When I first set out to explore Albania, I didn’t expect to fall head over heels not just for its dramatic coastlines and ancient ruins, but for its accommodations. I’ve stayed in many places across Europe—plush city hotels, stylish boutique hostels, and modern Airbnb apartments—but nothing quite compares to the authenticity and soul of Albania’s castle guesthouses and eco-rural lodges
Let me take you through two of the most unforgettable stays I experienced—one nestled within the stone walls of a historic castle, and another hidden in the mountains among organic gardens and goats. These weren’t just places to sleep—they were part of the journey, part of the story.
The castle guesthouse transported me to another century, with its thick stone walls, antique furnishings, and panoramic views over red-tiled rooftops and olive groves. Every creaking wooden step seemed to whisper history. The rural eco-lodge, on the other hand, was a dream for nature lovers—hand-built wooden cabins surrounded by wild herbs, where every meal was crafted from the farm’s own harvest. At night, stars spilled across the sky, and mornings began with the sound of distant cowbells. It was here, in the heart of rural Albania, that I felt most connected to the land—and myself.
🏰 Castle Guesthouse in Gjirokastër – Sleeping in Stone and History
Gjirokastër, often called the “Stone City,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on a hillside in southern Albania. Its cobbled streets and slate-roofed houses transport you to another century. I chose to stay in a restored Ottoman-era guesthouse right within the historic old town—and it was like stepping into a living museum.
📍 Location
The guesthouse I stayed in was just a few minutes’ walk from the Gjirokastër Castle, with panoramic views over the Drino valley. From the outside, it looked like a storybook mansion—high stone walls, wooden balconies, and antique wooden doors that creaked with age.
💶 Price
For just €45 per night, including a generous homemade breakfast, I had a private room with en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. It felt like a steal considering the atmosphere and location.
🛎️ Service and Experience
What really made this place exceptional were the hosts. The guesthouse is family-run, and they made me feel like a long-lost cousin returning home. Upon arrival, I was served a glass of raki (strong local liquor) and a plate of byrek. Every corner of the house was adorned with traditional rugs, embroidered curtains, and vintage furniture. At night, I lay in bed surrounded by stone walls built centuries ago, lulled by the silence of the hilltop town.
Breakfast was served on the rooftop terrace: olives from their garden, local cheese, fig jam, homemade bread, and the strongest coffee I’ve ever had. The host also arranged a private guided tour of the town, led by his cousin who knew every stone and story in Gjirokastër.
📘 How to Book
I booked this gem via a third-party accommodation platform (I used Booking.com, but Airbnb also lists a few similar places). Reviews were glowing, especially from travelers who valued authenticity over modern luxury—and I found them to be absolutely accurate.
🌿 Eco-Rural Lodge in Permet – Rustic Luxury in the Albanian Countryside
After the stone streets and historical immersion of Gjirokastër, I headed northeast to the Permet region. Known for its hot springs, organic farms, and the wild Vjosa River, Permet felt untouched and sacred. Here, I discovered an eco-rural lodge that forever changed how I view “luxury.”
📍 Location
Located just outside the village of Leusa, the lodge sat at the end of a gravel road surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills. From my room, I could see sheep grazing in the distance and hear the wind rustling through walnut trees. The lodge was a 15-minute drive from the center of Permet town and a short hike away from the famous Benja thermal baths.
💶 Price
I paid €60 per night for a private wooden cabin with solar-powered electricity, a composting toilet, and a rainwater shower. It may sound basic, but it was elegantly simple—and utterly serene. The price included breakfast and dinner, both sourced from the farm and local village.
🛎️ Service and Experience
The lodge was run by a young Albanian couple who had returned from abroad to start a sustainable tourism project. They welcomed me with herbal tea from their garden and freshly baked fig cookies. There was no formal check-in desk, just a warm handshake and a quick tour of the grounds.
My cabin was beautifully built—handcrafted wood, traditional textiles, and no screens or distractions. Instead of a TV, I had a fire pit and a view of the mountains turning golden as the sun set. Dinner was served family-style with other guests: organic goat cheese, tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), and vegetables roasted in olive oil and sea salt.
During my stay, I joined a farm tour, helped gather herbs, and even learned how to make traditional Albanian jam. One morning, I hiked to a nearby waterfall with one of the lodge’s guides, who shared stories about the region’s flora, fauna, and folklore. At night, we gathered around a bonfire, shared wine made on-site, and listened to local folk music.
📘 How to Book
I found this eco-lodge through a travel recommendation on a responsible tourism blog, and later booked it through a travel platform that specializes in rural stays in the Balkans (like EcoBnb and BookDifferent). It’s also occasionally featured on mainstream booking platforms under “eco-farm stays” in Albania.
🧳 Why These Stays Mattered
There’s something deeply fulfilling about sleeping in places that hold history and heart. Albania’s castle guesthouses and eco-rural lodges aren’t polished in the conventional sense—but that’s their charm. These aren’t just beds to crash in; they are experiences to immerse in.
In the castle guesthouse, I felt connected to Albania’s proud, ancient soul. I walked floors worn by generations, and woke up to the call of a town slowly coming to life beneath medieval stone. In the eco-lodge, I found quiet, connection, and a glimpse of how travel can be both gentle on the earth and rich for the soul.
They were more than just unique accommodations—they were the highlights of my trip.
💡 Tips for Booking Unique Stays in Albania
Booking unique stays in Albania can be one of the most rewarding parts of your journey—if you plan it right. Unlike some European countries overflowing with chain hotels and standard Airbnb listings, Albania offers a more personal and intimate accommodation scene. But that also means the truly special places are fewer—and they’re in demand.
🕰️ Book Early, Especially in Popular Towns
If you’re planning to visit well-known heritage towns like Gjirokastër, Berat, or Krujë, it’s essential to book your stay in advance. These towns may have dozens of guesthouses, but only a handful truly offer that magical combination of history, hospitality, and authenticity. Many of these places are family-run, and they only have a few rooms—sometimes just three or four. In high travel periods, they fill up quickly. If you want that stone-walled room with a panoramic terrace or a hand-woven blanket on your bed, secure it early.
🔍 Read Reviews Beyond the Stars
Ratings tell you part of the story, but reviews tell you the soul. When browsing listings, pay close attention to what previous guests have said—not just about cleanliness and location, but about the experience. Look for reviews that mention meaningful conversations with the hosts, delicious home-cooked meals, traditional décor, or cultural activities like bread-baking or village walking tours. These are usually the places where the stay itself becomes a highlight of the trip, not just a place to sleep.
🌐 Use Multiple Booking Platforms
While Booking.com and Airbnb cover a good number of properties in Albania, they don’t have everything. Some of the most sustainable, remote, or culturally rich eco-lodges only advertise on niche platforms that specialize in rural tourism or eco-friendly stays—like EcoBnb, BookDifferent, or local Balkan travel networks. It’s worth cross-checking your options and even asking in online travel communities where fellow adventurers share off-the-beaten-path finds.
🛏️ Don’t Expect Luxury; Expect Meaning
One of the most important mindset shifts when traveling in Albania is adjusting expectations. You might not find five-star finishes, but you’ll find five-star warmth. What Albanian hospitality lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in sincerity. A creaky wooden bed in a centuries-old stone home may give you the best night’s sleep of your life. An outdoor composting toilet may come with a view of mountains you’ll never forget.
I’ve stayed in many beautiful places across Europe, but the memories that stay with me are the ones where I felt something deeper. Like the time I sipped herbal tea under a walnut tree in the quiet hills of Permet, or watched the moon slowly rise over the rooftops of Gjirokastër from a castle balcony.
If you’re looking to experience the real Albania, beyond the postcards and Instagram spots, these unique stays are the doorway. They offer a glimpse into a still-authentic corner of Europe—a country shaped by resilience, tradition, and a generosity of spirit that’s increasingly rare.
Book wisely, go with an open heart, and let Albania surprise you.
