Car Rental in Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër, the 'Stone City', is a UNESCO-listed hillside of slate-roofed Ottoman mansions crowned by a vast castle. It's a natural stop between Tirana and the southern Riviera, and a car lets you combine it with the Blue Eye spring and Saranda. Pick up in Tirana and drive south through the Drino valley.
You pay a reservation fee online to secure the car and the rest at pickup. It is part of the rental price, not an extra, and most cars need no large card hold.
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Why drive in Gjirokastër
- UNESCO Stone City & castle
- Blue Eye spring nearby
- Gateway to the southern Riviera
Where to park in Gjirokastër
The bazaar streets are steep and cobbled, and driving up to the castle is not recommended in a low car. There is parking near the castle entrance and larger space in the new town below, with a steady climb up from there. Leaving the car in the lower town and walking is the simpler option.
Getting there
≈ 230 km from Tirana (about 3.5 hours)
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FAQ
How do I drive from Tirana to Gjirokastër?
Gjirokastër is about 230 km from Tirana, a 3.5-hour drive south through the scenic Drino valley on a fully paved, well-maintained road.
Where do I pick up my rental car for Gjirokastër?
You can collect your rental car in Tirana city or at Rinas Airport, both are ideal starting points for the drive south to Gjirokastër.
Do I need an SUV to explore Gjirokastër?
No. Gjirokastër and the main roads to the Blue Eye and Saranda are well paved and perfectly accessible with a standard car.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Gjirokastër?
No credit card is needed at pickup. You pay a small part online by card to book, and the rest to the agency at pickup, in cash or by card where the agency accepts it.
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