Do I need a visa to visit Albania?

Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the latest rules before travel.

What currency is used?

The Albanian Lek (ALL). Euros are sometimes accepted but at poor rates. ATMs are common in Gjirokastër city.

What language is spoken?

Albanian is the official language. Greek is also spoken by some in the south. English is widely understood in tourism areas.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

In Gjirokastër city it is generally safe, but bottled water is recommended for travelers, especially in rural areas.

What is the best way to get to Gjirokastër?

Fly to Tirana International Airport (TIA) and take a bus or rental car (4-5 hours). Alternatively, fly to Corfu (Greece) and take a ferry to Sarandë, then a 1.5-hour bus.

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential for cobblestones. Dress in layers; modest attire for religious sites. In summer, light clothing with sun protection.

Is Gjirokastër safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, it is very safe. Albanian culture is protective towards guests. Normal precautions apply at night; avoid isolated areas alone.

What are the must-try local foods?

Qifqi (rice and herb balls, a Gjirokastër specialty), byrek (savory pie), oshaf (sheep's milk pudding), and grilled meats. Local raki is also a must.

Is Wi-Fi readily available?

Yes, most hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Gjirokastër offer free Wi-Fi. Speeds are adequate for browsing.

What are the opening hours for the castle?

Gjirokastër Castle is typically open daily from 9:00 to 19:00 in summer and shorter hours in winter. Confirm locally as times vary.

Visa-free for many nationalities for up to 90 days. Check with Albanian embassy.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited in rural areas; younger people and those in tourism speak some English.

Can I use credit cards?

Major hotels and restaurants accept cards, but cash is king in smaller shops and rural areas.

What is the tipping etiquette?

10% in restaurants is standard; round up taxi fares.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Yes, but solo hikers should inform someone of their route.

Yes, in Gjirokastër city; limited in villages.

What is the local cuisine like?

Hearty dishes with lamb, cheese, and vegetables; try qifqi and byrek.

Can I drink tap water?

No, drink bottled or boiled water.

What is the dress code?

Casual wear is fine; modest dress for religious sites.

Are there any cultural taboos?

Avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.

How do I get to Gjirokastër from Tirana?

By bus (4-5 hours) or car via SH4 highway.

Gjirokastër County

Albania, Europe

Gjirokastër County is a STATE in Albania, Europe.

Nestled in the Drino Valley of southern Albania, Gjirokastër County is a living museum of Ottoman-era stone architecture, crowned by the UNESCO-listed 'City of a Thousand Windows'. Its historic bazaar, ancient fortress, and beautifully preserved merchant houses—like the Skenduli House—whisper tales of centuries past. Cobblestone lanes wind upward to the imposing Gjirokastër Castle, home to a fascinating arms museum and a captured US spy plane. The surrounding countryside reveals dramatic mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and the therapeutic hot springs of Benja. Food lovers will delight in local specialties such as qifqi (rice balls) and oshaf (sheep’s milk pudding). Warm hospitality flows as freely as the local raki, making visitors feel like family. Whether exploring the Ethnographic Museum, hiking in the Zagoria Valley, or simply soaking in panoramic views from the castle ramparts, Gjirokastër County offers an authentic, unhurried Albanian experience that feels a world away from mass tourism.

Best time to visit Gjirokastër County

The ideal times are late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) when temperatures are mild (20-28°C), perfect for walking the stone streets and exploring the countryside. July and August can be hot but bring vibrant local festivals. Winter (November–March) is chilly and sometimes snowy, lending a fairytale atmosphere but limiting some activities. Late spring offers blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Mostly clear
Temperature: 26°
Feels like: 24°
Humidity: 17%
Wind: 2 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 13-24°C, occasional rain

Travel notes

Crowds: Low-Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Autumn colors in the valley, comfortable temps.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

TIA

Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza

International

230 km away

CFU

Corfu International Airport

International

100 km away

IOA

Ioannina National Airport

International

120 km away

SKG

Thessaloniki Airport

International

280 km away

Getting around

"The compact historic center is best explored on foot; be prepared for steep cobblestone climbs. Taxis are inexpensive and plentiful for short hops. Minibuses (furgons) connect Gjirokastër to Sarandë, Tirana, and nearby villages, but schedules are flexible and depart when full. Renting a car gives the most freedom for rural exploration, though roads can be challenging. The main bus station is a short walk from the old town. Bicycle rental is not common."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in cafes and hotels in town

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport or in town from $5

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Safe and welcoming; use caution on winding mountain roads and steep footpaths.

Night safety

7/10

Safe and welcoming; use caution on winding mountain roads and steep footpaths.

Transport

6/10

Scam risk

8/10

"Gjirokastër County is extremely safe for travelers, with very low rates of violent crime. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded bazaar areas, so keep valuables secure. Roads are narrow and winding; drive cautiously, especially at night or in winter when conditions can be slippery. Hiking trails may be poorly marked, so hire a local guide for serious treks. Respect local customs, and always ask permission before photographing people. Emergency services are reliable but may have slower response times in remote areas."

Police

129

Ambulance

127

Fire

128

General Emergency

112

Entry and health

Health information

"No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. Routine vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid) are recommended. Medical facilities in Gjirokastër city are basic; for serious issues, travel to Tirana is necessary. Travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly advised. Tap water in the city is generally safe, but bottled water is widely available and recommended for sensitive stomachs. Pharmacies stock common medications, but bring any essential prescriptions. Protect against mosquitoes in summer months near standing water."

Culture

Local customs

"Albanian hospitality is legendary; expect to be offered coffee or raki. Dress modestly when entering mosques or churches (cover shoulders and knees). Tipping 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory. Bargaining in the bazaar is expected. Learn a few phrases: 'Faleminderit' (thank you) and 'Mirë se vini' (welcome). Avoid discussing politics or sensitive historical topics unless initiated by locals. Public displays of affection are fine but should be restrained."

Albanian (official)GreekItalianEnglishAlbanian

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5-8 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-8

Hotels

$20-60 | budget hotels range $20-60/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Very affordable destination; mid-range options add comfort but keep costs low.

Timezone

Europe/Tirane
Local time 11:29

More facts

Population

60,000

ISO code

AL-45

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Gjirokaster County, Tepelen, Tepelena, Tepelene, Tepeleni, Tepelenë, Tepelenė, tai pei lai na, tblyna, tepelena, tepelleneo, teperena, teፔlena, tplna, tplnh, Τεπελένι, Тепелена, Тепелєна, تبلينا, تپلنا, تپلنه, تپلنہ, टेपेलेना, টেপেলেনা, ਟੇਪੇਲੇਨਾ, ተፔሌና, テペレナ, 台佩莱纳, 테펠레너, AL033, Qarku i Gjirokastrës, Prefectura de Gjirokastër, مقاطعة غيروكاستر, Гіракастра, Аргирокастро (област), Gjirokastër (rannvro), Comtat de Gjirokastër, Gjirokastër (kraj), Qark Gjirokastra, Νομός Αργυροκάστρου, Provinco Gjirokastër, Condado de Gjirokastër, Gjirokastëri maakond, Gjirokastër konderria, Gjirokastërin maakunta, Préfecture de Gjirokastër, Contae Gjirokastër, घिरोकसतेर प्रांत, Gjirokastrski okrug, Gjirokastra megye, Գիրոկաստրայի գավառ, Prefettura di Argirocastro, ジロカストラ州, გიროკასტრის ოლქი, Gjirokastër (kizunga), 지로카스터르 주, Girokasterio apskritis, Ѓирокастро (област), Gjirokastër (prefectuur), Gjirokastër (region), Obwód Gjirokastra, Gjirokastër (prefeitura), Regiunea Gjirokastër, Гирокастра (область), Gjirokastër prefektur, Kondado ng Gjirokastër, Ergiri ili, Гірокастра (область), صوبہ ارجیر, Gjirokastër (hạt), 吉羅卡斯特州, Prefettura de Argirocaster, Gjirokastër Coonty, Gjirokastër (condado), AL-05

Major HubHistoric CityUNESCO World HeritageHikingCultural TourismMountain LandscapesAffordable Travel