Gjirokastër County

A mountainous county in southern Albania with the World Heritage "Stone City" of Gjirokastër and natural attractions such as the Përmet hot springs.

Gjirokastër County lies in southern Albania, bordering Greece. Its capital, Gjirokastër, is known as the "Stone City" for its Ottoman-style buildings with stone-slab roofs and its hilltop castle, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Near the Drino Valley is the archaeological site of Antigonia; in the east around Përmet, the Benja thermal baths and the Vjosa canyon are beautiful, and the area is also known for its food and winemaking. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. You can get there by long-distance bus from Tirana or Sarandë.

Destinations

• Përmet
• Gjirokastër

Itineraries

• Southern Albania Historic Towns, Coast & Valleys 15-Day Grand Road Trip – A self-drive loop around the south, covering historic towns, the Riviera, Benjë Thermal Baths, and Korçë.
• Albania Classic Historic Towns & Coast 9-Day Bus Loop – A car-free itinerary for first-timers, connecting Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, and Sarandë.