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.

Why drive in Gjirokastër

• UNESCO Stone City & castle
• Blue Eye spring nearby
• Gateway to the southern Riviera

Getting there

≈ 230 km from Tirana (about 3.5 hours)

Popular car types

• Economy Cars
• Automatic Cars
• SUVs & 4x4
• 4x4 & SUV
• No-Deposit Cars
• Hire a Car

Nearby destinations

• Saranda
• Ksamil
• Berat

Helpful guides

• Gjirokastër: Complete Guide to Albania's Stone City

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.

When is the best time to visit Gjirokastër?

Spring and autumn are ideal — mild temperatures make wandering the cobbled streets and castle grounds very pleasant, without the summer heat or tourist rush.

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