Gjirokaster: Old Bazaar, Cfaka & Ali Pasha Bridge Walking Tour

Summary

Walk Gjirokaster’s winding alleys from the Old Bazaar to Ali Pasha Bridge

You’ll trace Gjirokaster’s forgotten paths from the Old Bazaar to Cfaka’s ancient homes, cross bridges locals barely notice, and end at Ali Pasha Bridge surrounded by hills and quiet stories. Expect laughter with your guide, unexpected details in every doorway, and that odd sense of stepping into someone else’s memory for a while.

What’s the experience like?

You open your eyes and there’s that first sharp smell of stone after last night’s rain. We’re already in Cerciz Topulli Square, and our guide—Erion, with his easy grin—waves us down a side street before I can even finish my coffee. The old bazaar isn’t really a bazaar anymore, he says, but you can almost hear the ghosts of market chatter if you walk slow enough. The cobblestones are slick and uneven underfoot. I nearly slipped on one, but Erion just laughed and pointed out an old wooden door carved with patterns I’d never seen before.

After Zerzebili bridge (which looks smaller than it feels when you’re actually crossing), we ducked into Cfaka. It’s quieter here—just the sound of a distant sheep bell somewhere up the hill and the soft shuffle of our group on the stones. The air smells different, more like damp earth and chimney smoke. Some of these houses are so old they look like they could crumble if you leaned too hard. There’s a tekke here too—Bektashi, Erion said—and he tried to explain its history while two kids ran past us chasing each other with sticks.

The last stretch toward Ali Pasha Bridge is mostly uphill, but not in a punishing way—more like you’re earning the view. I remember pausing for breath and catching sight of sheep dotted across the green slope, their wool almost glowing in the late morning light. The bridge itself is rough stone and arches over nothing much now except wildflowers and silence. I didn’t expect to feel so calm standing there, honestly. Maybe it was just the quiet or maybe something about all those layers of history under your feet. Hard to say.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Gjirokaster old town highlights

• Start at Cerciz Topulli Square
• Walk to the Old Bazaar neighborhood
• Pass Zerzebili bridge
• Explore Cfaka neighborhood and old houses
• Visit Bektashi Order tekke
• Enjoy nature and sheep on hills
• Arrive at Ali Pasha Bridge

Top questions

How long does the Gjirokaster walking tour take?

The tour covers several neighborhoods on foot; allow half a day for a relaxed pace.

Is pickup included for this walking tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours start from Cerciz Topulli Square in Gjirokaster.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; strollers are allowed but some streets may be uneven.

What neighborhoods are visited during this Gjirokaster walking tour?

The route includes the Old Bazaar area, Cfaka neighborhood, Dunavat, and Ali Pasha Bridge.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; only guiding services are specified.

Can travelers with limited mobility join?

This tour involves cobblestone streets and some uphill walking; not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your walk through Gjirokaster includes guiding by a local who knows every shortcut and story along these old lanes; minimum two guests per booking keeps things personal—no lunch or pickup included but plenty of time to pause wherever curiosity leads you.