bigtravelbuzzDibër District is a district located in the northeastern part of Albania, bordering Kosovo to the northeast and North Macedonia to the southeast. The district’s administrative center is the town of Peshkopia. The district covers an area of 2,586 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 130,000 people.
The Dibër District is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Dibër Highland and the Valbona Valley National Park. The district’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming and livestock breeding. The area is also rich in mineral resources, including coal, copper, and chromite.
The district has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with many notable landmarks and monuments. Some of the most famous landmarks include the Castle of Peshkopia, the Church of Shen Kolli in Selishta, and the Church of Shen Thanas in Zall-Dardha. The district is also home to several festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Dibra Ethnographic Festival and the Dibra Song Festival.
Places to Visit in Dibër District
There are many interesting places to visit in the Dibër District of Albania. Here are some of the top attractions:
Valbona Valley National Park – This park is located in the northern part of the district and is home to stunning landscapes, including high mountains, crystal clear rivers, and dense forests.
Peshkopia Castle – This medieval castle is located in the center of Peshkopia and offers a great view of the town and the surrounding area.
Shen Kolli Church – This is a beautiful Orthodox church located in the village of Selishta, known for its intricate frescoes and stunning architecture.
Maqellara Canyon – This stunning canyon is located near the town of Maqellara and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Qafë Thanë Pass – This mountain pass is located near the border with North Macedonia and offers a great view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Dibra Ethnographic Museum – This museum is located in the town of Peshkopia and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
The Hot Baths of Persqop – This hot spring is located in the village of Persqop and is believed to have therapeutic properties.
Lake Grama – This lake is located near the village of Grama and is a popular spot for fishing and swimming.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in the Dibër District of Albania. The area is full of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, making it a great destination for travelers.
Best Time To Visit Dibër District
The best time to visit the Dibër District in Albania is during the spring and summer months, from April to September. During this time, the weather is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
Spring, from April to June, is a great time to visit the Dibër District as the landscapes come alive with blooming flowers and greenery. The weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller, making it a perfect time for hiking and exploring the national parks.
Summer, from July to September, is the peak tourist season in Albania, and the Dibër District is no exception. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the landscapes are at their best. The Valbona Valley National Park is a great place to explore during the summer months, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying the beautiful natural scenery.
The fall months, from October to November, can also be a good time to visit the Dibër District, as the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are smaller. However, the weather can be unpredictable, with rain and colder temperatures becoming more common.
Winter, from December to March, is the low season in the Dibër District, with colder temperatures and occasional snowfall. While the area is still beautiful during the winter, many outdoor activities and attractions may be closed or limited due to the weather conditions.
Things to Do in Dibër District
Dibër District is a beautiful and mountainous region in northeastern Albania. Here are some things you can do when visiting the area:
Visit the Blue Eye of Dibër: This natural spring is a popular tourist destination in the region, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning blue color.
Explore the Lurë National Park: This park covers over 12,000 hectares and is home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, bears, and lynx. You can also see the Lurë Waterfall, which is the tallest waterfall in Albania.
Hike in the Valbona Valley National Park: This park is known for its stunning alpine scenery, with rugged mountains, deep valleys, and crystal-clear streams. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging.
Visit the Koman Reservoir: This man-made lake is surrounded by stunning mountains and is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
Explore the city of Peshkopi: This small city is the largest in the Dibër District and has several historic buildings, including the Kollonca Fortress and the Mirahori Mosque.
Learn about local history at the Dibër Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Dibër region, with exhibits on local customs, traditions, and artifacts.
Sample local cuisine: The Dibër District is known for its delicious food, including traditional dishes like flija (a layered pastry) and speca të ferguara (stuffed peppers).
Attend a cultural event: The Dibër District has a rich cultural heritage, and there are often festivals, concerts, and other events celebrating local music, dance, and art.
How to get around in Dibër District
Getting around the Dibër District can be a bit challenging as the roads are winding, and public transportation is not very reliable. However, here are some options:
Rent a car: Renting a car is probably the best way to get around the Dibër District. There are several car rental agencies in larger towns like Peshkopi, and the prices are generally reasonable.
Hire a taxi or private driver: Taxis are available in larger towns, but it’s better to negotiate the fare in advance. Alternatively, you can hire a private driver who can take you around the district for a set price.
Take the bus: There are several bus routes that operate in the Dibër District, but the schedules can be erratic, and the buses can be overcrowded. You can ask locals or at the bus station for more information.
Hitchhike: Hitchhiking is a common way of getting around in Albania, including the Dibër District. It’s generally safe, but it’s always better to take precautions and use your judgment.
Walk or bike: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore the countryside, you can walk or bike along the many trails and paths in the Dibër District. This is a great way to see the scenery up close and personal.
Where to eat in Dibër District
The Dibër District is known for its delicious cuisine, with plenty of local dishes to try. Here are some places to eat in the area:
Restaurant Selvia: Located in the town of Peshkopi, this restaurant serves traditional Albanian cuisine, including flija and stuffed peppers.
Restaurant Taulantia: Also in Peshkopi, this restaurant serves a mix of Albanian and Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on seafood.
Rruga e Gjetheve: This small family-run restaurant in the village of Selishtë serves homemade food using local ingredients, including traditional Albanian pies.
Fshejte: This restaurant in the town of Bulqizë serves a variety of grilled meats, along with salads and other sides.
Mrizi i Zanave: This farm-to-table restaurant is located about an hour’s drive from Peshkopi and is known for its innovative cuisine, using fresh ingredients from the surrounding farm.
Bar Restaurant Vëllezërit Krasniqi: Located in the village of Klos, this restaurant serves Albanian and Balkan cuisine, including grilled meats and fresh salads.
Kulla e Njës: This historic tower in the village of Njës serves traditional Albanian cuisine, including lamb and beef dishes, and has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
These are just a few options for dining in the Dibër District. You can also ask locals for recommendations as they may know of other hidden gems in the area.
Famous street stalls in Dibër District
Street food is not as common in the Dibër District as it is in some other parts of Albania, but there are still a few places where you can find delicious snacks and treats. Here are some famous street stalls in the Dibër District:
Burektore Hani Elbasani: Located in the town of Peshkopi, this small shop sells delicious burek, a traditional Albanian pastry made with phyllo dough and filled with meat, cheese, or spinach.
Furgonët e Kështjellës: These food trucks are located in various towns throughout the Dibër District and serve a variety of grilled meats, including qofte (meatballs) and mish pule (chicken skewers).
Gliko: This sweet shop in the village of Maqellarë sells a variety of homemade sweets, including baklava and Turkish delight.
Bar-Kafe XIX: This small café in the town of Bulqizë serves a variety of traditional Albanian pastries and desserts, including baklava, tullumba (fried dough soaked in syrup), and revani (semolina cake).
Kokëloto e Enisit: This street vendor in the town of Peshkopi sells kokëlo, a popular Albanian dessert made with sugar and caramelized nuts.
These are just a few options for street food in the Dibër District. Keep in mind that street food is not as widespread in this region, so you may need to do some exploring to find the best options.
Where to stay in Dibër District
Luxury accommodation
The Dibër District is not well known for its luxury accommodations, but there are still a few options available for those looking for a more upscale experience. Here are some luxury accommodation options in the Dibër District:
Hotel Gjallica: This four-star hotel is located in the town of Peshkopi and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine, and a fitness center.
Hotel Vila Bruci: This boutique hotel is located in the town of Bulqizë and offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop terrace with views of the surrounding mountains, and an on-site restaurant.
Hotel Lapidari: This hotel is located in the town of Burrel and offers spacious rooms, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and an outdoor pool.
Hotel Lyhnidas: This hotel is located in the town of Fushë-Arrëz and offers comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center.
Hotel Korça Resort: This hotel is located in the nearby city of Korça, about a two-hour drive from the Dibër District. It offers luxurious rooms, a spa, an indoor pool, and an on-site restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine.
These are just a few options for luxury accommodation in the Dibër District. Keep in mind that there may be other smaller boutique hotels or guesthouses that offer a more personalized and unique experience.
Where to stay in Dibër District
Budget accommodation
The Dibër District has several options for budget accommodation, ranging from guesthouses to hostels. Here are some budget-friendly options:
Guesthouse Nëna Vjollca: This guesthouse is located in the village of Maqellarë and offers simple but comfortable rooms with shared bathrooms. The guesthouse also has a restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine.
Hostel Panorama: This hostel is located in the town of Peshkopi and offers dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms. The hostel has a rooftop terrace with views of the surrounding mountains.
Guesthouse Artur: This guesthouse is located in the village of Zall-Dardhë and offers simple rooms with shared bathrooms. The guesthouse also has a restaurant serving traditional Albanian food.
Guesthouse Lepushë: This guesthouse is located in the village of Lepushë, near the border with Kosovo. It offers simple but comfortable rooms with shared bathrooms and has a restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine.
Guesthouse Gjoka: This guesthouse is located in the village of Kala e Dodës and offers simple rooms with shared bathrooms. The guesthouse also has a restaurant serving traditional Albanian food.
These are just a few options for budget accommodation in the Dibër District. Keep in mind that there may be other smaller guesthouses or family-run accommodations that offer an even more affordable experience.
Travel Tips Dibër District
Here are some travel tips to keep in mind when visiting the Dibër District:
Bring cash: Many places in the Dibër District, especially smaller towns and villages, do not accept credit cards, so it’s important to bring enough cash with you.
Dress appropriately: Albania is a predominantly Muslim country, and it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or other religious sites. Additionally, the Dibër District can be chilly at night, even during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to bring warm clothing.
Learn a few words of Albanian: While many people in the Dibër District speak at least some English, knowing a few basic words and phrases in Albanian can be helpful when communicating with locals.
Respect local customs and traditions: Albanians are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature, but it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. For example, Albanians often eat dinner late in the evening, and it’s considered impolite to leave the table before everyone has finished eating.
Take precautions when hiking: The Dibër District is home to some stunning mountain scenery and excellent hiking trails, but it’s important to take precautions when hiking, especially if you’re venturing into more remote areas. Make sure to bring plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and let someone know where you’re going.
Rent a car: While public transportation is available in the Dibër District, renting a car is a great way to explore the area at your own pace and get off the beaten path.
Try the local cuisine: Albanian cuisine is hearty and delicious, and the Dibër District is no exception. Make sure to try traditional dishes like tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), fërgesë (a vegetable and meat stew), and byrek (a savory pastry filled with meat or cheese).