Three Days in Gjirokaster and the South

How many nights Gjirokaster deserves depends on what you want from the south of Albania. One night covers the old town, two add the ancient city and the famous spring, and three bring in the river country around Përmet. Prices are in Albanian lek (ALL) and paid in cash. Bus details come from secondary listings and should be checked a day ahead.

One night: the town alone

Arrive by bus from Tirana, which takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and costs roughly 1,200 to 1,400 ALL, or EUR 13.50 online. About 10 buses run each day, from around 05:00 to 20:30. You are set down on the SH4 at the roundabout below Rruga 18 Shtatori, and the old bazaar sits 1.5 to 2 km above you. Taxis cover the climb for about 200 to 500 ALL.

With one night you can fit the castle (about 400 ALL, 1.5 to 2 hours), the Cold War Tunnel (about 200 ALL, 20 to 30 minutes) and a tower house. The castle prison and the tunnel deal with the communist period, so keep a quiet tone.

Two nights: add Antigonea and the Blue Eye

Spend the second day on the road. Antigonea lies 14 km east of town, with a 200 ALL ticket. The Blue Eye spring is about 35 km away and costs about 50 ALL to enter. Swimming is forbidden at the spring, which is only 10 to 13 degrees C and very deep. If you are coming from or going to the coast, the Saranda bus takes about 1 to 1.5 hours for 400 to 500 ALL, with five departures listed. A new Saranda terminal reportedly opened in July 2026, so confirm the stop.

Three nights: add Përmet and the Vjosa

Përmet is about 60 km from town, roughly an hour by road. Albania Rafting Group lists Class III Vjosa trips from about EUR 25 to 35. The natural thermal baths at Bënjë lie close by, and a local can tell you what condition they are in.

If horses appeal more than water, Caravan Horse Riding Albania lists a 24-hour weekend programme from its stables above Asim Zeneli, 15 minutes from the old town by car.

Pairing with Berat

The UNESCO inscription of Gjirokaster dates from 2005. In 2008 it grew into the joint listing of the Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra. That shared heritage makes Berat a logical next stop. Check the connecting transport locally before committing to a timetable.

Choosing where to sleep

Stone houses in the old town operate as guesthouses and small hotels, and Hotel Kalemi is a name to search for. Pick a place near the bazaar if you dislike steep walks with luggage. The UK government advice does not name Gjirokaster, but it warns about road deaths, so do not drive tired. The full text is at the UK travel advice page .

Look at lodging on Booking.com , and compare the distance to the bazaar.

Read more: day trips , couples and the 4 day Albania itinerary .