{"id":989625,"date":"2026-07-12T14:28:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T14:28:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/?p=989625"},"modified":"2026-07-12T14:31:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T14:31:04","slug":"what-to-do-in-gjirokaster-the-complete-guide-to-the-stone-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/cfare-te-besh-ne-gjirokaster-udhezuesi-i-plote-per-qytetin-e-gurte\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do in Gjirokastra: The Complete Guide to the Stone City"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

What to Do in Gjirokastra: The Complete Guide to the Stone City.<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Wondering what to do in Gjirokastra? From the UNESCO castle to Ottoman houses, bazaars and traditional food \u2014 this is the complete guide to the Stone City.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Locals call it the Stone City, and once you see it sprawling along the slopes of the Drino Valley \u2014 the slate roofs gleaming in the light, the fortress guarding everything from above \u2014 the name seems entirely natural. This city, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, is one of the most enchanting places in all of Albania: cobblestone alleys that climb at incredible steep angles, a bazaar still bustling with artisans, and Ottoman-era mansions that have seen centuries pass from their hillside balconies.<\/p>

If you're planning a trip and wondering what to do in Gjirokastra, this guide takes you through everything that's worth it \u2014 how to get there, how long to stay, places not to miss, and where to eat like a local.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

How to get to Gjirokastra?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Gjirokastra is located about 230 km south of Tirana. Thanks to the continuous road improvements in Albania in recent years, getting there is more convenient than ever.<\/p>

By car: The journey takes just over three hours. You can either drive from Durr\u00ebs \u2014 a flatter route, but with heavier traffic depending on the time of day \u2014 or from Elbasan. Either way, the journey itself is scenic, especially as you descend south.<\/p>

By transfer or organized tour: If you want to avoid the logistics, a private transfer or guided day tour is the easiest option \u2014 someone else drives, and you arrive ready to explore.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t

How Long Should You Spend in Gjirokastra?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA single day is enough to see the highlights if you leave Tirana early. If you\u2019re going to take it slow \u2014 or use the city as a base for the Albanian Riviera, the Blue Eye, or a pass to Greece \u2014 two days gives you breathing room. Beyond that, most travelers cover the city\u2019s highlights.\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

What to Do in Gjirokastra: Top Places\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The magic of Gjirokastra is architectural. This was an Ottoman trading city, and its wealth is evident in the stone-roofed houses and fortified towers that line the hills. Here's where to start.<\/p>

1. Explore the Gjirokastra Castle<\/strong><\/p>

The castle is the heart of the city and the best thing to do here. This vast fortress \u2014 with roots stretching back to the 4th\u20135th centuries \u2014 has passed from empire to empire, each leaving its mark on the walls.<\/p>

Inside is the city museum, one of the most comprehensive in Albania, tracing the country's history from prehistory, through the medieval era, to modern times. History buffs can easily spend two to three hours among the artifacts, clothing, and weaponry.<\/p>

During World War II the castle served as a prison and strategic stronghold, and the corridor leading to the outer terrace displays Allied and captured artillery, including a preserved aircraft believed to have been shot down in Albania. Don\u2019t miss the clock tower, added by Ali Pasha Tepelena in the early 19th century and now a symbol of the city \u2014 as well as the panoramic views over the valley from the promenade.<\/p>

2. See the Museum of Weapons and Socialist Realism Art<\/strong><\/p>

For a small additional fee, the upper level of the castle houses an unexpected collection of socialist realist paintings \u2014 the state-sponsored artistic style that glorified the partisan fighters who liberated Albania from Nazi occupation \u2014 along with old rifles and heavy weaponry. Continue on and you\u2019ll reach the old prison cells, whose walls still bear the names, prayers and messages of the prisoners who were once held here. In eerie silence.<\/p>

3. Visit the Ethnographic Museum<\/strong><\/p>

Built on the site of the former family home of dictator Enver Hoxha, this four-story house is no homage to him. Rather, it is a careful recreation of a traditional 19th-century Gjirokastrian home, furnished with authentic household items, folk clothing, and kitchen utensils. It is the clearest window you will get into the life of a wealthy local family.<\/p>

4. Go Underground in the Cold War Tunnel<\/strong><\/p>

Hidden beneath the city, this 800-meter-long bunker was secretly built as an emergency shelter during the communist-era fear of invasion. A short guided tour takes you through the decontamination room, generator room and air filtration rooms, past rotary telephones and rusty machinery. Cold, dark and truly terrifying \u2014 it takes you right into the paranoia of the time.<\/p>

5. Enter the Zakat House<\/strong><\/p>

Built in 1811\u20131812, this three-story tower is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in Gjirokastra. It belonged to Beqir Zeko, an administrator of Ali Pasha, and its position in the Palorto neighborhood offers sweeping views over the valley. Inside: decorated ceilings, storage rooms, a cistern, and a panoramic balcony made for photography.<\/p>

6. Visit the Sk\u00ebnduli House<\/strong><\/p>

Dating from the early 1700s and renovated in 1827, the Sk\u00ebnduli House is a stunning work of design \u2014 64 windows, 40 doors, 12 rooms, 9 fireplaces, and 4 hammams. A member of the Sk\u00ebnduli family still accompanies visitors, sharing stories of daily life, gender roles, and celebrations during the Ottoman period.<\/p>

7. Visit Kadare's House<\/strong><\/p>

Gjirokastra is the birthplace of Ismail Kadare, Albania\u2019s most famous writer. He grew up in this 1799 house and later immortalized it in his novel Chronicle in Stone. Today, a cultural monument, it still houses family belongings \u2014 a must-see for anyone who loves literature or wants to see Kadare\u2019s descriptions come to life.<\/p>

8. Admire the Bazaar Mosque<\/strong><\/p>

The Bazaar Mosque was the only one of Gjirokastra's mosques to survive the regime's oppression of religion, gaining monument status in 1973. Beautifully positioned above the bazaar, its balcony offers magnificent views over the old city.<\/p>

9. Shop at the Old Bazaar<\/strong><\/p>

No market town is complete without its bazaar, and Gjirokastra\u2019s is a delight \u2014 dozens of shops lining the cobblestone streets selling hand-woven rugs, traditional clothing, stonework, and souvenirs. It\u2019s the perfect place to slow down, watch local artisans at work, and sip a shot of raki in between.<\/p>

10. Climb the Ali Pasha Bridge<\/strong><\/p>

For a break from the city, walk about 30 minutes out to Ali Pasha Bridge (Dunavat Bridge), a surviving part of the 19th-century aqueduct that once carried water to the citadel. The path passes by old houses before opening up to views of the valley, and the arched stone bridge \u2014 16 feet high, 40 feet long \u2014 is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot for photos.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t

Where to eat in Gjirokastra?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Gjirokastra has a food culture all its own. Two local specialties to look out for: qifqi, fried, salted rice balls with a delightful crunch, and oshaf, a goat's milk dessert layered with figs, nuts and cinnamon.<\/p>

Hotel Bar Restaurant Kodra<\/strong> \u2014 hilltop terrace with some of the most beautiful views of the city; traditional dishes like slow-cooked lamb, grilled vegetables, and homemade pie.

The room<\/strong> \u2014 a warm family-friendly place in the market that serves meatballs, pancakes, and homemade jams, with a few picturesque tables on the balcony upstairs.

Traditional Tavern Kardhashi<\/strong> \u2014 tucked away in the Dunavat neighborhood, ideal on the way to or from Ali Pasha Bridge; generous portions of grilled lamb, yogurt casserole, and homemade pickles, away from the crowds.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Whether for its castle, towers, literature or food, Gjirokastra deserves its place high on any itinerary in Albania. It's one of those cities that rewards you for a leisurely stroll \u2014 so give yourself time to get lost in the Stone City.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

10% discount<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Up to 10% off on every booking until the end of the month.<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Private transfers from the airport<\/a><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Transfer with private driver<\/a><\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00c7far\u00eb t\u00eb B\u00ebsh n\u00eb Gjirokast\u00ebr: Udh\u00ebzuesi i Plot\u00eb p\u00ebr Qytetin e Gurt\u00eb. Po pyet veten \u00e7far\u00eb t\u00eb b\u00ebsh n\u00eb Gjirokast\u00ebr? Nga kalaja UNESCO te sht\u00ebpit\u00eb osmane, pazari dhe ushqimi tradicional \u2014 ky \u00ebsht\u00eb udh\u00ebzuesi i plot\u00eb p\u00ebr Qytetin e Gurt\u00eb. Vendasit e quajn\u00eb Qyteti i Gurt\u00eb, dhe sapo e sheh t\u00eb shtrir\u00eb p\u00ebrgjat\u00eb shpateve t\u00eb […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":989610,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[144],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-989625","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cfare-te-besh"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/989625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=989625"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/989625\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":989631,"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/989625\/revisions\/989631"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/989610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=989625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=989625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/minibus.al\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=989625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}