VILA DR. BIZHGA AGROTOURISM — RELAXATION, NATURE & AUTHENTICITY IN GJIROKASTËR

Location, Travel, and Tourist Destinations

The Unique Location of Golëm

A Paradise in the Highlands: The village of Golëm is located in the Municipality of Gjirokastër, within the Upper Kurvelesh region, sitting at an altitude of 1,000–1,200 meters above sea level . Surrounded by majestic mountains, the village resembles a giant amphitheater lush with fruit trees and pine forests .
Nature and History: The area is renowned for its crisp, clean air, alpine pastures rich in wild trëndëlinë (clover) and mountain tea, and a profound history tied to the historical figure Gjergj Arianiti and the prominent microbiologist Dr. Bilal Golemi . The locals are skilled livestock herders and well-known for their sharp, subtle wit .

How to Get There? (Routes to Vila “Dr. Bizhga”)

The village is situated 30 km away from the city of Gjirokastër and 15 km from the national highway . You can travel using one of four alternatives:

The Route via Votuca (Main Route): Take the exit from the Tepelenë–Gjirokastër national highway . The distance is 15 km (8 km are asphalted and the final 7 km consist of a mountain road with an excellent foundation suitable for any vehicle), passing through the villages of Picar and Kolonjë .
The Route via Vlora River / The Coastline: Connects Qeparo (45 km away) or Vlora (100 km away) to the Kuç–Progonat–Golëm tourist road, which is fully asphalted up to Progonat .
The Tepelenë – Progonat – Golëm Route: A panoramic road spanning approximately 25 km, asphalted up to Progonat . Right before reaching the village of Lekdush, it features a scenic balcony offering a magnificent view over the canyons .
The Pedestrian Route (Hiking): For trekking enthusiasts, the Zhulat–Kaparjel–Golëm trail provides a spectacular journey amidst lush greenery and crystal-clear water springs .

Must-Visit Tourist Destinations

The Mountain Crown of Golëm: These mountains reach peaks of up to 1,850 meters (such as Gjeshnikoshi and Mali i Pusit), boasting rich wildlife (rock partridges, roe deer) and trails ideal for hiking or off-road Rally races .
Guri i Çpuar (The Pierced Rock): A landmark rock on the border between Gjirokastër and Tepelenë, revered for generations as a sacred site (where a shrine/tyrbe stands today) and serving as an exceptional panoramic viewpoint .
Kapariel Valley and Mill: A pristine, 10 km long virgin canyon . Its river is perfect for adventure tourism during the summer, and the area also holds the historic ruins of the Bizhga Mill (built in 1924) .
Vezhisht Canyon and Waterfall: Located just 1 km away from the resort, featuring magnificent cascades that form natural pools (hauze) of cold water ideal for swimming, alongside rocky cliffs like "Buza e Qyçit" for rock climbing . Nearby lies Krapa, a rare geological phenomenon involving the collapse of half the mountain .
Kurvelesh Attractions: Just 6 km away, you can easily reach—either by car or on foot—the famous Canyons of Nivica and the renowned Peshtura Waterfall .

The guesthouse is located on the frontline of the village houses, surrounded by a fairytale landscape of green meadows, hills, and mountains. It operates as a modern mini-resort with a land area of 2,000 m² and a total construction area of 600 m², organized across three levels:

Underground Floor (Entertainment Zone):
- A space fully dedicated to leisure and free time.
- Amenities include: billiards (pool), ping-pong, a library, and a mini-gym.
- It also houses the technical rooms required for the villa's operations.
Floor 0 / Ground Floor (Taste and Comfort):
- A kitchen and bar-restaurant featuring perfect hygienic-sanitary standards.
- A warm and welcoming space where traditional local dishes and drinks are prepared and served.
- One "Suite" format room with two separate spaces, built to contemporary standards for maximum comfort during your stay.
First Floor (Accommodation Zone):
- Offers a total of 6 new, pristine rooms with modern furnishings:
  - 2 spacious "Suite" rooms (26 m² each).
  - 4 cozy standard rooms (20 m² each).
- All rooms are equipped with private en-suite bathrooms.
- Every room guarantees a breathtaking and unique view of the village and the surrounding mountains at any time of day.
Outdoor Areas (Nature and Sports):
- Large courtyard: Ideal for relaxing during the summer under the shade and freshness of the trees.
- Outdoor kitchen and pavilion (tenda): A dedicated spot for cooking traditional meals out in the open air.
- Sports facilities: A shared volleyball and basketball court.
- Garden and orchard: Land utilized for growing fruit trees, decorative plants, and seasonal vegetables.
- Animal corner: A fantastic opportunity, especially for children, to see and interact closely with friendly domestic and livestock animals.