We connect travellers with local rental companies in Gjirokastra. Book online with an advance payment, collect your vehicle in town, and drive straight to the Riviera or mountain valleys. Coverage and terms arrive in your voucher.
Gjirokastra sits on the hillside 230 km south of Tirana, roughly three hours via the SH4 through Tepelena. The stone town serves as a base for the Albanian Riviera - Sarande is 55 km south (50 minutes), Ksamil 70 km. To the north, Berat lies 120 km away; westward, the SH75 cuts through Kelcyra gorge toward Permet.
Suppliers in Gjirokastra handle pickups in the old bazaar district or at your hotel. Roads around the castle climb steeply - cobbles mixed with asphalt - so a compact hatchback or crossover makes sense. Once you leave town the SH4 is paved and fast, though winding sections demand attention.
Booking through our platform means you arrange rental without upfront deposit, paying an advance online and settling the balance according to your voucher. Each supplier sets their own mileage policy and fuel rules; everything appears in the confirmation.
Sarande, Ksamil, Dhermi and Himare lie within an hour. Morning swim, lunch by the sea, back before sunset.
Kelcyra gorge and the Vjosa canyon offer gravel pull-offs and hiking trails. Permet is 50 km northeast along the SH75.
Explore at your own pace. No shuttle timetables, no group tours - just you and the road.
Combine UNESCO sites: Gjirokastra, Butrint (30 km south of Sarande), Berat, then loop back via Apollonia and Vlora.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Road Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarande | 55 km | 50 min | SH4 south, paved and scenic |
| Ksamil | 70 km | 65 min | via Sarande, coast road |
| Permet | 50 km | 1 h 10 min | SH75 through Kelcyra gorge |
| Berat | 120 km | 2 h 15 min | SH4 north, winding sections |
| Blue Eye Spring | 35 km | 40 min | southeast via SH4 then local road |
Fuel stations cluster along the SH4 near Libohova and at the edge of town. Gulf and Kastrati pumps appear regularly on the main highway. Fill up before mountain detours - rural stretches can go 40 km without service.
We act as an intermediary, linking you to rental operators in Gjirokastra. You search availability above, compare offers, and book the one that fits. An advance payment secures the reservation; your voucher lists pickup address, coverage details, and any additional driver or mileage charges.
On collection day you meet the supplier at the agreed spot - often near the old bazaar or your accommodation. They hand over keys, walk you through the car, and confirm return arrangements. The contract is between you and the rental company; conditions are spelled out in the voucher you receive after booking.
Need multi-day flexibility? Many suppliers allow one-way drop-off in Tirana or Tirana airport, though a relocation fee usually applies. Check the offer notes or contact us before finalising.
Yes. Our partner suppliers operate on a no-deposit model. You pay the booking advance online; the voucher specifies the balance due on pickup. No additional cash hold or card pre-authorisation is required at the desk.
A compact hatchback handles the steep town streets and fits narrow parking spots near the castle. If you plan gravel detours to mountain springs or want extra luggage space for beach gear, a crossover or small SUV adds ground clearance and comfort.
Sarande is 55 km south - roughly 50 minutes on the SH4. Ksamil adds another 15 km and 15 minutes beyond Sarande. Northward coastal towns like Himara or Dhermi sit 90-110 km away via Sarande and the SH8, totalling around two hours depending on traffic and stops.
Most operators take cash in lek or euro, and many also accept card payment on site. Your voucher will note accepted methods. For specifics or to arrange an alternative, reach out through our payment methods page before pickup day.