The austere and beautiful town of Gjirokastra began to spread downhill from its castle in the 13th century. The castle still stands on its hill, overlooking the whole city and the river valley below. From that lofty point, the grey stone of the houses below and the grey slates of their roofs blend into the hillside, distinguished from it only by their whitewashed walls. As one of the city's most famous sons Ismail Kadare, wrote in Chronicle in Stone, Gjirokastra is "a surprising city, which seemed as if it had come out of the valley unexpectedly, like a prehistoric being, and clambered up with difficulty, stitching itself on the side of the mountain". Gjirokastra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2005. It had been awarded the status of a 'museum-city' by the Albanian government, which gave legal protection to its architectural heritage and kept new building out of the historic center.
*Minimum number of travelers per booking is 2. For solo travelers there is an extra charge.
Not wheelchair accessible. Service animals allowed. Near public transportation. Infant seats available. Not recommended for travelers with back problems. No heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Most travelers can participate. This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate. Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Gjirokastra and Blue Eye Tour from Saranda
8/5/2019 - 1/1/2025
Monday - Sunday : | 07:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
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Rruga Mitat Hoxha, Sarandë, Albania
Traveler pickup is offered
We can pick you up in Saranda City Center. We can also provide hotel pickup and drop-off. We can also pick you up at Saranda port if you are visiting the town on a cruise ship as our office is just next to the port ,or you are a daily visitor entering the town from a seaway like from Corfu from example.
*Minimum number of travelers per booking is 2.
*For solo travelers there is an extra charge.
Ports