Enchanting mountain village in Albania! Dardha is a great place to explore in winter!
If you are looking for a place to explore in Albania, especially in the winter months, then know that you will definitely like this picturesque little village, which is located in the southeastern part. Dardha, a small beautiful village situated in a mountainous area not far from the city of Korçë, is the perfect destination for lovers of nature, history and traditional culture.
This village, whose name means “pear” in the Albanian language, is known for its beautiful landscape, traditional stone houses, the hospitality of the residents, and a ski resort that many locals like to visit.
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Believe it or not, Dardha was founded in the 17th century by Orthodox Albanians fleeing Ottoman persecution. Thanks to its isolation in the mountains, the village maintained its autonomy for a long time and preserved a rich tradition. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the inhabitants of Dardha were mainly engaged in forestry, and many later emigrated. Today, however, the situation is different
Walking through the village, you can clearly see the historical influence, which is highlighted by the well-kept stone streets and traditional houses with stone slab roofs. However, what is truly interesting is that the village also has a photo museum, for which we could not find information as to whether it is still open. There it was possible to view photos and traditional handicrafts.
Besides being known for its charming architecture, Dardha is surrounded by the mountains of Shën Pjeter and Guri and Vjeshëts, which makes it ideal for hiking and exploring nature. In the winter months, it becomes a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts.
Although Albanian tourism began to develop on the coast from the very beginning, there is also great potential in its mountains, so just a few kilometers from Dardha, the largest and only official ski resort of Bigëll-Dardha – Ski Pista Bigell – was opened.
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It is this ski resort that is responsible for the opening of many small hotels and accommodations in the village itself, which now offer visitors something more than just untouched nature and rich history, which is a full experience of mountain life complete with authentic cuisine. What’s great is that the village can be reached very easily by car from the direction of Korçë.
When you’re there, know that a visit to Dardha is not complete without tasting some local specialties. The most famous dish is lakror, an onion and tomato pie baked on an open fire, and home-made pear brandy, forest mushroom dishes and cornmeal specialties are also indispensable.
Dardhe, Albania, Photo: anonymouse1, CC BY-SA 3.0
While Dardha is known as a winter destination for its ski resort and snowy landscape, the summer months provide a completely different but equally enchanting experience. This mountain village becomes a paradise for nature lovers in the summer, and the evenings are perfect for relaxing with a view of the mountain idyll.
On top of that, a visit to the village during August allows you to take part in the celebration of Saint Mary, a traditional celebration that includes music, dances, and local delicacies, providing a unique insight into the culture of the area.
A truly ideal vacation spot, isn’t it?
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