Peja

Peja (Peja/Pejë in Albanian or Peć in Serbian), is a city in northwestern Kosovo. Peja has a rich cultural and historical inheritance being host to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, access to another one and surrounding by stunning nature.

Understand
The city lies in the northwestern part of Kosovo, at the foot of Bjeshkët e Nemuna (the Accursed Mountains) and Rugova Canyon, between 42' and 40' parallels (north) and between 20' and 18' meridians (east). The municipality of Peja in total has a surface of 603 km2, while the urban part covers 20 km2. The altitude of the city is 521 m above sea level, and the highest peak is 2,522 m at Guri i Kuq (Red Stone) in Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains. Once you pass through Rugova Canyon, you will notice its beauty and undiscovered treasures. Peja lies on the banks of the Lumbardh River springing from Bjeshkët e Nemuna for 63 km, after which it joins the longest river in Kosovo, the Drini i Bardhë. The spring of Drini i Bardhë is also in Peja municipality, in the village Radavc, with attractive waterfalls.

Population
The entire region is inhabited by 141,000 people; of which 98,000 are concentrated in the urban centre of Peja (2020 estimate). In the last decade, there is a huge settlement of the population in the city, due to better living conditions and more employment opportunities. The majority of the population is ethnic Albanian (90%), while the remaining 10% is comprised of Serbs, Bosniaks, Roma, Ashkali and Montenegrins.

Climate
The climate in Peja is continental with a cold winter and relatively hot summers. Autumn brings heavy rains and there are mild temperatures during the spring. People of Peja are fond of the winter season especially when it is snowing as they use this opportunity for skiing.

Tourist promotion office

 * [Peja City council website]
 * [Peja City council website]
 * [Peja City council website]
 * [Peja City council website]

Talk
The most common languages in use are Albanian and Serbian, although other languages such as Bosnian and Roma are also in use. The dominant language is Albanian. English is quite popular in Peja; the majority of local youth speak fluent English.

By car
To get to Peja, you can use several Kosovo border crossings with neighbouring countries. The nearest city in Republic of Montenegro is Rozhaje, which is 40 km away, while border crossing Kulla is only 15 km from the center of the Peja. The Çakorr border crossing, which passes through Rugova Canyon, is closed to motorized traffic and pedestrians.

From Albania you can use two border crossing crossings, through Morinë/Vërmicë using the Tirana-Pristina highway getting out to Prizren and onward to Gjakova then Peja and the second connection through the Qafë Morinë or Qafë Prush border crossings to Gjakova then onward to Peja, if you so choose.

From the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, you can use Hani i Elezit border crossing, continuing to Pristina which is 80 km away from Peja. As well you can use “Globoqica” area border crossing using the scenic mountain pass through the Sharr Mountains continuing through Prizren and Gjakova which is 120 km from Peja.

From Serbia, you can go through the Merdare border crossing to Pristina, continue to Peja, or you can alternatively drive through Northern Kosovo and Mitrovica.

By plane
The nearest airport is Pristina International Airport Adem Jashari, 65 km away, where you can get a taxi or a bus to reach Peja.

By bus


Direct buses:
 * Gjakova - 50-min bus ride, €2.5
 * Pristina - 1½-hour bus ride, €4
 * Prizren - around 2-hour bus ride, €5 (updated June 2023)

From Montenegro:
 * Rožaje - N 46 km, €4
 * Plav - W 70 km, €8
 * Podgorica - 6-7 hours, €14

By train

 * Trainkos Pristina - Peja.jpg are two trains per day between Peja and Pristina. The cost of the train is €3 (2017), and there is some nice scenery along the way. If taking the train from Skopje, the timings do not allow for a same-day connection onwards to Peja, though it works fine if going the other way (Peja - Pristine - Skopje).

If coming from Belgrade, trains run from Belgrade via Kraljevo to Mitrovica in the north of Kosovo. It will be necessary to take a bus from Mitrovica to Pristina (they're regular and cheap).

Get around
Walking is the best way to see the city, and is quite easy to do in Peja. If you are tired or in a hurry, there are numerous affordable taxis available; the average cab ride doesn't exceed €2. If you prefer, you can also use one of the city buses that cover the town for €0.50.



See

 * Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is one of the most striking historic building in central Peja, which definitely deserves a visit. It is a beautiful historical cinema, built in 1955 with money of the Workers’ Union. Back then, the cinema was called 'Kino Rad' ('Workers' Cinema'). During the period 1955-1998 it served as a central point of joint cultural activities for the residents of Peja. Activities included screenings of the latest films, public discussions, music concerts, theatrical performances and children’s programs. The cinema was closed down when the war started in 1998 and was heavily damaged in the years after, just like the rest of Peja. In 2000, the building was renovated and partly reconstructed. In 2001, the cinema was reopened, with its name changed to ‘Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla’ in 2002. In 2016 the Privatization Agency of Kosovo put the building on the list of buildings for privatization, which meant it would lose its public function. However, backlash from the local community secured Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla a spot on the temporary list of protected cultural heritage buildings in Kosovo. Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is now a cultural center which hosts movie screenings, musical performances, poetry nights, board game nights, and more. Most activities are accessible to international audiences. It's also possible to get a guided tour, which introduces you to the rich history of the cinema.
 * Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is one of the most striking historic building in central Peja, which definitely deserves a visit. It is a beautiful historical cinema, built in 1955 with money of the Workers’ Union. Back then, the cinema was called 'Kino Rad' ('Workers' Cinema'). During the period 1955-1998 it served as a central point of joint cultural activities for the residents of Peja. Activities included screenings of the latest films, public discussions, music concerts, theatrical performances and children’s programs. The cinema was closed down when the war started in 1998 and was heavily damaged in the years after, just like the rest of Peja. In 2000, the building was renovated and partly reconstructed. In 2001, the cinema was reopened, with its name changed to ‘Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla’ in 2002. In 2016 the Privatization Agency of Kosovo put the building on the list of buildings for privatization, which meant it would lose its public function. However, backlash from the local community secured Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla a spot on the temporary list of protected cultural heritage buildings in Kosovo. Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is now a cultural center which hosts movie screenings, musical performances, poetry nights, board game nights, and more. Most activities are accessible to international audiences. It's also possible to get a guided tour, which introduces you to the rich history of the cinema.
 * Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is one of the most striking historic building in central Peja, which definitely deserves a visit. It is a beautiful historical cinema, built in 1955 with money of the Workers’ Union. Back then, the cinema was called 'Kino Rad' ('Workers' Cinema'). During the period 1955-1998 it served as a central point of joint cultural activities for the residents of Peja. Activities included screenings of the latest films, public discussions, music concerts, theatrical performances and children’s programs. The cinema was closed down when the war started in 1998 and was heavily damaged in the years after, just like the rest of Peja. In 2000, the building was renovated and partly reconstructed. In 2001, the cinema was reopened, with its name changed to ‘Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla’ in 2002. In 2016 the Privatization Agency of Kosovo put the building on the list of buildings for privatization, which meant it would lose its public function. However, backlash from the local community secured Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla a spot on the temporary list of protected cultural heritage buildings in Kosovo. Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is now a cultural center which hosts movie screenings, musical performances, poetry nights, board game nights, and more. Most activities are accessible to international audiences. It's also possible to get a guided tour, which introduces you to the rich history of the cinema.
 * Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is one of the most striking historic building in central Peja, which definitely deserves a visit. It is a beautiful historical cinema, built in 1955 with money of the Workers’ Union. Back then, the cinema was called 'Kino Rad' ('Workers' Cinema'). During the period 1955-1998 it served as a central point of joint cultural activities for the residents of Peja. Activities included screenings of the latest films, public discussions, music concerts, theatrical performances and children’s programs. The cinema was closed down when the war started in 1998 and was heavily damaged in the years after, just like the rest of Peja. In 2000, the building was renovated and partly reconstructed. In 2001, the cinema was reopened, with its name changed to ‘Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla’ in 2002. In 2016 the Privatization Agency of Kosovo put the building on the list of buildings for privatization, which meant it would lose its public function. However, backlash from the local community secured Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla a spot on the temporary list of protected cultural heritage buildings in Kosovo. Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is now a cultural center which hosts movie screenings, musical performances, poetry nights, board game nights, and more. Most activities are accessible to international audiences. It's also possible to get a guided tour, which introduces you to the rich history of the cinema.
 * Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is one of the most striking historic building in central Peja, which definitely deserves a visit. It is a beautiful historical cinema, built in 1955 with money of the Workers’ Union. Back then, the cinema was called 'Kino Rad' ('Workers' Cinema'). During the period 1955-1998 it served as a central point of joint cultural activities for the residents of Peja. Activities included screenings of the latest films, public discussions, music concerts, theatrical performances and children’s programs. The cinema was closed down when the war started in 1998 and was heavily damaged in the years after, just like the rest of Peja. In 2000, the building was renovated and partly reconstructed. In 2001, the cinema was reopened, with its name changed to ‘Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla’ in 2002. In 2016 the Privatization Agency of Kosovo put the building on the list of buildings for privatization, which meant it would lose its public function. However, backlash from the local community secured Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla a spot on the temporary list of protected cultural heritage buildings in Kosovo. Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is now a cultural center which hosts movie screenings, musical performances, poetry nights, board game nights, and more. Most activities are accessible to international audiences. It's also possible to get a guided tour, which introduces you to the rich history of the cinema.
 * Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is one of the most striking historic building in central Peja, which definitely deserves a visit. It is a beautiful historical cinema, built in 1955 with money of the Workers’ Union. Back then, the cinema was called 'Kino Rad' ('Workers' Cinema'). During the period 1955-1998 it served as a central point of joint cultural activities for the residents of Peja. Activities included screenings of the latest films, public discussions, music concerts, theatrical performances and children’s programs. The cinema was closed down when the war started in 1998 and was heavily damaged in the years after, just like the rest of Peja. In 2000, the building was renovated and partly reconstructed. In 2001, the cinema was reopened, with its name changed to ‘Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla’ in 2002. In 2016 the Privatization Agency of Kosovo put the building on the list of buildings for privatization, which meant it would lose its public function. However, backlash from the local community secured Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla a spot on the temporary list of protected cultural heritage buildings in Kosovo. Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is now a cultural center which hosts movie screenings, musical performances, poetry nights, board game nights, and more. Most activities are accessible to international audiences. It's also possible to get a guided tour, which introduces you to the rich history of the cinema.
 * Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is one of the most striking historic building in central Peja, which definitely deserves a visit. It is a beautiful historical cinema, built in 1955 with money of the Workers’ Union. Back then, the cinema was called 'Kino Rad' ('Workers' Cinema'). During the period 1955-1998 it served as a central point of joint cultural activities for the residents of Peja. Activities included screenings of the latest films, public discussions, music concerts, theatrical performances and children’s programs. The cinema was closed down when the war started in 1998 and was heavily damaged in the years after, just like the rest of Peja. In 2000, the building was renovated and partly reconstructed. In 2001, the cinema was reopened, with its name changed to ‘Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla’ in 2002. In 2016 the Privatization Agency of Kosovo put the building on the list of buildings for privatization, which meant it would lose its public function. However, backlash from the local community secured Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla a spot on the temporary list of protected cultural heritage buildings in Kosovo. Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is now a cultural center which hosts movie screenings, musical performances, poetry nights, board game nights, and more. Most activities are accessible to international audiences. It's also possible to get a guided tour, which introduces you to the rich history of the cinema.
 * Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is one of the most striking historic building in central Peja, which definitely deserves a visit. It is a beautiful historical cinema, built in 1955 with money of the Workers’ Union. Back then, the cinema was called 'Kino Rad' ('Workers' Cinema'). During the period 1955-1998 it served as a central point of joint cultural activities for the residents of Peja. Activities included screenings of the latest films, public discussions, music concerts, theatrical performances and children’s programs. The cinema was closed down when the war started in 1998 and was heavily damaged in the years after, just like the rest of Peja. In 2000, the building was renovated and partly reconstructed. In 2001, the cinema was reopened, with its name changed to ‘Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla’ in 2002. In 2016 the Privatization Agency of Kosovo put the building on the list of buildings for privatization, which meant it would lose its public function. However, backlash from the local community secured Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla a spot on the temporary list of protected cultural heritage buildings in Kosovo. Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla is now a cultural center which hosts movie screenings, musical performances, poetry nights, board game nights, and more. Most activities are accessible to international audiences. It's also possible to get a guided tour, which introduces you to the rich history of the cinema.

Further afield

 * In addition to the mountains, there are a few destinations to go relatively close to Peja.
 * Rusolia Resort
 * In addition to the mountains, there are a few destinations to go relatively close to Peja.
 * Rusolia Resort
 * Rusolia Resort
 * Radac (the spring of Drini river)
 * Hajla
 * Shtedimi
 * The mountain of Ciga with the peak of Maja e Hasan Begut
 * The mountain with the peak of Vjelakut
 * Peklena
 * Istog

Do



 * Liqenat Rugovë.jpg

Parks
Peja is known as one of the cities with most green areas in Kosovo, is called as well as “Green Peja”. In Karagaç neighborhood is the Big Park: in the central part of the park is a beautiful artificial lake surrounded by flowers of variety of plants and trees. During the summertime, many people visit the park for relax and jogging. Peja Big Park has its legend; the biggest part of the park in ancient times was used as a graveyard.



Flora
There are more than 375 types of herbs that grow on Bjeshkët e Nemuna including Leontopodium Alpinum, Primula Auricula, Gentiana Hyphylla, Blueberries, Chamomile, Mountain Tea, White Spruce, and Picea Abies.

Fauna
Various species of wild animals common to the Balkans live in the territory of Bjeshkët e Nemuna, but in the Rugova Valley, there are also several species of endangered animals, including the European marble pole cat, wild rooster, lynx, viper, wild cat, brown bear, rupicapra, wolf, fox and golden eagle.

Sports
Peja is well known for sports and sport successes were a lot of youth are practicing various sports. Most famous sports are basketball, football and handball. Peja clubs have been many times Kosovo champions in many sports, though individual sports are developed as well like karate, judo, athletics, boxing and skiing.

Extreme sports
Talking about extreme sports you will see that Peja is one of Kosovo's cities with the largest attendance of extreme sports such as hiking, paragliding, freestyle skiing, mountain biking, snowshoe trekking, rock climbing, caving etc. With their respective clubs like: ”Marimangat e Pejës", "Aragoniti", and “Klubi i Ciklistive”.

Events
Peja is known for its various handicrafts and fairs and events such as memorials, concerts and exhibitions. Some of the fairs and events that Municipality of Peja organizes are:
 * “The days of the honey" fair which is organized in September
 * The 3 days handcrafts fair organized by the Association "Gratë në Biznes"
 * Literature gatherings "Azem Shkreli"
 * The festivities during the June, marking Peja liberation day
 * Art exhibition "Flaka e janarit"
 * International Short Film Festival
 * Various sports memorial tournaments

Buy
Peja has a few malls and around 100 stores. You can shop for anything you want. You can find all sorts of items, electronic, ceramic and granite tiles, clothes and groceries in fair prices. Most furnished stores are located in and around the center. Meanwhile in the suburbs in some places you only find the basics.

Traditional costumes
A special segment of the commercial life in Peja is crafts who are mainly located in Çarshia e Gjate (Old Bazaar) exercising their knowledge in their shops like: traditional Albanian Plis makers (wool hats), dress makers, shoe smiths, watch smiths, gold and silver artisan works, barbers etc. Some of these crafts already disappeared or is exercised by an individual as the legacy and memory of the past. The most decorated pieces of local costumes for the females are shirts, waists, socks and for men’s costume, socks and the waist. Besides costumes, different textile products are very interesting. The uniqueness of the textile it’s not only in the working techniques but a complex of different factors like colors and motives through which the woman of this region are presented as wonderful weavers and painters that have sometimes made masterpieces. In the village of Rugova traditional costumes are still worn with a lot of dignity and in the national museum and in different galleries are exposed traditional costumes and handicrafts from the region. The uniqueness of the traditional clothing’s and other objects of the Peja culture can be found by visiting the Ethnographic Museum which is located in the nearby Haxhi Zeka Square.

Eat
Gastronomy of Peja is characterized with authentic and original food, freshly cooked from milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, honey, forest tea, pie, flija (corn pie), kaqamak, boiled cheese, leqenik and healthy bread from corn. At the restaurants you can always find traditional, oriental and european gastronomy.

In Peja restaurants and hotels beside the Wine of Radavci known for its high quality it is served "Peja Beer" produced in Peja, using natural water from the spring of Drin i Bardhe. Besides from alcoholic drinks you can find as well other traditional and oriental drinks like Boza, Salep, Ardiq, Ajron, and Shurup Trandafili.

Drink
Cafés dominate the appearance of Peja's center. Trendiest places are filled with youth during school breaks and holidays. Locals can sit hours sipping their macchiatos, and there is always time to drink coffee. Most of cafés have free wi-fi connection, and in those which don't you can usually connect to internet by using neighbor cafés' Wi-Fi. As typical in Balkans, smoking is allowed almost anywhere, so don't expect to breathe fresh air in a terrace. Tap water in Peja comes from the mountain springs and is safe to drink.

The best beer from Kosova Birra Peja is brewed in Peja and you can order it in practically every café and restaurant.

Local strong alcohol, raki, is worth trying. Drink a shot after eating to stimulate your digestion or let it warm your body in cool night in the mountains.

Try the wine from the Rahovec region, it's the only local wine in Peja. They serve it as the house wine at "Art Design," and you can also find it in most supermarkets. It's a light-bodied wine, with a clean taste.

In Peja restaurants and hotels beside the Wine of Radavci known for its high quality it is served "Peja Beer" produced in Peja, using natural water from the spring of Drin i Bardhe. Besides from alcoholic drinks you can find as well other traditional and oriental drinks like Boza, Salep, Ardiq, Ajron, Shurup Trandafili.

Bars


Peja is not a city known for night life, but for local youth there are plenty of places where you can spend the afternoon and evenings. Most frequented pubs are: Green bar, Exit bar, Home café, Café Café, Prince Coffee House, Jazz bar, Gemvara. All these bars are located in the city center.

Clubs


Also for the older age groups in the restaurants and hotels of the city of Peja, during weekends you can have dinner under the sound of old traditional urban music. This pleasure you can experience at Hotel Dukagjini, Hotel Cocktail and Art Design Restaurant.

Go next

 * Gjakova - 36 km, 45 min away by bus, closest city in Kosovo with the largest Ottoman-era bazaar in the Balkans.
 * Pristina - the capital of Kosovo.
 * Prizren - Jump in a bus (around 2-hour bus ride) and have a day off
 * Istog - take a direct bus (25 minutes, €1.50).
 * Plav - a city of Montenegro with direct bus connection from Peja
 * Rožaje- the nearest city of Montenegro with direct bus connection from Peja (once a day at 13:30, €5).
 * Podgorica- take a direct bus (6-7 hours, €14) to visiting the capital of Montenegro. Peja is near the border of Montenegro. There is no border crossing through Rugova but you have to go around through Rožaje. Go to Albania through Gjakova or Prizren, and to Skopje through Pristina.