Spring is the perfect season to visit a destination like Shishtavec, for the first flowers start to embroider the green hills, for the free horses running up and down the village like nowhere else and for the weather being on your side. For a unique and authentic travel experience, have a look at our suggestions and list this village in your 2023 bucket list.
Located in the Kukes region, Shishtavec is a hidden gem that offers stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a welcoming local community. Make sure to check if you have a connecting flight with the International Airport of Kukes.
Here are some things to do and see in Shishtavec:
Hiking to Maja e Kalabakut
Kalabak peak trail is part of the Sharr Mountains and High Scardus trail and it is one of the most beautiful and colorful hikes around.
You start from Shishtavec going up, and then along the border between Kosovo and Albania. When you reach around 2000 meters, you will be able to see very beautiful views and enjoy one of the best hikes around. When you reach Kalabak, you can continue walking, and arrive at the village of Caje, or if you want a loop hike, go back to Shishtavec. Via Alpventurer.com
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Explore the Trail of Colours
It was considered as ‘Shishtavec/Novosej – Kallabak- Çajë’ until Afrim Tahiraj decided to transform it into one of the most visited trails by baptising it with the new name “Trail of Colors”. It is a journey of colors indeed. It is part of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park and passes through the Çaje Mountains of Kukës and continues to Fushë e Korabit. Very close to it, there is the cross-border triangle Kosovo-Albania-Northern Macedonia. Hiking lovers, you will have to spend at least one night camping, to enjoy the perfect tour the agencies are offering through the trail, so get your backpack ready because magic is calling!
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Watch the free horses roaming the mountains
If you are in Instagram or TikTok, recently you must have noticed a few videos of beautiful horses running free in the Albanian mountains. It almost feels unreal as the nature seems untouched and the horses seem untamed. These videos were taken by Afrim Tahiraj, a traveler and photographer who’s well known in Albania for his unique photography at the Trail of Colours.
The video is enchanting, but imagine being there yourself and witnessing this pure beauty in person. The place you need to go is called “Shtegu i Ngjyrave” (Trail of Colours) and it is located in the northern part of Albania. You will find the horses near the village of Shishtavec, Kukes. This destination is suggested to be visited in the first weeks of spring, for the greenery, the flowers and of course for the moment when the horses are released in the wild.
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Make a photoshoot with a traditional costume
Visiting Shishtavec will be a good opportunity to learn more about its typical costume for men or women. More than that, you will have the chance to try the clothes on and have a photo session as a nice memory from your trip. The colours of the costume and its details will forever remind you of the flowers, the hills and all the colours you will encounter during your journey in Kukes.
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Taste the local cuisine
Shishtavec is known for its delicious traditional cuisine, which includes dishes like flija (layered pancakes), tave kosi (lamb and yogurt casserole), and qebapa (grilled meatballs). You can try these dishes at local restaurants or even in the homes of the villagers, who are known for their hospitality and warmth.
Attend a traditional dance and music performance
The villagers of Shishtavec are known for their lively traditional dance and music performances, which are an important part of the local culture. You can attend a performance and even join in the dancing if you like. The performances usually take place during weddings, festivals, and other special occasions.
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Go on a horseback riding tour
If you want to explore the natural beauty of Shishtavec in a unique way, you can go on a horseback riding tour. The tour will take you through the Novoseje – Shishtavec – Kallabak – Çaje and give you a chance to see the mountains, forests, and rivers from a different perspective.
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Visit the Adventure Park in Shishtavec
This park is a recently built and it offers a new opportunity to experience the village, You will find there the Tourist Information Center, a restaurant, a skiing area and 4 winter lodges for anyone who want to spend more than just a day there. There might aslo be souvenir shops in the future.
Shishtavec is a village that offers a unique travel experience for those who want to discover the natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of Albania. Whether you want to hike through the Trail of Colours, taste the local cuisine, or learn about the local traditions, Shishtavec is just a trip away.