Summer Flight Timetable for Flights to Albania
(Version 5 Effective 05 March 2021)
GJIROKASTER
The City of Stone
Hadrianopolis
This valuable archaeological remnant of the Roman period, located only a few kilometres from Gjirokastra, is a must for ancient history fans. This touristic site preserves the ruins of one of the most important cities of southern Albania during the Roman Empire. Built strategically in the valley of the Drin River near the village of Sofratikë, 11 kilometers south of Gjirokastra, this Roman city extended along approximately 16 hectares of land. Originally inhabited by the Chaonians, this region was once part of ancient Epirus (modern-day Albania).
As its name suggests, Hadrianopolis was constructed during the 2nd century AD by Roman emperor Hadrian, after the burning and destruction of Antigonea. In the 6th century AD, Byzantine emperor Justinian I re-founded Hadrianopolis as Justinianopolis. Now, Hadrianopolis is part of the Antigonea Archaeological Park. The impressive Hadrianopolis theatre was the first, among the countless other valuable ruins to be uncovered by a landslide in the 1970s. However, it was not until 1984 that local farmers noticed the upper part of the amphitheatre. Further excavations by Albanian and Italian archaeologists unearthed the rest of this ancient city, which is surrounded by spectacular valleys and a serene landscape.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
Open 24 hours
ADDRESS
SH4 Dropull, Gjirokaster County, Albania
Designed in typical Roman architecture, the theatre is surrounded by semi-circular stairs made of stone that could sit hundreds of spectators as well as small, protective walls. The site includes another large building which is thought to have been a bath complex with changing rooms. Locals refer to Hadrianopolis as Sofratika’s theatre.
The theatre located above a large artificial embankment had a cavea of 58 metres in diameter constructed with opus caementicium. During the 4th century AD, they restored the theatre and organized it to host venationes (hints of wild animals) and perhaps, gladiator fights. The baths structures, visible even today in the 3th century AD replaced, reducing its size the previous Adrianic complex.
A necropolis has been found to extend over a significant area beyond the urban limits. After a period of crisis, which lasted from the beginning of 4th and until the end of 5th century AD, the city center had a temporary revival during the reign of Justinian 527-565 AD, when it took the name of Justinianopolis.
During this period they built a small church inside the theatre. Houses and shops occupied the area of the baths. They demolished the ancient small temple and embedded it in a complex of buildings, perhaps with a residential function. They abbandoned the city during the early 7th century AD, . However the name of Drynopolis and its bishopric continued to attest through the Byzantine and medieval periods.
Antigonea
Antigonea is located only 14 km to the east of Gjirokastër, near the village of Saraqinishtë in the Drino valley. The Archaeological Park enables visitors to take a closer look at the history of this ancient city. Despite its short-lived prosperous period (3rd-2nd century B.C.), the city was an important political, cultural, and economic centre for the region. However, the city was destroyed by Roman soldiers in 168 B.C. within a short, and extremely violent period in the greater region.
A significant part of the city’s wall fortification has remained intact over the years. This reveals the magnificent fortress the city once had. The ruins of Nimfeum along with the columns, promenade, beautiful peristyle flats, and many other public facilities faithfully convey the atmosphere of antiquity, instantly transporting visitors to another world.
A must see in Antigonea is the Paleo-Christian mosaic! This mosaic serves as an historical bridge between Christianity and the later stages of European history. There are several old churches near Antigonea, as well, that are well-worth visiting, particularly the Church of St. Koll, built in 1680.
OPENING HOURS
April–September, Everyday
09:00 - 18:00
October-March,
Monday- Friday 08:00 - 16:00
Saturdays and Sundays 08:30 – 15:30
ADDRESS
Parku Arkeologjik Antigonesë, Gjirokaster, Albania
Gjirokastër Castle
Gjirokastër Castle is a fortress in Gjirokastër, Albania. Gjirokastër Castle is situated at a height of 336 metres. The castle dominates the town and overlooks the strategically important route along the river valley. It is open to visitors and contains a military museum featuring captured artillery and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against German occupation, as well as a captured United States Air Force plane to commemorate the Communist regime's struggle against the imperialist western powers. It extends across the 1100-foot-high hillside on which it was built during the 4th century.
A monument to nearly two thousand years of Albanian history, this castle is nowadays one of the most visited places in Albania. The namesake of this castle is Argjiro, dedicated to the legend of the princess who fell from its heights to her death in order to escape the Ottoman enemies. For centuries, this castle has been witness to the long and ruthless journey of the Albanian people’s struggle for independence. The phases of this journey manifest themselves in the many changes this castle has seen since the Ottoman conquest, at the end of the 14th century, up to the early 1800s and the times of King Zog’s. The leader of Janina, Ali Pashë Tepelena, is responsible for the construction of the Clock Tower in the 1800s.
OPENING HOURS
April–September, Everyday
09:00 - 18:00
October-March, Everyday
09:00 - 17:00
ADDRESS
Rruga Elvia Celebi, Gjirokastër, Albania
During the First and Second World Wars, the castle was transformed into a shelter for the city’s inhabitants against airstrikes. At the entrance of the castle, you find a large array of cannonballs, as well as an assortment of weapons, collected from antiquity up to the First and Second World Wars, all used as resistance to Western occupation. This space also preserves the infamous prison built in 1932 by King Zog, used by his and all subsequent regimes, including the Fascists, Nazis, as well as the Communist regime, up until 1968. This prison became a museum in the 1970s. Residents of Gjirokastra still recall the cries of torture coming from the so-called “prison of the seven windows”, and the walls still bear the inscriptions of those condemned within.
One of the most interesting modern curiosities exhibited in this castle is the American two-seater aircraft. It was forced to land near Tirana in 1957, as it was considered to be a spy plane. At the time of the Cold War, this event marked a triumph over the West and thus, the aircraft merited a place in the castle exhibitions. Every four years, the National Folklore Festival of traditional Albanian song and dance takes place on the field on top of the castle’s roof. There are many other annual festivals as well, that take advantage of this grand space and spectacular view. Gradually, the Castle of Gjirokastra is having its beautiful revenge on those endless centuries of turmoil.
Gjirokastra Bazaar
Built over 500 years ago, the Gjirokastra Bazaar is one of eight oldest districts of Gjirokastër, stretching out long below the castle walls. It remains under continuous reconstruction due to its age and historical significance as a UNESCO national and world heritage site. Several travel journals and other documents mention the bazaar dating back to the Middle Ages.
The bazaar’s life began within the walls of the castle, which used to surround the city of Gjirokastër. As the population increased however, families began to venture out and lay the first foundations of commercial constructions outside of the castle walls.
The neighbourhood known as Qafa e Pazarit (Bazaar’s Pass), is one of the most recognisable in this “city made of stone”. It is visited annually by thousands of foreign tourists. Here, they can find some of the besthandcrafted travel mementos in wood, stone, and fabric, all handmade with pride by true masters of their crafts.
The facades of the surrounding houses offer an aesthetically interesting view of the medieval buildings,
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
34FQ+HM2, Rruga Gjin Bue Shpata, Gjirokaster, Albania
hides behind a steep slope of colourful cliffs, slightly overshadowed by a natural tunnel of rocks standing in the foreground. Once you walk through the latter, you will find yourself ankle-deep in the waters of the emerald-coloured wonder that is Peshtura Waterfall.
Ethnographic museum
This ethnographic museum and house of former Albanian leader Enver Hoxha, provides a rich insight into the lives led by the upper classes in the 19th and 20th centuries, and offers an interesting insight into a key period of Albania’s history. Though officially called The Ethnographic Museum, Enver Hoxha’s childhood home is still better known to locals by its former name. This former leader’s powerful image still arouses a strong sense of curiosity in Albanians, who remain fascinated with his personal life.
Even foreign tourists, who want to learn more about Albania, soon realise that much of the country’s history can be discovered inside the childhood home of Enver Hoxha. The castle neighbourhood “Palorto”, is home to some of the country’s most famous houses: that of the internationally known Albanian author, Ismail Kadare, and those of the Cabej, Babaramo and Fico families. All these houses represent constructions of rare architectural value, but none quite possess the magnetic pull of Hoxha’s house. The locals say that this 3-storey house was burned when Hoxha was only eight years old, and rebuilt after the country’s liberation in 1944, becoming a museum in 1966.
Initially, the museum displayed the dictator’s various activities and the martyrs of war, but following the fall of communism in 1991, it was transformed into an
Breakfast Ideas
OPENING HOURS
April–September, Everyday
08:00 - 12:00; 16:00 - 19:00
October-March, Wednesday–Sunday
08:00-16:00
ADDRESS
"Hysen Hoxha" Street, Gjirokaster, Albania
ethnographic museum. Though the house no longer contains Hoxha’s personal items or original furniture, it carefully details the traditional life of an upper-class family from Gjirokastra. The rooms appear still functional, decorated with artistic objects that convey the culture of wealthy families of the 19 century.
The ground floor, predominantly built in stone, was used for the winter. The first floor has traditionally low ceilings and small windows, while the second floor, higher than the others and worked mostly in wood, houses the guest room. The third floor holds the most beautiful room of the entire house, called a cameretta: a big, open space with high ceilings, where women conversed and looked out onto the town. In its entirety, the house does not only give an idea of a leader’s childhood dwellings, but instead a significant part of Gjirokastra’s culture, a culture that this important city gave to the entire nation.
Zekate House
Zekate House, is a house in Gjirokastër, Albania. The house, built in 1812, is said to be "one of the grandest examples of Gjirokastër architecture in the Ottoman style". Fortified tower houses, belonged to wealthy people, such as government officials or merchants. All rooms have a basic design: a safe ground floor with a wooden gallery on top, which are the most important rooms for an extended family. The decks are placed on the walls to help defend against the enemies they attack. Zekate's house is an example of an urban kullë. Built in 1811–1812, it has two towers and a large double arch facade. The panorama of the city can be viewed from the house.
This 3 storey house has very strong defensive features, and that is why she is still so powerful until nowadays. The ground floor contains storage rooms, the kitchen and the cistern. The first floor has two rooms used as living quarters for branches of the family, while the third floor has a grand reception room and two other smaller rooms.
The beautifully decorated oda and çardak in the center are two of the most impressive spots of the house. The principal room is very typical of the grandest of these dwellings with frescoed walls, a carved ceiling and an
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
08:15 - 20:00
ADDRESS
Rruga Bashkim Kokona, Gjirokaster, Albania
ornate fireplace. This house gives visitors a vast understandings of the vernacular architecture of the city and lifestyle of inhabitants centuries ago.
The surrounding walls divided the three different yards that the house had, which were connected to one another by gates.
The outside walls were built with dry stone masonry, meaning without mortar. The stones are carved to have flat surfaces and then stacked in layers. Usually the walls have two sides built like this, while the inner part is filled with smaller stones and plaster.
Cold War Tunnel
The Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastra is an underground tunnel and bunker complex that was built as an emergency shelter during the post World War II communist times, but is now a museum that can be visited with a guide. The entrance is at Çerciz Toppuli Square where you can also find the tourist information point where a guided tour can be arranged (You can’t enter and wander around the tunnels by yourself).
The tunnel complex was built underneath Gjirokastra Castle in the late 1970s under the communist dictator Enver Hoxha. After Albania’s breakup with the Soviet Union in the 1960s, Hoxha became so paranoid about being invaded, that he started to build bunkers and shelters around the entire country.
The tunnel complex is 800 meters long and has 59 rooms, with different functions, including rooms for government ministries, party elites, local government, a kitchen, power generation and even an air filtration room and a decontamination room in preparation of a nuclear attack. The complex is more or less in its original state with some of the furniture still there. This makes it less informative, but very real at the same time and a guided tour will give you lots of information in a 20-minute walk through the tunnels.
OPENING HOURS
April–October, Everyday
09:00 - 18:00
November–March, Everyday
08:00 - 14:00
ADDRESS
34GR+38F, Gjirokaster, Albania
Ismail Kadare House
The house of the world-famous Albanian writer, Ismail Kadare, has been turned into a museum, and is open to the public. This is where Ismail Kadare was born and spent his childhood. The house will be familiar to everyone who has read his book ‘Chronicle in Stone”, in which Kadare describes every corner of this house.
During the visit you will imagine Kadare as a little boy, sitting close to the windows and witnessing the terrors of World War II. The house was first built in 1799 and classified as a Cultural Monument in 1991. Recently, UNESCO and Albanian’s Ministry of Culture, repaired and rehabilitated the building under their auspices.
The Museum was opened to the public on 28 January 2018, on the occasion of Kadare’s 80th birthday. Ismail Kadare House is located in the middle of the historical Palorto neighborhood. Inside the house you can see some original objects belonging to the family.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
Times may vary
ADDRESS
Rruga Fato Berberi 16, Gjirokaster
Skenduli House
Skenduli House is one of the best preserved typical Ottoman houses in Gjirokastra. Originally built in the 1700s by Skënder Skënduli the house underwent a partial restoration in 1827.
Skëndulli was one of the wealthiest families in southern Albania at that time, which is reflected in the grandeur of the house, which had 64 windows, 40 doors, 12 rooms and 9 fireplaces. The building is still in its original state and is owned by Nasip Skënduli, as descendant of the family who welcomes vistors and loves telling his stories about the house.
During the communist era, the house was used as the Ethnografic Museum but was later returned to the family of the original owners, who welcome visitors. Most of the rooms are completely in its original state with authentic objects, making a visit to the house really worthwhile.
According to the owner, the authorities haven’t restored this house yet. The fact that even many objects are original make this house the most authentic and special one in Gjirokastra. You find it close to the Ethnographic Museum, or former house of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
09:00–19:00
ADDRESS
34GP+458, Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve, Gjirokaster
Fico House
Although built later than most of the Ottoman houses of Gjirokastra, Fico House is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. The house, built in 1902, features on many photos and postcards with its yellow appearance. Structurally the house is similar to other houses, but the decorations were kept much simpler.
The house belongs to one of the most famous and influential families in Gjirokastra. Rauf Fico (1881 – 1944) became Minister of Internal Affairs in the first Albanian government in 1912 and Frederik Fico (1951 – 2005) was a well respected doctor and sports commentator.
During World War II, the house was used as a base for partizans, but during the communist era, the family was evicted as the house was divided into a printing workshop and apartments. In 1970 the house was returned to the family and it is now occupied by Lule Fico.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
Times may vary, Enquire at site
ADDRESS
34GM+769, Gjirokaster, Albania
Bazaar Mosque
The Bazaar Mosque Xhamia e Pazarit, also known as Memi Bey Mosque ,Xhamia e Memi Beut, was built in 1757, located in the Old Bazaar neighbourhood. It is one of fifteen mosques originally built in the city during the Ottoman era, of which thirteen survived till the communist period. The mosque was originally designed to be in the New Bazaar neighbourhood of Gjirokastër, as part of Memi Pasha's urban plan, that was built in the 17th century. It was, however, destroyed by fire in the following century, except for the mosque.
The mosque was elevated to "Cultural Monument" (Monumente Kulturore) status by the Albanian government in 1973, sparing its destruction by the totalitarian communist regime of Albania. The remaining twelve mosques were subsequently demolished. Because of a religion ban in Albania, the mosque was used as a training hall for circus acrobats who made use of the high domed ceilings to hang their trapezes.
Nearby the mosque is a two-story octagonal building, constructed in 1727. Although originally used as a Bektashi cemevi, it was closed during the communist period. It is currently used as a madrasah.
OPENING HOURS
Monday–Friday
09:00–16:30
ADDRESS
34FQ+H66, Rruga Ismail Kadare, Gjirokaster
Saint Sotiri Church
The Church of St. Sotiria was built in 1784 and is located below the Clock Tower in the Old Bazar residential neighborhood. Also called the Old Metropolitan, this church was once the seat of the local Orthodox bishop. Typical of Orthodox churches, the design of the nave represents the universe.
The domed ceiling represents Heaven and is decorated with a large painting of Christ looking down upon the assembled congregation. The floor represents this world. The main altar is raised above the floor as though suspended between Heaven and earth. Near the entrance, is an icon (housed in a hand-carved stand) that symbolizes the divine transformation of Christ.
The interior of the church was heavily damaged during the communist era. Little remains of the original murals on the rear walls. The framed icons on both sides of the altar and rear wall were painted recently by a local artist who specializes in religious art and restoration. The hand-carved chair in the main part of the church (the nave) was originally intended for the Orthodox bishop. Decorative metal candle and incense holders, called censers, are suspended overhead.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
07:30 - 20:00
ADDRESS
34GV+87H, Rruga Pazari i Vjetër Pllake, Gjirokaster, Albania
The most holy part of the church, the sanctuary, is separated from the nave by the ornately carved iconostasis. Its purpose is to restrict entry into the sanctuary by anyone other than consecrated officials of the Church. The screen has two tiers. Along the upper tier there is a collection of small framed icons, which are originals dating from the 18th or 19th century. Most of the other icons in this church today are reproductions, as the originals were removed during communist years and never recovered.
Ali Pasha Bridge
The so-called Ali Pasha Bridge, or Dunavat Bridge, was part of a larger aqueduct complex commissioned in the beginning of the 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelenë. The aqueducts fed the castle’s cisterns with water from the Mount Sopot, 10 km away. Gjirokastra didn’t have water service at the time, and Ali Pasha quickly discerned the need for this structure.
The bridge is an easy 30min hike from Gjirokastër and makes for a nice off-the-beaten-path destination. The aqueduct was mostly demolished in 1932, but this section in the Dunavat Quarter remains. An early depiction of this famous “bridge” is found in the painting of Edward Lear, the British poet and painter, who traveled to Albania in the mid-19th century.
Breakfast Ideas
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
347J+RMJ, Rruga Hito Lekdushi, Gjirokaster
Castle of Tepelene
The Castle of Tepelene, was proclaimed Cultural Monument of first category in 1963 and is situated in the North of the city of Tepelene, Municipality of Tepelene.
According to historical resources, the castle was envisioned from Ali Pasha Tepelena itself, who had supervised the first stages of construction of this heroic symbol of the region. The existing castle was rebuilt from him in 1819 with a surface of 5.5 ha, with three entrances and three towers. Until 1820 it was used as the second residence of Ali Pasha Tepelena.
The walls of the castle are attached to the natural shape of the ground and do not consist of a regular geometrical form. Three polygonal towers are settled on the main curves of walls, to better control them. The Castle has three gates, one of which (the eastern) bears the inscription “The gate of Vezir”.
Breakfast Ideas
OPENING HOURS
Everyday, Open 24 hours
ADDRESS
72WC+WCJ, Tepelenë, Albania
Lengarica Canyon
The Lengarica Canyon, gives visitors a chance to wind their way along a beautiful canyon trail. Decorated with stunning rock formations and accompanied by the ambling river alongside them. This gorgeous surprise, located within the park, is an absolute must-see. Lengarica Canyon stretches across a length of 4-5 km, with a height of up to 150m.
This spectacular journey includes ancient rock formations with the Lengarica River flowing through them, the river responsible for those curative Benjë thermal waters. The journey begins at the 19th century Katiu Bridge, located 8 km from Përmet.
Built by the famous despotic leader Ali Pashë Tepelena, this typical Ottoman bridge is on the small and charming side, one large arch extending gracefully over the river. As you journey along, the path leads you all the way to the slopes of the canyon. Here, the separated rocky cliffs stand extremely close to one another, creating a striking divide.
More spectacular sights unravel as you hike along the
OPENING HOURS
Everyday, Open 24 hours
ADDRESS
7F47+6FH, Delvinë, Albania
canyon and swim across its small water basins. Along the canyon adventure, you’ll be able to spot several caves. The most impressive is Pigeons’ Cave, at 160m long and up to 3m high in some points. Yet it’s not only its remarkable appearance that makes this particular cave stand out. Over 4000-year-old human remains from the Neolithic period were found here, granting the cave hugely important archaeological and anthropological value.
Bënja Thermal Pools in Përmet
The gods must have been truly inspired when they conceived the town of Përmet, blessing it with a timeless picturesque landscape. Here, the mountains, hills, rivers, and forests are truly breathtaking. Përmet has gradually become one of Albania’s most visited destinations for outdoor adventure.
Whether it’s rafting across the Vjosa River, or healthy recreation in its natural thermal baths. The Benja Thermal Pools are highly recommended by doctors for their health benefits but are also wonderful to immerse yourself in for no other reason than pure pleasure.
The Vjosa River flows across the entire valley, and eventually branches out into the Langarica River, the latter stretching across a canyon of the same name. The caves within the Langarica Canyon are really a sight to behold. Warm waters join Langarica’s stream, which despite the naturally cold temperature of the river, keep it at a warming 29-30 degrees celsius all year-round.
These are the thermal baths of Bënja, or llixha as they are called in Albanian. They are located only 13 km from the
OPENING HOURS
Everyday, Open 24 hours
ADDRESS
Benja Thermal Baths, Permet, Albania
centre of the beautiful Përmet. People flock here to seek recovery from rheumatism, skin, and kidney ailmentsn to name but a few of the symptoms known to be relieved here. They say in fact, that each thermal pool, rich in minerals, serves a particular healing purpose. The Benja Thermal Pools are smooth and clear, and contain a high content of sulphur. The stone baths are the most authentic, and as such, attract a large amount of visitors all year-round.
The winter, when the temperature in Përmet falls below 0 degrees celsius is the best time to immerse yourself in these hot baths. Enjoy that satisfying contrast between the air and water. The muddy deposits of the thermal waters contain regenerative properties for the skin. The waters flow from the deep chasms of the cliffs surrounding the Langarica Canyon. They have been well-known for their health purposes since antiquity. You can find two of the largest and most popular baths at the foot of the Bridge of Katiu (the Judge’s Bridge).
These are known for being particularly beneficial for curing gastric and rheumatic diseases. A visit to these natural baths provides you with wonderfully natural health benefits, whilst taking in the spectacular scenic landscape of Përmet. The beautiful Ottoman bridge is another popular attraction in an area highly regarded for its archaeological value. The earliest objects found in the cave settlements here belong to the Neolithic (7000-3000 BC) and the Eneolithic (3000-2000 BC) periods.
Saint Mary's Church In Labova E Kryqit
The Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, or simply Saint Mary’s Church, is a Greek orthodox church in the village Labova e Kryqit. The original church dates back to the 6th century, when the area was ruled by emperor Justinian, who erected the church in memory of his mother. The current building is thought to date back to somewhere between the 10th and 13th century and is in a well preserved state.
The dome shaped church is the main attraction of the village, which belongs to a group of settlements of the Drino valley river. Labova e Kryqit is positioned into the northern slope of the Bureto mountain, which raises like a theater behind the village. In the nearby village Peshkëpe there is another Saint Mary’s Church with a similar architecture.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
Lower Labova-Labova e Kryqit, Gjirokastra, Albania
Paleokastra Castle
Paleokastra literally means old castle and the building of the fortification dates back to the 4th century AD, when the Roman emperor Constantine (272 – 337 AD) ruled over the area. The castle is thought to be built as a military installation to house cavalry and had a rectangular shape. Although the walls have collapsed, the shape is still visible in the ruins.
After being destroyed in the 4th century the castle was rebuilt during the byzantine era in the 5th century and two Paleochristian basilicas were added. Archaeological excavations found proof that the castle has been in use until the 6th century. In the 1970s the site has been officially declared a cultural monument.
Paleokastra Castle is located just off the SH4, about 10 kilometers north of Gjirokastra and about 64 kilometers from Saranda. The archaeological site can best be reached by car, as it’s located pretty much in the middle of nowhere with no facilities or anything nearby.
It’s best to visit on the way or it could be combined with a trip to other places, like The Blue Eye, Libohova Castle,
OPENING HOURS
Everyday, Open 24 hours
ADDRESS
E853, Paleokastra, Gjirokastra County, Albania
Hadrianopolis or Gjirokastra. If you don’t have your own transportation, you can rent a car, or alternatively take any bus between going north from Gjirokastra and ask to be dropped off at the exit towards Paleokastra, from where it’s a 2 kilometer walk.
Nemërçka
Nemërçka Mountains are a mountain range in southern Albania between Përmet and Gjirokastër District, which extends from a north-west direction to the south-east near the border between Albania and Greece. Geologically, Nemërçkë is a limestone-flysch forming a massive anticline situated between the graben valley of Vjosë river.
The mountain forms the southern section of the Trëbëshinj-Dhëmbel-Nemërçka mountain chain. To the north, Nemërçkë is separated from the Albanian Pindus mountains, by the Vjosë river. The mountains are characterised by steep cliffs and wooden mountain slopes. The eastern scarps fall on the Vjosë river, 2000 metres down. Nemërçka falls within the Pindus Mountains mixed forests terrestrial ecoregion of the Palearctic temperate broadleaf and mixed forest.
Its forests are renowned for housing European beech. It is the southernmost point where European beech can be found in Albania. Maja e Papingut, is the highest peak within the mountain range. With an elevation of 2,482 m and a prominence of 1,792 m above sea level the Nemërçka Mountains stand proudly over Gjirokastra.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
Nemërçka, Gjirokastra County, Albania
Kordhoca Bridge
The historic bridge of Kordhoca, on Drinos river, is built in 1820 and is 20 meters long and 7 meters high. This bridge is declared as the monument of first category and is very important, because it was the only road for many decades to link Gjirokastra with Libohova and Janina.
The historic bridge of Kordhoca, on Drinos river, is built in 1820 and is 20 meters long and 7 meters high. This bridge is declared as the monument of first category and is very important, because it was the only road for many decades to link Gjirokastra with Libohova and Janina.
The fact that is still so strong today tell us about the quality of building such important infrastructure, with the best materials and the best masters. The bridge has a typical oriental architecture, with 3 decorated arches and paved with stones.
The bridge was in danger to be destroyed some years ago, but thanks to the restoration work of Institute of Monuments it is now in good shape and worth to visit.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
Kordhoca Bridge, Gjirokastra County, Albania
Nivica Canyons
These beautiful canyons are situated near the village of Nivica, between Tepelene and the sea. Nivica Canyons is one of the most beautiful natural places in Albania. Taken together, the canyons are 40 km long and 15 km wide.
In addition, the canyons are accentuated by 11 waterfalls, one of which is 220 m high. It is probably one of the 10 highest waterfalls in Europe. Nivica Canyons are unique for their beauty; thus they attract many people for adventure tourism.
‘Nivica’ project introduced this region to foreign explorers, canyoners, alpinists, and archaeologists. They all feel inspired and impressed with the fact that such a beautiful place remains much as it was in ancient times.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
Nivica Canyons, Gjirokastra County, Albania
Peshtura Waterfall
The gorgeous waterfall sits along the Tepelena highlands, an area that inspired many of Edward Lear’s watercolors. And, once you set out on this journey, you will understand why. Wear your best hiking shoes, pack some water, snacks and light change of clothes and be prepared to witness a spectacle that you thought belonged only in the movies.
In order to arrive at Peshtura Waterfall, you will have to go through the Tepelena and Kurvelesh highlands where you will get the first taste of the incredible panoramas awaiting you along the journey. Countless streams have passed through this landscape creating impressive formations on this region’s limestone cliffs. You will have the chance to see a variety of karstic shapes created by the water’s carving away at the limestone for centuries. Deep chasms, numerous caves and waterfalls that resemble the most dazzling chandeliers: these are only some of the images you’ll find along the way to your destination.
Along the way, you will also undoubtedly notice the rippled sides of the Bënça Canyon. Mostly devoid of trees, on these surfaces you can witness the colorful traces of
OPENING HOURS
Everyday, 24 Hours
ADDRESS
6X65+WC5 Progonat, Albania
the water along the cliffsides. Another beautiful part of the journey is Progonat, a large village with a rich history.
The hike lasts a little more than an hour. However, among these memorable cliffs and karstic wonders, you will surely lose track of time. The waterfall hides behind a steep slope of colorful cliffs, slightly overshadowed by a natural tunnel of rocks standing in the foreground. Once you walk through the latter, you will find yourself ankle-deep in the waters of the emerald-colored wonder that is Peshtura Waterfall.
