Looking to take a break from bustling cities to get a taste of the real Albania? Try Gjirokastra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has all the atmosphere of the authentic Albanian countryside. You’ll find amazing views, and a vast, eye-catching castle overlooking the city. The narrow winding streets give Gjirokastra a fairytale feel. It's a lovely place to stroll. Discover your new favorite café among the nooks and crannies. Besides the inspiring countryside, Albanian gastronomy is one of the highlights of Gjirokastra. You'll delight in authentic regional specialities like Qifqi, a local dish made from rice and egg with seasonal herbs. But the delicious Albanian cuisine is only one part of the charm here.
Authentic Albania.
Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that won't disappoint.
Gjirokastra is a quiet, safe destination. It's perfect for a two-day visit, which will give you time to explore the culture. Plus you'll get away from the bigger cities to experience the other side of Albania. The pace may be slow here, but there’s plenty to see when visiting Gjirokastra. The Old Town is one of the first places to discover, with its distinctive white houses. It’s also worthwhile to drive outside the city. Then you can take in the gorgeous views and lovely landscape not far from the coast. We can offer very convenient, comfortable and reasonably priced hotels in Gjirokastra. This ensures you’ll have an excellent stay here. You'll also have local guides and tips for the best places in and around Gjirokastra.
Spend some time in Gjirokastra on a tour that takes in other cities in Albania and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Gjirokastra and other destinations throughout Albania and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour
Saranda, Ksamil and Butrint Private Tour
Charming Family B&B
Just a short walk from the castle and the fortress, this family-owned hotel has lovely rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
Traditional 3-Star Hotel
This hotel is centrally located, with excellent rooms and very welcoming service. Always a pleasant stay.
Small Traditional Hotel
You'll have excellent views and spacious rooms in this newly renovated hotel. Don't miss the terrace, which is perfect for relaxing.
From our team
Gjirokastra was love at first sight. Next to Tirana, it's my favorite place in Albania. Maybe it was due to me not having big expectations, thinking it would be just another remote, small, UNESCO-listed historic town. It turned out to be a proper surprise. If you're intrigued about mystery, history, authenticity, traditions, and local experiences, take the chance to visit it.
Antonija
Trip Planning & Local Teams Specialist
Authentic, mystical, and spectacular! Gjirokastra is one of Albania's gems, and a must-visit town. Protected by UNESCO and home of the dictator Enver Hoxha as well as the famous writer Ismail Kadare, Gjirocastra is the area's cultural center. Despite Hoxa's ruthless regime, Gjirocastra retained its authenticity, which is visible on each corner. I was amazed with the small but strong community's local pride. I definitely wish to go back to Gjirocastra. What left another strong impression on me was the long drive from Gjirocastra to Ohrid (in North Macedonia) by the canyon of the turquoise Vjosa river- one of Europe’s last wild rivers. The scenery of the river engraved is deep in my memory and sometimes I feel it was just a dream!
Josipa
Destination Developer
Filter by how you'd like to travel onward.
- Janet & Karin - Michigan
- Mark & Monica - California
- Holly & Lynn - California
Hi there! 👋 I'm JayWay Travel's chatbot, jAI. Tell me about your dream trip.
I can make suggestions of itineraries, and get you in touch with one of our experts in the destinations you're interested in.
