Things to Do in Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is a small stone town, so the activities that suit it are hands-on crafts, food and short outings rather than big attractions. Fees below are quoted in Albanian lek (ALL). The castle, tunnel, house and museum desks take cash only, so draw money before you climb the hill.
Albania is a normal destination for visitors. Read the current UK government travel advice and the US equivalent before you book, and note that road deaths are among the highest in Europe, so drive carefully if you hire a car.
Cook a local dish
Kalemi Travel and Tours lists a “Cook Like a Local” class in the Old Bazaar. It runs for about 2 hours and covers qifqi, the town’s specialty of rice, herb and egg balls fried in a cast-iron mould, plus lamb pasta. Cook with Marjeta is a second option, with sessions listed at 12:00 or 18:00 each day. Prices change, so ask before you commit, and ask whether children can join if you travel as a family.
Try woodcarving or stone carving
Anastas Petridhi, a woodcarver, has a shop in the bazaar that the official tourism site lists. For stone, “Master Ermal” has a workshop in the Old Bazaar, and a carving experience starts from about 1,000 ALL. Muhedin Makri’s shop is also listed, though its opening varies, so treat it as a bonus if you pass the door.
Walk the bazaar after dark
Qafa e Pazarit, the main bazaar lane, and Çerçiz Topulli Square are free to enter at any hour. The lanes are steep, polished limestone cobbles that turn slippery when wet, so wear sturdy shoes with grip.
Ride a horse above the town
Caravan Horse Riding Albania keeps stables above Asim Zeneli, about 15 minutes from the old town by car. Listed rides include a 2.5-hour lakeside ride at about EUR 50 per person and a 3-hour ride through the Drino Valley. A full-day ride called Ride and Shine is listed at about EUR 129. Some rides have a weight limit of about 90 kg, so mention your weight when you enquire.
Visit the big sights
The castle (Kalaja e Gjirokastrës) costs about 400 ALL at the gate, with the armaments museum often a separate extra of about 200 ALL. The Cold War Tunnel costs about 200 ALL and is visited with a guide. The castle also holds a former prison used in the 20th century, including the communist period, and it deserves a quiet, respectful visit. The official tunnel page has the opening hours.
A spring park and the river
Viroi Lake spring park lies about 3 km north of town, a short outing for a walk by the water. Rafting happens on the Vjosa river at Përmet, about 60 km away, with trips from about EUR 25 to 35 on a Class III stretch. The castle walls are a protected monument, so there is no climbing on them.
Booking help
Search guided options on GetYourGuide and compare what each one includes.
Read more: sights and museums and day trips from town .