Explore the stone city of Gjirokastra in Albania, a hidden gem in the Balkans. Discover its ancient Byzantine churches and the legendary fortress with a dark history.
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Gjirokaster - Our journey begins in Tirana, with a coffee break after 2 hours of travel (approximately 30 minutes). After another hour, we will arrive at a UNESCO World Heritage Site city, easily reachable within a day from Tirana. We’ll explore the Old Town (about 1 hour), the Gjirokaster Bazaar (about 1 hour), Gjirokaster Castle (2 hours), and more as we wander through the city’s stone streets. We’ll enjoy a 1-hour lunch at one of Gjirokastra’s finest restaurants, featuring traditional cuisine. After lunch, we’ll capture our final photos in the picturesque streets of Gjirokastera before heading back to Tirana, a journey of about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including a 30-minute break. The tour is flexible, lasting between 10 to 12 hours.
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Gjirokaster Castle - Our company was founded on February 28, 2014. The city’s origins trace back to the Gjirokastra Castle, built in the 4th century AD. Named Argyrokastro in 1336, it was conquered by the Ottoman army in 1417. The city flourished between 1800-1830, with the construction of monumental assembly houses. The first neighborhoods were Bazaar and Hazmurate. Gjirokastra is known for its extensive use of stone in building houses that resemble small fortresses and its cobblestone streets leading to the Bazaar. The castle, the largest in Albania, houses the Museum of Weapons, opened in 1971, showcasing weapons from prehistoric times to World War II.
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Gjirokastra Bazaar - The Old Bazaar in Gjirokastra, known locally as “Qafa e Pazarit,” forms the heart of the Old Town. Its history dates back to the 17th century, though much of it was destroyed by a fire in the third quarter of the 19th century.
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Gjirokaster Castle - Gjirokastra’s castle is one of the largest in the Balkans, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city and bearing witness to the region’s history over the centuries. The exact date of its construction is unclear, but archaeologists believe the site has been inhabited since the 4th-5th century. The first walls were built between the 12th and 13th centuries, following the fall of Hadrianopolis. Wealthy families constructed the castle for protection, and it gradually became populated by more families.
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The Blue Eye - The “Blue Eye” is a water spring and natural phenomenon, attracting many tourists. The clear blue water of the river is visible from depths of over fifty meters. Divers have reached fifty meters, but the true depth of the karst hole remains unknown. The source is at an altitude of 152 meters, with a discharge rate of around 18,400 liters per second. The Blue Eye is a protected natural monument, covering an area of 180 hectares.
- Private transportation
- Tour Guide
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
Albania was off the tourist radar up until quite recently. Nowadays, however, Albanians are eager to showcase their country to the world, displaying both its rich culture and stunning nature. Therefore, it is suggested to visit the country before it gets overrun by mass tourism. The famous Spanish newsletter El Pais portrays Albania in this manner, urging Spanish travelers to visit. The article proposes a list of 12 must-see sights in Albania, Gjirokastra being one of them. The report has this to say about Gjirokastra. Nestled deep in the south, we come across a unique spot, not just in Albania but throughout the Balkans: Gjirokastra or Argirocastro (translated as silver castle in Albanian), a town situated in a large idyllic valley, surrounded by small villages concealing ancient Byzantine churches. The true meaning behind the town’s name is best understood when viewed in the rain as the gleaming stones of its legendary fortress, which carries a dark reputation having been used as a prison on numerous occasions in its history, light up.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
