Among the gems of rural tourism in Albanie, Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm, located in the village of Fishtë in northern Albanie, is an establishment embodying harmony between nature, culture and gastronomy. It attracts travelers in search of an authentic experience deeply rooted in Albanian tradition. For those seeking immersion in authentic Albanie, far from the beaten path and major cities, Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm represents an unforgettable experience. This place embodies the very essence of Albanian hospitality, while offering an idyllic setting to reconnect with nature and local culture.

Location

Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm is located in Fishtë Blinisht, 13.5 km from Lezhë city center. The nearest airport is Mother Teresa International Airport in Tirana, approximately sixty kilometers away. Lake Skadar is located approximately 31 km from the establishment.

History and Concept

Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizën was founded in 2010 by Altin Prenga and his brother Anton, Albanian chefs trained in Italy since 1998. They returned to their home country with an ambitious vision: to create a restaurant with an agritourism model that promotes authentic Albanian cuisine, using local and fresh products.

The name of the establishment, "Mrizi i Zanave," meaning "the refuge of the fairies," is a reference to a poem by the famous Albanian poet Gjergj Fishta, a native of Fishtë.

The concept is based on a "farm to table" philosophy, in which most of the ingredients used in the dishes come directly from local farms or their own agricultural production. In fact, more than 400 farming families in the region supply agricultural products to the establishment. Moreover, the property of approximately 20 hectares under cultivation is a true farm where most of the ingredients that make up the restaurant's menu are produced. Examples include:

• Organic fruits and vegetables
• Artisanal cheeses
• Local honey
• Superior quality meat
• Dried tomatoes
• Assorted charcuterie
• Preserves
• Wines

Mrizi i Zanave has successfully recreated a genuine local food chain, where farmers, breeders and producers are integrated into the economic model. In fact, the establishment employs over one hundred staff members. This allows Mrizi i Zanave to offer authentic cuisine while supporting the local economy and promoting traditional craftsmanship.

Unique Gastronomic Experience

One of the main reasons visitors flock to Mrizi i Zanave is undoubtedly its family restaurant and exceptional cuisine. Altin Prenga's culinary approach highlights fresh, local, and organically grown ingredients. Indeed, the restaurant's slogan is "Think globally, Eat locally."

Guests can dine in

The restaurant has several dining rooms to choose from, some of which are on terraces or in the open air, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley and countryside. The menu evolves with the seasons and offers dishes inspired by traditional Albanian recipes, revisited with a modern touch.

Guests can choose from a variety of Albanian appetizers, complemented by vegetables, meats, cheeses and pickles.

Among the signature dishes, you'll find specialties such as:

• Jufka, or homemade pasta accompanied by mushrooms or a blueberry sauce
• Byrek (a traditional pie with spinach, meat or cheese)
• Roasted lamb and goose
• Tender pork skewers

The establishment also offers fruit beverages of choice, various varieties of local wines, as well as assorted desserts such as ice cream, cakes, fruit salads, pastries, and more.

A meal at Mrizi i Zanave is a true gastronomic adventure where each dish tells a story—that of the land and the people who cultivate it. Altin Prenga strives to pay tribute to Albanie's rural roots while drawing inspiration from modern techniques he acquired during his experience in Italy.

Accommodation

The Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm hotel opened its doors in 2019 and is located a few steps from the restaurant. Accommodations with king-size or single beds are available for those who wish to extend their stay and immerse themselves further in the beauty of the Albanian countryside.

The establishment offers 9 comfortable rooms, divided into different categories:

• Family
• Double

The rooms are named after farm animals. Some feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls and offer stunning views of the surroundings.

The accommodations are built with local materials, decorated in a blend of rustic and contemporary style with vibrant colors.

All rooms are spacious and equipped with:

• Air conditioning
• A wardrobe
• Bed linens

Private bathrooms are furnished with slippers, a bidet, towels, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Services and Facilities

Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm offers internet access to its guests. It provides airport transfer service to and from the airport. It allows visitors access to a patio and also features free private parking. Clients have the opportunity to enjoy themselves in the establishment's children's play area. They can also relax with family or partner in the picnic area and admire views of the garden and mountains. Additionally, an entertainment show takes place every evening at the restaurant. The establishment also has a well-equipped conference room. A banquet hall is offered for those wishing to celebrate a special event. It is important to note that the staff speaks English and Italian.

Furthermore, Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm has a shop where visitors can purchase various local products such as:

• Jams
• Marmalades
• Wines
• Dried sausages
• Smoked meat
• Cheeses (goat, cow, etc.)
• Ceramic pots
• Textiles
• Artisanal soaps
• Honey

Activities

Nestled in the heart of the hills of the Lezhë region, Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm offers the opportunity to enjoy the calm and tranquility of still-pristine nature. Visitors can tour the establishment's farm and discover the orchards, vineyards and olive groves that surround the property. It is also possible to take a tour of the property to see the animals, including horses, sheep, goats, geese, chickens, and more.

Moreover, visitors can venture to the former prison that now houses the establishment's winemaking, jam-making and cheese-making enterprises. Inside, you'll see rooms filled with wheels of cheese or barrels of wine. In some rooms, employees prepare different types of jams and charcuterie. A small dairy where cow and goat cheeses are produced is also noteworthy. It is also worth noting that the establishment produces flours obtained through stone grinding to make local breads.

Furthermore, visitors have the opportunity to participate in activities such as fruit harvesting or cheese production. It's a chance to taste foods and ingredients before they are prepared and transformed into delectable dishes.

Impact on the Region

Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm has had considerable impact on the Fishtë region and more broadly on rural tourism in Albanie. By attracting visitors from around the world, the establishment has not only helped revitalize the local economy but has also put the small Lezhë region on the international tourism map. Many local young people have found employment opportunities in the agriculture, hospitality and restaurant sectors thanks to this project.

Altin Prenga has also become an important figure in the movement promoting sustainable tourism and agritourism in Albanie. He proves that it is possible to create a viable economic model while respecting the environment and local traditions. His success has inspired similar initiatives throughout the country, thereby contributing to more balanced development of the tourism sector.