Gjirokaster, also known as the “City of Stone,” is a must-visit destination on any road trip through Albania. This UNESCO World Heritage city is bursting with charm, from its historic houses and impressive castle to the lively bazaar and beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re planning a road trip with kids or a tour of Albania, this guide has the best tips, must-see sights, and our favorite places in Gjirokaster. Get inspired, discover why Gjirokaster deserves a spot on your list, and find out where to stay and where to eat.
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- Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania: 6 best tips for your trip
- Gjirokaster Castle: a must-see in Albania’s City of Stone
- Gjirokaster Bazaar: the heart of the city
- Visit the UNESCO-listed old town houses in Gjirokaster
- Visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): a must-see in southern Albania
- Visit the Benja Thermal Baths in Albania
- Hiking to the Ali Pasha Bridge near Gjirokaster
- How to get to Gjirokaster, Albania
- Best time to visit Gjirokaster, Albania
- The best hotels and accommodations in Gjirokaster
- The best restaurants in Gjirokaster, Albania
- Visit Gjirokaster with kids: the best tips
- Why Gjirokaster should be on your list during your road trip through Albania
Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania: 6 best tips for your trip
There’s so much to do in and around Gjirokaster that you can easily spend several days exploring. We stayed for three days at the fantastic Rose Garden Hotel, one of the few hotels in Gjirokaster with a swimming pool. A real lifesaver during the hot summer days! The hotel has a great central location, stunning views, and a delicious breakfast. We can’t recommend it enough!
Tip:
Don’t wait too long to book, because hotels with swimming pools in Gjirokaster are scarce and therefore very popular.
Gjirokaster is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its unique Ottoman-style architecture, which you’ll see all over the city. The flat stone roofs and whitewashed houses have earned Gjirokaster its nickname: the “City of Stone.” The old town is full of history and charm, with narrow streets and a lively bazaar that feels like stepping back in time.
Fun fact: Gjirokaster has also served as a backdrop for various film and TV productions, thanks to its unique setting and authentic charm. We loved wandering through the streets and imagining the stories this city has seen unfold over the years.
Here are our favorite activities and things to see in Gjirokaster!
Gjirokaster Castle: a must-see in Albania’s City of Stone
The castle, perched high on the hill above the city, is one of the absolute highlights of Gjirokaster. It’s quite a climb to get there, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and a fascinating glimpse into the history of this unique city.
Practical information:
- Opening hours: In high season (summer), the castle is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In low season (winter), it’s open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Entrance fee: 400 Lek (about €4).
- Duration of visit: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
We visited the castle early in the morning to avoid the heat—highly recommended! The start of our tour through the underground tunnels was impressive and reminded us a bit of Game of Thrones scenes. From the tunnels, we walked outside and came across an unusual sight: an American plane lying there as a reminder of the Cold War. According to the Albanians, the plane was shot down as proof of their ability to counter Western espionage. The US government, on the other hand, claimed it was just a training aircraft that had gone off course.
We also enjoyed the panoramic views over Gjirokaster and the surrounding mountains, especially from the clock tower, which is a perfect photo spot. Our kids loved running through a real castle and exploring every corner of it.
Tip:
Bring plenty of water and wear good shoes, especially if you’re traveling with kids. This makes the climb and walking around much more comfortable.
Gjirokaster Bazaar: the heart of the city
The historic bazaar is the heart of Gjirokaster and a must-visit during your stay. Wander through the winding streets, shop for local products, and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Our tips for visiting the Gjirokaster Bazaar:
- Try the ice cream at Kodra Sweet Hill: a refreshing treat and an absolute favorite—not just for our kids, but secretly for us too!
- Grab a seat at Bar Café Kotoni: perfect for a coffee or an Aperol Spritz with a stunning view over the central square.
- Grab a seat at Gallery Irish Pub: the teddy bears are a hit with young kids and make for some great photo opportunities.
- Visit the Xhamia e Pazarit Mosque: a beautiful historic mosque in the heart of the bazaar.
- Shop at Mano Handmade: for handmade souvenirs like jewelry and decorations.
Tip:
The bazaar is especially atmospheric in the evening. The streets are lit up, and you’ll find cozy terraces and shops everywhere.
Visit the UNESCO-listed old town houses in Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is famous for its iconic stone houses, built in the Ottoman style with flat roofs and wooden balconies. This unique architecture has earned the city its nickname, the “City of Stone,” and it’s protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. While most of these houses can only be admired from the outside, two traditional homes (Zekate House and Skenduli House) are open to visitors. For a small entrance fee, you’ll get a fascinating glimpse into what life was like in the past. Both houses are well worth a visit!
Zekate House
We visited the Zekate House, one of the largest and best-preserved traditional houses in Gjirokaster. This impressive 200-year-old mansion stands out for its luxurious design, ornate ceilings, and colorful stained-glass windows. From the balcony, you’ll enjoy amazing views over the city.
- Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (check locally, as times may vary).
- Entrance fee: 250 Lek (about €2.50).
- Duration of visit: Around 30 to 45 minutes.
Skenduli House
Skenduli House has a more authentic feel. During your visit, you’ll get a personal tour from a family member of the original owners, making it a special and intimate experience. The house is smaller than Zekate House, but that actually makes it feel cozier and more personal.
- Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (check locally, as times may vary).
- Entrance fee: 300 Lek (about €3).
- Duration of visit: Around 45 minutes.
Tip:
If you have time, we recommend visiting both houses. Zekate offers grandeur and impressive architecture, while Skenduli, according to reviews, gives a more personal and authentic glimpse into life in the past.
Visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): a must-see in southern Albania
About a 30-minute drive from Gjirokaster, you’ll find the famous Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a crystal-clear freshwater spring surrounded by lush nature. It’s a natural wonder you have to see and one of the most popular attractions in Albania.
While the place is undeniably beautiful, we found it a bit too crowded. Even early in the morning, there were already a lot of visitors, and the parking lot was filling up fast. Later in the day, it often gets chaotic, with long lines of cars waiting for a spot. This takes away some of the charm.
Swimming is officially not allowed, but the rule isn’t enforced, and many tourists jump in anyway. This isn’t great for the site or its preservation.
Still, the Blue Eye remains a unique place to visit, even with kids.
- Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Entrance fee: 100 Lek (about €1) per person.
- Parking fee: 300 Lek (about €3).
- Mini-train: Optional, departing about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot, for 300 Lek (about €3) per person. This is a convenient option if you’re traveling with kids or want to shorten the 40-minute walk to the Blue Eye. You can also rent an electric scooter or e-bike, with prices ranging from 500 to 2000 Lek (about €5 to €20) per person.
Tips for your visit to Syri i Kalter
- Arrive early: make sure to get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Even in the morning it can get busy, but later in the day it’s often chaotic, especially in the parking area.
- With kids: consider taking the mini-train from the parking lot to make the long, uphill walk easier.
- Swimming: keep in mind that swimming is officially not allowed.
- Eten en drinken: neem wat snacks en water mee, of pak een drankje bij een van de kleine restaurants op loopafstand van de Blue Eye.
Visit the Benja Thermal Baths in Albania
Although we skipped the Benja Thermal Baths, it’s definitely a place we would have loved to visit. These natural hot springs are set in a stunning area, surrounded by mountain views. From the pools, you can soak in the warm water while enjoying an incredible panorama.
The springs are not as hot as you might expect, but still pleasant. In summer, they can even feel a bit refreshing, which is ideal on warm days. On weekends, the place tends to attract more locals, so it can get a bit crowded. Prefer a quieter visit? Then it’s best to go on a weekday.
The medieval stone bridge is also a popular sight at the Benja Thermal Baths. This architectural gem adds extra charm to the area, and we would have loved to capture some beautiful drone footage here.
Tip:
Bring motion sickness pills! The winding road to the Benja Thermal Baths is similar to the route from Berat to Osumi Canyon and can be quite rough for sensitive stomachs.
Extra tip:
Traveling with a camper or tent? This spot is perfect for wild camping! Just a two-minute walk from the hot springs, there’s a small grassy area where you can spend the night. Wild camping is legal in Albania, making this a unique experience.
Hiking to the Ali Pasha Bridge near Gjirokaster
Last but not least, the Ali Pasha Bridge is a must-visit. This historic stone bridge is a beautiful sight. The hike to the bridge takes around 30 minutes and is short but steep. The trail is mostly loose gravel and rocks, so sturdy shoes are a must.
Although we skipped this activity because of our young kids, it seems like a great place to visit. If you get the chance, we definitely recommend checking out this unique spot!
How to get to Gjirokaster, Albania
Gjirokaster is easily accessible from different parts of Albania. Whether you’re coming from Tirana, the Albanian Riviera, or Berat, there are several routes and transport options to suit your travel style. Below, we’ll share the best ways to reach this unique city.
Getting to Gjirokaster by car
Driving is the easiest and most flexible way to reach Gjirokaster, especially if you’re doing a road trip through Albania. You can set your own pace, stop for scenic views along the way, and also visit nearby sights like the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) or the Benja Thermal Baths.
Keep in mind that Gjirokaster’s old town sits on top of a hill, with narrow and steep streets. This can sometimes be tricky, especially if you encounter oncoming traffic. We only discovered on our way out that there’s a route around the castle, which is much easier and might save you some stressful moments. So we definitely recommend taking that way!
- From Tirana: This is a longer drive, around 3 to 4 hours. The route partly follows the coast and goes over well-maintained roads.
- From Berat: The easiest route is via Fier and takes about 2.5 hours. If you have a 4×4, you could consider driving via the Osumi Canyon, but with a regular car, we definitely wouldn’t recommend it.
- From Ksamil and Sarandë: From these southern coastal towns, it takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Gjirokaster. You can also combine this with a visit to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër).
Driving in Albania? We recommend DiscoverCars because it lets you easily compare prices from different rental companies, including 4×4 options for more adventurous routes. This way, you’ll quickly find the best deal for your road trip, often cheaper than booking directly with the provider.
👉 Read all about driving and renting a car in Albania here.
How to get to Gjirokaster by public transport
Minibuses (furgons) connect Gjirokaster with Tirana, Berat, Sarandë, and other major cities in Albania. Keep in mind that departure times are flexible and often depend on when the bus fills up.
Visiting Gjirokaster with organized tours
If you don’t have your own transport, you can also opt for organized tours from popular destinations like Sarandë, Berat, or Tirana. This is a convenient option if you want to visit Gjirokaster along with nearby highlights in Albania, such as the Blue Eye.
👇 Check out the most popular tours to Gjirokaster below and pick the one that suits your trip best.
Best time to visit Gjirokaster, Albania
Gjirokaster can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). The temperatures are pleasant then, and you avoid the crowds of the high season. Summer (July-August) can get quite hot, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. We visited Gjirokaster in July and found the heat quite intense at times, but the city’s charm and sights made it all worthwhile.
If you can travel outside school holidays, we recommend May, June, or September.
The best hotels and accommodations in Gjirokaster
We stayed at the Rose Garden Hotel, an absolute must! The hotel has a lovely swimming pool, perfect after a warm day, and serves a delicious breakfast, including Dutch oliebollen—traditional Dutch doughnuts, yum! The road up is narrow and steep, but that’s part of the charm of driving in Albania.
Below you’ll find more great accommodations in Gjirokaster, specially selected for families and travelers looking for that little extra:
Rose Garden Hotel
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9.5 on Booking.com
One of the few hotels in Gjirokaster with a swimming pool, perfect for families. Central location, beautiful views, friendly staff, and a delicious breakfast (including Dutch oliebollen!).
👉 Check availability
DAM Stone Boutique Hotel
⭑⭑⭑ 9.5 on Booking.com
Located in the heart of the old town. Stylish, comfortable, and offering beautiful views of the surroundings.
👉 Check availability
Kerculla Resort
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9.3 on Booking.com
A luxury resort with panoramic views over Gjirokaster, a nice swimming pool, and spacious family rooms. Ideal if you’re looking for a bit more comfort. It’s located just above the city, so you’ll need a car or taxi to get around easily.
👉 Check availability
👇 Check out the best hotels in Gjirokaster below via Booking.com.
The best restaurants in Gjirokaster, Albania
Albania offers delicious food, and every region has its own specialties. But Gjirokaster really stood out for us. From the tasty Dutch oliebollen at breakfast to the amazing köfte in tomato sauce for dinner, we’d come back just for the food alone. Below, we share our favorite places to eat that you shouldn’t miss.
- Bar Restorant Vëllezërit Vasi
Authentic, homemade, and prepared with love. Our favorite spot in Gjirokaster and possibly in all of Albania. - Te Kalaja Restaurant
Located by the castle with a beautiful view over the city and the Manalat neighborhood. - Restaurant Tradicional Odaja
Enjoy traditional dishes and a fantastic view.
Visit Gjirokaster with kids: the best tips
Traveling with kids like us? Then Gjirokaster is a surprisingly fun destination! There’s plenty to keep both young and old entertained, and the city offers a great mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Here are our tips for visiting Gjirokaster with children:
- Choose a hotel with a swimming pool
Staying at a hotel with a swimming pool, like the Rose Garden Hotel, is highly recommended. After a warm day, there’s nothing better than cooling off. - Explore the castle
Our daughters loved exploring the old rooms and outside area of the castle. It feels a bit like an adventurous treasure hunt through history! Make sure to bring plenty of water, as there’s little shade from the sun. Good shoes are also a must. - Visit the bazaar
The bazaar is fun for both kids and adults. Colorful shops, charming trinkets, and bargaining with local vendors. Don’t forget to grab a delicious ice cream at Kodra Sweet Hill, a favorite of our kids and ourselves! - Swimming at the Benja Thermal Baths
Although we skipped it ourselves, it seems like a really fun activity for kids. Swimming in natural hot springs is always a great experience, right? The roughly 1.5-hour one-way travel time held us back, but if you have more time, it’s definitely worth a visit. - Soak up the atmosphere at the terraces
Sit down at a terrace in the bazaar, like Gallery Irish Pub with its fun teddy bears. A guaranteed hit for little kids!
Why Gjirokaster should be on your list during your road trip through Albania
Gjirokaster really surprised us. The mix of history, charming streets, and the relaxed vibe made it one of our favorite spots in Albania. Whether you’re wandering through the bazaar, exploring the castle, or treating yourself to an ice cream at Kodra Sweet Hill, there’s so much to experience. We spent three wonderful days here and would happily come back, if only for the amazing food!
👉 Want to discover our complete route? Then also check out our article about our 3-week road trip through Albania with kids: the ultimate travel itinerary.
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