Cities and destinations · 📍 Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër by rental car: the stone town, the castle and the Blue Eye
The UNESCO stone town on the mountainside: how to drive its steep streets and what to see.
Gjirokastër, the "stone town", is built on a mountainside with tower houses roofed in stone slabs, below one of the country's largest castles. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the writer Ismail Kadare. Visiting Gjirokastër by car needs a little care on the steep streets, but lets you combine it with the Blue Eye, Antigonea and the Drino valley.
Parking and the old town streets
The new town lies below in the valley, while the old town climbs towards the castle on narrow cobbled streets. Drive up to near the Old Bazaar, park in the car parks or permitted spaces and continue on foot. Do not drive into the bazaar lanes: many are pedestrian or too narrow to turn the car.
What to see
Gjirokastër Castle
Castle
A huge fortress above the town, with the weapons museum, the clock tower and views over the Drino valley. The National Folklore Festival is held here.
Old Bazaar
Historic centre
Stone streets with craft shops, cafés and views over the tower houses.
Traditional tower houses
Museum
Several old houses, such as the Skenduli House and the Zekate House, can be visited as museums and show the life of the families of the past.
Ismail Kadare's house
Museum
The house where the writer was born, now a museum, in the Palorto quarter.
Cold War tunnel
Point of interest
A large underground bunker below the town, built during the dictatorship.
Antigonea
Archaeological park
The archaeological park of an ancient city above the Drino valley, with wide views.
Day trips from Gjirokastër
- The Blue Eye: about 40 minutes towards Sarandë; combine it with Butrint and Ksamil. See Sarandë and Ksamil.
- Përmet and Bënja: the Vjosa valley and the thermal springs, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Berat: about 2 hours 40 minutes. See the Berat guide.
- Ioannina in Greece via Kakavia, with the rental company's permission. Read how to cross the border.
Practical tips for Gjirokastër
- The road to the castle is steep: walk up from the bazaar, about 10 minutes.
- In summer, explore the town in the morning and evening; spend the afternoon at the Blue Eye or Bënja.
- During the folklore festival the town fills up: book accommodation and parking early.
Where to stay with a car
Many guesthouses are in traditional stone houses in the old town, with narrow streets for the car. Ask whether they have parking or where the nearest car park is, and arrive before dark the first time.
🚗 Rental cars in Gjirokastër
32 vehicles from local companies, with current prices.
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Volkswagen POLO 2014
from 3,000 Lek / day
Rent Car Burgjia
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KIA RIO 2013
from 3,000 Lek / day
Rent Car Burgjia
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TOYOTA YARIS 2013
from 3,000 Lek / day
Rent Car Burgjia
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TOYOTA YARIS 2013
from 3,000 Lek / day
Rent Car Burgjia
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Volkswagen GOLF 5 2009
from 3,500 Lek / day
Rent Car Burgjia
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SEAT IBIZA 2013
from 4,000 Lek / day
Rent Car Burgjia
Frequently asked questions
Where should I park in Gjirokastër?
In the car parks and permitted spaces near the Old Bazaar or below in the new town. Do not drive into the bazaar lanes.
How far is the Blue Eye from Gjirokastër?
About 40 minutes by car towards Sarandë.
Can I drive a rental car from Gjirokastër to Greece?
Yes, via Kakavia, but only with written authorisation and insurance documents from the rental company.
How much time do I need for Gjirokastër?
One day for the castle and the bazaar; two if you want Antigonea or Përmet.
