Birthplace of both the renowned writer Ismail Kadare and the feared dictator Enver Hoxha, this UNESCO World Heritage listed city is well worth visiting for the sweeping views from its steep streets and for the well-preserved Ottoman architecture of the massive merchants' houses, clinging against the mountainside and built with defence purposes in mind. The so-called stone city also has a charming and lively bazaar area with small shops and restaurants facing the cobbled streets. The huge castle above it houses an arms museum, though it's most memorable for the fantastic views across the valley.

This travel guide is one of five regional In Your Pocket guides produced in cooperation with the Albanian Ministry of Tourism and Environment (Ministria e Turizmit dhe Mjedisit, www.turizmi.gov.al). Copies of the guide are free and can be found at local municipalities, accommodations and tourist information centres, as well as at Tirana’s airport and embassies.
There are three guides for destinations in north Albania: Shkodra, Theth & Velipoja; Malësia e Madhe; and Puka, Vau i Dejës & Fushë-Arrëz. In southern Albania, two guides cover Gjirokastra and the Vjosa River Valley around Tepelene and Përmet. In Your Pocket also has a guide for Tirana.