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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: ALL
- Languages: Albanian, English, Greek, Italian
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Timezone: Europe/Tirane
- Population: Approximately 20,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is late spring through early autumn for pleasant weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Albania visa-free for stays up to 90 days. Some nationalities may require an e-visa or visa on arrival. US, EU, and UK citizens generally do not need a visa for short tourist visits. It is recommended to check current requirements before travel.
About Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is a captivating historic town in southern Albania, renowned for its unique Ottoman-era architecture and cobblestone streets. Often called the "City of Stone," it features distinctive stone houses with slate roofs that create a timeless atmosphere. The town’s centerpiece is the imposing Gjirokaster Castle, which offers panoramic views and houses museums showcasing local history and culture. Gjirokaster’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights its cultural significance and well-preserved heritage. Visitors are drawn by the blend of history, architecture, and vibrant local traditions. The town also serves as a gateway to the scenic Drino Valley and offers a slower pace of life compared to Albania’s larger cities. Its rich cultural scene includes traditional music, crafts, and festivals, making it a rewarding destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and authentic experiences.
Top Attractions
1. Gjirokaster Castle – A massive fortress with museums, panoramic views, and historic exhibitions. 2. Ethnographic Museum – Located in the birthplace of writer Ismail Kadare, showcasing traditional life and artifacts. 3. Old Bazaar – A charming area with shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional goods. 4. Skenduli House – A well-preserved Ottoman-era house offering insight into historic domestic life. 5. Cold War Tunnels – Underground tunnels built during the communist era, open for tours.
Popular Activities
Explore the castle and museums, stroll through the old bazaar, and visit traditional homes. Enjoy hiking in the surrounding hills and valleys. Attend local festivals featuring folk music and dance. Experience authentic Albanian hospitality with home-cooked meals in family-run guesthouses. Photography and cultural tours are popular for capturing the town’s unique architecture and history.
Gjirokaster Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Albania
- Duration Range: Explore the castle and museums, stroll through the old bazaar, and visit traditional homes. Enjoy hiking in the surrounding hills and valleys. Attend local festivals featuring folk music and dance. Experience authentic Albanian hospitality with home-cooked meals in family-run guesthouses. Photography and cultural tours are popular for capturing the town’s unique architecture and history.
- Group Size: Private or shared tours
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn for pleasant weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and layered clothing for temperature changes. Respect local customs, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and greet locals politely. Gjirokaster is generally safe, but standard travel precautions apply. Cash is widely used; ATMs are available but carry some cash for smaller vendors.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $220
44 Available Tour Excursions in Gjirokaster
Embark on an unforgettable journey with expert guides, breathtaking scenery, and thrilling adventures. Enjoy unique insights, safe and exciting activities, and create lasting memories that stand out from the rest!
Price: $47.52
Duration: 3 hours
Rafting on the Vjosë River in Përmet offers a unique experience, combining adventure with breathtaking natural scenery. Our professional, trained guides ensure a safe and unforgettable adventure, navigating through the river’s currents. Besides the thrills of rafting, you’ll also get to explore charming villages and immerse yourself in the rich local culture and traditions. We offer customized packages for groups, families, or individuals, also providing opportunities to relax and unwind in our cozy, welcoming accommodations. This activity is perfect for those seeking adventure as well as those wanting a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Price: $53.47
Duration: 3 hours
We will explore the unknown part of Gjirokaster, the magic of the town that every tourist skips. We start from “Cerciz Topulli Square” and head towards The “Old Bazaar”. It is the first neighborhood outside the castle and lies along beneath the its walls. The characteristic cobblestone the orthodox church and some of the oldest houses are the most beautiful elements. After passing the stream of Nanxa (where they are building a new street), we reach the neighborhood of “Cfaka”. Here we will pass by some first monument category houses, a rebuild mosque and then reach the last neighborhood “Dunavat” where we will find a tekke of the Bektashi Order. It is a beautiful combination of Nature and old houses before arriving to “Ali Pasha Bridge”, a remaining of the aqueduct build more than 200 years ago to bring water to the castle. It takes approximately 3 hrs and you should be prepared to walk on a not so comfortable terrain. So put on your sneakers and join us to this back in time trip.
Price: $17.82
Duration: 3 hours
Our multi-day trips offer a blend of exploration and relaxation. Using top-quality, stable NRS canoes, embark on an expedition that allows you to delve deep into the heart of the Vjosa. With overnight stops at riverside camps accessible by 4x4 vehicles, indulge in delicious meals prepared over a campfire, ensuring a fulfilling and authentic outdoor experience.Accompanied by experienced guides, our trips ensure your safety and comfort. A small raft accompanies the journey, carrying essential supplies and allowing flexibility in equipment and provisions for your expedition.Picture yourself camping in lush forests alongside the Vjosa River, embraced by nature's serenity. Our campsites, strategically located along the riverside, provide a perfect setting for unwinding under the stars. Whether it's a peaceful night by the crackling fire or the cozy shelter of a tent amidst the sounds of nature.
Price: $1,889.12
Duration: 144 hours
We offer an exclusive experience to the visitors of our city that choose us to get their tour with and enjoy it the most and get in the mood of a medieval era.
Price: $35.63
Duration: 4-5 hours
Gjirokaster walking tour is the best way to explore the town with local certified guides During the tour we will show you the amazing stone city of Gjirokaster focusing on it's history, culture, architecture, traditions, and local histories. We will see the most interesting parts of the city like the Bazzar area or areas where are located the most beautiful Gjirokaster style houses like Scenduli house or some of houses of local famous people like the house of the dictator Enver Hoxha or the house of Ismail Kadare the most famous Albanian writer. We will visit also the castle but we will not visit the castle inside as it has a price for tickets and we want to let people choose if visiting or no or when visiting and how much time they want to spent there. Anyway the tour ends near the castle entry so you can go inside right after the tour if you want. During our tour we will also pass by the best panoramic spots for amazing views and have possiblity to take beautiful panoramic pictures
Price: $17.82
Duration: 2 hours
We offer rafting in the VJOSA river, which from March 13, 2023 is a national park, the last remaining wild river in Europe. Rafting is a group adventure sport. A normal tour has a length of 8.7 km with a duration of about 3 hours depending on the water level in the river. Together we will learn the rules of navigation, enjoy the waves of the Vjosa river, swim in the fresh water and jump from the cliffs. We hope that it will be a great experience for you as it has been for many others before.
Price: $53.47
Duration: 3 hours
Funky Guest House and Adventures believes that traveling is the best investment and to make your holiday enjoyable and unforgettable, they organize various 4x4 Safari trips around national park in the region of Përmet. This is the most adventures and fun way to visit the natural beauties, the cultural monuments, the characteristic villages, and meet amazing people. The region of Përmet is blessed because of the landscape, historical and cultural heritage - as is surrounded by high mountains, blue rivers, green hills, amazing national parks, beautiful canyons, hot thermal baths, characteristic villages, old churches, wonderful stone bridges, friendly people, and delicious organic food. We also will visit the Kamincka & Lengarica canyon and thermal waters - one of the most visited attractions in the south of Albania. After the trip, you can enjoy the thermal baths, relax in the pools and explore the canyon. An experience that you will take with you...
Price: $304.66
Duration: 4-5 hours
Rafting the Last Wild River of Europe The First Rafting Team in the Vjosa Valley – Est. 2012 Brand-New Rafting Center with Scenic Mountain & River Views All Gear is New and EU-Certified (Aqua Design Equipment) Experienced Local Guides Who Know Every Bend of the River Authentic, Non-Touristy Experience – No Mass Groups Free Pickup and drop off from any Hotel in Përmet City Includes Free Photos, Bottled Water & Seasonal Local Fruit Just 15 Minutes from Benja Thermal Baths & Lengarica Canyon
Price: $49.90
Duration: 2 hours
Learn the secrets behind your favorite dishes of Gjirokaster with this 2-hour cooking class in Gjirokastra. Led by your local guide, step inside a traditional tavern, sip on a glass of raki or homemade wine and try your hand at some traditional food, using fresh, local ingredients. Then sit down to savor the fruits of your labor with your fellow chef.
Price: $65.35
Duration: 2 hours
This electric bike tour alongside the majestic Vjosa River grants cyclists a panoramic view of the river's splendor as it meanders gracefully toward the Kaluth Village Bridge, Cycling enthusiasts will relish this stretch, immersed in the serene ambiance alongside the flowing waters of the Vjosa. Permet boasts a mountain biking route renowned for its breathtaking scenery and distinctive segments, offering a captivating cycling adventure. This remarkable journey with electric Bike comprises three distinct sections, each showcasing the region's natural beauty and historical charm.
Price: $106.93
Duration: 7 hours
This Albanian cooking class in Gjirokaster is perfect for food lovers, travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience, and anyone interested in learning to cook traditional Albanian recipes in a fun, hands-on environment. Join a hands-on Albanian cooking class on a terrace in historic Gjirokaster. Learn to prepare three traditional dishes using simple, beginner-friendly recipes. Cook local favorites like Gjirokaster rice balls, cornbread, and halva. Enjoy a warm, communal atmosphere and interactive atmosphere. Sit down together for a shared meal and taste the dishes you’ve created, served with a glass of raki or wine.
Price: $84.00
Duration: 3 hours
Explore the enchanting town of Permet, known for its stunning nature and rich culture, on this unforgettable day trip from Tirana or Durres. Your adventure starts with a convenient pick-up and a scenic drive, showcasing the beauty of the Vjosa River and its national park. Delve into local traditions as you wander the charming town center, then unwind in the therapeutic waters of the Benja Natural Hot Baths. Marvel at the breathtaking Permet Canyon and its picturesque landscapes, including the Grunas and Langarica canyons. With a knowledgeable guide sharing insights about the area's history and ecology, this tour promises a memorable journey through Albania's hidden gems. - Convenient pick-up from Tirana or Durres for easy access - Relax in the mineral-rich waters of Benja Natural Hot Baths - Explore the stunning Permet Canyon and its natural beauty - Insightful commentary from a knowledgeable guide throughout the day
Price: $130.69
Duration: 9 hours
Funky Guest House and Adventures believes that traveling is the best investment and to make your holiday enjoyable and unforgettable, we organize various horse riding trips in the Vjosa national park and valley. This is the most perfect, ecological way to visit the natural beauties, the cultural monuments, the characteristic villages and experience the local tradition. The region of Përmet is blessed because of the landscape, historical and cultural heritage - as is surrounded by high mountains, blue rivers, green hills, amazing national parks, beautiful canyons, hot thermal baths, characteristic stone villages, old churches, wonderful stone bridges, friendly people and delicious organic food. Funky Guest House and Adventures is not just a destination but an experience that you will take with you. We welcome you this holiday season and we promise you will fall in love with this amazing experience, our town and Albania too! What are you waiting for
Price: $95.05
Duration: 4 hours
Vjosa Wild River... First Europe's National Park, is a must do, at least once in life, happiness rafting experience! Offers a unique combination between exciting rapids and majestic mountains views! Our team mission is to transmit the local life experience, gifting a memorable day in one of the last wild rivers remained in Europe, the best adventure and fun! A special tour accompanied by fidelity, professionalism, security and details that you will never forget! With much love and dedication, you will have all the needed suggestions to help you hear all the Vjosa's "voices": her warm hugs, lovely waves, "angry thrusts", finesse and tranquility she transmits, her joyful rapids & much more, that you would want to come back again and again...
Price: $51.09
Duration: 3 hours
Rafting in the crystal clean waters of the Vjosa River will give you an unforgettable and very unique experience at the last wild river in Europe. Enjoying the landscape of the national park from the boat, swimming and jumping from the rocks for an amazing experience.
Price: $53.47
Duration: 3 hours
We meet at Cerciz Topulli square, where you join with your host and walk over to one of the oldest neighbourhoods, “Pazar i Vjeter” to meet Marjeta and her husband. We begin the class with a glass of raki or a soft drink while chatting with your group mates. The food we are going to prepare is a vegetarian menu, and under the guidance of Marjeta we will learn three dishes. The first one is called “Qofte bobollaqe” consisting mainly on yogurt, the traditional “Qifqis” found only in Gjirokaster and consisting mainly on rice and the desert called “Hasude”. All these three are accompanied by the salad of the season Marjeta has already prepared for you. After all the hard work, sit down with your group to savor each of your dishes. Pair your menu with a complimentary glass of wine, raki, or a soft drink and have a nice chat while you eat. Your cooking class will conclude after the meal. Cheers and Bon appetite!
Price: $55.84
Duration: 2 hours
Albania Rafting offer the best albanian trip on the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last free-flowing rivers, is a class II rafting with some rapids of class III . Prepare for waves up to four feet and narrow passages that send the boat shimmying and water gushing over the sides. Vjosa river’s entire 270km course is wild and untamed and adorned with beautiful canyons, braided river sections, islands and oxbows. Meeting point in our Vjosa Albania Rafting Base After the wearings of all the rafting equipments our minivan will pick you up and bring in the starting point onli 35 min from our base. Length of rafting trip Transportation from Rafting Base to starting point 35 min Preparation, instructions and downriver 2,5 - 3 hours Optional tour Kayaking in Vjosa
Price: $53.47
Duration: 3-4 hours
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Gjirokaster’s cuisine features traditional Albanian dishes with Mediterranean influences. Signature foods include tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), qofte (meatballs), and fresh seafood from nearby coastal areas. Olive oil, fresh herbs, and locally grown vegetables are staples. Dining customs emphasize sharing and hospitality. Noteworthy restaurants include traditional taverns serving homemade specialties and local wines, offering an authentic taste of southern Albanian flavors.
Getting Around
Gjirokaster is reachable by bus or car from Tirana and other Albanian cities. The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport, about 3 hours away by road. Local transportation includes taxis and walking, as the town center is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Renting a car is convenient for exploring nearby attractions. Public transport is affordable but less frequent outside main routes.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn for pleasant weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and layered clothing for temperature changes. Respect local customs, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and greet locals politely. Gjirokaster is generally safe, but standard travel precautions apply. Cash is widely used; ATMs are available but carry some cash for smaller vendors.
Culture & Customs
Gjirokaster’s culture reflects a blend of Ottoman heritage and Albanian traditions. Social customs emphasize hospitality and respect for elders. Traditional music and dance are integral to local festivals, such as the National Folk Festival held every five years. Visitors should be mindful of modest dress codes in religious and historic sites. It is customary to accept offers of tea or food when visiting homes.