Coupled with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going for being the minimum frequented and known region in Europe.
The Balkans are attaining level of popularity and attracting thousands of travelers each and every month. But Kosovo tourism is barely starting to prosper.
Many are still unaware from the existence of Kosovo, the youngest state in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Only one tourist attraction is there, and it isn't amid Balkan highlights. This just one is Prizren. Most tourists will likely not know this one once they request about sites to go to in Kosovo.
I are actually to Kosovo 2 times so far, and I am able to show you which the state has lots to provide readers who are more adventurous and curious.
This can be my tiny cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will assist you to come to a decision how to proceed in Kosovo.
Could it be worthwhile to visit Kosovo?
It is vital to start with the basics.
You could be pondering if it is really worth visiting Kosovo in the event the close by international locations are so gorgeous and intriguing (I'm considering Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my solution is simple: Certainly.
Kosovo tourism is not really still properly-identified. It is only frequented by some those who are not scared to venture into mysterious territory.
It is an extremely appealing put to go to, as every little thing feels real instead of suitable for travelers. Kosovo's currency is Euro. But that does not imply it is expensive!
My beloved areas in Kosovo: Exactly what are you seeking?
In addition to Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to generally be the minimum frequented and identified country in Europe.
The Balkans are getting popularity and attracting Countless vacationers on a monthly basis. But Kosovo tourism is just starting to prosper.
Many remain unaware from the existence of Kosovo, the youngest place in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Only one tourist attraction is there, and it isn't really amid Balkan highlights. This a person is Prizren. Most travelers will not likely know this one whenever they ask about destinations to go to in Kosovo.
I have already been to Kosovo 2 times so far, and I'm able to show you that the region has quite a bit to supply readers who are more adventurous and curious.
This is certainly my little cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will allow you to make your mind up what to do in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo Protected?
It can be all over again a Sure.
It absolutely was a feeling of total basic safety which i professional all the time.
Although there were tensions in Kosovo not far too way back, and there remain tensions there, tourists traveling to Kosovo don't have anything to become concerned about.
I traveled on your own and did not knowledge any uncomfortable cases. I do not know any other travelers who skilled any complications in Kosovo.
Everyone was so friendly and willing to help even once they didn't have time. I was in Prizren and Pristina during the night (largely in central but nevertheless) and never just one person bothered me.
Due to The actual problem in Kosovo, there are lots of foreign forces that look once the state.
It can be done to discover troopers marching up and down Pristina's most important boulevard. Having said that, there is not any rationale to be anxious. They basically need to search fantastic and act like They're with a runway.
You will end up high-quality, identical to everywhere else. Make use of your widespread feeling And do not do nearly anything You would not at your home. Kosovo is very Harmless
What can the thing is in Kosovo
Even though Kosovo isn’t the most stunning state while in the Balkans, it does have its moments.
Even though the metropolitan areas is probably not by far the most gorgeous, chances are you can drop in like with its cafes and vibe, landscape, people today, and exquisite landscapes. Kosovo has a great deal to offer vacationers!
Listed below are my top picks for areas to see in Kosovo
Prizren
The next biggest town in Kosovo, and also the Aged Town is a shocking gem. Prizren will be the location to go in Kosovo if you wish to see all of it.
You might have seen the Picture of your previous stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains during the track record. That is Prizren! It really is far more stunning in authentic lifestyle!
The Outdated City bustles with numerous cafes and restaurants.
Shadervan, the key sq., appears to usually be entire of folks just hanging out and performing their small business.
Kaljaja, the fortress with one of the most gorgeous sights in Kosovo, is the most crucial attraction of Prizren.
It's a brief hike within the Old Town to reach the prime, and you will effortlessly devote your overall working day there. Kaljaja is a wonderful spot to become in Prizren, as well as Shadervan.
It is alleged to become one of the most attractive at sunset. I would like I could validate this, but as I had been about mountaineering click here up there, a thunderstorm handed over Prizren...
I really hope being again in Prizren for Dokufest, a environment-famous International Documentary and Limited Film Pageant.
But I also desire to check out the town and are in its backstreets, wherever deserted residences are my household. Prizren is a lot more than simply postcards!
Pristina
It truly is The most lovely capitals in Europe, but it is also one of my favorites!
Pristina has a vivid, neat, stylish and cosmopolitan vibe.
You'll discover not many monuments there. (Except if you speak about the National Library of Kosovo, which is the most remarkable brutalist making I've ever observed as well as the one that encouraged my appreciate of this kind of architecture. But Pristina makes it feel so awesome.
This metropolis features a way of Keeping you close up and refusing to let go.
My story with Pristina was comparable to my enjoy affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Right after my first stop by, I used to be much less serious about the town. It was all right nonetheless it didn't blow my head.
But, I began to consider 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 is the town which can be "done in two hours" and I might return inside a heartbeat!
My times have been filled by several of my preferred cafes, brutalist architecture, mouth watering foods, heat evenings, and extraordinary persons.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is among the most tricky location in Kosovo that I've at any time wished to see.
Town is divided into two areas: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions among them.
Whilst I admit which i was a little bit nervous about traveling to Mitrovica, I soon recognized there was very little to be afraid of and my brain was just participating in tricks.
I am fascinated because of the divided town, and Mitrovica was a tremendous place to visit.
Almost everything variations when you cross the (blocked, secured by Intercontinental forces just like the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, currency, license plates, spots of worship, and perhaps the forex. Even individuals seem unique.
Whilst I couldn't decide which aspect I most popular, Northern experienced among the Spomeniks although Southern had an excellent cafe with umbrellas.
Politics apart, Mitrovica is a great day trip from Pristina. It's also a must-see when going to Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
It's a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the home of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO Planet Heritage Internet site.
It had been a peaceful town, with the best coffee in Kosovo for 2EUR. There is good street artwork, first rate bazaar and great Avenue artwork. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for espresso, but I did not go.
Although it was a pleasant spot to unwind, It isn't the most popular of every one of the spots in Kosovo.
Peja is an excellent selection if you like mountains!
Gjakova
My most significant shock in Kosovo! Gjakova was seriously destroyed while in the war, but it's now blooming once more following current renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a novel locale with quite a few craft workshops and cafes. It truly is the biggest and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It's lined with cafes and decorated with art installations by MimozaRraci. It appears amazing. It is really Among the most lovely places I've viewed for cafes.
Gjakova is considerably more than just that. The entire city as well as the surrounding mountains are a wonderful area to visit, rendering it a terrific day trip from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Simple Data
How do I reach Kosovo?
There are various reduced-Price tag flights on the Balkans. You are able to fly immediate from Germany, France or Hungary to Pristina (I flew from Berlin to Pristina for 60 EUR/return in May perhaps 2016). Or it is possible to travel to Skopje or Macedonia to go ahead and take bus to Kosovo. It is really easy!
The journey from Skopje to Pristina requires just about two hours. Buses depart fewer commonly than each and every 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 economize on travel, my primary idea is to utilize Revolut Lender Card.
The card is distributed by mail inside of a make a difference of times. You can use it wherever on the globe. The cardboard can be topped up inside the application from a telephone. You may have accounts in several currencies and exchange funds amongst them for free and at really beautiful fees. It is super basic and brief to use the app to handle your accounts.
Revolut accepts about a hundred and forty currencies, and lets you withdraw from any ATM any place in the world. Revolut card continues to be excellent! I have utilised it in twelve distinctive nations around the world on 3 continents in the very first six months and had no issues. The exchange charges have been quite aggressive and I used to be in the position to help save some huge cash!
Click the link to Learn More Regarding the Support and Purchase Your Revolut Card!
Community transport in Kosovo
I was pleasantly shocked by the excellent public transportation procedure in Kosovo.
There are many buses that operate concerning towns. Even though they may not be the most effective, They may be low-cost adequate to obtain you through the two-hour journey.
Bus stations will let you come across the right bus, as Each individual desired destination has its individual platform. If it isn't penned someplace folks will stage you in the right way before you decide to request!
Bear in mind, however, that the final bus could leave at six o'clock in the morning.
These are the ticket selling prices for May possibly 2016: Prizren–Gjakova 2,50EUR. Gjakova–Peja two,50EUR. Peja–Prizren 4EUR. Prizren–Pristina 3EUR. Pristina–Mitrovica 2EUR.
Stay in Kosovo
I stayed for two nights in Prizren (from there I did an tour to Gjakova, Peja then I was again in Pristina for three night (that has a journey to Mitrovica).
You can also opt to stay in Pristina and acquire day visits. The region is small, and only two hours push from Every appealing area.
I stayed inside of a hostel in Pristina, which I did not endorse. Here are a few other choices!
It is possible to book your resort 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 insurance policies as you by no means determine what could happen and it is best being Secure than sorry ( I have figured out my lesson).
I like to recommend SafetyWing, which provides the insurance plan that is especially created for tourists such as you and me.