Trip to Pick up Ryan - Gjirokastër, Albania

Gjirokastër is a magical hillside town in Southern Albania in a valley between Djerë Mountains and the Drino. It’s old town is a World UNESCO Heritage Site. It was beautiful and definitely a highlight in our tour of Albania.

A view of the city of Gjirokastër and the castle from afar.

The Gjirokastër fortress dominates the town and overlooks the route along the river valley. We parked the car up by the castle and enjoyed exploring around the ruins and especially the views to the town and countryside below.

Love traveling with this guy.

So many beautiful archways inside the castle and out.

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The Old Town

The old town was magical. White stone buildings with wooden doors and windows lined the several grey and white patterned brick streets. We loved all the colorful prayer mats, and Albanian souvenirs along the sidewalks. So fun to wander around and look at things.

Chris and I found a cute little crêpe place and Ryan decided on peaches from a local market.

Love this picture of us enjoying Gjirokastër. What a great stop!

Leaving Gjirokastër was a lot more difficult than coming in. We followed the GPS which took us on some NARROW neighborhood streets. Chris did an amazing job of navigating us out but there was at least a time or two when I thought it wasn’t possible - and we made it through. I may have had a few panic attacks in the back seat. Scary!