Family Travel in Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster is more of a place for walking and wondering than for organised children’s entertainment, and the family options are few. Three safety rules shape every outing, and the activities that fit them are listed afterwards. Costs are in Albanian lek (ALL), paid in cash.

Three rules before anything else

  1. No swimming at the Blue Eye or in any spring. The spring water is only about 10 to 13 degrees C, it is very deep, and the current is strong at its mouth. Signs forbid swimming, and the rule covers everyone.
  2. Hold hands on the castle. The ramparts have steep drops and low walls, and the ground is uneven.
  3. Expect slippery stone. The old-town lanes are polished limestone cobbles that become slick when wet, so children need shoes with a firm grip.

What fits a family

Looking out from the castle. The ticket is about 400 ALL, and the visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. A stroller will not manage the steep stone, and some interior parts are not for small children. Decide at each doorway whether to go in. Winter opening is shorter, and the castle may close on Mondays.

A ride on a horse. Caravan Horse Riding Albania has stables above Asim Zeneli, about 15 minutes from town by car. A 2.5-hour lakeside ride costs about EUR 50 per person in its listings. Riders need some experience, and some rides cap weight at about 90 kg, so ask what the stables allow for each age.

A trip to see the Blue Eye. The spring is about 35 km from Gjirokaster. Parking costs 100 to 300 ALL, entry is about 50 ALL, and the walk from the car park is about 2 km. Younger legs may prefer the electric scooter or small train offered at the entrance. Stay on the boardwalk and enjoy the colour from the edge.

A gentle walk at Viroi. The spring park at Viroi Lake, about 3 km north of the old town, has a promenade. What is open varies, so ask before you set out.

A kitchen session. The 2-hour “Cook Like a Local” class in the Old Bazaar teaches qifqi, rice, herb and egg balls fried in a cast-iron mould. Ask whether children can take part and who handles the hot oil.

Getting around with children

Buses from Tirana take about 3.5 to 4 hours and drop you in the new town, about 1.5 to 2 km below the old bazaar. A taxi up is about 200 to 500 ALL, which saves small legs a steep climb with luggage. The UK advice notes that road deaths in Albania are among the highest in Europe, so fit child seats in any hired car and read the UK travel advice .

Family-friendly tours can be searched on Viator and checked for age limits.

Read more: things to do , day trips and the 3 day Albania itinerary .