Gjirokastra (Gjirokastër) is Albania's other UNESCO town — the so-called "Stone City" with grey-stone slab roofs and a 13th-century castle. It sits in the Drinos valley between Saranda and Tirana, making it a natural stop on any south Albania road trip.
We deliver rental cars to your accommodation in Gjirokastra. The town is 60 km from Saranda (1 h) and 230 km from Tirana (3.5 h via the SH4).
Why a car here?
- Blue Eye spring (25 km north) — best paired with Gjirokastra.
- Antigonea archaeological park (15 km) — quiet ruins on a hilltop.
- Permet and the Vjosa river (1 h east) — wild river canyon, thermal baths.
- Onward to Saranda or Tirana — Gjirokastra is on the SH4 corridor.
Getting to Gjirokastra
From Saranda: 60 km, 1 h on the SH4 — easy drive. From Tirana: 230 km, 3.5 h. From Vlorë / Riviera: 130 km, 2 h via Tepelenë.
Parking
The old town is on a steep hillside with cobbled streets — park at the lower lots near the bazaar or at your guesthouse and walk up. The castle has its own paid parking lot.
To plan a longer south Albania route see our 7-day Riviera itinerary.
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Frequently asked questions
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Live prices and availability. Pickup at Tirana airport, Saranda port and on request anywhere on the coast.
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