Things to Do in Gjirokaster

Cobbled stone street lined with traditional shops selling carpets, copperware, and local crafts. No entrance fee—just wandering costs nothing.

🕐 Shops roughly 09:00-19:00, but cafes stay open later

💡 Pick up a small bag of dried figs or mountain tea for under £1. The shopkeepers haggle, so try if you're buying more than one item.

Free natural spring with cool, drinkable water and a small shaded park area. Locals come to fill bottles and sit on benches. Quiet in the mornings.

🕐 Always open

💡 Bring an empty bottle to refill—the water is excellent. The path from the centre is a gentle 15-minute downhill walk back up takes longer.

A beautifully preserved 18th-century Ottoman tower house with original woodwork, painted ceilings, and a cobbled courtyard. Entry is 200 lek (£1.50).

🕐 09:00-17:00 daily

💡 Ask the caretaker to show you the hidden escape tunnel—few visitors know about it. Allow 30 minutes max.

Massive hilltop fortress with sweeping views over the city and Drino Valley. Inside you'll find a museum, clock tower, and old armaments. Costs 400 lek (about £3.50).

🕐 09:00-18:00 daily (summer); 09:00-16:00 (winter)

💡 Go late afternoon when it's quieter and the light is good for photos. The walk up is steep; wear proper shoes.

A lesser-known 19th-century tower house with two large halls and intricate wall paintings. Entry is 200 lek (£1.50). Much quieter than Skenduli.

🕐 09:00-17:00 daily (often closes for lunch 13:00-14:00)

💡 The owner lives on site and will show you around in Albanian with good-natured hand gestures. It's worth it for the double-tower facade view.