Gjirokastër
Ottoman stone alleys meet wild green valleys and rivers
Highlights
Climb Gjirokastër Castle for sweeping views of the Drino Valley and rugged mountains.
Stroll cobbled market streets lined with slate-roofed houses, artisan shops, and cafés.
Dip your feet or swim in clear, green-blue waters near Përmet’s canyons and hot springs.
Step inside traditional tower houses to see carved wood interiors and courtyard gardens.
Walk or ride through villages around Gjirokastër framed by orchards and forested hills.
Where to Stay
1 pick
Hotel Kalemi 2
Renovated Ottoman-style house with stone walls, wooden ceilings, and terraces overlooking the valley, often surrounded by potted plants and greenery.
Where to Eat
6 picks
Kujtimi Restaurant
Garden-style terrace with vines and greenery tucked just below the bazaar; order grilled chicken or lamb (ask for no alcohol in marinade), stuffed peppers, village salad, grilled seasonal vegetables, and baked potatoes.
Restaurant Tradita Geg & Tosk
Traditional stone house with a shaded, plant-filled courtyard; choose grilled trout or chicken, vegetable tave (baked dish), byrek with spinach/cheese, salads, and ask clearly for halal-friendly preparation with no pork or alcohol.
Odaja Restaurant
Atmospheric interior with wooden beams and plants; ask for a simple halal-friendly breakfast of bread, local cheese, olives, honey, eggs, and herbal tea or coffee without any pork items.
Taverna Leno
Simple taverna with outdoor seating and greenery; go for grilled lamb chops or chicken skewers (confirm no pork or alcohol in marinade), bean stew, grilled vegetables, and fresh salads.
Restaurant Familjari
Family-run place with plants around the terrace; order grilled chicken breast, omelette with vegetables, fresh salads, fries, and seasonal vegetable sides while asking to avoid any pork products or wine in sauces.
Cafe Restaurant Fico (Përmet Riverside)
Riverside setting with trees and mountain views; opt for grilled trout or other fish, salads, simple grilled chicken, fries, and seasonal vegetables, confirming no pork or alcohol is used in preparation.
What to Do
8 picks
Gjirokastër Castle (Kalaja e Gjirokastrës)
Walk up from the bazaar to explore the fortress walls, old artillery, prison museum, and panoramic viewpoints over the Drino Valley and surrounding mountains.
Gjirokastër Old Bazaar Stroll
Wander the cobbled, car-free lanes, browse handcrafted textiles and woodwork, and stop for tea in small cafés with leafy corners.
Skenduli House (Traditional Ottoman House)
Tour a well-preserved tower house with wooden ceilings, carved interiors, and inner courtyards that feel like a mini jungle of potted plants and vines.
Zekate House (Ottoman Tower House)
Climb up to this imposing stone house for painted ceilings, traditional rooms, and superb views framed by greenery and rooftops.
Free-Explore Time in Old Bazaar & Side Streets
Use a couple of unscheduled hours to dip into small mosques, side alleys lined with ivy and trees, or just sit with tea and watch life in the bazaar.
Drino Valley Walk or Short Hike
Head down toward the valley edge on foot or a short taxi ride and take an easy walk along country lanes with fields, orchards, and mountain views; turn back whenever you like.
Day Trip to Përmet & Benja Hot Springs Area
Join a simple day tour or take a morning bus/taxi to Përmet, then continue to the Benja hot springs and river canyon for walking, photos, and optional soaking near stone bridges and green hills.
Riverside Walk in Përmet Town
After Benja, stroll the riverside park and pedestrian bridge in Përmet with views of cliffs, trees, and the Vjosa River before heading back to Gjirokastër.
Good to Know
5 picks
How to Keep Meals Halal
In Albania, pork and alcohol are common but many dishes are naturally halal-friendly. Clearly say you do not eat pork or alcohol and ask if the grilled meats or fish are marinated only with herbs, oil, and lemon. Stick to grilled chicken, lamb, fish, vegetable dishes, salads, eggs, and dairy, and avoid sausages or mixed minced meat unless you confirm contents.
Moving Around Gjirokastër Easily
The Old Town is compact but steep; use taxis for uphill stretches, especially from the new town to the bazaar or castle. Taxis are inexpensive, and you can also ask your guesthouse to call one so you don’t waste time searching on foot.
Offline Navigation and Language
Download offline maps for Gjirokastër and Përmet before you arrive, and take screenshots of any tour or bus info since you won’t rely on constant connectivity. Learn a few phrases like “Faleminderit” (thank you) and “Nuk ha derr apo alkool” (I don’t eat pork or alcohol).
Cash, ATMs, and Tipping
Carry some Albanian lek for small purchases, taxis, and rural areas; ATMs are available in Gjirokastër but more limited in villages. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving about 5–10% is appreciated but not mandatory.
What to Pack for a Wild-Feeling Weekend
Bring sturdy shoes with good grip, a light jacket for cool evenings, a small daypack, and swimwear plus a microfiber towel for river or hot spring dips. A refillable water bottle and sun protection are essential, especially in the open valleys.
Map
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