Travelers leave Çorovoda and enter the Skrapar mountains, where Mount Tomorr rises dramatically and shapes the landscape. Along the route, they spot small villages that preserve history, culture, and strong hospitality traditions.
Furthermore, Vendreshë e Vogël welcomes visitors with rich natural beauty. Yellow broom flowers cover the slopes, while green vegetation stays fresh despite the summer heat.
In addition, a paved road leads almost to the village, and visitors continue only a few minutes on foot to reach the inner houses. As a result, the village remains remote but still accessible.
Meanwhile, the Vendreshë stream flows from the surrounding hills and keeps the entire area fertile. It nourishes fruit trees, cornfields, wheat, beans, potatoes, and wild vegetation.
Moreover, the village organizes itself into three areas: Vendreshë e Madhe, Vendreshë e Vogël, and Vendreshë e Malit. These divisions reflect the traditional settlement structure of the region.
However, population decline has reshaped village life. Many families leave for cities or emigrate abroad, while only a few households remain throughout the year.
Consequently, only around seven families now live permanently in the village, compared to about seventy in the past. Still, residents keep strong emotional ties and maintain hope of returning.
Astrit Kuçi and his wife Tefta open their home to guests. They restore their house and actively preserve Skrapar hospitality through welcoming visitors.
In their yard, cherry trees grow abundantly, and they produce bright red fruit under the summer sun. At the same time, they maintain flower gardens and stone courtyards that create a peaceful atmosphere.
In addition, they serve traditional food and drinks, including cherry raki and homemade dishes. Although they live most of the year in Durrës, they return each summer to care for their property.
However, rural depopulation continues to challenge the village. Young people move to cities for education and jobs, while older residents stay behind.
As a result, agriculture shifts toward small-scale production. Families focus on fruit trees, livestock, and artisanal products such as cheese and raki.
Meanwhile, many cherries remain unharvested each season because there are not enough people to collect them. Birds often consume the fruit directly from the trees.
Vendreshë e Vogël shows strong potential for rural tourism. Its landscapes, traditional cuisine, and proximity to Mount Tomorr and Osum Canyons create opportunities for authentic village experiences.
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