NomadTrails
Ali Pasha Bridge- Gjirokaster, Albania
- 2.94mi / 4.7km
- 718ft / 219m
- Moderate
- 50 minutes
- Trail Map
This article is part of our NomadTrails series which are trail reports of hike, walks, and runs we have done on our travels and will include the details that matter most, our favorite images, and stories from our adventures.
Looking for a short but rewarding hike in Gjirokastër? The Ali Pasha Bridge trail combines history, scenery, and a slice of local life in under an hour.
Hidden just above the stone streets of Gjirokastër lies a remarkable piece of history, a 200-year-old aqueduct built under the command of Ali Pasha, one of the region’s most powerful historical rulers. The trail leading to it is well marked, with signs guiding you up the hill and into the quieter edges of town.
Once you arrive, you’ll see the bridge stretching across the valley, inviting the brave to walk across its wide stone path. It’s sturdy enough, but the uneven stones mean you’ll want to watch your step—one wrong move could end your adventure early. For those who dare, the views from the top are unforgettable.
Table of Contents
History of the Aqueduct
The Ali Pasha Bridge is one of the last surviving pieces of an aqueduct system built in the early 1800s under the rule of Ali Pasha of Tepelenë. The aqueduct once carried water from Mount Sopot, about 10 kilometers away, directly into the cisterns of Gjirokastër Castle. Today, the bridge is a short 50-minute roundtrip hike from Gjirokastër, offering travelers a scenic and less-visited landmark to explore.
While most of the aqueduct was dismantled in 1932, this section in the hillsides still stands. The structure even caught the attention of Edward Lear, the British poet and painter, who included it in his mid-19th century travels and artwork of Albania. As you cross the aqueduct today, it’s easy to imagine the vital role it once played in supplying the castle.
How to Get There
We recommend starting in the Dunavat neighborhood which is located at the back of the Gjirokaster castle up the hill from the main old town area. To get there on foot, if you start from the central mosque, take Rruga Astrit Karagjozi up the hill to the right of the castle when facing the mountains. Once you are on that ridgeline out front of the Te Kajala hotel, our GPX track begins.
To get to the starting point by car or bus, you can go up the new bypass road called Rruga Argjiro. Tell the taxi or bus driver that you want to be dropped off at the start of the Ali Pasha hike and they will leave you at the small square in the Dunavat neighborhood. If you turn toward the castle, you will see a large stone plinth a few meters above the roadway. This was one of the bases of the final aqueduct bridge before it entered the castle. Our destination is the last surviving remnant of this aqueduct network.
From here we hike up through Dunavat following the occasional signpost installed by the local municipality for wayfinding. The initial push up out of town is the most arduous, but there is lots to see of daily life that can distract from your aching legs. Be sure to look behind you as you gain some altitude as the views of the castle and Old Town are stunning from this vantage point.
Eventually the path will flatten out and turn to the left at the sticker-covered signpost seen above. From here, the trail mellows out and soon exits the settlement. Soon you will catch your first glimpse of the bridge as you head down into the valley. We recommend that when you come to the trail split in the valley, stay to the right to access the crossing – otherwise you will end up at the base of the span.
I’m quite scared of heights but on both of my visits to the bridge, I summoned the courage to walk across. Be careful though – it is a long way down and there is no railing on either side. Once you have explored the bridge and views, return back to Gjirokaster on the same route.
The Best Time of the Day to Visit Ali Pasha’s Bridge
If you’re planning to hike the Ali Pasha Bridge route in Gjirokastër, timing is everything. Early mornings are a great choice if you want to avoid the summer heat and enjoy the quiet beauty of the trail. Later in the day, arriving around 5 PM can be especially rewarding, as you may see shepherds guiding their goats along the path, adding a timeless, cultural touch to the experience. While in spring and autumn, midday hikes can be comfortable too.
Sunset is another unforgettable time to visit, when the bridge and surrounding hills glow in warm golden light. Just keep in mind that the trail has no lighting, so it’s best to head back while there’s still daylight to make your return safely.
Be sure to check out our article Gjirokaster: Exploring Albania’s Stone City to learn more about our favorite city in the country.
Things to Know Before You Go
Water & Sports clothes
While it is a short hike, it is a steep one. We highly recommend taking a water bottle and comfortable sport/running shoes. You’ll appreciate them as you walk on the hardpack trail.
Goats
It’s no surprise you’ll hear bells while visiting the aqueduct. Shepherds take their goats for a walk along the mountain ridges, so you’re likely able to get a glimpse of them. If you go around 5 PM you might even get to see them cross the bridge as they return home for the night.
Local Plants
There are a few interesting plants along the way that you can find. The most notable being the Jerusalem Lampwick, Ironwort, and Lesser Calamint. These local herbs are commonly sold by the bundle by vendors sitting out in front of popular sights. They are dried then brewed in hot water to make Mountain Tea.
Mountain tea is one of Albania’s most traditional herbal infusions, valued both for its soothing flavor and its traditional health benefits. Once a common part of breakfast in canteens, served with bread and cheese, it remains a daily ritual for many Albanians. For rural communities, the tea has long provided an important source of income.
Other Activities in the Area
If you have a few extra hours after the hike, you can make a couple of short detours on your way back into town.
The Citadel (Castle)
If you see just one landmark other than the bridge in Gjirokastër, make it the castle. Built in the 12th century and expanded over time, it offers sweeping 360° views of the town and valley. Inside, you’ll find the clock tower, parade grounds, and historic weaponry. Two museums are also housed here: the excellent Museum of Gjirokastra and the more intense National Museum of Armaments. Allow 2–3 hours for the castle, plus extra if visiting both museums.
The Manor Houses
Gjirokastër is famous for its grand Ottoman-era homes, many recognized as UNESCO cultural monuments. The most impressive is Zekate House, built in 1811 with fortified towers and period interiors—well worth the visit. For a second stop, consider Skenduli House, one of the city’s oldest homes, which offers a glimpse of traditional architecture and family history. Together, they provide a fascinating look at life in Gjirokastër centuries ago.
Where to Stay
When visiting Gjirokaster, it is important to note there are two distinct parts to the city, the old town and the new. Old Town is the quintessential preserved Ottoman city, replete with ancient buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and the imposing Gjirokaster fortress standing tall above. This is the area that you should stay in if you are visiting for any type of sightseeing – including the hike to the bridge.
The new town, while more affordable than the old, is a significant hill climb below both the old town and our hike’s trailhead. Instead of staying in this area, we recommend staying at Stone City Hostel to save a few bucks. Check out a few other options here:
Our favorite stays in Gjirokaster
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Final Thoughts on Hiking to the Ali Pasha Bridge
Hiking to the Ali Pasha Bridge is one of those experiences that blends history, culture, and scenery into a single short adventure. In less than an hour, you leave the bustle of Gjirokastër’s cobblestone streets behind and step into a quieter world where shepherds still guide their flocks and a 200-year-old aqueduct stretches across the valley. It’s not the most famous site in town, but that’s what makes it so special. If you’re already exploring the Stone City, this hike is an easy and rewarding addition to your itinerary, offering big views and a deeper connection to the region’s story.
Would you dare walk across this historic bridge, or admire it safely from ground below?
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Logan Brown
Author ArchivesLogan is a creative strategist, travel photographer, and scuba diving instructor with a passion for storytelling above and below the surface. He brings deep experience in branding, marketing, and web design, helping mission-driven organizations grow. Through Nomad Photographer, he blends photography, content creation, and destination marketing to inspire meaningful travel.
