Tepelenë District: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Tepelena lies where the Vjosa and Drino rivers meet. Tepelena Castle was built in the 17th century and served as an important defensive point along the routes between southern and central Albania.

Those planning a stay in Tepelenë District may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

Culture and History

Tepelena Castle offers panoramic views over the town and the Vjosa River. Below the castle lies Beçisht Bridge, whose origins are associated with a Roman construction phase around the middle of the 1st century BC.

In the historic centre, Lord Byron Square commemorates Lord Byron’s visit to the town in 1809. Ali Pasha's Mill in Tepelena is a hydraulic mill dating from the 18th to 19th century and is connected with the local folk heritage. The Ali's Aqueduct in Bënçë dates from the late 18th or early 19th century and preserves traces of Ali Pasha’s infrastructure. The museum’s Archaeology Pavilion contains objects from the Bronze Age.

Tepelena is regarded as the birthplace of Ali Pasha Tepelena, an important Albanian and Ottoman historical figure of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Tepelena internment camp was established in former Italian barracks between 1949 and 1954.

Nature

The Nivica Canyons are designated as a natural monument because of their geomorphological, hydrological and aesthetic values. They extend for approximately 8 kilometres and reach depths of around 200 metres in some places.

The Peshtura Waterfall flows over karst rock and forms pools of clear water. Këndrevicë Peak reaches 2,121 metres and is the highest point of the Griba mountain massif. VITA Vjosa aims to support sustainable tourism and environmental protection in the Vjosa basin.

The Nivica Canyons are described as suitable for climbing, exploration and adventure tourism.

Routes and Activities

Dragot Bridge is a metal bridge over the Vjosa and connects Tepelena with southern areas, including Përmet and Gjirokastra. The Tepelena itinerary describes swimming and relaxing in clear water.

Culinary Tourism and Agritourism

Tepelena rakia is part of the local culinary culture and is made from fruit grown in the surrounding area through traditional distillation. Tepelena’s white cheese is made from cow’s or goat’s milk and used in traditional pies and pancakes.

Tepelena’s cabbage pie is a traditional dish from southern Albania, prepared with hand-rolled dough and olive oil or homemade butter.

GleAlb Guesthouse in Dukaj offers an agritourism experience that combines nature with modern amenities.

To the overview of the wider destination: Gjirokastra County.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Tepelena District.