Puke is a small mountain town in northern Albania, at 870 metres elevation, roughly halfway between Shkoder and Kukes. Once a mining centre, today it is a base for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding forested highlands. The summer temperatures are mild and the surrounding hills offer walking trails to viewpoints and small lakes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Mountain hiking base, cool summer escape, overnight transit stop |
| Accessibility | Paved road from Shkoder (1.5 hours) or Kukes (1 hour) |
| Cost Tier | Budget |
How to Get There
From Shkoder, drive east toward Kukes. Puke is roughly halfway. The road is paved. Free parking in town.
The Insider Checklist
- Cash only. ATMs available in Puke centre.
- The hiking trail to Puke Lake starts behind town and takes 1 hour each way.
- Guesthouses are limited. Book ahead in summer.
