjirokaster. Because of its higher elevation, here you have a fantastic view of Gjirokaster, the castle and the surrounding mountains. After your visit to the Ali Pasha Bridge, you can wander around here some more. Be sure to stay until sunset, as this is undoubtedly the best time to visit this neighborhood!
9) Blue Eye by Sarande
Just under an hour’s drive from Gjirokaster you will find the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) of Sarandë. This freshwater spring, located in a national park, can be reached after a short, hike. The Blue Eye gets its name from the increasingly dark blue color in the center, reminiscent of an eye. The true depth of the Blue Eye remains a mystery, despite attempts by several divers to reach the bottom. Although swimming in the Blue Eye is no longer allowed, a visit is still worthwhile. You can take a relaxing walk through the surrounding woods or enjoy a drink on the banks of the river. The entrance fee to the Blue Eye, including parking, is 150 LEK (€1.50).
10) Taste the local Albanian cuisine
In Albania, each region has its own, local dishes. In Gjirokaster, these include qifqi, a rice ball filled with mint leaves, and oshaf, a dessert made with sheep’s milk, sugar and dried figs. You will find plenty of cozy and traditional restaurants in the Old City where you can eat in a typical, Ottoman interior. These were some of our favorite spots in Gjirokaster:
- Taverna Tradicionale Khardashi
- Restaurant Tradicional Odaja
- Vojsava Restaurant
- Te Kubé
- Snack Bar Simple
Where to stay in Gjirokaster
Like most buildings in Gjirokaster, many accommodations are Ottoman-style. So waking up in a room with the typical architecture of Gjirokaster is an experience in itself! These guesthouses and hotels give you a nice insight into the typical Gjirokaster style:
- Boutique Hotel Musée : located in one of the 200-year-old houses of Gjirokaster where you can still find a traditional, Ottoman fireplace.
- Argjiro Traditional : a beautifully decorated guest house located in the Old Bazaar
- Kerculla Resort : located on the hill, this 5-star hotel with pool has the best view of all of Gjirokaster.
How to visit Gjirokaster
From major cities such as Tirana, Berat and Sarandë, you can easily travel by bus to Gjirokaster in Albania. Several buses leave daily, but it is best to buy your tickets in advance. Ask your accommodation if they will help you with this, the hospitable Albanians will be happy to arrange this for you. We chose to discover Albania by car. This gives you the freedom to put together your own route and discover the diverse landscapes of Albania at your own pace. From the Albanian Alps in the north to the beautiful beaches of Ksamil in the south.
Best Travel Time Gjirokaster, Albania
Like most cities in Albania, it can get very hot in the summer, with temperatures sometimes reaching 40°C (104°F). Therefore, we recommend going in spring(April to June) or fall(September to October). Then the temperatures are more pleasant and the place is also less crowded. But no matter when you go, we think Gjirokaster is a destination that is wonderful to visit any time of year! Just keep in mind that the opening hours of most attractions are different during the off-season.
Have you visited Gjirokastër in Albania yourself? Let us know in a comment below what your experience was with this amazing country! Looking for more information for your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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