Gjirokastër

Qyteti i gurit — the stone city.

Grey stone tower houses with slate roofs climb the slopes beneath a huge castle. The old town is on the UNESCO World Heritage list with Berat, and it is the birthplace of the writer Ismail Kadare.

Çfarë të shohësh

What to do

Gjirokastër Castle and its museum.
The old bazaar streets below the castle.
Traditional tower houses such as the Skenduli House and Zekate House.
The National Folklore Festival, held in some years at the castle.

Këshilla

Good to know

Inland from Sarandë and the Blue Eye, so it pairs well with a Riviera stay.
Try qifqi, the local rice balls.

Where to eat

Dining

Types of places, typical dishes and, where verified, named spots with their own website and directions. Always check recent reviews and opening hours.

Fancy dinners

Hotel restaurants, lakeside or seaside terraces, and places where you dress a little nicer for a long meal.

Typical dishes: Grilled fish or seafood, lamb, steaks, salads and wine. On the coast look for fresh catch of the day; inland, thoughtful takes on tavë kosi and traditional plates.

Street food

Bakeries, grill counters and small stands you can eat standing up or take away.

Typical dishes: Byrek and pite by the piece, qebapa in bread with onion and kajmak, qofte, suxhuk, bakllava and strong coffee or macchiato.

Comfort food

Look for qifqi (local rice balls) and stone-town tavernas with traditional cooking.

Typical dishes: Tavë kosi, fërgesë, flija or pite, sarma, beans (pasul), yogurt and simple grilled meats. In the mountains: dairy, flija and slow-cooked dishes.

Odaja — Cosy family-run spot in the Old Bazaar: qifqi, meatballs, baked cheese and oshaf. Directions ↗
Kujtimi — Old Bazaar terrace with tavë kosi and qifqi; may close in winter. Directions ↗

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