Where to stay in Gjirokastër

Accommodation › Gjirokaster › Where to stay in Gjirokastër

By Dirk Pohlers, adventure traveller from Germany. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

Choosing where to stay in Gjirokaster is crucial for your convenience when visiting the historic old town. The rather compact city has a wide range of excellent accommodation, many of which have been recently renovated and are housed in historic buildings with breathtaking views. Bear in mind that travelling through the steep and narrow streets of the old town can be difficult. Enquire in advance about the best way to get to your hotel, as some hotels will be happy to pick you up and drive you up.

Quick overview of the best hotels in Gjirokaster

Are you in a hurry? Below I’ve listed where you can stay in Gjirokastër and the reason for choosing each accommodation option so you can easily book if you don’t have time to read the whole article.

• The best accommodation in Gjirokaster – Hotel Kalemi 2
• Best budget hotel in Gjirokaster – Hotel Bebej Tradicional
• Best hotel in Gjirokaster for perfect view – Hotel Kalemi
• The most luxurious accommodation in Gjirokaster – Rose Garden Hotel
• The most unique accommodation in Gjirokaster – Hotel Gjirokastra

Gjirokaster is one of the two “museum towns” in Albania (the other one being Berat), both places are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List

Narrow cobblestone streets wind through a labyrinth of whitewashed Turkish-style houses and an impressive castle rises above the old town. The city is so small that you can easily explore it on foot, but be prepared to climb many hills on foot, as it is called the ‘city of a thousand stairs’.

In this post, I’ll introduce you to the best hotels in Gjirokaster, Albania, list accommodations for every budget and add useful tips at the end of the post that will help you on your trip to Gjirokaster.

Things to know about the hotels in Gjirokaster

• Gjirokaster is divided into two main districts – the historic old town, which sits on a hill overlooking the Drino Valley, and the newer neighbourhoods below. Hotels in Gjirokaster can be found in both neighbourhoods.
• Gjirokaster offers a range of accommodation, from budget guest houses to nicer hotels.
• 🍳 In most hotels in Gjirokaster, breakfast is included in the room rate, so a hotel with a nice terrace is always a plus.
• ⏳ Gjirokaster is a popular destination on the way to the Albanian Riviera. Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are travelling to Albania in the high season from June to August.
• Prices are market dependent and vary depending on the season you are travelling to Albania. Expect the highest room rates during the high season. The price is quoted in Euros, although the currency is Lek (ALL).
• Many hotels in Gjirokaster are housed in traditional Ottoman-era buildings called ‘kullas’ or ‘tower houses’, which have stone walls, wooden balconies and tiled roofs. A stay in one of these historic buildings offers an authentic experience.
• 💳 You can book many hotels or guesthouses online, but you will probably have to pay cash when you arrive, especially for budget accommodation. If you’re staying in a luxury hotel in Gjirokaster, credit cards are usually accepted.
• Some hotels in Gjirokaster offer breathtaking views of the city’s medieval castle, the historic old town and the picturesque Drino Valley. Be sure to enquire about rooms with balconies or roof terraces to enjoy the best views.

Hotel Argjiro

At the foot of the bazaar district and a short walk from all the city’s sights, the centuries-old, upscale Argjiro Hotel offers a choice of well-appointed large and small rooms with traditional furnishings. The hotel’s common areas are decorated with impressive carved wooden ceilings, and the rooftop terrace offers marvellous views. ☑ Check availability and prices here.

Bed & Breakfast Kotoni Gjirokaster

The Kotoni is located on the lower floors of a huge merchant’s house overlooking the old town and offers cosy rooms, which you reach via a steep staircase. Breakfast is served in the café on the ground floor. ☑ Check availability and prices here.

Hotel Kalemi 2

This beautifully restored traditional merchant’s house in Gjirokaster is a wonderful place to spend a few nights. The large rooms have carved wooden ceilings, and some also offer traditional seating areas. Breakfast is served on a terrace with stunning views of the city. ☑ Check availability and prices here.

Kerculla Resort

Kerculla is all about the view and relaxation. The hotel is located on a hill overlooking Gjirokaster and the valley beyond. The traditional-style hotel can be reached via a very narrow and winding road and has large rooms, a good restaurant and a small pool with sun loungers. The old town is a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride away. ☑ Check availability and prices here.

The Barrels

For those who don’t want to stay directly in the city, I recommend The Barrels. The small guest house is about a 10-minute drive outside Gjirokaster. Marcel is a great host. The name of the accommodation is derived from the adjoining vineyard. Very quiet location with a garden in front of the vineyards, a wonderful place to relax, drink wine and enjoy a meal.

Activities & Things to Do in Gjirokaster

There is so much to experience in Gjirokaster that one or two days in this medieval town are enough to see it all. In the following post, you will find a detailed guide with the best things to do in Gjirokaster.

• Explore the castle of Gjirokaster
• Visit the tunnels from the Cold War
• Stroll through the old bazaar
• Take a Day trip to the Blue Eye
• Zekate House & Skenduli House

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