Day Trips from Gjirokaster

The good day trips from Gjirokaster head east to an ancient city, south-west to a famous spring and north-east to the Vjosa valley. Distances below are from the town centre, and prices are in Albanian lek (ALL), paid in cash. Albania has some of the highest road death rates in Europe according to UK government advice, so take mountain roads slowly.

Antigonea, about 14 km east

Antigonea is an archaeological park on Jerma hill near the village of Saraqinishtë. Pyrrhus of Epirus founded the city in 295 BC and named it for his wife. The walls date from the early 3rd century BC, and a Roman general later burned the city. The best find is an Early Christian church from the 5th to 6th century with a polychrome mosaic floor, whose central panel shows a man with an animal head. Entry is 200 ALL, and the official page lists daily opening from 08:00 to 16:00, though another source says 09:00. The ticket booth may be unstaffed, and entry is free on national independence days. There is no public bus. By car it takes 30 to 35 minutes, and a taxi or hire car is the way to get there. Details are on the official Antigonea page .

The Blue Eye spring

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a deep spring about 35 km from Gjirokaster, roughly 35 to 60 minutes by road depending on traffic. Entry is about 50 ALL, and parking costs 100 to 300 ALL. From the car park it is a walk of about 2 km, or you can rent an electric scooter or take the small train at the entrance. The water stays at about 10 to 13 degrees C, the spring is very deep and the current is strong at the spring mouth. Signs forbid swimming, so come to look and take photographs. Buses on the Saranda road run 3 to 5 times a day and can drop you at the turn-off, which leaves a walk of about 30 minutes. The travel notes at wander-lush cover entry and timing.

Përmet and the Vjosa

Përmet is about 60 km away, a drive of roughly one hour. It is the base for Vjosa rafting, where trips on a Class III stretch start from about EUR 25 to 35 from Albania Rafting Group. The natural thermal baths at Bënjë lie nearby, so check conditions locally before you plan around them. Rafting here means the Vjosa, because the Drino through Gjirokaster is not run.

Butrint, a long day

Butrint is about 70 km away. Allow most of a day for the drive and the site, and check the ticket price and hours before you go.

Practical tips

  • Leave early, because the castle, tunnel and houses in town close early in winter.
  • Carry cash for gates and car parks.
  • Check the weather before you drive any mountain road.

Booking help

Compare organised outings on Viator and ask whether entry fees are included.

Read more: multi-day trips and attraction tours .