Gjirokaster Day Trip Ideas
Gjirokaster sits in a valley with ancient ruins, a famous spring and river country within reach. This page ranks the trips by distance, then gives what you need to know for each. All prices are in Albanian lek (ALL) unless stated, and gates take cash.
| Trip | Distance | Drive | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigonea | About 14 km | 30 to 35 minutes | 200 ALL |
| Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) | About 35 km | 35 to 60 minutes | About 50 ALL |
| Përmet and Bënjë | About 60 km | About 1 hour | Varies |
| Butrint | About 70 km | Allow extra time | Check before you go |
Antigonea
Antigonea lies on Jerma hill near Saraqinishtë. King Pyrrhus of Epirus founded it in 295 BC and named it for his wife. The surviving walls go back to the early 3rd century BC. Visitors come for the Early Christian church of the 5th to 6th century, whose floor carries a polychrome mosaic with a man with an animal head at the centre. The official page gives daily hours of 08:00 to 16:00, and national independence days are free. The ticket booth may be unstaffed. No public bus goes there, so you need a taxi or a hire car. The official Antigonea page has more.
Blue Eye
The spring is best taken as a short walk and a photograph. The car park is about 22 km from Saranda. From it you walk about 2 km, or hire an electric scooter or ride the small train at the entrance. Parking is 100 to 300 ALL. The water is about 10 to 13 degrees C, and a strong current flows at the mouth of a very deep spring. Signs ban swimming, so please keep to the path. A bus from Gjirokaster toward Saranda can stop at the turn-off, with 3 to 5 buses a day on that road, and the walk from there is about 30 minutes. Wander-lush has current visitor tips.
Përmet and Bënjë
Përmet is the base for rafting on the Vjosa river. Albania Rafting Group lists Class III trips from about EUR 25 to 35. The natural thermal baths at Bënjë are close, and local advice on conditions is worth asking before you go. The church at Labovë e Kryqit is another stop to consider, and its opening is worth confirming on the day.
Butrint
Butrint lies about 70 km away. The ticket price and hours are worth checking in advance.
Road safety
Albania’s road death toll is among the highest in Europe, according to the UK government. Give yourself time and keep to the speed limit. See the UK travel advice .
Booking help
For guided day options, look at GetYourGuide and check what the price covers.
Read more: longer stays and guided attractions .