By Ilir Demalia
Every misfortune carries something good within it. A blocked road forced me to change my itinerary toward Korça and descend from Tepelena to take the turn toward the Dragot Bridge. It turned out to be a discovery: the Vjosa Valley is a wonder that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
The Dragot Bridge, built in 1936 from iron and wood, is not just a connection between regions but a work of art and a cultural monument. Beneath it flows the majestic Vjosa River—one of the last wild rivers in Europe, often called a “sacred river” for its extraordinary biodiversity, with more than 1,600 species. Yet this jewel is fragile. The story of the King Zog Bridge reminds us that negligence and abuse of riverbeds can lead to irreversible consequences. Today, the Dragot Bridge itself faces real danger from overloading and uncontrolled interventions.
Journalist Mero Baze has warned for years about its condition and about the catastrophic consequences that the collapse of the bridge would bring—not only for human lives but also for the isolation of the entire valley up to Leskovik. Infrastructure development must move forward in parallel with the protection of heritage.
Further along lies Përmet, once lively, today emptied by emigration. It is a town known for its calm people and remarkable cleanliness—where you would not find even a piece of paper on the street, let alone overflowing garbage bins or litter scattered around. The villages that climb toward Leskovik give the feeling that you are ascending toward the “Throne of God.” Here nature remains untouched, the air crystal-clear, and the horizon endless.
Leskovik lies among the mountains of Epirus, with Mount Melesin standing as a majestic natural shield. A little below are the Leskovik Thermal Baths, and near the border with Greece there are traces of an ancient Illyrian city more than 2,400 years old—a testament to the deep history of this land.
Melesin Distillery – Hope for the Revival of Leskovik and the Region
If the Vjosa Valley is the natural miracle, then Melesin Distillery is the heart that gives rhythm to the revival of this area. It is not simply a business; it represents a philosophy of development that connects tradition with a modern vision of elite and sustainable tourism.
Built on the ruins of an old hotel with influences of Russian architectural style, the distillery has been transformed into an artistic space where natural brick, warm wood, and industrial details dominate. Two majestic plane trees more than 200 years old in the courtyard create a cool microclimate during the summer, while inside a giant iron fireplace becomes the center of life in winter.
The colors of brick, coffee brown, and deep cherry blend with artistic black-and-white photographs on the walls, creating an intimate, elegant, and relaxing environment. Jazz and blues music in the background complete the experience, turning every evening into a ritual of calm.
The distillery produces wine, gin, raki, and amaro, all with a strong local character. Its philosophy is clear: quality over quantity, authenticity over industrialization. Each product carries the aroma of the Melesin mountains, the purity of the air, and the spirit of the land of Leskovik.
Here you do not simply consume a drink—you experience a story. Visitors can learn about the production process, the selection of raw materials, and the passion behind every detail.
The distillery has received two prestigious awards: recognition in the TIME list of “World’s Greatest Places 2024,” and honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2025, with its products Goat Gin and Vjosa Wild River Gin.
The cuisine is based on fresh local products, prepared with care and elegance. The flavors are pure and authentic, without exaggeration—a return to the essence of Albanian tradition, presented with contemporary finesse.
Service is another strong point: correct, courteous, and professional. The staff treats every visitor as a guest of the house, creating an experience that makes you want to return.
Leskovik, like many areas in southern Albania, has suffered from emigration and a lack of investment. Yet Melesin Distillery proves that development is possible when there is vision, love for the land, and the courage to invest.
It has created jobs, increased tourist interest, and drawn attention back to a region once considered forgotten. Today, both local and foreign visitors travel specifically to spend a weekend in this oasis.
An extraordinary tourism potential.
