Exploring the Enchanting Stone City of Gjirokastër, Albania
There are many reasons to love Albania, from breathtaking mountain landscapes to the stunning coastline, but the best parts are the unexpected surprises. An often-overlooked Mediterranean country, it’s got a lot to offer for those willing to explore.
When joining our Albania Encompassed tour, I wasn’t sure what to expect and what surprises awaited me, but my favourite part very quickly emerged in the form of the UNESCO World Heritage Site town, Gjirokastër.
The beautiful stone lanes, the sloping slate roofs and the stunning valley views. Walking through the town, the streets have a homely feel, with friendly locals warmly welcoming you into their town.
Gjirokastër is known as the “Stone City” because it’s built almost entirely out of local grey limestone. Its steep hillside is lined with traditional Ottoman houses, and an impressive fortress stands guard over the town — offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Wandering the streets of the charming Old Bazaar, there’s lots of little shops to browse and pick up a souvenir or two to bring home with you. But as the sun sets and the majority of the tourists leave, the town reveals a more peaceful atmosphere with the locals enjoying a slow-paced life. The restaurants and bars light up the cobbled pathways, and the buzz of conversation fills the streets.
One morning we had a lovely, relaxing start to the day, spending time with a local family who had made their homemade lemon and orange cake, with a cup of mountain tea and views of the gorgeous scenery.
The cuisine in Gjirokaster was delicious (much like the rest of the region) but while the country is heavily influenced by Greek and Ottoman cuisine, Gjirokaster is more aligned to Italian. Separated by only 45 miles of sea, the proximity, similar terrain and a history of trade, the similarities show up in the town’s cuisine.
Dominating the town is a stone fortress that provides incredible views of the town and panoramic views. Sitting at 336 metres above sea level, it originates back to the 12th century and now houses a military museum along with a stage that is used for a folk festival that occurs every five years. Visiting in the morning means you’re unlikely to bump into many crowds, making it a wonderful time to explore the fortress at your own pace whilst learning about the history of this wonderful region and country.
