Berat and Gjirokastër are the two towns most visitors want to see in Albania. Both are listed by UNESCO as the historic centres of Berat and Gjirokastra and both are built of stone on steep hillsides.
Berat: the city of a thousand windows
Berat’s white Ottoman houses climb the hill in rows, which gives the town its nickname. Walk through the Mangalem quarter, cross to Gorica over the old bridge and finish at the castle, where people still live inside the walls and a few small churches and a museum are open to visitors. Allow half a day to a full day.
Gjirokastër: the stone city
Gjirokastër is known for its tall stone houses with slate roofs and its large castle above the town. Walk the old bazaar and visit a traditional house to see how Ottoman-era families lived. The town is also the birthplace of the writer Ismail Kadare. Allow half a day to a full day.
How to combine them
The two towns are about three hours apart by road, so many travellers do Berat on one day and Gjirokastër on the next, often continuing to the coast at Saranda. They fit well in the 7-day route from Tirana, and our multi-day tour covers both with transport and a guide.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking the steep, paved streets. Summer is hot in the afternoon, so go early in the morning or in the evening when the light is best.
Tours to Berat and Gjirokastër
- A Journey Through Berat and Gjirokastër
- Discover Berat – City of a Thousand Window
- Discover Gjirokastra
We can run Berat and Gjirokastër as one guided trip from Tirana or build them into a longer route. See all organized tours, request a tailor-made trip or contact our team in Tirana.
