VisitKukesRegion.org - Albania's best kept secret.

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The Lake Koman vehicle ferry is NOT on it's regular schedule and is NOT running for the Spring & Summer seasons of 2013. The small passenger boat is running daily and is available for travel. Leaving Fierzë (Bajram Curri side) around 6:00am and leaving Koman (Shkoder side) around 9:00am. Click here for FAQ's on the Ferry Schedule for 2013.

WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT KUKES REGION?
Mirësevini or welcome to VisitKukesRegion.org! Access to this northern region has vastly improved with the opening of the new major highway, reducing the travel time to the Albanian capital, Tirana, to less than two hours from the Kukes region. This area has been relatively isolated and unexplored by foreign tourists. Tourists visiting the Kukes region typically visit for its stunning and dramatic natural environment. Click here for the Kukes Regional Tourist Map. Valbona Valley and Lake Koman are two examples of untouched nature that are located in this region. The Kukes Region holds breathtaking mountains and extraordinary views that are unlike anywhere else in Albania.

HISTORY OF THE KUKES REGION

The Kukes region is the most unexplored part of Albania and is truly "Albania's best kept secret." It's rich national history and breathtaking, scenic views, make it one of the most unique parts of Albania. The Kukes region literally holds uncharted terrain and majestic nature waiting to be discovered by the adventurous traveler. Archaeological findings prove traces of inhabitants in the Kukes Region since the early Neolithic Age. The Kukes Region has recently been opened to travelers world wide because of the new highway that leads from the capital; Tirana. This region can also be accessed by the beautiful ferry ride on Lake Koman or hikes from Theth, over the Valbona Pass.

The Kukes Region has historical monuments classified into two different categories: buildings where historical events took place and memorials dedicated to historical events or figures, all of which are dedicated to the 19th and 20th century. The Kukes Region includes three sections: Kukes (the city of Kukes), Has (Shistavec), Tropoja (Bajram Curri, Lake Koman and Valbona Valley). The Northeast has played an important role in the history of Albania during the movements of liberation during World War II and now holds the burying grounds for numerous national heros. It is also home to the Balkans Peace Park which consists of mountain ranges through Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo.

Environmental awareness concerning the need to protect and enhance the environment as part of an eco-tourism development plan has grown dramatically among the region's residents in the past few years since tourism has increased. Click here to view some local efforts to protect the environment in the Kukes Region.

VisitKukesRegion.org is a non-profit website, sustained by the members of the Baskhia in Bajram Curri and Kukes.

Special thanks to:

UNDP-Albania, Peace Corps Albania, Jetmir Axhami, Endrit Hoxhaj