Town in Gjirokaster County, Albania
Gjirokastër
Stone Ottoman town under a hilltop fortress, ideal for one or two quiet nights and hikes. Cobbles and hills are steep, and evenings are early, but prices are low.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,170–1,780Comfortable, one person · L95,000–145,000Details
- Value for money67/100Better value than 66% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 32°CDetails
- Internet92 MbpsFixed broadband, Albania medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; supply is intermittent and pipes are old.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$31–61Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus to TiranaWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards at a few hotels and restaurants; cash for guesthouses, buses, cafés and markets.Details
Where to stay in Gjirokastër
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old Bazaar | Cafés, souvenir shops and guesthouses under the castle |
| Palorto and Dunavat | Quiet hillside Ottoman houses with views |
| New town | Cheaper rooms, buses and supermarkets |
Apps that work in Gjirokastër
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis wait by the new-town bus stop; no ride apps work. Agree the fare to the castle first.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Albania.
- Mostly cash Cards at a few hotels and restaurants; cash for guesthouses, buses, cafés and markets.
- Currency: Lek (ALL). US$1 ≈ L81.33 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards a fee; use bank ATMs in towns and decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants, and tip guides and drivers on tours.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work where contactless is accepted, mainly in Tirana and resort hotels.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Outside Schengen; visa-free visitors normally get 90 days in 180, counted separately from Schengen.
- Travellers who need a visa apply through Albania's official e-Visa system; avoid third-party agents.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 127 · Fire 128
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Tourist SIMs at Tirana airport and operator shops with your passport; generous data for roughly €10–20. Regional SIMs roam free across the Western Balkans. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Albania
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.