Explore Gjirokaster – Things to See & Do in One Day
Gjirokaster was the first stop on our 11-day road trip through Albania.
We arrived in Tirana on the first day, picked up our rental car from DiscoverCars, and then set off on a scenic 3-hour drive to Gjirokaster.
When we finally reached Kerculla Resort in Gjirokaster, it was already evening. We stayed for two nights, giving us a full day to explore the city.
Though one day isn’t enough to see it all, there’s still plenty to do and discover.
If you find yourself with a day in Gjirokaster as well, be sure to check out this post for the must-sees and must-dos, including highlights like Gjirokaster Castle, the old bazaar, and more!
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How to Spend a Day in Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster Castle
Start your day in Gjirokaster with a visit to the Gjirokaster Castle. It’s one of the biggest castles in the Balkans and has been around for centuries – parts of it date back to the 12th century.
Over time, it was expanded by different rulers, including Ali Pasha in the 19th century, and later used as a prison during the communist era.
The castle is home to the Gjirokastra Museum, showcasing historical and archaeological objects along with the region’s history.
You can also find old cannons, tanks, and a US Air Force plane with a mysterious backstory on the castle grounds.
But honestly, the best part of Gjirokaster Castle is the view. From the top of the castle, you get an amazing panorama over the old town, with its stone rooftops and winding streets, plus the mountains and the Drino Valley in the distance.
Gjirokaster Castle is open daily, with slightly different hours depending on the season.
From April to September, you can visit between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm, while from October to March, it closes a bit earlier at 5:00 pm.
The entrance fee is ALL 400 (around $4) per person, and you need to bring cash with you, as card payments usually aren’t accepted.
If you want to visit the Gjirokastra Museum, there’s an additional fee of ALL 200 ($2).
We spent a good while exploring and just enjoying the peaceful vibe up there. It’s a great way to start your day in Gjirokaster!
Old Bazaar
After your visit to the Gjirokaster Castle, make your way down to explore the Old Bazaar.
The Old Bazaar is a charming area to wander through, offering a glimpse into Gjirokaster’s past. Dating back to the Ottoman era, the narrow, winding streets are lined with traditional stone houses, giving you a real sense of the city’s history.
As you stroll around, you’ll find shops selling handmade crafts, local pottery, and traditional textiles – perfect for picking up a unique souvenir!
There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can sit back and try some local Albanian dishes.
Lunch at Simple Restaurant
If you’re looking for a good lunch spot, consider stopping by Simple Restaurant. This cozy family-run place is located at Rruga Ismail Kadare in the heart of the Old Bazaar.
I had been looking for restaurants that offered vegan options, and it was one of the first that popped up.
The menu has a good mix of traditional Albanian dishes, and while it’s not exclusively vegan, there were some solid options for me like grilled vegetables, stuffed tomatoes, and stuffed eggplants. I ordered the stuffed tomatoes, which were simple, yet delicious and super flavorful!
Another bonus is that the prices are very affordable. While the dishes might not be the fanciest, it’s a great choice if you’re after authentic local food instead of a tourist trap restaurant.
Skenduli House
Next on the list is a visit to Skenduli House, a beautifully preserved example of Ottoman-era architecture.
Located at Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve, the house was built in the 17th century by a wealthy local family.
The original house featured 64 windows, 40 doors, and numerous rooms, making it an excellent spot to get a feel for traditional Albanian life from that time.
The house is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the entrance fee is just ALL 200 (about $2).
Inside, you can explore the different floors, where you’ll see the original decor and craftsmanship, including wooden ceilings, stone fireplaces, and antique furniture.
The layout of the house reflects the customs of the time, with separate areas for men and women.
Drinks at Old Town 13 Bar
Before heading to another historical site, it’s time for a refreshing drink at Old Town 13. Located in the heart of Gjirokaster’s Old Bazaar, this cozy bar is a perfect spot for a quick break during a day of sightseeing.
My boyfriend and I are Aperol Spritz fans, so that’s what we both went for, but they also offer a variety of beers, cocktails, and some tasty snacks.
When the weather is nice, you can sit outside right at the “main square” of the Old Bazaar, or enjoy the cozy indoors if you prefer.
It’s a great place to relax and recharge before continuing your adventures around the city.
Zekate House
After enjoying a drink at Old Town 13, continue your exploration by visiting Zekate House, another great example of Gjirokaster’s rich history.
Built between 1811 and 1812, this traditional stone house was a gift from Ali Pasha to his accountant, Beqir Zeko. It’s located on a hillside and offers panoramic views of the city.
Zekate House is known for its distinctive hat-shaped roof and dry stone walls built without mortar. Just like at Skenduli House, you can explore its rooms, like a women’s and children’s hall, a living room, and a kitchen, all decorated in classic Ottoman style.
The house is open daily from 8:00 am until late evening, with an entrance fee of ALL 300 (about $3). After your visit, you can relax in the peaceful courtyard, where there’s also a bar serving drinks.
Dinner at Edua Restaurant
The best way to end a successful and adventurous day in Gjirokaster is with a delicious dinner at Edua Restaurant.
Also located right in the heart of the Old Bazaar, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere where you can eat traditional Albanian cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.
I was happy to find some great vegan options, like soups, salads, and house-made bread. I decided to go for the large beans with bread and salad, and it was super tasty and filling.
It was the perfect way to wind down after a full day of sightseeing!
Where to Stay in Gjirokaster
For a memorable stay in Gjirokaster, I highly recommend Kerculla Resort.
Located on a hill above the city, this 4-star hotel offers stunning rooms with breathtaking views of Gjirokaster and the castle.
Some of the amenities at the resort include two pools, a jacuzzi, and a fitness room – perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Getting there with a rental car requires good driving skills and a bit of patience, as the roads in Gjirokaster can be tricky. But trust me, the incredible views and peaceful atmosphere make it 100% worth the journey!
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