Kukës, Albania

Capital City

At just 15,643 residents, this remote northern Albanian city is a far cry from the glitz and glamor of Tirana. With the old town submerged by a hydroelectric dam in the 1970s, the relocated "New Kukës" is surrounded by an artificial lake and the rugged Albanian Alps. The region's continental climate means bitterly cold winters and sweltering summers, presenting a persistent challenge for locals. Bureaucracy is a headache, as the city was formed in 1923 by merging over a dozen former municipalities. Still, Kukës has its charms - a carpet factory, a copper processing plant, and opportunities for hiking and fishing in the scenic mountains. For the adventurous few who can tolerate the harsh conditions, this remote outpost may hold some appeal.