Kelmend
Albania · Europe
About Kelmend
Northeastern Albania is a region of Albania. A land of high peaks, deep valleys, and timeless traditions. From Mount Korab, the tallest in Albania, to the crystal Lura Lakes and the winding Drin River, this region blends raw natural beauty with rich culture. Though many young people leave for opportunities elsewhere, the area’s authentic villages, folk music, and warm hospitality keep its spirit alive - and its tourism potential growing stronger every year.
Kelmend travel guide
Understand
This is the inland region of Albania to the north of the Shkumbin River. It borders Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Getting there
From Kosovo – Morine border crossing along the R7/SH5 motorway near Prizren From Kosovo – Qafa Prushit border crossing along the M9-1/SH22 near Gjakova From Montenegro – Vermosh/Vjeternik border crossing near Gucinje
Getting around
The best way to get around is by bus or van (furgon). Buses that go from Tirana to Durres cost 100 lek for example. Inner city buses cost 30 lek a trip. Some buses that leave Skanderberg Square are free with the end destination being the mall advertised on the side of the bus. Sometimes you can grab a mall bus, and get out before the mall somewhere for a free ride! Furgon's cost a little more, from 200 lek and up if you are heading out of a major town and are used for faster transport and the more windy mountain roads that cannot accommodate a large bus. You can get almost anywhere by bus, with totally unmarked stations all over the Square area.
Do
Visit the wood carving studio of Fran Pali in Puke where he makes handmade wood carved musical instruments himself. Take part in the annual festivals organized in the summer showcasing regional delicacies and handcrafts Hiking and cross country touring
Thermal springs and baths Peshkopi – A town in the Dibër District of Albania, with spa facilities and 1 or two outside/public pools. There are direct buses every ½-1 hr from Tirana. Near Krujë, you can find Shupali Spring, where the water is quiet hot (29.5°C), and Mamurras Springs, which is not particularly picturesque nor hot, in a quite dirty river valley, but the surroundings might allow for some surreal picture.
Eat
AMT (At Mhill Troshani) Bio Farm Center, founded by an Italian priest in Kçirë village near Puke, sells locally made medicinal herbs, alpine jams and delicious meats by benefiting local producers. Contact Mr. Dom Giovanni Fiocchi (Facebook Page) Variety of nuts Flija
Drink & nightlife
Boza – A traditional drink of Kukes made from fermented maize and grain Cornelian cherry juice Birra Puka – A local beer from Puka known for its purity made from crystal clear waters Dhalle – A refreshing Kefir like dairy product like Aaryan
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.