For a different, more traditional read on Albania, Gjirokastër is the stop that delivers it.
A UNESCO listed Ottoman town built almost entirely from stone, Gjirokastër is famous for its grey slate roofs, cobbled streets and imposing hilltop castle. It’s also the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha, adding an extra layer of historical weight to a visit.
Gjirokastër Castle. The castle looms over the whole town and holds a small military museum, including a US spy plane captured during the Cold War. It’s one of the more unexpected museum finds anywhere in the Balkans.
The Old Bazaar. Below the castle, this is the place to wander for stone houses, local crafts, and a coffee break between sights. The town has a noticeably more traditional feel than the coast, so dressing a little more conservatively here is a good call.
A good pairing. Gjirokastër sits naturally between Berat and Sarandë on a south-bound route, making it an easy add-on rather than a detour for most itineraries.
Local tip: Early morning, before the tour groups arrive, is the best time to photograph the Old Bazaar’s stone rooftops without crowds in the shot.