2025 Gjirokaster Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

Like Berat, Gjirokastër is known for its well-preserved old town built on a hill. The most important site is Gjirokastër Castle, which, along with Berat Castle, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle looks close to the old town, but it takes about 20 minutes to walk there, and the mountain road is steep. · Gjirokastër Castle is one of the largest castles in the Balkans and the largest mountain military fortress in Europe. It was built in the 12th–13th century by the Despotate of Epirus. In 1811, Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha of Tepelena added many buildings, expanding it to its current size. · Gjirokastër Castle looks more like a castle than Berat Castle, which looks more like a mountain town. Gjirokastër Castle is located on the highest point in the city, giving it a commanding presence. Its strategic significance is self-evident. After centuries of wind and rain, it still looks magnificent. · Note that the entrance fee for Gjirokastër Castle is 400 lek, payable in cash. Euros are accepted, but credit cards are not. The only downside to Albania is that credit cards are not widely accepted, so be sure to bring enough cash. · Gjirokastër Castle is large, but the most worthwhile sites are four areas. Allow 1–2 hours: ✅ Castle Terrace: Don't rush inside the castle. Instead, climb up to the terrace, a popular Instagram spot. The wide view offers a clear view of Gjirokastër and the entire castle. It's also a great place to take photos. ✅ Military Museum: The museum has three main exhibition halls: the Gjirokastër History Museum, the Military History Museum, and a prison museum. The museum requires a separate ticket, which costs 200 lek. ✅ US Military Aircraft: This is a US military trainer aircraft detained by Albania during the Cold War. It can be seen after leaving the Military Museum. Next to it is a section of the ancient city wall. Through the battlements, you can overlook the entire city, with lovely Ottoman-style buildings scattered throughout the valley. ✅ Clock Tower: Walk through the open-air theater in the castle to reach the clock tower, a symbol of Gjirokastër Castle. It has been running since the 19th century and complements the austere and solid ancient castle.

#ancientbuildings I recently visited the Castle of Gjirokastra in Albania during my summer vacation, and it was an incredible experience! 🏰✨ Perched on a hill overlooking the charming town of Gjirokastra, this castle is a well-preserved piece of history. The entrance fee was around €5, which was a great deal for the amount of history and stunning views you get to enjoy. The castle's fortress-like structure and its expansive battlements provide a fantastic perspective on medieval military architecture. Wandering through the various rooms and the clock tower, I was amazed by the blend of Ottoman and Albanian influences. The museum inside also offered insightful exhibits on the region's history. 🕰️📜 After exploring the castle, I took a stroll through the old town of Gjirokastra, with its traditional stone houses and narrow streets. The local cafés and shops provided a perfect opportunity to enjoy some traditional Albanian food and pick up souvenirs. 🍽️🛍️ Overall, the Castle of Gjirokastra is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those looking to experience a beautiful and historic part of Albania. The combination of historical intrigue and picturesque views made it a highlight of my trip. #trip #CastleOfGjirokastra #Albania #HistoricSites #MedievalHistory #TravelAdventure

Getting There - From Sarrande it takes around 30-40 minutes with a car. From the capital of Albania, Tirana it takes up to 4 and a half hours to get there Attractions - The castle is very big and it is possible to spend a full day at this Attraction. it is very affordable. One of the main attractions is the US Air Force Airplane which happens to be at the castle bit nobody exactly knows why. There are many different theories from different parties. Hotels - there are many hotels in town Food & Restaurants - There is a nice restaurant with a beautiful view over the town on the top of the castle Shopping - There are many shops around #tripblazers #bucketlistreboot

this castle located in this historical city - Gjirokastër, Albania. this is one of the UNESCO sites in Albania, we paid 400 lek each for the entrance fee. once you enter the castle, you will have the view of the city. this 12th century castle overlooking the city, where you are able to find the clock tower, a church and a museum. it’s actually quite big, we spent almost 2 hours walking around, and there is an old airplane where you are able to take a nice picture. there are certain tunnels where you are able to walk, it was a nice hideout from the sun especially when it’s sunny. and the central plaza is beautiful, we read the history,apparently that’s where they host events overall, this is a must visit place#passionpassport #staycation #gooutside #mountainview #unesco

#tripaway Nivica Canyons are a natural wonder, discovered and explored only in recent years by many visitors. They are located near the village of Nivica. The canyons of Nivice have a length of up to several (km), an average width of about 15 m, and a depth of up to several tens (m). They are formed by the erosion of the Nivice Stream, part of the Bencha Stream, into carbonate rocks. The stream of Nivica, below the village of the same name, has formed a gorge with a very narrow bed, with a length of about 3 km to the basin of Merje, a place where it joins the Well of Progonat. Its bottom is very regular, with fractures or thresholds and jerks, accompanied by negative shapes, which are pits and grooves deep in the rocky bottom of the canyon, with oval-shaped cauldron-shaped appearance, with clear and clear water. The water separates and falls from great heights (30-40 m) and forms waterfalls, like that of Guva and two others below it. The canyon, though ever deeper, is presented with full of natural contrasts, cliffs, stepped bed and numerous caves on the rock face. They are visited by taking the road Tepelene-Progonat-Nivice.#visitalbania #tripaway

In "Stone City Chronicles", the great Albanian writer Ismail Kadare describes his childhood hometown, Gjirokastra, a stone city with an ancient history (built in the 4th century AD) and unique Albanian character, and records the weird and dark fairy-tale-like life in the small town during the war years in his eyes. If I were to design a travel guide for you to Kadare after touring Lake Ohrid - and to visit Enver Hoxha, once a "good European" friend of the Chinese people (they are from the same hometown) - it would be to take a bus from Ohrid directly to the capital Tirana, from there to the southern "museum mountain city" Gjirokaster, where 600 Ottoman-era houses are well preserved, then back to Tirana, and then to Shkoder in the mountains in the north. It is the birthplace of the first Illyrian (the ancestors of the Albanian nation) state and the setting of the cruel story in one of Kadare's most fascinating novels, Broken April. Without going to the mountains, you cannot understand ancient Albania and you cannot fully understand Kadare. Walking on the old town streets of Gjirokaster is like climbing a mountain. In what may be the world's most sloping city, the roof of a house may be connected to the foundation of the house above, covered with gray slate like scales of shells, and underfoot are the scattered bones of the things that grew these scales. Humans once generally believed in the regenerative power of stone. A stone city may naturally carry some kind of immortal self. From the Illyrians to the Albanians, the descendants of the "Mountain Eagle" have always been invaded, occupied and oppressed throughout history, but they have never surrendered.

Nestled in southern Albania, just an hour and a half from the beach, Gjirokastër is a super cool town that feels like stepping into another era. Known as the “Stone City,” this UNESCO World Heritage site is a mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and charm. The highlight? Its stunning castle is perched high above the town. Don’t miss the chance to explore this ancient fortress—it’s a journey through centuries of history. While there’s a small fee to enter the castle and its fascinating Cold War-era bunker, the experience is absolutely worth it. Wander through its stone streets, soak in the panoramic views, and imagine life in a bygone era. For the whole Gjirokastër experience, stay in one of the old town hostels. Many offer incredible castle views, but be prepared to climb a few hills to get there—it’s all part of the adventure! Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just someone looking for a unique destination, Gjirokastër won’t disappoint. ✨ *Travel Tip:* Wear comfortable shoes—those cobblestone streets and hills are no joke, but the views are worth every step! #Gjirokastër #Albania #StoneCity #CastleViews #HiddenGems #TravelGoals #ExploreMore #Wanderlust

#summerdestinations #travel

| I regret not discovering this beautiful stone city earlier. If I had to choose my favorite small town in Albania, it would definitely be Gjirokastër. It takes about 3 hours to drive from Berat to Gjirokastër. The drive through the Drino River Valley is full of picturesque valley scenery, which is no less beautiful than western Sichuan. · The ancient city of Gjirokastër is built on the hillside of the valley. Its history can be traced back to the first century BC. It is a rare and well-preserved Ottoman historical town. Local residents built houses and streets with stones and used stone slabs to replace tiles to form the roof, forming a major feature of local residential buildings. The city is therefore known as the "Stone City". In other parts of Albania, or even in Europe, you can't see such houses. · The entire old city of Gjirokastër is within the scope of World Cultural Heritage and is particularly suitable for spending a day exploring this small city. However, because of the mountain city, walking in Gjirokastër is very physical. Walking on the streets of the ancient city, you can see stone steps and stone streets everywhere, which can be regarded as a veritable "city of a thousand steps". · The following is our route in Gjirokastër Citywalk this time, you can refer to: Homestay → Gjirokastër Castle → Market Center → Zekate House → Kukura Resort → Topulli House → Homestay · 👍🏻Must check in: ✅Gjirokastër Castle: The absolute core of Gjirokastër, you can move to my separate note on the castle. ✅Gjirokastra Bazaar: The center of the old city, where many ancient commercial streets intersect, there are various souvenir shops, specialty shops and small tea houses on both sides, which are particularly lively at night. ✅Zekate House: This is the mansion of a politician during the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. It is an Ottoman twin-tower structure house, very distinctive, and the view from the roof is very good. ✅Kukura Resort: Located at the commanding height of the small city, you can overlook the entire old city of Gjirokastër + castle, which is very out of the picture. · ⭕ Practical strategy 🏨Accommodation: Gjirokastër is divided into old and new urban areas. The old urban area is on the mountain and the new urban area is under the mountain. It is recommended to live in the old urban area because all the attractions are in the old urban area. The Guest House Juald we booked is pretty good, very close to the market, the landlord is a young man, and the family is very nice. 💰Price: The price level of Gjirokastër is generally the same as that of Berat. The old city is relatively expensive because the items here are mainly for tourists, but you can bargain. I drank the unforgettable smoothie here. 🚗Internal traffic: The old city of Gjirokastër is very narrow and the slope is steep, so driving is a bit difficult. We parked the car at the homestay and then walked around on foot.

Berat is nicknamed the "City of a Thousand Windows" because of the more than a thousand white huts with multiple windows built against the mountains in the city. It sounds romantic, but in fact due to the terrain, it is cold in winter and hot and dry in summer. Place: The ancient city of Berat brings together many medieval artifacts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as well as the natural beauty of the Osum River and the farmland and countryside on both sides. It is also known as the "Museum City"; over the centuries, it has witnessed different religions and cultures Community coexistence. The "Berat Castle" built in the 13th century is a fortress overlooking the town of Berat. It is built on a rocky hill on the right bank of the Osum River and can only be entered from the south; some Byzantine-era churches are preserved in the castle. Some of the mosques built during the Ottoman period also have valuable murals and icon paintings inside. Among them, the 14th-century Holy Trinity Church has a well-preserved exterior. The 🇦🇱10-lek coins issued in 1996, 2000 and 2013 all feature Berat Castle on the reverse. Gjirokastër, the ancient city of Gjirokastër, was founded in the 4th century AD and is the commercial center of southern 🇦🇱. Local residents built houses and streets with stones on the hills. Rock flakes replaced tiles to lay the roof, so it is known as the "Stone City"; the city's walls date back to the third century AD; the Turkish Tower is the focus of the town, known for its rich interior decorative details and exquisite painting patterns; there are also An 18th-century mosque and two churches have been preserved; the highest point of the ancient city is the Gjirokastra Castle, built in the 6th century. It is said to be one of the earliest and largest mountain military fortresses in Europe, with 88 cannons and a city wall 8 meters thick. , all made of huge stones. These two well-preserved and rare historical centers from the Ottoman Empire, which have been inhabited from ancient times to the present, have been included in the World Heritage List as cultural heritage!

💞Reasons to Recommend:

magnificent structure, panoramic views ,deep history here. next to a medieval town , good hotels and restaurants

During my trip to the Gjirokastër Castle in Albania, I was immersed in an atmosphere of magic and history. I explored the mighty walls towering above the old town and enjoyed the splendid views of the surrounding landscape. I ventured into the streets of the castle built with traditional stones and wandered between houses and museums that tell ancient stories about the lives of the locals. I delighted in tasting local cuisine at traditional restaurants, experiencing the authentic flavors of Albanian culture. My journey to Gjirokastër Castle was a magical and thrilling experience that left an indelible mark on me.

#falltrip 📌Castle of Gjirokastra 📍Address: 34FQ+4M9, Street Elvia Celebi, Gjirokastër, Albania The second biggest fortress in the entire Balkan area, Gjirokastra Castle (Kalaja e Gjirokastrës) is a gigantic landmark standing on the hilltop above the city of Gjirokastra. The most popular attraction in Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the castle, which is a protected monument. In pictures you can see: Artillery Gallery🔽 Retracing your steps past the door leads you into the castle's catacombs, where a lengthy gallery holds a variety of artillery weapons. All of the artillery in the artifacts, which are World War II relics, was either abandoned or taken prisoner by German and Italian forces. They consist of tanks and guns. American Airplane🔽 An ex-military aircraft from the United States, a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, is on display at the top of the castle. After the pilot left the aircraft behind and flew to the United States, the aircraft arrived at Tirana Airport in 1957. It was transported to the castle in 1970 to be on exhibit as a component of the Arms Museum. Two versions of the story circulated at the time, though: the American version said that the pilot made an emergency landing because he was low on fuel and the weather was bad, while the Albanian version said that the Albanian army had intercepted the plane and forced the pilot to land what they called a "spy plane." #castle #museum #sights #landmarks #history #culture #stonecity

#fallingseason

#fallingseason

Albania, a country that is not yet well known to Koreans! Gjirokastër, Albania, is a UNESCO-listed city. I took a day trip by bus from Saranda, an Albanian city not far from Greece. If you climb up to the castle on the top of the town, you can see the whole town. The whole town is on a hill and the floor is stone, so sneakers are a must😅 📍 Gjirokastër 📍 Castle of Gjirokastra 34FQ+4M9, Rruga Elvia Celebi, Gjirokastër, Albanie #EuropeanTravel#Albania

When I look down on the city, what attracts my attention most is the street of this white building. The Ottoman-style buildings are neatly arranged. When I walk into this street, it is another feeling. This lively alley, two old and half-old people chatting in front of the cafe, even the huge bus is crowded in, and the street is integrated.

Ginocaster, a town 50 km from Sarande, is the world heritage site known for its Ottoman architecture, like Berat. Nestled between the mountains, this cosy town has hundreds of 17th-century houses and is a mix of Albanian and Ottoman styles. There are still many people living here. The foot of the mountain to the top of the castle is about 1 kilometer away. It may take you half an hour to walk leisurely. Ginocaster Castle was once the center of the city and has now become a ruin and a museum of weapons preserved during World War II. Walking into the castle, I saw a lot of large field guns and tanks left behind in Germany and Italy, as well as an American jet. Arrive at the castle terrace, the wide angle of view allows you to see the city clearly, where is the dividing line between the old city and the old city, where is the sharp-edged church, where is a special item Street, even people walking on the road, moving cars, you can see clearly. A huge stage of national folk art is presented in front of it, as if it is an iron frame rainbow across the valley. Standing on the terrace, a lovely Ottoman-style building is located in this valley. If you look closely, you might find a door like a human face.