Kerculla Resort: A Gjirokaster, Albania Hotel Review
Written By: Global Grit and Glam
May 2025
Kerculla Resort (Gjirokaster, Albania)
Welcome to the tranquil charm of Kerculla Resort, where tradition and luxury come together on the scenic hills of Gjirokaster, Albania. As we continue to blend adventure with comfort, this stay delivered everything we were looking for — and then some. With the majestic Gjirokaster Castle rising in the distance and the dramatic mountain ridges wrapping the horizon, our time here felt like stepping into a living postcard.
Picture this: you wake to sweeping views of ancient stone rooftops tumbling down the hillside, with the castle on one side and the lush Albanian countryside stretching forever on the other. Add in a delicious buffet breakfast, a serene outdoor pool, and a gracious team that treats every guest like family — and you’ve got the makings of a truly unforgettable escape.
Whether you’re traveling solo, exploring as a couple, or bringing the family along, Kerculla Resort strikes the perfect balance between peaceful retreat and gateway to adventure. Here’s our honest review, drawn from personal experience, to help you plan your own visit to this hidden gem in southern Albania.
Quick Tips
View of Gjirokaster Castle from Kerculla Resort (Gjirokaster, Albania)
Here are some quick tips to help you make the most of your visit to Kerculla Resort Gjirokaster, Albania.
Best for: Couples, families, solo travelers, and empty-nesters seeking a quiet retreat with rich cultural surroundings
Location: Perched on a hillside just a short walk from the Old Bazaar of Gjirokastër, with panoramic views of the castle and surrounding mountains
Vibe: Tranquil, welcoming, boutique-style comfort with traditional Albanian flair
Room tip: Book a room with a balcony or terrace for the best castle and countryside views — sunrise is spectacular
Don’t miss: The infinity-style pool overlooking the valley and castle — it’s a perfect spot to unwind after exploring
Dining: On-site restaurant offers a rotating dinner menu and a hearty buffet breakfast (included!) featuring local specialties
Wifi: Strong and reliable — even good enough for remote work, if you must
Parking: Free, private parking available on-site — a big bonus in the historic hilltop setting
Accessibility: While the resort itself is modern and easy to navigate, be aware that Gjirokastër's cobbled streets and inclines can be challenging for those with mobility concerns
What we loved most: The genuine warmth of the staff, the blend of traditional stone architecture with modern comfort, and the peaceful luxury of sipping morning coffee while watching the fog rise over the rooftops
Follow these tips and recommendations, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a fantastic visit to Kerculla Resort Gjirokaster, Albania!
Plan Your Trip
View of the Old Town from Kerculla Resort (Gjirokaster, Albania)
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Of course, we highly recommend the Kerculla Resort. Great room and an even better authentic breakfast buffet!
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Kerculla Resort Overview
Kerculla Resort artwork (Gjirokaster, Albania)
Kerculla Resort is a 4-star hotel in the old part of Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property is situated at an elevation with an amazing view of the whole city. From the pool area or perhaps your balcony, every corner of this resort has a great view.
The resort is a world leader in boutique hospitality in southern Albania, offering both traditional and modern dishes to please every palate. The restaurant has a complete menu of Albanian cuisine and modern plates.
From the moment we arrived we were greeted by friendly staff and they were exceptional throughout our stay. At Kerculla Resort, comfort is at it’s core. The resort has a range of room options, including deluxe double room, king room and queen suite categories. Each room has air conditioning, flat-screen TV and soundproof walls so you can fully enjoy the natural surroundings.
Suites and Rooms
Kerculla Resort deluxe king suite (Gjirokaster, Albania)
We stayed in a room with a view of the pool area looking down upon Gjirokaster Castle and the river valley. The resort’s choice views had us reaching for our cameras all the time. The deluxe double room is perfect for couples, the deluxe king suite for those who want space and luxury. Families and groups may find the queen suite with sofa beds the right amount of comfort and flexibility.
Kerculla Resort beautifully decorated rooms (Gjirokaster, Albania)
Our deluxe king suite was beautifully decorated, mixing tradition with modernity. We loved the sofa beds, this would be a great option for families. For those with mobility issues, the resort has disabled rooms so everyone feels welcome.
All rooms have free parking and free self parking and you’ll find flat-screen TV, air conditioning and plenty of fresh air. If you need extra beds, soundproof windows or a room with balcony to get some sun, the resort has got you covered.
Room Features
Rooms with balcony and castle view
Double room and king room with air conditioning
Deluxe king suite and queen suite with beautiful view
Free wi-fi, steam room, fitness center and vending machine
Banquet hall for events or conferences
Public areas and general facilities designed with care
Resort Features and Services
Kerculla Resort outdoor pool area (Gjirokaster, Albania)
The gym and outdoor pool area at Kerculla Resort makes exercising a pleasure not a duty. Surrounded by scenic views, the swimming pool is a refreshing break with an amazing pool view. For cooler days the steam room is a cozy retreat.
On site you’ll find:
A fitness center (locally known as fitness center energy gym)
A vending machine for snacks or drinks
An on-site bar with stunning view
Various services including laundry, room upgrades and tour desk
A modern banquet hall for events, celebrations and business meetings
One of the best part of the stay? The pool weather is almost always good but even if it’s not, the outdoor pool is a peaceful and beautiful spot to relax.
Dining at Kerculla Resort
Kerculla Resort buffet breakfast (Gjirokaster, Albania)
The Outdoor Breakfast Experience
Kerculla Resort open air dining room (Gjirokaster, Albania)
One of the highlights of our stay at Kerculla Resort was the buffet breakfast included every morning, served in the open air dining room with a breathtaking view of Gjirokaster’s rooftops and valley. This wasn’t just a breakfast – it was an experience of fresh air, morning light and genuine Albanian hospitality.
Kerculla Resort wide breakfast selections (Gjirokaster, Albania)
The buffet breakfast was a real feast: warm pastries, local cheeses, fruit platters, eggs made to order and Albanian specialties that let us taste the culture before we even left the table. A glass of orange juice and a cup of strong coffee became our daily ritual as we enjoyed the stunning views from the terrace.
Kerculla Resort fresh buffet breakfast (Gjirokaster, Albania)
We looked forward to start the day here – the environment was peaceful, the food was amazing and the vibe was to slow down and enjoy life.
Traditional Dining With a View
Kerculla Resort breakfast with a view (Gjirokaster, Albania)
The dining experience at Kerculla Resort went beyond breakfast. The restaurant serves grilled lamb, seafood risotto, traditional and modern dishes with flair.
Guests can enjoy:
Authentic Albanian cuisine
A good choice of meals for vegetarians, pescatarians and meat lovers
Food made with fresh ingredients
A bar with local and international drinks
Whether you sit in the covered dining room or have a cocktail at the on-site bar, every meal comes with a beautiful view.
Guest Experience
Your table awaits at Kerculla Resort (Gjirokaster, Albania)
From the moment we arrived, the friendly staff made us feel completely at home. It was clear that the team takes pride in welcoming guests and goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. Every staff member made our stay personal.
We arrived at the Kerculla Resort around 10am – too early to check in just yet – so we left our luggage at reception and walked into town. We received a lovely welcome upon our return around 3.45pm — friendly staff and a homemade cherry jam welcome snack (yum!), apparently made from their very own cherry trees!
Our room was gorgeous (we seriously couldn’t fault it!) though much closer to the pool than we were expecting! The bed was very comfortable and we both slept well.
Breakfast was absolutely incredible – and the view from the breakfast area beyond amazing! We only stayed the one night (24 hours), but I highly recommend staying more than this, so you can make best use of the entire resort.
Check-Out and Extra Services
Kerculla Resort stunning patio (Gjirokaster, Albania)
Check-in and check-out were smooth and straightforward, with contactless options available for added convenience. That said, a quick heads-up for fellow travelers: as stated previously, we arrived a bit earlier than standard check-in time, which is totally expected during hotel stays. However, we were surprised to find there wasn’t a designated luggage storage area available. The staff kindly suggested we leave our bags on the lobby furniture, assuring us they would be safe—and to their credit, they were. Still, we felt a little uneasy leaving our belongings out in the open, especially while heading off to explore the Old Town of Gjirokaster.
The resort also offers:
Access information and maps of local sites
Related services like car rentals and day tours
Tours to Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter), a nearby nature destination
Support for bookings via online travel platforms and booking holdings partners
Location, Accessibility and Parking
Located in the old part of Gjirokaster, Kerculla Resort is just a short drive from Ethnographic Museum and Taverna Lani. The hotel is perfectly positioned for mountain views and quick access to the city below.
The resort has free private parking, free parking space and free self parking. If you don’t have a car, it’s still easy to get to the property by public transport. The location is great for sightseeing and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the area.
Final Thoughts
Homemade cherry jam, Kerculla Resort (Gjirokaster, Albania)
For us Kerculla Resort wasn’t just a place to stay – it was a place to breathe, eat and connect with something timeless. The combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and breathtaking views made this a special destination. From the hillside location and view of Gjirokaster Castle to the restaurant, deluxe double room and always open fitness center, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking to book dates for summer or autumn, let Kerculla Resort be your home in Albania.
Kerculla Resort has the right mix of old and new. And we’d go back.
Now … it’s time to plan your trip!
