Why rent in Gjirokaster
Pickup & getting here
Hosts in Gjirokastër typically meet renters in the lower city — near the old bazaar (Pazari i Vjetër) or along Bulevardi 18 Shtatori. Gjirokastër is 234 km south of Tirana — about 2h 40 min via the A3 motorway and SH4. Many renters combine a TIA airport pickup with the drive south, arriving in the city by late afternoon.
Driving & parking
The cobbled bazaar streets are extremely steep — park in the lower city lot and walk up to the old quarter. The SH4 south toward the Kakavija border crossing (Greece) is well-maintained motorway. The road to Antigonea ruins (18 km northeast via SH73) is paved and easy. Avoid reversing on the upper old-town lanes; they leave very little margin.
Day trips from here
Antigonea ruins (18 km northeast, 25 min — an underrated site with panoramic views). Blue Eye spring (60 km west, 1h via SH99 toward Sarandë). Sarandë (74 km, 1h 10 min — combine with Butrint ruins 18 km further). Vlorë is 120 km north (1h 30 min). Kakavija border to Greece is 54 km south (50 min).
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the ideal windows — pleasant temperatures, manageable crowds, and the castle dramatically lit in slanted light. July–August brings tour buses to the castle daily; arriving before 09:00 or after 17:00 avoids the main rush. Winter is quiet but some higher roads near the city can ice over.
Why hosts and renters trust Rental Auto
- Verified local hosts in Gjirokaster
