Custom Trip Plan

Gjirokastra

Authentic Albania.
Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that won't disappoint. 

Video about Gjirokastra

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.

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.

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Gjirokastra

Spend some time in Gjirokastra on a tour that takes in other cities in Albania and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Gjirokastra and other destinations throughout Albania and Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

Uncover Albania Custom Itinerary

Uncover Albania

Tirana, Vlore, Gjirokastra, Tirana

from$2,425 pp^*

Summer in Albania Custom Itinerary

Summer in Albania

Tirana, Vlore, Dhermi, Gjirokastra, Tirana

from$2,425 pp^*

History and Scenery in Albania and North Macedonia Custom Itinerary

History and Scenery in Albania and North Macedonia

Tirana, Gjirokastra, Ohrid, Skopje

from$2,125 pp^*

Albania & Greece Highlights Custom Itinerary

Albania & Greece Highlights

Tirana, Dhermi, Gjirokastra, Ioannina, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini

from$3,275 pp^*

Folklore and Tradition in the Balkans Custom Itinerary

Folklore and Tradition in the Balkans

Belgrade, Kotor, Tirana, Gjirokastra, Ohrid, Skopje

from$3,625 pp^*

* Starting price is per person, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.

Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

What we love about Gjirokastra

Local Teams Specialist & Senior Adriatic Destination Expert

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.

Team Leader for France, Benelux & Switzerland

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!

Where to stay in Gjirokastra

While you won't find any luxury hotels in Gjirokastra, the Stone City's welcomes are as warm as they come. We've selected the best options in the historic part of town, with the opportunity to stay in a classic Ottoman era tower house one of the town's unique highlights. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to choose from.

Small Traditional Hotel in Gjirokastra

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.

Traditional 3-Star Hotel in Gjirokastra

Traditional 3-Star Hotel

This hotel is centrally located, with excellent rooms and very welcoming service. Always a pleasant stay.

Charming Family B&B in Gjirokastra

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.

Things to do in Gjirokastra

Staying in a UNESCO World Heritage listed town is an experience in itself but the best way to learn its secrets is with an expert guide. We can arrange for one to show you around, visiting an ethnographic museum, visiting local craftsmen, and exploring the fortress that towers over the town. If you have time, a day trip to the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins of Butrint on the coast, with stops at Saranda and Ksamil, is a wonderful way to spend the day. We also recommend visiting the Blue Eye, a spring with nearly transparent water that lets you see into its massive hole, extending more than 150 feet into progressively darker waters.

Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour

Gjirokastra Private Walking Tour

Saranda, Ksamil and Butrint Private Tour

Saranda, Ksamil and Butrint Private Tour

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Gjirokastra, based on 10 reviews

Review by Holly & Lynn

Holly & Lynn

California

I love this way of traveling, the traveling logistics, guides, activities, and hotels are all taken care of for you. The decisions have been very sound and the activities and cities chosen have all been great. Very well thought out travel experience!

Year : 2024
Visited : Croatia, North Macedonia, Albania
Itinerary : Split, Skopje, Ohrid, Gjirokastra, Tirana
Rating :

4.75 / 5

Review by Harbour, Greer, Selden, Jane, Jared, Nedra & Jennings

Harbour, Greer, Selden, Jane, Jared, Nedra & Jennings

Alabama

Melita was very helpful with planning . She was also helpful with suggestions of various destinations. This is our 3rd JayWay trip and every one has been nearly perfect from start to finish

Year : 2023
Visited : Albania
Itinerary : Tirana, Shkoder, Valbone, Theth, Vlore, Gjirokastra, Tirana
Rating :

5 / 5

Review by Kenna & Kirk

Kenna & Kirk

Kansas

A Personal touch, Competent, Professional Staff that will make your trip a Memorable Experience. Every detail, need and request was handled. We can’t think of anything that was not taken care of.

Year : 2022
Visited : Albania
Itinerary : Tirana, Vlore, Gjirokastra, Tirana
Rating :

5 / 5

Read more Guest Reviews

Latest articles about Gjirokastra
from the JayWay Travel Blog

All About Adventure: 3 of Our Favorite Places in Albania

All About Adventure: 3 of Our Favorite Places in Albania

Read more articles about Gjirokastra on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Gjirokastra

What are prices like in Gjirokastra?

You can roughly expect to spend around $7 for a quick lunch and beer, $12 for dinner, and $4-8 for museums and landmarks.

How can I get around Gjirokastra?

Tirana is a relatively small city and most of the main attractions are within walking distance of the hotels we work with. The taxis are cheap, and you can get around the city with them for less than $5. Agree on a price before starting your journey.

How long should I stay in Gjirokastra?

We recommend spending at least two days in town.

Is Gjirokastra safe?

Gjirokastra is a safe place, but we still recommend keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.