Location Category: Lakes

Kukësi, city of the Color Trail at the foot of the Mountain of Gjallica

Located at the 2487 m (2487 m) mountain in northeastern Albania and on the shore of Fierza Lake, the city of Kukes is one of the newest cities in Albania.

It is part of the mountainous province of Luma. The city is built on an early historical settlement, which is evidenced by Illyrian tombs discovered in the village of Kënetë.

The city of Kukës borders the northeast and east with the town of Prizren in Kosovo through the border point of Morina, and with Has in the north, Puka in the west and Peshkopi in the south.

Due to its location, where the two Rivers of White and Black Drini join, Kukes offers an extremely picturesque mountain landscape, which resembles a peninsula in its form.

For years, Kukës has become an attractive mountain destination visited by many foreign and local tourists, passionate about nature, mountain trails, valleys, forests, springs, meadows, and mountains.

The Color Trail is one of the most beautiful attractions of the city of Kukës, which offers a variety Çaja to the Korab Valley, near the border, connecting Albania with North Macedonia and Kosovo.

During the discovery of this scenic trail, which can be traversed for several hours on foot you will be able to see the natural monuments ” Gryka e Vanave” between Mount Koritnik and Mount Gjallica; Bella’s Waterfall as well as Kallabaku Lake.

Also, while traveling by car in Kukës you should not miss the “Shkallë e Keqe” Canyon, the natural monument located near the village of Bicaj in Kukës; the magical panorama that gives the Gjallica mountain about 2,489 meters high where you can view the entire city of Kukës, where groups of professional climbers organize mountain climbing and mountaineering; The village of Shishtavec, 33 km southeast of the city of Kukes.

Shishtavec, as a natural monument, offers several tourist attractions, such as the Shishtavec mountains and the Morning Stone, a massive rock and sandstone, part of the natural monuments of Albania.

The artificial Lake of Fierza, created on the bed of the Drin River, is another fascinating attraction of Kukes, which also serves as a linking node between residents living in the mountainous provinces of Kukës, Tropojë, Hasi and Pukë.

The city of the Ali Pashe Tepelena and Vjosa – Queen of the rivers of Europe.

Tepelena often referred to as the city of Ali Pasha Tepelena , is located in the province of Derven, in the south of Albania. This city is crisscrossed by the mighty Vjosa river, and its natural beauty is further enhanced by its proximity to the Shendelli mountain in the northeast, the Kurvelesh mountains in the central part, and the Golik mountain and Mezhgoran gorge in the south. These natural features, including the Shendelli-Lunxheri- Bureto mountain range and Trebeshina-Dhembel-Nemercke , create a captivating landscape, adorned by the convergence of the two largest rivers in Albania, the Vjosa and Drinos , making it a favored destination for both international and domestic tourists.

Tepelena’s strategic location is nothing short of remarkable, with its ancient walls embracing rocky terrain and the imposing presence of Ali Pasha Tepelena’s castle reigning above. Beyond the confines of this historically rich town, one can explore villages steeped in history, meandering through the scenic Kurvelesh highlands via a wooded mountain road, which also reveals Ali’s water supply in Benca, an archictectural marvel from bygone era.

The history of Tepelena dates back to the 7th century when the foundations for a castle were laid at the pivotal junction where the roads of Vjosa, the Kelcyra gorge, Drinos , and Mallakastra intersect. Notably, in 1789, the city found itself under the leadership of Ali Pasha Tepelena, who established hic castle, revered monument that continues to captive the imaginations of all who visit.

Tepelena’s cold water sources are not just tourist attraction that guides travelers further south in Albania; they are an enduring symbol of nature’s allure, continuously piquing the interest of nature enthusiast and tourists alike.

The culture of Tepelena is equally compelling, as it encompasses the diverse territories located to the right of the Vjosa River Valley and the Laberia province. With this rich tapestry of culture and history, Tepelena offers a multifaceted experience for its visitors.

For those seeking to explore the wonders of Tepelena, we recommend the following must-visit attractions:

1. Europe’s Last Wild River, the Queen of Vjosa Rivers.

2. Ali Pasha’s Castle, a testament to history and architectural grandeur.

3. Ali’s Water Supply in Bença, an engineering marvel of the past.

4. Tepelena’s Cold Water, a natural treasure that beckons nature enthusiasts.

5. Nivica’s Canyons and Waterfalls, a splendid showcase of nature’s artistry.

6. Holy Places, including mosques, churches, and tekkes, providing spiritual insights and cultural enrichment.

Tropoja remains the tourist treasure of the Albanian Alps along with the beauty of the Valley of Valbona.

Tropoja is located in northeastern Albania and borders north with Montenegro, south by Hasi District, west with Shkodra District and east with Kosovo.

Tropoja is a typical mountainous area, where the largest area of the district’s surface is occupied by the high, steep mountains. The average height of the District of Tropoja is among the highest in Albania, 1105 m above sea level.

The climate in Tropoja is mountainous in the Alps and continental Mediterranean in the rest, characterized by long and harsh winters and short and fresh summers.

The district of Tropoja is rich in natural waters and has numerous rivers, with clear waters and glacial lakes, which create fascinating valleys with tourist and scientific value. Among all the river Gashi, whose valley has been declared a National Park of the first category and the Valbona River, whose valley is declared a National Natural Park.

It is not often the occasion to see an area as beautiful as Tropoja and its natural wonders; A rich land with inexhaustible resources, with about 200 types of medicinal and aromatic plants and minerals such as the chrome of Rragam, the Valbona bauxites and the quartz of Kerrnaja.

In Tropoja you can find the largest massif of chestnuts, not only in Albania but also in the Balkans, favored by the considerable height above sea level and variation of mountain terrain and alpine pastures.

Tourism is the most promising sector for the future, especially the mountainous one which is developed mainly in the Valbona Valley, but also in many other untapped attractions.

Get to know and enjoy the virtues of generosity, hospitality, natural beauty and authentic gastronomy of Tropoja.

Vlora, the city on the edge of the Adriatic and Ionian

The city of Vlora is one of the most beautiful cities of Albania, where the blueness of the sea, the beauty of nature, with the mountain and rocky slopes of the rugged coast of the south of the country, are combined.

Considered the pearl of Albanian tourism, Vlora lies on the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, in southwestern Albania, about 135 km away from Tirana. It is bordered to the north by Fier, to the east by Mallakastra and Tepelenë, while to the south with Saranda and Gjirokastra.

In antiquity Vlora was known as Aulona, and is mentioned by many foreign travelers and chroniclers, as one of the main cities of Southern Illyria, which flourished after the fall of Apollonia and Orik. The importance of Vlora grew even further as the independence of Albania was declared in this city, by the Ottoman Empire, in 1912.

Among the most visited attractions within the city is the historic Museum of Independence, the sea terrace of Teqea of Kuzum Baba, located on a hill above the city, Murade mosque, near Vlora -Skelë boulevard, in the archaeological area near Flag Square, The Jewish Street etc.

The Narte Lagoon represents one of the largest and most important lagoons of Albania, which is located at the southern end of the coastal Plains. This lagoon along with the island of Zvernec and the Forest of Soda are located a few kilometers from the city of Vlora, in its northwestern part and creates an impressive and unique natural ensemble. Here is Triport, a natural beauty unexplored by visitors.

The Monastery of Saint Mary on the island of Zvërnec constitutes an interesting pool of attraction for visitors and can be accessed through a narrow wooden bridge; The Castle of Canina, in the Southeastern part of the city, from which you can admire the bay of Vlora, the coastal plain and the lower valley of Shushica.

The coasts of Vlora are the enchanting postcard of the Albanian Riviera, which begins with the descent of the Llogara Neck and follows with the magical panorama of the broken line of the Ionian Riviera, which creates bays, islands, peninsulas, and numerous beaches, one more fabulous than the other.

Some of the most beautiful destinations of Vlora, treasures of the Albanian Riviera are: Karaburun Peninsula, the largest in Albania; Island of Sazan; Ancient Orik Park, Archaeological Park of Amantia as well as beautiful coastal villages and uncharted caves on the Ionian Sea, fortress of Porto Palermo in Himarë.

Vlora is the second largest port city after Durres, an important commercial and maritime center in Albania.

Vlora is the circle where all forms of relief alternate between them, such as the low field, hill, and mountain. Two of the cultural heritage values that the Vlora region carries are also the Vlora Polyphony, considered UNESCO asset, or Vlora civic songs. Vlora, for its many values and thanks to its geographical location is visited by tourists all year round, offering several types of tourism such as cultural, historical, mountain, sport, coastal, etc.

In recent years, Vlora has had a great development in the tourism aspect, as the beauty of its nature is discovered day by day as hotels, and restaurants are developed near the diverse attractions and beautiful beaches.

Vlora as a destination for your vacation is an intelligent choice, as the magic of this blue city makes it difficult to return to everyday life.