If you are looking for some ideas on what to do in Albania, we have one for you. Take a road trip from the coastal city of Sarandë to the historical heart of Albania, Gjirokastër. Make a few stops along the way for a full day of fun. End the day in one of the most amazing restaurants for dinner and then explore Gjirokastra. Both Gjirokastra and Gjrokastër spellings are used.
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Rent a car or drive your own from Sarandë to Gjirokastër. The drive is smooth, with maintained roads to each stop and to your destination. Use the Booking.com affiliate link to book your car easily.
Departing Sarandë
Your adventure begins in Sarandë, a lively beach town on the Ionian Sea. While Sarande offers a lot to explore, the natural treasures lie just outside the city. Start with a coffee and walk around at the Lekuresi Castle; fifteen minutes is plenty of time to walk around and take pictures. The restaurant has lunch and dinner options, but their reviews aren’t great, so enjoy a coffee or juice and the fantastic views before setting off for the Blue Eye.
On route to the Blue Eye, stop to buy some wine.
Discover Local Wineries
Kantina e Varës ISAK is a family winery and wine shop.
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
Route: Start on SH99 northward, then switch to SH78 following the signs to your destination.
Distance: Approximately 22 km from Sarande
Travel Time: Around 40 minutes
The Blue Eye is a breathtaking natural spring known for its deep blue waters and mysterious depths. A lush forest surrounds the site, ideal for nature walks and relaxation. The clear, vibrant waters are a fantastic photo opportunity and provide a refreshing break in your journey. Walk up to the sightseeing platform for great pictures. The dogs loved the water; they drank loads of the natural spring water, which is delicious for dogs!
Parking was free in 2024, and entrance is 2 Euros. You can walk about forty-five minutes to the Blue Eye; others say it’s less, but it’s uphill and hot, so no, it’s a 30- 45-minute walk. You can rent a scooter for one person or two to cruise at your own pace or take the train car for a fun group ride there. The scooter was 10 Euros.
After walking around, enjoy a drink above the waterfalls at one of the restaurants onsite. Don’t eat because where you are going next will blow your mind. Be sure to keep your dogs on leashes because the cats are crazy!
Drive onward to Gjirokastër
The mountains you drive through are stunning! Enjoy the scenery for just over an hour before you reach The Barrels Ms (the Fuçite), a cozy farm-to-table winery and accommodation where you will have an unforgettable meal. Start with three wines and the impressive appetizers, and then enjoy the chicken casserole, which will blow your mind. If you like lamb, be sure to try the lamb, too, which is roasted in a subtle seasoning. The chicken casserole is cheesy and just amazing! All three wines are nice. Service is incredible, and the views are perfect.
They may be super busy, so make sure to make a reservation before heading over. Two days before, or the day before, would be ideal for them.
Exploring Historical Landmarks Near Gjirokastër
While in Gjirokastër visit these significant sites:
- Antigonea Archaeological Park: This ancient city was founded by King Pyrrhus of Epirus in the 3rd century BC. The ruins offer insights into the area’s rich history and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Labova of the Cross Church: One of the oldest churches in the region, known for its beautiful frescoes and significant religious artifacts. This is a serene spot for reflection amidst your travels.
- Gjirokastra Castle: Dominating the city skyline, this castle contains a museum and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The castle is huge! Very cool.
- Ethnographic Museum: Located in the birthplace of the former dictator Enver Hoxha, this museum depicts traditional Albanian life through artifacts and exhibits.
- Old Bazaar: A perfect place to stroll, shop for unique handicrafts, and sample local cuisine featuring traditional dishes like qifqi a rice ball with dill and egg, they can also be filled with meat and byrek which are filo savory pies. I really enjoyed the oshaf which is dried figs baked in fresh sheep’s milk, then left overnight in the fridge to solidify. There are two handmade rug artisans and a wood maker who are fabulous! Message me on Instagram for more information, I’m happy to share the best shopping in the Bazaar.
Dining in Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër is famous for its culinary heritage, and dining here offers a blend of Greek and Albanian influences with plenty of regional wines to complement your meal. Lots of vegetables and meats are prepared creatively with eggplant and potatoes. A lot of the restaurants are tourist traps with food that’s precooked and then heated in the microwave. We went to three that were bad. One was ok, but The Barrells was amazing! Make sure to look at Google reviews before choosing where you plan to eat and enjoy the cutest stone streets.
There is a brewery, Pan’s Beer. Their beers are served at Gallery Irish Pub. We had a great time sitting in the cute chairs with the views, and it’s perfect.
Where to Stay
Hotel Gjirokastra is a fabulous central stay with lots of parking and six reserved spots. Breakfast was amazing, and the stay was terrific! We had an incredible view with a balcony for Aloisia to enjoy her morning nosy.
Take a look at my suggestions on Google Maps by following SightingSarah on Google Maps.
This road trip from Saranda to Gjirokastra provides a journey through picturesque landscapes and a profound exploration of Albania’s cultural and historical riches. Each stop is a new discovery, and the route is peppered with opportunities for cultural immersion, making this road trip an exceptional Albanian adventure. Subscribe for more travels and watch the video about Sarandë to Gjirokastra on TikTok, Pinterest, or Instagram. Check out the map for this road trip on Wanderlog. Have a lovely day.
Map: