Gjirokastër: A Breathtakingly Beautiful Ottoman Town
The city of Gjirokastër, Albania is nestled on a valley between the Gjerë mountains and the Drino and it has a well-preserved Ottoman district that’s included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known as “The City of Stone” because of the sloping cobblestoned streets with unique stone houses resembling small fortresses. The city dates back to 1336 when it had a Greek name and was part of the Byzantine Empire.
Best Time to Visit
Any time of year is a good time to visit Gjirokastër but the best months for exploring the city is from April to June and September to October when the temperature hovers between 17 and 23°C. These months are also the busiest times for tourism in the city so expect Gjirokastrës, AL hotels to be jam-packed despite a surge in prices which you can get at discounted rates when you book ahead. Every five years, the city hosts the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival, the most important event in Albanian culture. Dates vary for its staging so be in the loop for news about its next run.
What to Do & Area Attractions
One of the biggest castles in the Balkans is the Castle of Gjirokastra set on the hilltop overlooking the city and a must-visit when in the city. Located in the western part of the city is Gjirokastër Ethnographic Museum and showcases the traditional lifestyle of the city. One of the fine accommodations in the city is Hotel Kalemi, a favorite among city visitors. Another good option is the 3-star Cajupi that’s near many city attractions. Other options include the Gran Hotel and the Hotel Mediterrane.