Public travel plan
Berat to Gjirokastër: Albania’s Historic Castle Towns
This two-day sequence follows the road trip from Berat to Gjirokastër, with an overnight stay in Berat. Cooler weather can make uphill castle visits more comfortable. Cards and Apple Wallet work at many shops, but carry…
Source videos
Travel inspiration behind this plan
Plan notes
Useful context before you go
This two-day sequence follows the road trip from Berat to Gjirokastër, with an overnight stay in Berat. Cooler weather can make uphill castle visits more comfortable. Cards and Apple Wallet work at many shops, but carry cash in lek for smaller businesses and villages. Check current road conditions, opening arrangements and payment options as you plan.
Itinerary highlights
What is in this plan
Day 1: Berat and its living castle
**Stay:** The small rented room opposite Berat Castle was pleasant and had a view of the castle. Rooms and small hostels are also available inside the castle; booking online ahead of time can help you know what to expect. Cafés and coffee shops are available within the complex. **Castle route:** A car can reach the castle entrance, avoiding the steep climb up from town in hot weather. The castle is still inhabited, with homes among its historic sites. Look for the old rainwater cistern, built t…
-
Berat CastleBerat Castle (Kalaja e Beratit), Berat, Albania
Explore this historic fortress, described as roughly 2,400 years old and still home to residents. Its lanes pass homes, small cafés, churches and Ottoman-era remains. Driving up to the entrance can spare you the steep uphill walk, particularly in hot weather. Within the complex, look for the old cistern used to collect rainwater and the upper viewpoint overlooking Berat; reaching the viewpoint involves a tiring climb.
-
Red MosqueRed Mosque, Berat, Albania
See the remains of this 15th-century Ottoman-era mosque, including its surviving doorway and a small minaret-like structure. The site also offers views over the town.
-
Church of the Holy TrinityChurch of the Holy Trinity, Berat, Albania
This surviving red-brick church is on the lower side of the castle and can take some searching to find. Look for the historic paintings inside.
Day 2: Gjirokastër’s old town and castle
**Café break and cash:** A stop at a café included soup and a rest from the heat. Many shops accept cards and Apple Wallet, but smaller places may prefer cash; keep some lek with you. **Old-town details:** The historic displays include military uniforms, a tunnel, weapons, large bells and household utensils. A local explained that the bells were used for goats. Browse the handmade goods and notice the stone-paved lanes and exposed stonework. Ismail Kadare Street is named for the writer, whose w…
-
Gjirokastër Old BazaarGjirokastër Old Bazaar, Gjirokastër, Albania
Walk the stone-paved lanes of this UNESCO-listed old town, also known as the City of Stone. Traditional buildings, handmade goods and scenic views are part of the experience. Historic displays here include military uniforms, a tunnel, weapons, bells and household utensils; a local explanation connected the bells with goats.
-
Bazaar MosqueBazaar Mosque, Gjirokastër, Albania
This Ottoman-era mosque stands in the bazaar area. Notice the exposed white stone in the surrounding historic buildings and shops.
-
Ismail Kadare StreetIsmail Kadare Street, Gjirokastër, Albania
Walk along this street named for writer Ismail Kadare. His writing is connected with Gjirokastër and helped bring attention to the town and its culture.
-
Gjirokastër CastleGjirokastër Castle, Gjirokastër, Albania
The castle was recommended for its layered Venetian, Ottoman and Roman history, though it was not visited during the hot afternoon. Consider the uphill visit in cooler weather.