Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video postcard of the city on social media on Wednesday, highlighting Gjirokastra’s historic character and its appeal to domestic and international tourists.

The city’s most prominent landmark is Gjirokastra Castle, which sits on a hill rising from the Mali i Gjerë range. Built in a strategic position overlooking the surrounding area, the fortress stands about 370 metres above sea level.

Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has become an increasingly important destination on Albania’s tourism map in recent years. Its historic bazaar, castle, traditional houses, cobbled streets and rich cultural heritage are among its main attractions.

Rising tourist numbers have also boosted activity among local artisans, while more families in surrounding rural areas are investing in accommodation and other tourism-related businesses.

The city’s tourism offer is expanding beyond its historic centre to include rural experiences, traditional cuisine and agritourism. Farms and guesthouses in the surrounding villages offer visitors an opportunity to experience local food and rural life.

Gjirokastra’s appeal lies in the combination of history, nature and gastronomy, while the growth in tourism is also supporting handicrafts and encouraging family-run investment in nearby villages.

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Total visitor numbers jumped 35.1% compared with August 2024, driven by a 40.6% increase in foreign arrivals and a 21.6% rise in domestic tourists.

Overnight stays rose 33.3%, with international visitors accounting for a 42.6% increase and residents up 11.7%.

Coastal destinations recorded the strongest growth, with foreign arrivals up 47.8%. Hotels and similar accommodation facilities saw a 35.2% rise in stays, pushing occupancy rates to 61.5% from 59.6% a year earlier.

Most foreign visitors came from Kosovo (21%), Poland (12%), and Italy (10%), followed by France and Germany at 7% each. Overall, foreign arrivals in August reached nearly 2.4 million.

The figures highlight Albania’s combination of natural beauty, competitive pricing, and traditional hospitality as key drivers of its expanding tourism sector.

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