Tucked into the hills of southern Albania, Gjirokaster isn’t just a destination – it’s a time machine wrapped in stone. With its cobbled streets, dramatic castle views, and mountain-framed horizons, this UNESCO-listed city tells tales at every turn. But Gjirokaster isn’t just about quiet admiration of the past – it’s a place where history meets hands-on experience, and tradition walks side by side with adventure. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a full-on cultural immersion, this guide – based on our very own explorations – will show you the very best things to do in and around Gjirokaster. From fortress views to horseback rides, ancient ruins to artisan workshops, get ready for a journey that’s anything but ordinary.
Gjirokaster Castle – The Stone Giant That Watches Over the City
No visit to Gjirokaster is complete without climbing up to its iconic castle. Perched high above the old bazaar, Gjirokaster Castle (Kalaja e Gjirokastrës) dominates the skyline – a true stone sentinel that has guarded the Drino Valley for centuries. Inside, you’ll find layers of Albanian history packed into one massive complex: from Ottoman clock towers and WWII artillery, to Communist-era prison cells and folklore festival stages.
Wander through the armaments museum, peek inside dim prison corridors, or simply soak in panoramic views from the fortress walls – the castle offers something for every kind of traveler. Entry costs just 200 Lek (~€2), with additional tickets for the museums inside. Wear good shoes – the stone pathways are charming but uneven – and give yourself a couple of hours to explore.
Tip: Most walking tours begin here, and it’s just a short uphill stroll from the central bazaar.
Kadare House Museum – Where Albania’s Greatest Writer Grew Up
Hidden within the maze of Gjirokaster’s traditional “Palorto” neighborhood is a house that holds more than old furniture – it holds the early life of Albania’s most celebrated writer, Ismail Kadare. The Kadare House Museum is the restored childhood home of the author of Chronicle in Stone, and stepping inside feels like walking into the pages of his memoir.
Built in 1799 and beautifully preserved, the house displays family photos, 1940s furnishings, and household objects that once belonged to the Kadare family. You can gaze out the same window young Ismail once did while hiding during WWII air raids – a view immortalized in his writing.
Tickets are modestly priced (about 400 Lek), and the museum is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. It’s often included in walking tours, or you can visit independently at Rruga “Fato Berberi” 16.
Experience Gjirokastra – Discover the City with Locals Who Live Its Stories
If you truly want to feel Gjirokaster, not just see it, there’s no better way than with Experience Gjirokastra, a local tour company run by native guides. Based in the heart of the Old Town, this agency doesn’t just walk you past the city’s landmarks – it immerses you in its living culture. Whether you’re wandering through the bazaar, exploring the castle, or learning traditional woodworking, these tours are all about authentic connections.
They offer hands-on workshops (like vegetarian cooking classes in a local home) and unique guided walks through historic neighborhoods. And if you’re looking for outdoor action, they’ve got that too – think rafting on the Vjosa River or multi-day excursions to Përmet.
What sets them apart? Local knowledge and heartfelt storytelling. Prices are traveler-friendly too, with walking tours starting at just €12–13.
Visit: experiencegjirokastra.com
Location: Çerçiz Topulli Square, Gjirokaster Old Town
📞 +355 84 250 068 / +355 69 225 1589
Caravan Horse Riding – Saddle Up for Southern Albania’s Wild Side
For a totally different way to explore Gjirokaster’s surroundings, Caravan Horse Riding Albania offers an unforgettable mix of nature, history, and horseback adventure. Just outside the city, this equestrian center has been organizing trail rides since 2011 – from relaxed day rides to week-long journeys through the Lunxhëri mountains or all the way to the Ionian coast.
Even if you’re not an experienced rider, there are beginner-friendly options and the chance to visit the farm and meet the 45 well-cared-for horses. Our own trip to the Spile Monastery happened thanks to one of their off-road buggy rides – and it was Ari, our guide, who made the experience truly exceptional. Friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the land, Ari went out of his way to explain the history, stories, and hidden gems of the region as we rode through fields and hills. His kindness and local insight were highlights of our journey.
What makes Caravan special is their commitment to real, slow travel: mountain paths, village hospitality, and lunches under the open sky. You’re not just sightseeing – you’re living it.
📍 More info & bookings: horseridingalbania.com
📧 info@horseridingalbania.com
📞 +355 69 537 5743
Spile Monastery – Ruins, Murals, and a Rugged Ride to Silence
Tucked into a limestone hillside above the village of Saraqinisht, the Monastery of Spile is one of the most secluded and atmospheric sites in the region. Founded in the 1600s, this once-flourishing Orthodox complex now lies largely in ruins – but the faded frescoes, cave chapels, and sheer stillness of the site leave a lasting impression.
We reached Spile not by foot, but by buggy, thanks to Caravan Horse Riding Albania, who also offer off-road tours in addition to horseback experiences. The ride itself was part of the thrill – bouncing through fields, olive groves, and winding village paths until the monastery slowly came into view, half-hidden in the rocks.
Fragments of saints in red and blue still cling to the crumbling walls. A narrow cave once used by hermit monks invites quiet reflection. No guards, no barriers – just time, stones, and your own breath.
Visiting tip: There’s no entry fee, no guides, and little signage – come prepared with good shoes, water, and a spirit of exploration. You can also hike from Saraqinisht (about 1–2 hours round trip), or ask a local tour provider for a “Drino Valley” excursion.
Melan Tekke – Hospitality, Spiritual Wisdom, and a Surprise Shelter from the Storm
Perched on a hilltop above the quiet village of Nepravishtë, Teqeja e Melanit isn’t just a Bektashi shrine – it’s a soulful experience. We arrived without much expectation and left with a heart full of calm, conversation, and gratitude.
The tekke was open and welcoming. We were lucky to be greeted by the dervish himself, who not only showed us around but invited us into the main guest room. Sitting cross-legged on traditional carpets, we listened as he explained the philosophy and spiritual practices of the Bektashi order – a moment of true connection and peace. Then, as if on cue, the sky broke into a sudden rainstorm. It felt symbolic – like the divine had opened its home just in time to offer shelter.
There are two ways to get there:
– If you’re driving, follow the paved road from the Glina Water Factory straight to the tekke.
– We chose the more rustic path: parked in the center of Nepravishtë village and hiked about 20 minutes through narrow village paths and quiet homes.
Note: No ticket, no crowds – just respect, silence, and open hearts.
Antigonea – An Ancient City Built for Love
Just a 30-minute drive from Gjirokaster lies Antigonea, a ruined city perched on twin hills above the Drino Valley – and one of Albania’s most romantic historic sites. Built in the 3rd century BC by King Pyrrhus of Epirus and named after his beloved wife Antigone, this archaeological park blends epic views, classical ruins, and timeless legend.
Walk the remnants of an ancient grid-planned city: you’ll pass fragments of Hellenistic homes, public squares, and the ruins of St. Michael’s Church. Nature has slowly reclaimed parts of the site, adding wildflowers and sweeping views to the mix.
What makes it even more special? You can reach it the classic way… or the adventurous one. Antigonea is accessible on horseback through trail rides organized by Caravan Horse Riding Albania – the same way ancient soldiers and lovers might have arrived centuries ago.
Getting there: Follow signs from Gjirokaster toward the village of Saraqinisht. Entrance is usually free or modestly priced.
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for golden-hour light over the Drino valley – it’s breathtaking.
Labova e Kryqit – One of Albania’s Oldest Churches Hidden in the Hills
Just a short 20-minute drive from Gjirokaster, Labova e Kryqit feels like a journey back in time. This small village, nestled high above the Suhë River and surrounded by mountain views, holds one of Albania’s greatest religious treasures: a Byzantine church built in 554 AD by Emperor Justinian himself.
The Church of the Holy Cross (Kisha e Labovës së Kryqit) is believed to be among the first 40 churches ever built in the world. Its elegant stone dome, intricate frescoes, and ancient aura make it unforgettable. For centuries, it housed a golden relic believed to contain a piece of the True Cross – though sadly, it was stolen in the 1990s.
Still, the spiritual legacy remains strong. Locals tell stories of healing, miracles, and hidden powers tied to the church’s foundation. Entry is free, and the setting – peaceful, pure, untouched – makes it a perfect stop for travelers craving something authentic and soul-soothing.
How to visit: Drive from Gjirokaster toward the village of Labovë e Kryqit. A short walk brings you to the church.
Tip: Come during early morning or late afternoon – the lighting adds magic to the stone carvings.
Skydiving in Gjirokaster – For the Boldest Views from the Sky
If wandering through castles and monasteries isn’t thrilling enough, how about jumping out of a plane with Gjirokaster unfolding beneath you? Skydive Albania offers the most adrenaline-pumping way to experience the region – with tandem skydives above southern Albania’s spectacular landscapes.
This isn’t your everyday drop zone. The jumps take place on set dates coordinated by an experienced international team, so advance booking is essential. When scheduled, the skydiving experience includes a safety briefing, equipment, and a guided tandem jump – no previous experience required. Expect heart-racing excitement, sweeping views of valleys, mountains, and the stone city itself… and a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
📍 Location: Skydive Gjirokaster Launch Point
📞 +39 347 112 5519
📱 Instagram: @skydive_albania
🌐 Website (under maintenance)
How to Combine Culture and Adventure – Your Gjirokaster Game Plan
With so many incredible sites and experiences packed into one region, the best way to enjoy Gjirokaster is to mix and match according to your pace. Want a culture-heavy day? Start with Gjirokaster Castle in the morning, visit Kadare House, and close the loop with a walking tour from Experience Gjirokastra.
Looking for action? Plan a half-day ride or buggy tour with Caravan Horse Riding to places like Spile Monastery or even reach Antigonea on horseback. Combine that with an evening cooking class in the old town for the perfect cultural balance.
For spiritual and historical seekers, do a full-day loop: Melan Tekke in the morning (via Nepravishtë hike or Glina road), followed by Labova e Kryqit and a stop at a local restaurant en route back.
Pro tip: Ask your tour provider to customize a combo – e.g., horseback ride to Antigonea + lunch in the valley, or a walking tour ending with a woodcraft workshop. Many of these operators are locals who love to tailor experiences for curious travelers.
Ready to Explore Gjirokaster? Share the Journey!
Gjirokaster is more than a beautiful city – it’s a mosaic of stories, flavors, paths, and people. Whether you’re drawn to ancient ruins, mountaintop tekkes, thrilling rides, or slow sips of mountain tea, this stone city and its surroundings have something for every soul.
We’ve walked these paths, met the locals, shared meals, and braved a rainstorm under a sacred roof – and now, it’s your turn. If this guide helped you dream, plan, or smile, share it with a fellow traveler. Let the stories of Gjirokaster inspire others, just as they inspired us.
Still deciding where to stay? We’ve put together a curated list for you: Top 5 Accommodations in Gjirokaster – Where to Stay in the Stone City.
