Together with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to become the minimum frequented and known country in Europe.
The Balkans are getting level of popularity and attracting thousands of travelers each and every month. But Kosovo tourism is barely starting to prosper.
Numerous are still unaware of the existence of Kosovo, the youngest region in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one vacationer attraction is there, and it's actually not among the Balkan highlights. This one is Prizren. Most travelers is not going to know this one particular if they request about spots to visit in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo two times thus far, and I'm able to inform you the region has quite a bit to offer guests who are more adventurous and curious.
This really is my small cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will allow you to make a decision how to proceed in Kosovo.
Could it be worthwhile to visit Kosovo?
It's important to start with the fundamentals.
You may be asking yourself if it is worth visiting Kosovo in the event the close by international locations are so lovely and appealing (I am investigating Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my respond to is straightforward: Indeed.
Kosovo tourism just isn't however well-known. It is just frequented by some folks who are not afraid to undertaking into mysterious territory.
It is an extremely attractive put to visit, as every thing feels genuine and never designed for travellers. Kosovo's currency is Euro. But that does not signify it is expensive!
My most loved spots in Kosovo: What are you on the lookout for?
As well as Moldova, Kosovo is likely to be the minimum visited and regarded region in Europe.
The Balkans are attaining acceptance and attracting thousands of holidaymakers each and every month. But Kosovo tourism is only starting to flourish.
Lots of are still unaware of your existence of Kosovo, the youngest nation in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one tourist attraction is there, and it is not among Balkan highlights. This one particular is Prizren. Most travelers will likely not know this a single every time they request about destinations to visit in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo 2 times up to now, and I'm able to tell you the country has a good deal to provide guests who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This is often my small cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It can assist you decide what to do in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo Risk-free?
It is really once more a Certainly.
It was a feeling of comprehensive protection that I skilled constantly.
When there have been tensions in Kosovo not also long ago, and there remain tensions there, vacationers checking out Kosovo don't have anything being worried about.
I traveled alone and did not expertise any uncomfortable predicaments. I do not know any other vacationers who expert any problems in Kosovo.
Everybody was so pleasant and willing to aid even whenever they did not have enough time. I had been in Prizren and Pristina during the night time (mostly in central but nevertheless) rather than one particular man or woman bothered me.
Resulting from The actual predicament in Kosovo, there are several overseas forces that glance once the place.
It is achievable to see troopers marching up and down Pristina's key boulevard. On the other hand, there isn't a motive to be troubled. They just need to appear excellent and act like They're on a runway.
You may be good, just like all over the place else. Make use of your prevalent feeling and don't do just about anything You would not in the home. Kosovo is extremely safe
What can the thing is in Kosovo
Whilst Kosovo isn’t by far the most lovely country during the Balkans, it does have its times.
Although the towns might not be the most breathtaking, likelihood is you will fall in appreciate with its cafes and vibe, landscape, folks, and beautiful surroundings. Kosovo has so much to provide travelers!
Here's my best picks for sites to view in Kosovo
Prizren
The second premier metropolis in Kosovo, as well as Previous City is a stunning gem. Prizren could be the spot to go in Kosovo if you would like see it all.
Maybe you have viewed the photo of your previous stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains in the qualifications. Which is Prizren! It is more beautiful in true everyday living!
The Previous City bustles with many cafes and dining establishments.
Shadervan, the most crucial square, seems to generally be full of individuals just hanging out and executing their business.
Kaljaja, the fortress with The most breathtaking views in Kosovo, is the key attraction of Prizren.
It is actually a short hike from your Outdated City to get to the top, and you'll conveniently spend your complete day there. Kaljaja is a superb place to generally be in Prizren, along with Shadervan.
It is said for being one of the most wonderful at sunset. I would like I could validate this, but as I used to be about climbing up there, a thunderstorm passed above Prizren...
I really hope to get back again in Prizren for Dokufest, a earth-famed International Documentary and Short Film Festival.
But I also want to explore the city and reside in its backstreets, the place abandoned properties are my residence. Prizren is much more than just postcards!
Pristina
It's Probably the most stunning capitals in Europe, but It's also certainly one of my favorites!
Pristina features a vibrant, cool, stylish and cosmopolitan vibe.
You'll find very few monuments there. (Except you take a look at the Countrywide Library of Kosovo, which is considered the most amazing brutalist creating I have at any time viewed plus the one that impressed my love of the sort of architecture. But Pristina can make it seem to be so remarkable.
This city provides a strategy for holding you shut and refusing to Permit go.
My story with Pristina was comparable to my enjoy affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Right after my first stop by, I had been considerably less considering town. It had been okay but it really did not blow my thoughts.
But, I started to think about Pristina extra usually and dreamed of returning to it to learn more. Which was precisely what I did.
I used four days in Pristina. It's the city that could be "carried out in two hours" and I might return inside a heartbeat!
My times had been loaded by a few of my beloved cafes, brutalist architecture, tasty food stuff, warm evenings, and extraordinary persons.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is the most tricky location in Kosovo that I've at any time desired to see.
Town is divided into two areas: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions concerning them.
Though I acknowledge that I was just a little anxious about visiting Mitrovica, I before long realized there was practically nothing to be scared of and my mind was just enjoying tips.
I'm fascinated through the divided metropolis, and Mitrovica was an awesome location to visit.
All the things modifications as soon as you cross the (blocked, shielded by international forces similar to the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, forex, license plates, locations of worship, and also the forex. Even people today look various.
While I could not pick which side I favored, Northern had one of many Spomeniks when Southern experienced a fantastic cafe with umbrellas.
Politics apart, Mitrovica is an excellent day journey from Pristina. It's also essential-see when browsing Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
It is just a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the house of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO Earth Heritage Web page.
It absolutely was a peaceful town, with the most beneficial espresso in Kosovo for 2EUR. You can find good Avenue artwork, decent bazaar and fantastic street art. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for espresso, but I failed to go.
Even though it was a pleasant location to take it easy, It's not necessarily the preferred of the many destinations in Kosovo.
Peja is an excellent selection if you like mountains!
Gjakova
My largest surprise in Kosovo! Gjakova was severely ruined within the war, but it is now blooming again after the latest renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a singular spot with several craft workshops and cafes. It's the largest and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It is actually lined with cafes and decorated with artwork installations by MimozaRraci. It seems incredible. It's One of the more attractive regions I've observed for cafes.
Gjakova is much more than simply that. Your entire town as well as encompassing mountains are an attractive location to go to, which makes it an excellent working day journey from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Practical Facts
How do I reach Kosovo?
There are several minimal-Price tag flights on the Balkans. You may fly direct from Germany, France or Hungary to Pristina (I flew from Berlin to Pristina for sixty EUR/return in Could 2016). Or you can journey to Skopje or Macedonia to go ahead and take bus to Kosovo. It truly is so easy!
The journey from Skopje to Pristina normally takes just more than two hrs. Buses depart much less commonly than each hour. For just a a single-way ticket, I compensated 5EUR in November 2014 and May 2016.
Kosovo: Dollars
The currency of Kosovo would be the Euro.
To save cash on vacation, my number one suggestion is to employ Revolut Bank Card.
The cardboard is shipped by mail in the make any difference of days. You should utilize it anyplace on this planet. The cardboard may be topped up from the application from your mobile phone. You might have accounts in numerous currencies and exchange money among them without cost and at very desirable premiums. It's super basic and speedy to utilize the app to manage your accounts.
Revolut accepts in excess of a hundred and forty currencies, and allows you to withdraw from any ATM anyplace on earth. Revolut card has actually been terrific! I've utilized it in 12 distinct international locations on three continents in the first six months and had read more no issues. The exchange charges have been incredibly aggressive and I had been ready to save a lot of money!
Click Here to Learn More Concerning the Services and Purchase Your Revolut Card!
Public transport in Kosovo
I was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful general public transport system in Kosovo.
There are lots of buses that run between towns. Though they won't be the ideal, These are affordable ample to have you throughout the 2-hour journey.
Bus stations will help you find the ideal bus, as Each individual place has its possess platform. If it isn't penned someplace folks will stage you in the right direction prior to deciding to question!
Remember, nevertheless, that the final bus may possibly depart at 6 o'clock each morning.
These are generally the ticket costs for May 2016: Prizren–Gjakova two,50EUR. Gjakova–Peja 2,50EUR. Peja–Prizren 4EUR. Prizren–Pristina 3EUR. Pristina–Mitrovica 2EUR.
Remain in Kosovo
I stayed for 2 evenings in Prizren (from there I did an excursion to Gjakova, Peja and after that I had been back again in Pristina for three evening (with a excursion to Mitrovica).
You can even choose to remain in Pristina and acquire day visits. The region is little, and only two hours travel from Each and every interesting spot.
I stayed inside a hostel in Pristina, which I failed to suggest. Below are a few other options!
You could e-book your lodge in Prizren should you have an interest in staying there (the just one I stayed at is no far more available).
Journey coverage
I don't journey without coverage since you under no circumstances understand what could come about and it is healthier for being Harmless than sorry ( I have figured out my lesson).
I like to recommend SafetyWing, which provides the insurance plan that is especially created for tourists like you and me.