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Gjirokastër in one day

The essentials in a single day, an easy fit for a trip from Sarandë: the bazaar, the castle, the tunnel and two historic houses.

Draft. the order and timings are estimates still under review.

8 stopsabout 6 h 25 min of visits

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The essentials

45 min
Stop 1: Bazaar of Gjirokastër
45 min
A living testament to the town's history: cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and artisanal shops with silver jewelry, textiles, ceramics and woodwork.
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15 min
Stop 2: Bazaar Mosque
15 min
In the heart of the historic bazaar, a mid-18th-century mosque, modest yet elegant, with stone walls, a domed roof and a slender minaret among the cobblestone streets.
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2 h
Stop 3: Castle of Gjirokastër
2 h
Perched atop the hillside of the "City of Stone", a fortress of history, mystery and breathtaking views.
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1 h
Stop 4: Te Kalaja Restaurant
Lunch · 1 h
A cozy, family-run spot serving time-honored Gjirokastër recipes with a view, just steps from the castle.
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45 min
Stop 5: The Cold War Tunnel
45 min
A chilling reminder of Albania's turbulent Cold War history beneath the cobblestone streets.
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10 min
Stop 6: The Obelisk
10 min
Perched atop the old town, a monument to education and the first Albanian school in the city.
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45 min
Stop 7: Skënduli House
45 min
A meticulously preserved 18th-century house with 4 hamams, 9 fireplaces and 12 decorated ceilings, plus double walls for privacy and insulation.
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45 min
Stop 8: Zekate House
45 min
A magnificent example of the town's traditional architecture, built in 1812.
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Other routes

Two days15 stops · about 13 h 30 min of visits Three days18 stops · about 20 h of visits