Things to do in Tepelene District

Cold Water Nature Monument

Ujëvara e Peshturës Progonat

Tepelena Castle

Aqueduct of Ali Pasha

Ali Pasha Bridge

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Albania

Castle of Gjirokastra

Castle of Gjirokastra was originally built in the 12th–13th centuries during the Despotate of Epirus. During the Ottoman occupation in the 14th century, particularly under the reign of Bayezid II, the castle underwent significant expansion. Starting in 1811, many structures were added to the castle, such as the clock tower at the eastern corner, reinforced fortifications on the cliffs, and an aqueduct to bring in water. The castle terrace is a popular Instagram photo spot, attracting many visitors to experience its charm.

No. 3 of Night Attractions in Albania

Berat Castle

Berat Castle stands majestically on a rocky hill beside the ancient city of Berat, Albania. Upon reaching the castle, you are greeted with a wide view, offering a commanding perspective of the Osum River and the layers of white old houses on both banks. It once housed many Byzantine-style Orthodox churches. Today, surviving ones like the Church of the Holy Trinity can still be visited, with some containing medieval frescoes and iconostases. The Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos has been converted into the Onufri Iconographic Museum, exhibiting icon paintings by the representative 16th-century Albanian painter Onufri and his followers, serving as a window into local religious art. It also retains ruins of Ottoman-era mosques. Traces of different eras coexist here, with history layered upon this hill. Unlike many castles that are reduced to mere ruins, local families still reside here today. Residential houses and courtyards are scattered along the cobblestone paths, and strolling through it feels like entering a living hilltop village.

Blue Eye

Blue Eye is a natural karst spring in southern Albania, located in the mountains between the cities of Saranda and Gjirokastër. It is the source of the local Bistricë River, from which the water flows to the Ionian Sea south of Saranda. Looking down from the viewing platform above, the outer ring of water is bright and light blue, while the center is deep blue, almost black, making the entire water surface look like a deep blue eye gazing at the sky. The spring water constantly surges up from an underground cave; as you approach, you can hear the continuous roar of the water. The water is so clear that you can see dozens of meters deep. The water temperature is icy cold year-round, and a touch will make you shiver. It is precisely because of the low temperature and lack of impurities that the water color appears exceptionally rich and transparent. The surrounding area is designated as a nature reserve, characterized by oak and sycamore forests. Walking along the forest trail, you are accompanied by dense shade and the sound of water, making it much cooler than the surrounding lowlands.

Nivicë Canyon

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Albania

Skanderbeg Square

There are many major local buildings around Skanderbeg Square, including government buildings, opera houses, museums and banks, most of which were built during the Mussolini era in Italy. This is also the place where local daily events are held. The Equestrian Statue of Skanderbeg in the south of the square is the symbol of this square.