Things To Do
in Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër sits on a steep hillside in southern Albania, its skyline dominated by a massive hilltop fortress. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets between white-washed stone houses with wooden balconies. The city’s museums, including the Zekate House, offer a window into centuries of Balkan history.
Surrounded by rugged valleys and olive groves, it’s a captivating base for exploring southern Albania.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Gjirokastër, known for its unique Ottoman architecture and stunning hillside setting. Take some time to settle into your accommodation and get acquainted with the surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming streets, soaking in the local atmosphere.
Visit the Gjirokastër Castle, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape. Explore the castle's museums that showcase the history and culture of the region. Don’t forget to capture photos of the impressive stone structures and the dramatic landscape.
Dine at a traditional restaurant, sampling local delicacies such as 'qifqi' and 'byrek'. Engage with the locals and perhaps enjoy some folk music that Gjirokastër is known for. After dinner, take a stroll through the Old Bazaar to admire the beautifully preserved architecture lit by the evening glow.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before embarking on a walking tour of the Old Town. Wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the stone houses, which are a testament to Albania's rich history. Stop by the Ethnographic Museum to learn about the traditional way of life in Gjirokastër.
Visit the nearby Skenduli House, a classic example of the city's traditional architecture that provides insight into the life of a local family in the past. The guided tour offers fascinating anecdotes and details about their lifestyle and culture. Afterward, relax at a local café with some coffee and pastries.
Enjoy a sunset view from the castle walls as the sun casts a warm glow over the valley. After taking in the scenery, head to a cozy restaurant for dinner featuring dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Interact with other travelers or locals to share stories about your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚖Taxi within town | $3-6 |
| 🥖Groceries (basic items for a day) | $5-12 |
| 🎟️Museum or historic site entry | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Ottoman-era architecture and UNESCO-listed old town
- Stunning hilltop fortress with panoramic views
- Authentic southern Albanian culture and cuisine
- Compact size makes it easy to explore on foot in 1-2 days
- Nightlife is quiet compared to larger cities
- Some areas in the surrounding countryside have narrow, winding roads
- Smaller services and slower pace can feel limiting for visitors seeking nightlife or quick amenities
- "Përshëndetje" - Hello
- "Ju lutem" - Please
- "Faleminderit" - Thank you
- "Sa kushton kjo?" - How much is this?
- "Ku është taverna më e afërt?" - Where is the nearest tavern?
- "Më ndihmoni, ju lutem" - Help me, please
- "Po, paksa" - Yes, please (more) or Yes, a little
- "Gjumë shëndetësh" - Good luck (polite closing)
Places to Visit in Gjirokastër
Visit one of these nice places.
A monumental hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the Drino valley and the old town, with ancient walls and a preserved armory.
Narrow lanes framed by white-washed stone houses with wooden balconies provide dramatic, time-worn compositions.
The medieval Clock Tower stands over a bustling square, ideal for sunset shots and people-watching.
Ottoman-era timbered house with intricate interiors; a striking subject against narrow stone streets.
Various vantage points around the fortress area yield sweeping valley and townscape photography at golden hour.
Food in Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved baked lamb and yogurt dish, often served with rice or bread and a tangy, creamy topping.
Must-Try!
A pepper and cheese or pepper and tomato stew, sometimes with meat; vegetarian versions emphasize peppers and fresh cheeses.
A flaky pastry pie filled with cheese, spinach, or mixed vegetables; a common street-food and tavern staple.
A honeyed pastry with nuts, a popular dessert after a meal in many eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market area where you can try lokum, olives, cheeses, and fresh bread; ideal for sampling street snacks.
Grab byrek, qofte (meatballs), roasted peppers, or fresh fruit from small vendors around the lanes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting such as 'Përshëndetje' or 'Mirëdita' is appreciated; make eye contact and offer a handshake in most social settings.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Treat historic sites with care; avoid touching fragile features, and ask before entering private courtyards or homes.
Conversational tone should be friendly and respectful; discussing politics is best avoided in casual settings.
Safety
Tipping in Gjirokastër
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common; hotel staff and tour guides welcome small tips. Cash is widely preferred in smaller eateries, while many places in town also accept cards.
Cash in the local currency (Albanian lek) is widely used, especially in markets and smaller tavernas. Cards are increasingly accepted at larger restaurants and hotels, but carry some cash for smaller venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with clear skies; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and seek shade in the afternoons. Evenings are pleasant for walks and rooftop views.
Mild days with cooler evenings; harvest season brings oranges and olives to markets. Light rain is possible; carry a light jacket.
Cool to cold with possible frosts and occasional snow in higher areas; some paths can be slippery. Historic sites remain open, but expect shorter hours.
Greening landscapes and blooming wildflowers; comfortable temperatures for exploring streets and hills on foot.
Gjirokastër at Night
Hiking in Gjirokastër
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
rugged, scenic trails in the nearby mountain range offering panoramic valley views and opportunities to encounter alpine flora.
Gentle to moderate routes along the Drino river with agricultural scenery and traditional village landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Gjirokastër by plane.
The main international gateway to Albania, commonly used for flights to and from Gjirokastër’s region; usually reached by road with a several-hour drive.
A regional airport in Greece that can be convenient for travelers combining Albania with northern Greece; access to the border area is via land transport.
An option for travelers coming from or via Corfu; surface travel to Albania requires crossing by land or taking a ferry and drive onward.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant group in the city and region, with longstanding families and a strong sense of regional cultural identity.
Small communities present in parts of southern Albania, contributing to diverse local crafts and music.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Albania, with local clubs and informal matches in towns and villages.
Widely played in schools and recreational centers; local leagues and pickup games occur in towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gjirokastër.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy stuffed peppers, tomato-based stews, cheeses and pastries like byrek, fresh salads, and yogurt-based dishes. Ask for stock or broths to be kept meat-free and look for vegetable-focused taverns in the bazaar area.