Gjirokastër and Blue Eye Tour from Tirana
Travel to UNESCO Gjirokastër stone city and the Blue Eye natural spring on a private full-day tour.
Full Day · 9–10 hrs · 30,000 ALL (~€333) fixed price
Gjirokastër climbs its hill in slate roofs and stone lanes, carrying stories of writers, traders, and generations of mountain life. The Blue Eye adds a striking pause: clear, cold water rising from a deep spring beneath the trees.
Highlights
- Gjirokastër Castle and stone bazaar
- Blue Eye spring and forest walk
- Traditional southern Albanian villages
Destination context
Gjirokastër sits on a steep ridge above the Drino valley and has been continuously inhabited since at least the 4th century BC; its characteristic tower houses — built in grey limestone with slate roofs — date largely from the 17th to 19th centuries when the city was a prosperous trading centre under Ottoman rule. It is the birthplace of two figures who shaped modern Albanian history in opposing directions: novelist and Booker Prize laureate Ismail Kadare and communist dictator Enver Hoxha. UNESCO listed Gjirokastër alongside Berat in 2005 and extended the inscription in 2008, recognising the old town as a rare surviving example of an Ottoman stone city.
Things to do
- Stroll the steep bazaar street and browse antique shops, traditional metalwork, and local craft stalls
- Explore the castle grounds, which include a captured American U-2 spy plane on outdoor display alongside the Arms Museum
- Pause at the Blue Eye spring on the return journey and follow the short forest trail to the water's edge
Suggested stops
- Gjirokastër Castle — the imposing hilltop fortress with sweeping views of the Drino valley and the Arms Museum inside
- Old Bazaar — the cobbled main street lined with Ottoman-era arched shops, still used by local traders
- Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye) — the vivid turquoise natural spring near Sarandë, rising from an underground river
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Gjirokastër special?
Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the City of Stone, with distinctive limestone tower houses and an impressive Arms Museum in its castle.
What is the Blue Eye?
The Blue Eye is a natural spring near Sarandë where clear water rises from an underground river at a constant 10°C.
How long does the drive from Tirana take?
The drive takes approximately 3 hours each way, covering 232 km. An early start makes it possible to enjoy both destinations.
Is the Blue Eye included in the tour price?
Yes. The 30,000 ALL (~€333) fare covers both Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye; the small national park entry fee is paid separately.
View details: Blue Eye