There are such a lot of improbable issues to do in Gjirokaster, it’s one of the underrated locations in Albania. It’s a small city, and whereas it’s fairly and quaint, there’s a lot occurring.
Situated within the south of Albania, Gjirokaster is ideally primarily based near the perfect coastal cities and among the essential sights of the nation. For those who’re planning a visit to Albania, Gjirokaster ought to positively be in your listing of locations to go to.
For those who’re questioning what to do in Gjirokaster, then learn on for my listing of prime issues to see on this lovely city.
Finest Issues To Do in Gjirokaster
For those who want some inspiration for issues to see in Gjirokaster, you’ve come to the proper place. Beneath, is my listing of probably the most enjoyable issues I did throughout my time there. Whether or not you’re keen on historical past, nature, meals, drink, or absorbing a brand new tradition, you’re positive to search out one thing on this listing for you.
1. Discover Gjirokaster on a Strolling Tour
A strolling tour is an incredible option 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 provides a improbable combination of among the sights of Gjirokaster, in addition to the chance to go off the crushed observe. You’ll discover the Previous Bazaar which lies beneath the partitions of Gjirokaster citadel and discover attractive cobbled streets and among the oldest homes in Gjirokaster.
The tour continues by among 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 best way up the mountain to the citadel. It’s among the best issues to see in Gjirokaster – it’s a formidable piece of engineering.
Be part of this wonderful day tour if you first arrive in Gjirokaster to get to know your manner round and study a little bit in regards to the historical past of this magical place.
2. Horseback Driving in Vjosa Nationwide Park
Vjosa Nationwide 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 Nationwide Park is stuffed with lovely hills, previous bridges crossing mountain rivers, varied ruins, and the spectacular Lengarica Canyon. My favourite option to discover this countryside is on horseback, and this fabulous horseback using 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 capacity. 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 about so that you can have an unimaginable day in nature.
You’ll uncover why Vjosa Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Gjirokaster. It’s a magical journey and one in all my favourite issues to do in Gjirokaster. In case you have older youngsters, it’s among the best issues to do in Gjirokaster for households.
3. Try Gjirokaster Museum
If you wish to study extra in regards to the historical past of this cobbled city, head to one of the common vacationer sights in Gjirokaster. At Gjirokaster Museum, you’ll achieve an perception into conventional, Albanian life by the ages.
Some well-known historic characters have fascinating hyperlinks to Gjirokaster. These embody Enver Hoxha, (extra on his hyperlink beneath), and even Lord Bryon.
The Museum is hidden inside the Fort, which is one other of my favourite issues to do in Gjirokaster (extra on that one later). It’s not included within the entrance charge for the citadel, which may be complicated. It’s a separate 200lek ($1.88) to enter the Museum, and nicely price it at that worth.
4. Take a Native Cooking Class
One other of my favourite methods to essentially get to know a brand new tradition is by attempting to make some conventional meals of the nation.
Gjirokaster is legendary for its conventional, culinary scene and so cooking lessons are very talked-about right here. This explicit 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 dwelling and teaches you learn how to make a 3-course Albanian dinner. On the similar time, you’ll pattern native raki made by her husband – an excessive amount of of which makes the cooking a little bit harder…
After you’ve accomplished your dishes, you’ll sit right down to benefit from the fruits of your labor with a glass of wine. It’s one of many prime issues to do in Gjirokaster and is a good way to fulfill new folks, study extra in regards to the tradition of Albania, and have a enjoyable afternoon.
5. Head as much as Gjirokaster Fort
Sat on the highest of the hill and searching over the city, the citadel is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Gjirokaster.
Not solely does it boast unimaginable views over Gjirokaster itself and the countryside past, nevertheless it’s additionally an enchanting look into the historical past of the town. Initially of Ottoman building, it was later used as a jail for political prisoners throughout the Communist Period.
It’s 400lek ($3.76) to enter, and as soon as inside you may stroll by the assorted rooms and tunnels at your leisure. There are many data boards round that can assist you study extra in regards to the citadel.
Consequently, the citadel is an fascinating mixture of Ottoman design and fashionable features, due to its use being tailored through the years. You’ll be able to even head to the highest of the citadel for some superb views. Don’t skip Gjirokaster Museum, which is talked about above and located contained in the citadel.
It’s the focus of the entire city, and it’s simple to see why it’s one of the common Gjirokaster sights.
6. Go Rafting within the Vjosa River
As Vjosa Nationwide 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 listing.
This time, it’s one for the adrenaline junkies. This sensible 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 quite a lot of enjoyable!
The river itself runs for some 270 kilometers by gorgeous 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 slender passages as you fly alongside on the rapids.
For me, it’s among the best issues to do round Gjirokaster and a extremely memorable time out.
7. Non-public Chilly Conflict Metropolis Tour
For those who’re within the Chilly Conflict and within the impression it had on Albania, then this personal day tour is an outstanding alternative.
On this tour, you’ll get to discover personal Chilly Conflict tunnels below the town which are hardly ever 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 citadel, in addition to a tour of the tunnels, with a massively educated information who shares the fascinating historical past of Albania throughout the Chilly Conflict.
The tour ends within the Previous Bazaar to see the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the notorious dictator of Communist Albania. It’s an excellent, insightful tour and among the best issues to do in Gjirokaster.
8. Butrint Nationwide Park and the Blue Eye
The south of Albania is blessed with some fascinating historical past and gorgeous surroundings, so there are some superb issues to do close to Gjirokaster.
Two of my favourite locations close to Gjirokaster are Butrint Nationwide Park and the Blue Eye. And what higher option 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 immediately.
First up is Butrint Nationwide Park. Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage Website that’s been dwelling to the Romans and Venetians amongst others throughout its lengthy historical past. Right now, it’s an uncovered historic metropolis full with an amphitheater, the Nice Basilica, the Venetian Fort, and far more.
Subsequent, you’ll head to one of the lovely locations in Gjirokaster; the Blue Eye. This gorgeous pure spring boasts among the bluest water you’ll ever see. Take a dip or dive from the viewing platform for the proper option 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 option 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 outdoors Gjirokaster. It’s very unassuming from the surface, however you’ll quickly be met by the household, (and certain no less than one of many pets), earlier than being taken across the again to the backyard and vineyards past.
Right here, you’ll discover plenty of tables arrange below tremendous cute arches that look out onto the vineyards. The menu modifications from each day relying on what fruit and greens are in season and almost every little thing is sourced from the winery. There’s a wonderful alternative of veggie choices too.
Paired with the Barrels’ wonderful wine and do-it-yourself raki, the magical setting makes this among the best issues to do in Gjirokaster for {couples}.
And whereas the meals and wine is excellent, 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 Previous City
After getting your bearings on a strolling tour, among the best free issues to do in Gjirokaster is to easily stroll across the Previous City.
The cobbled streets and tall, conventional buildings will make it apparent why this metropolis is acknowledged as one of the lovely locations in Albania. The Ottoman-style homes have been remodeled into cool cafes, bars, eating places, and boutique retailers.
Seize a espresso on the pedestrianized streets at Kashahu Kafe or head into the Previous City 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 among the best issues to do in Gjirokaster at evening.
11. Leap on a Safari Day Tour
One other of the superb nationwide parks and locations to go to in Gjirokaster is Fir of Hotova Nationwide Park. It’s often known as the pure lungs of Southern Albania and covers a formidable 34,000 hectares.
The easiest way to discover this unimaginable space is on a jeep safari from close by Permet. It’s run by the identical guys that set up the white water rafting above, and as such, it comes extremely beneficial (and never simply from me).
On this present day safari, you’ll bump by the park in a 4×4, visiting the attractive 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.
Lastly, you’ll head to Benja Thermal Baths to chill out after a day of journey earlier than returning dwelling. I like Hotova; it’s a magical place and is without doubt one of the most lovely locations to go to in Gjirokaster.
12. Attempt a Wooden Crafting Expertise
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 enable 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 below the watchful eye of your instructor.
Have fun your creation with a glass of wine or raki and take one thing dwelling with you that may without end remind you of your journey.
13. Discover Argjiro Fort on a Strolling Tour
Gjirokaster’s cobbled streets and pedestrianized zones are good for exploring on foot, and so strolling excursions are tremendous common right here.
That is the second strolling tour bazaar on this listing and takes in among the hottest sights in Gjirokaster. You’ll head to the Previous Bazaar, which seems like touring again in time. From right here, you’ll discover the citadel and a medieval fortress as you study Gjirokaster’s navy previous.
A strolling tour is a good way to study what to do in Gjirokaster from an area information, and a very good option to discover your manner round. This feature isn’t any exception and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Gjirokaster.
14. Have some Cocktails at Hangover Bar
Gjirokaster is dwelling to some wonderful bars and eating places and has a enjoyable social scene after darkish.
Considered 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 superb raki-based cocktails might nicely justify that identify!
It has a stunning terrace to take a seat and have a drink and watch the solar go down. The right spot after a day of exploring the myriad issues to see in Gjirokaster.
15. Wander across the Ethnographic Museum
A bit of-known truth about Gjirokaster is that it’s the birthplace of the Albanian Communist Dictator, Enver Hoxha. Right now, his dwelling has been became an fascinating museum, showcasing an array of native garments and wares from every day life in historic Gjirokaster.
The Ethnographic Museum is an exquisite and conventional Ottoman home that offers an fascinating view into what life appeared like on this a part of the Balkans by the ages.
It’s a formidable assortment and a fantastic stop-off throughout a stroll by the Previous City. It’s one in all my favourite locations to go to in Gjirokaster.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Gjirokaster
If you wish to benefit from your time in Gjirokaster, check out my recommended itineraries beneath.
1 Day in Gjirokaster Itinerary
For those who’re planning a flying go to, then I positively advocate taking a strolling tour to cowl as most of the common issues to do in Gjirokaster as doable. The Argjiro strolling tour above features a journey to the citadel that means you may tick off one other of the most well-liked issues to do in Gjirokaster.
Within the afternoon, discover the Previous City and cease in Hangover Bar for a cooling drink. Have dinner out at the Barrels to finish an incredible day.
2-3 Days in Gjirokaster Itinerary
In case you have a little bit longer on the town, then mix the 1-day itinerary above with among the highlights simply outdoors Gjirokaster. I counsel exploring Vjosa Nationwide Park, both on horseback or on a rafting tour.
On the third day, make a journey out to Butrint Nationwide Park and the Blue Eye for much more historical historical past and nature. For more moderen occasions, take the Non-public Chilly Conflict tour.
The place to Keep in Gjirokaster
These are a number of of the perfect neighborhoods in Gjirokaster for vacationers:
The Previous City – Finest for First-time Guests and Nightlife
Situated on the prime of the hill, the Previous City is the perfect place to remain in Gjirokaster. Right here, you’ll discover cobbled streets, numerous bars and eating places, and the vast majority of the Gjirokaster sights. The aptly named Fort Lodge is a stunning 3-star resort with a terrace and bar boasting superb views over the town.
New City – Finest for Households
The choice to the Previous City is the newer a part of city on the backside of the hill. It is a improbable spot for households or people who have pushed to Gjirokaster as parking is less complicated, and it’s an excellent base for visiting the close by sights. Dream’s Lodge provides nice views of the town. Alternatively, Novi’s Residence provides gorgeous luxurious and fashionable design.
Finest Eating places in Gjirokaster
The meals scene in Gjirokaster is absolutely common and listed here are among the highlights:
The Barrels
I can not charge the Barrels extremely sufficient. From the fantastically do-it-yourself meals, scrumptious wine, and superb views, this place is really particular. The seasonal menu, with vegetarian highlights, is absolutely 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 improbable costs. The stuffed peppers are scrumptious, and the workers is tremendous pleasant. A extremely welcoming, native restaurant.
Kujtimi
One other 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 wonderful.
Submarine 105
Submarine 105 is positioned within the Previous 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 listing.
Pizza Me Gusta
For those who fancy pizza then head to Pizza Me Gusta. The tremendous pleasant workers will enable you select, and the pizzas are very well-priced. Skinny and crispy bases with numerous toppings. An ideal pizza spot in Gjirokaster.
Attending to Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is positioned round 3 hours south of Tirana and an hour from Sarande. To get there from outdoors of Albania, you’ll possible land in Tirana or cross on the Corfu to Sarande ferry.
You’ll be able to catch a direct bus from Tirana to Gjirokaster which can price you round 1,000lek or $9. The journey takes round 3-4 hours relying on site visitors and departs from the Regional Bus Terminal varied instances a day.
From Sarande, there are common every day buses which price round 400lek or $3.50. They depart from Friendship Park.
Alternatively, you may take taxis from both metropolis to Gjirokaster. When you arrive, you’ll be capable to stroll across the metropolis itself. You’ll be able to take taxis or leap on a tour to go to among the sights outdoors of the town.
Issues To Do in Gjirokaster: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Gjirokaster:
Gjirokaster is thought for its lovely cobbled streets and Ottoman structure. It’s a classy and common vacation spot with a variety of excellent cafes, bars, eating places, and boutique retailers.
The most effective 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 outdoors and revel in a chilly drink within the solar.
Completely. Gjirokaster is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Albania. On the similar time, it has some unimaginable nationwide parks and nature on its doorstep. It’s an incredible place to go to.
I like to recommend no less than 2-3 days to discover Gjirokaster itself. For those who keep for longer, you may discover among the well-known sights and nationwide parks simply outdoors the town too.
Gjirokaster is tremendous protected. It feels actually cozy and pleasant within the Previous City, with its cobbled streets and plentiful bars and retailers. I’ve by no means heard of any points with security in Gjirokaster.
Visiting the citadel 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. Sit at a restaurant on the streets and watch the world go by.
Gjirokaster has a proud historical past of scrumptious meals. Attempt stuffed peppers to begin, and trilece (three milk) cake for dessert – each are divine.
In Closing
Gjorikaster is just not solely an exquisite metropolis, stuffed with gorgeous structure and fairly cobbled streets, nevertheless it’s additionally a spot of pure magnificence and a vacation spot the place you may actually have an journey! There are such a lot of improbable issues to do in Gjirokaster, you’re spoiled for alternative.
I hope this put up helps you intend the perfect journey to Gjirokaster!
