There are so many incredible issues to do in Gjirokaster, it’s one of the vital underrated locations in Albania. It’s a small city, and whereas it’s fairly and quaint, there’s a lot occurring.
Located within the south of Albania, Gjirokaster is ideally based mostly near the perfect coastal cities and a number of the major sights of the nation. If you’re planning a visit to Albania, Gjirokaster ought to positively be in your checklist of locations to go to.
If you’re questioning what to do in Gjirokaster, then learn on for my checklist of high issues to see on this lovely city.
Best Things To Do in Gjirokaster
If you want some inspiration for issues to see in Gjirokaster, you’ve come to the best place. Below, is my checklist of essentially the most enjoyable issues I did throughout my time there. Whether you like historical past, nature, meals, drink, or absorbing a brand new tradition, you’re certain to seek out one thing on this checklist for you.
1. Explore Gjirokaster on a Walking Tour
A strolling tour is a tremendous method to get to know a brand new vacation spot, and this 3-hour strolling tour is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Gjirokaster.
The tour affords a incredible combination of a number of the sights of Gjirokaster, in addition to the chance to go off the overwhelmed observe. You’ll discover the Old Bazaar which lies beneath the partitions of Gjirokaster fortress and discover beautiful cobbled streets and a number of the oldest homes in Gjirokaster.
The tour continues by way of a number of the oldest neighborhoods within the city earlier than heading to the well-known Ali Pasha bridge. This 200-year-old viaduct introduced water all the way in which up the mountain to the fortress. It’s the most effective issues to see in Gjirokaster – it’s a formidable piece of engineering.
Join this glorious day tour while you first arrive in Gjirokaster to get to know your approach round and be taught somewhat concerning the historical past of this magical place.
2. Horseback Riding in Vjosa National Park
Vjosa National Park is without doubt one of the most lovely locations to go to in Gjirokaster. It’s centered across the Vjosa River, which is the final wild river in Europe.
Vjosa National Park is filled with lovely hills, outdated bridges crossing mountain rivers, numerous ruins, and the spectacular Lengarica Canyon. My favourite method to discover this countryside is on horseback, and this fabulous horseback driving tour from close by Permet is without doubt one of the finest.
You’ll be in a small group of different riders, and the tour guides will alter the tour relying in your potential. So, whether or not you’ve by no means been on a horse earlier than, otherwise you’ve ridden your entire life, the scene is ready so that you can have an unimaginable day in nature.
You’ll uncover why Vjosa National Park is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Gjirokaster. It’s a magical journey and certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Gjirokaster. If you’ve got older kids, it’s the most effective issues to do in Gjirokaster for households.
3. Check out Gjirokaster Museum
If you need to be taught extra concerning the historical past of this cobbled city, head to one of the vital well-liked vacationer sights in Gjirokaster. At Gjirokaster Museum, you’ll achieve an perception into conventional, Albanian life by way of the ages.
Some well-known historic characters have attention-grabbing hyperlinks to Gjirokaster. These embrace Enver Hoxha, (extra on his hyperlink beneath), and even Lord Bryon.
The Museum is hidden inside the Castle, which is one other of my favourite issues to do in Gjirokaster (extra on that one later). It’s not included within the entrance payment for the fortress, which could be complicated. It’s a separate 200lek ($1.88) to enter the Museum, and properly price it at that worth.
4. Take a Local Cooking Class
Another of my favourite methods to essentially get to know a brand new tradition is by making an attempt to make some conventional meals of the nation.
Gjirokaster is legendary for its conventional, culinary scene and so cooking courses are very fashionable right here. This specific cooking course is my favourite because it’s led by an area and focuses on small teams and conventional dishes.
Teta Marjeta shall be your information as she welcomes you into her residence and teaches you how one can make a 3-course Albanian dinner. At the identical time, you’ll pattern native raki made by her husband – an excessive amount of of which makes the cooking somewhat tougher…
After you’ve accomplished your dishes, you’ll sit all the way down to benefit from the fruits of your labor with a glass of wine. It’s one of many high issues to do in Gjirokaster and is a good way to fulfill new individuals, be taught extra concerning the tradition of Albania, and have a enjoyable afternoon.
5. Head as much as Gjirokaster Castle
Sat on the highest of the hill and looking out over the city, the fortress is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Gjirokaster.
Not solely does it boast unimaginable views over Gjirokaster itself and the countryside past, however it’s additionally an interesting look into the historical past of the town. Originally of Ottoman building, it was later used as a jail for political prisoners throughout the Communist Era.
It’s 400lek ($3.76) to enter, and as soon as inside you possibly can stroll by way of the varied rooms and tunnels at your leisure. There are loads of data boards round that can assist you be taught extra concerning the fortress.
As a consequence, the fortress is an attention-grabbing mixture of Ottoman design and trendy features, because of its use being tailored through the years. You may even head to the highest of the fortress for some wonderful views. Don’t skip Gjirokaster Museum, which is talked about above and located contained in the fortress.
It’s the point of interest of the entire city, and it’s straightforward to see why it’s one of the vital well-liked Gjirokaster sights.
6. Go Rafting within the Vjosa River
As Vjosa National Park is without doubt one of the most lovely locations to see in Gjirokaster, it’s solely proper that it will get a second point out on this checklist.
This time, it’s one for the adrenaline junkies. This good white water rafting day journey will see you crashing over rapids on the final free-flowing river in Europe. The expertise is categorized as class II rafting with some class III rapids in there. All I do know is that it’s lots of enjoyable!
The river itself runs for some 270 kilometers by way of beautiful canyons, islands, and oxbows. After some preliminary coaching and preparation, you’ll discover a part of this majestic river over 3 hours of rafting. You’ll expertise 4-foot waves and squeeze by way of slim passages as you fly alongside on the rapids.
For me, it’s the most effective issues to do round Gjirokaster and a extremely memorable time out.
7. Private Cold War City Tour
If you’re within the Cold War and within the impression it had on Albania, then this personal day tour is an outstanding selection.
On this tour, you’ll get to discover personal Cold War tunnels beneath the town which can be not often seen by vacationers. You’ll hear first-hand tales from individuals who lived and labored in Albania throughout this troublesome time.
The tour features a tour of the fortress, in addition to a tour of the tunnels, with a vastly educated information who shares the fascinating historical past of Albania throughout the Cold War.
The tour ends within the Old Bazaar to see the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the notorious dictator of Communist Albania. It’s an excellent, insightful tour and the most effective issues to do in Gjirokaster.
8. Butrint National Park and the Blue Eye
The south of Albania is blessed with some fascinating historical past and beautiful surroundings, so there are some wonderful issues to do close to Gjirokaster.
Two of my favourite locations close to Gjirokaster are Butrint National Park and the Blue Eye. And what higher method to mix them each than on this adventurous day tour from Gjirokaster? You’ll head off over unmade roads in 4x4s the place the journey will get began right away.
First up is Butrint National Park. Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s been residence to the Romans and Venetians amongst others throughout its lengthy historical past. Today, it’s an uncovered historic metropolis full with an amphitheater, the Great Basilica, the Venetian Castle, and rather more.
Next, you’ll head to one of the vital lovely locations in Gjirokaster; the Blue Eye. This beautiful pure spring boasts a number of the bluest water you’ll ever see. Take a dip or dive from the viewing platform for the right method to cool off after the stroll.
This action-packed tour is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Gjirokaster and a very good method to discover the encircling space.
9. Have Dinner on the Barrels
Discovering this little gem was completely one of many highlights of my time in Albania – I can not advocate it sufficient.
The Barrels is a small, family-run vineyard simply exterior Gjirokaster. It’s very unassuming from the skin, however you’ll quickly be met by the household, (and certain not less than one of many pets), earlier than being taken across the again to the backyard and vineyards past.
Here, you’ll discover quite a few tables arrange beneath tremendous cute arches that look out onto the vineyards. The menu adjustments from day after day relying on what fruit and greens are in season and practically all the pieces is sourced from the winery. There’s a wonderful selection of veggie choices too.
Paired with the Barrels’ glorious wine and do-it-yourself raki, the magical setting makes this the most effective issues to do in Gjirokaster for {couples}.
And whereas the meals and wine is great, it’s the household that makes this expertise so particular. They’re pleasant, and welcoming, and are a pleasure to be round.
10. Wander the UNESCO Old Town
After getting your bearings on a strolling tour, the most effective free issues to do in Gjirokaster is to easily stroll across the Old Town.
The cobbled streets and tall, conventional buildings will make it apparent why this metropolis is acknowledged as one of the vital lovely locations in Albania. The Ottoman-style homes have been remodeled into cool cafes, bars, eating places, and boutique retailers.
Grab a espresso on the pedestrianized streets at Kashahu Kafe or head into the Old Town after darkish for a drink and a few meals and benefit from the magical feeling of the lights on the cobbled streets and historic facades. It’s the most effective issues to do in Gjirokaster at evening.
11. Jump on a Safari Day Tour
Another of the wonderful nationwide parks and locations to go to in Gjirokaster is Fir of Hotova National Park. It’s generally known as the pure lungs of Southern Albania and covers a formidable 34,000 hectares.
The finest method to discover this unimaginable space is on a jeep safari from close by Permet. It’s run by the identical guys that arrange the white water rafting above, and as such, it comes extremely really useful (and never simply from me).
On this present day safari, you’ll bump by way of the park in a 4×4, visiting the gorgeous Saint Maria Church of Leuse earlier than going wildlife recognizing within the park itself. At an altitude of round 900 meters, the temperature is cooler right here, and also you’ll be surrounded by lush forest and natural world.
Finally, you’ll head to Benja Thermal Baths to loosen up after a day of journey earlier than returning residence. I like Hotova; it’s a magical place and is without doubt one of the most lovely locations to go to in Gjirokaster.
12. Try a Wood Crafting Experience
Gjirokaster is legendary for its artisanal merchandise, so a good way to embrace the native tradition is to show your hand to a conventional craft.
This 3-hour wooden crafting expertise is hosted in an area woodwork workshop the place you’ll be taught by an skilled native, who will assist you craft no matter you would like from the supplies supplied. You’ll begin off by creating your design on paper earlier than carving it beneath the watchful eye of your instructor.
Celebrate your creation with a glass of wine or raki and take one thing residence with you that can without end remind you of your journey.
13. Explore Argjiro Castle on a Walking Tour
Gjirokaster’s cobbled streets and pedestrianized zones are good for exploring on foot, and so strolling excursions are tremendous well-liked right here.
This is the second strolling tour bazaar on this checklist and takes in a number of the hottest sights in Gjirokaster. You’ll head to the Old Bazaar, which appears like touring again in time. From right here, you’ll discover the fortress and a medieval fortress as you find out about Gjirokaster’s army previous.
A strolling tour is a good way to be taught what to do in Gjirokaster from an area information, and a very good method to discover your approach round. This choice is not any exception and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Gjirokaster.
14. Have some Cocktails at Hangover Bar
Gjirokaster is residence to some glorious bars and eating places and has a enjoyable social scene after darkish.
One of my favourite locations is Hangover Bar, which serves some scrumptious cocktails. Don’t let the identify put you off, though one too lots of their wonderful raki-based cocktails may properly justify that identify!
It has a beautiful terrace to take a seat and have a drink and watch the solar go down. The good spot after a day of exploring the myriad issues to see in Gjirokaster.
15. Wander across the Ethnographic Museum
Somewhat-known truth about Gjirokaster is that it’s the birthplace of the Albanian Communist Dictator, Enver Hoxha. Today, his residence has been was an attention-grabbing museum, showcasing an array of native garments and wares from each day life in historic Gjirokaster.
The Ethnographic Museum is a ravishing and conventional Ottoman home that provides an attention-grabbing view into what life regarded like on this a part of the Balkans by way of the ages.
It’s a formidable assortment and a fantastic stop-off throughout a stroll by way of the Old Town. It’s certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Gjirokaster.
Quick Travel Itineraries For Gjirokaster
If you need to profit from your time in Gjirokaster, check out my recommended itineraries beneath.
1 Day in Gjirokaster Itinerary
If you’re planning a flying go to, then I positively advocate taking a strolling tour to cowl as lots of the well-liked issues to do in Gjirokaster as potential. The Argjiro strolling tour above features a journey to the fortress which means you possibly can tick off one other of the most well-liked issues to do in Gjirokaster.
In the afternoon, discover the Old Town and cease in Hangover Bar for a cooling drink. Have dinner out at the Barrels to finish a tremendous day.
2-3 Days in Gjirokaster Itinerary
If you’ve got somewhat longer on the town, then mix the 1-day itinerary above with a number of the highlights simply exterior Gjirokaster. I recommend exploring Vjosa National Park, both on horseback or on a rafting tour.
On the third day, make a journey out to Butrint National Park and the Blue Eye for much more historic historical past and nature. For more moderen occasions, take the Private Cold War tour.
Where to Stay in Gjirokaster
These are just a few of the perfect neighborhoods in Gjirokaster for vacationers:
The Old Town – Best for First-time Visitors and Nightlife
Located on the high of the hill, the Old Town is the perfect place to remain in Gjirokaster. Here, you’ll discover cobbled streets, numerous bars and eating places, and the vast majority of the Gjirokaster sights. The aptly named Castle Hotel is a beautiful 3-star lodge with a terrace and bar boasting wonderful views over the town.
New Town – Best for Families
The various to the Old Town is the newer a part of city on the backside of the hill. This is a incredible spot for households or those who have pushed to Gjirokaster as parking is less complicated, and it’s base for visiting the close by sights. Dream’s Hotel affords nice views of the town. Alternatively, Novi’s Apartment affords beautiful luxurious and trendy design.
Best Restaurants in Gjirokaster
The meals scene in Gjirokaster is actually well-liked and listed here are a number of the highlights:
The Barrels
I can not charge the Barrels extremely sufficient. From the fantastically do-it-yourself meals, scrumptious wine, and wonderful views, this place is actually particular. The seasonal menu, with vegetarian highlights, is actually well-thought-out. The household and repair make this my favourite restaurant in Gjirokaster by far.
Taverna Tradicionale Kardhashi
For a conventional Albanian restaurant in Gjirokaster itself, head to Taverna Kardhashi. It serves scrumptious, native meals at incredible costs. The stuffed peppers are scrumptious, and the workers is tremendous pleasant. A extremely welcoming, native restaurant.
Kujtimi
Another conventional, Albanian restaurant with a cute terrace for some alfresco eating. At Kujtimi, the meals is tasty, the wine is sweet, and the costs are glorious.
Submarine 105
Submarine 105 is situated within the Old Bazaar and combines its conventional setting with a contemporary twist. The Albanian dishes are scrumptious and are served in massive parts, all mixed with a wonderful, and in depth, drinks checklist.
Pizza Me Gusta
If you fancy pizza then head to Pizza Me Gusta. The tremendous pleasant workers will assist you select, and the pizzas are very well-priced. Thin and crispy bases with numerous toppings. An excellent pizza spot in Gjirokaster.
Getting to Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is situated round 3 hours south of Tirana and an hour from Sarande. To get there from exterior of Albania, you’ll possible land in Tirana or cross on the Corfu to Sarande ferry.
You can catch a direct bus from Tirana to Gjirokaster which is able to value you round 1,000lek or $9. The journey takes round 3-4 hours relying on visitors and departs from the Regional Bus Terminal numerous occasions a day.
From Sarande, there are common each day buses which value round 400lek or $3.50. They depart from Friendship Park.
Alternatively, you possibly can take taxis from both metropolis to Gjirokaster. Once you arrive, you’ll be capable to stroll across the metropolis itself. You can take taxis or soar on a tour to go to a number of the sights exterior of the town.
Things To Do in Gjirokaster: FAQs
Here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Gjirokaster:
Gjirokaster is understood for its lovely cobbled streets and Ottoman structure. It’s a classy and well-liked vacation spot with a variety of fine cafes, bars, eating places, and boutique retailers.
The finest time to go to Gjirokaster is throughout the shoulder seasons between April and June or September to October when the temperatures aren’t at their peak however are heat sufficient to take a seat exterior and revel in a chilly drink within the solar.
Absolutely. Gjirokaster is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Albania. At the identical time, it has some unimaginable nationwide parks and nature on its doorstep. It’s a tremendous place to go to.
I like to recommend not less than 2-3 days to discover Gjirokaster itself. If you keep for longer, you possibly can discover a number of the well-known sights and nationwide parks simply exterior the town too.
Gjirokaster is tremendous protected. It feels actually cozy and pleasant within the Old Town, with its cobbled streets and plentiful bars and retailers. I’ve by no means heard of any points with security in Gjirokaster.
Visiting the fortress is the most well-liked factor to do in Gjirokaster because it dominates the skyline and boasts some unimaginable views. After that, doing nothing could be very extremely rated. Take a seat at a restaurant on the streets and watch the world go by.
Gjirokaster has a proud historical past of scrumptious meals. Try stuffed peppers to begin, and trilece (three milk) cake for dessert – each are divine.
In Closing
Gjorikaster is just not solely a ravishing metropolis, stuffed with beautiful structure and fairly cobbled streets, however it’s additionally a spot of pure magnificence and a vacation spot the place you possibly can actually have an journey! There are so many incredible issues to do in Gjirokaster, you’re spoiled for selection.
I hope this put up helps you intend the perfect journey to Gjirokaster!