Tepelenë is in Southeastern Albania. This district has two cities: Tepelenë and Memaliaj, and several villages.

Understand

Tepelenë district includes "Kurvelesh", a region famous for its bravery and polyphonic characteristic songs. This region has 15 villages, which are: Gusmari, Vërmiku, Nivica, Rexhini, Progonati, Lekdushi, Golemi, Kaparieli, Picari, Kolonja, Kuç, Bolenë, Kallarat, Fterrë and Çorraj.

The town took particular importance when local son Ali Pashë Tepelena gained power in the early 19th century. He kept Tepelenë one of his centers of power although his seat was in Janina (Ioannina) present day Greece.

The town is the less popular destination of Southeastern Albania. Quite small due to limitations imposed by the terrain, perhaps in itself meriting half a day visit, although it could take more time if you decide to venture out into nature from here. Tepelenë overlooks the Vjosa River valley below.

Get in

By bus

Check the Tirana#By bus timetable for southbound connection details. The price is around 700 lek. Tell the driver to leave you in Tepelenë.

By car

• From Tirana, you can get to Tepelenë following the itinerary Tirana-Durrës-Rrogozhinë-Lushnje-Fier-Levan-Tepelenë (3–3½ hr). The roadway is new and has good quality. From Greece, you can go through Kakavijë-Gjirokastër-Tepelenë (1–1⅓ hr).

• From Kosovo or Montenegro, head to Tirana first (3-4 hr), and then follow the above description.

• From Macedonia, you follow Qafë Thanë-Librazhd-Elbasan-Rrogozhinë-Lushnje-Fier-Tepelenë (3–3½ hr from Qafë Thane).

See

• 1 Castle remains of Tepelenë (Kështjella e Tepelenës) (central to the town). fortification played in important role in the rule of Ali Pasha. While only the outside walls remain, the inner part is filled with family homes now. It provides several vantage points to the Vjosa River valley below. (updated Feb 2025)
• 2 Church of Tepelenë, Rruga Ali Pashe Tepelena. orthodox church 

3 Statue of Ali Pashë Tepelena (at the southern entrance to the town). imposing statue of Ali Pashë Tepelena, the town's most popular son 

Further afield

• 4 Ali Pasha Viaduct (Ura e Bënçës) (when heading north from the castle, follow the signs 5.6 km). An impressive viaduct on the way to Progonat and Golem Pass. (updated Mar 2023)
• 5 Peshtura waterfall (Ujëvara e Peshturës) (right next to Progonat). (updated Mar 2023)
• 6 Uji waterfall (Uji i Ftohte), E-853 road (SE 8 km of Tepelene). (updated Mar 2023)
• 7 Blue Eye (Uij i Zi). One of many blue eyes in Albania. Larger, better for swimming and less touristy than its cousin near Sarandë. (updated Mar 2023)
• Doshnica waterfall (Ujëvara e Doshnicës)

Do

Walk around Kurveleshi. Ask for a guesthouse to the local tourist information office and enjoy the well-known hospitality.

• For hiking try 1 Golem Pass (Nivica-Senica). You can start the hike in Nivice or Progonat and head down till Senica, from where you can head to Sarandë or Gjirokastër.
  Download trail coordinates: GPX, KML. (updated Mar 2023)

Further afield

• 2 Pete's Cave (Shpella Lekpetës), near Progonat (SW 12 km of Tepelene). (updated Mar 2023)
• 3 Petranik Cave (Shpella Petranikut). Could be explorable, but only if you have something to float like a small boat. (updated Mar 2023)
• Dragoti Cave. 
• Water's Mom Cave. 
• Zemren e Shendelis. 
• Lekdushi Springs. 
• Nivica Canyons. 
• 4 Këlcyrë Gorge (Gryka e Këlcyrës) (E 25 km). This is also breathtaking and memorable place, created by the river Vjosë. Visit the Ortodox Monastery (Manastiri Ortodoks Gryka e Këlcyrës). 
• Hole of Feuds (Pusi i Hasmerive). One of the most interesting things to visit in this region. The legend says that in ancient times, the people killed for "feuds" (see Blood Feud in Albania) were buried there. 

Buy

Postcards, handmade bags or clothes.

1 (next to the Ali Pasha statue). nondescript shop selling small souvenirs. (updated Feb 2025)

Eat

White cheese and wine.

1 Laze (about midway on Ali Pashë Tepelena Boulevard), ☏ +355 69 226 6989. M-Sun 06:00-22:00. local broths and food $. (updated Feb 2025)

Drink

Tepelena water or local made raki.

Sleep

• Hotel Vea (600 m from the center) – Hotel Veal has a garden, bar, terrace, and free WiFi. All guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV
• Hotel Auto Grill Roberti (2.6 km from center) – Located in Tepelenë, Hotel Auto Grill Roberti features a garden, a bar and a terrace
• Guesthouse Lord Byron (1.1 km from the center) – Guesthouse Lord Byron features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, a fitness centre and bar in Tepelenë.

Go next

• Përmet - 35 km (22 mi) northeast.
• Fier - about 1 hour, 80 km (50 mi) northwest.
• Gjirokastër - 70 km (43 mi) south.