Travel Guide to Gjirokaster Ancient City in Albania

travelling guideline:

1. The Gjirokastrës Folk Festival (Festivali Folklorik Kombëtar i Gjirokastrës) is held every five years and is the most important cultural event in Albania.

2. The long-distance bus station is located at New Town During the morning and evening rush hours, buses run between Old Town and New Town A one-way taxi trip costs 400 Lekë; if you walk, you will need to climb a steep slope of about 1,500 meters.

3. All the historical sites and tourist attractions are concentrated in Old Town .

Tour route:

1. A must-visit place in Albania: Tirana architecture , Hoxha's residence, market, etc.) → Kruja Ancient City Fortress, Skanderbeg Museum, Ancient Market Street) → Shkodra (monastery, church , Fortress, Wetland)

2. Tour of the three Balkan countries (Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia): (Enter Albania from Rome or Athens) Saranda (city scenery, Blue Eye Park, castle) → Butrinti ( Ancient City ) → Vlora (Independence Museum, etc.) → Berat (Berati, Castle, etc.) → Tirana (Historical Museum, Cityscape architecture , National Park, etc.) → Durres (Durresi, Colosseum, Villa Zogu, etc.) → Kruja (Kruja, Castle, Museum, Market) → Shkodra (Shkodra, Castle, Lake Shkodra, Old Bridge) → Kosovo → Macedonia → (Enter from Korca) Gjirokastra (Gjirokastra, Castle, Old Town ）

Best time to visit:

April-October

Shopping recommendations:

1. Gjirokaster is close to Greece, so there are many cars going here from Greece.

2. There are generally no waiting rooms or ticket offices at bus stations in Albania, and you do not need to buy tickets in advance. It is recommended that tourists arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure, and use your belongings to reserve a seat. After the bus departs, the conductor will actively sell tickets on the bus.

3. If you take a bus from Gjirokaster to cities such as Saranda, it is recommended to leave before 3 pm. There is one bus every hour.