Coupled with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to become the minimum frequented and identified place 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 region in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one vacationer attraction is there, and it's not among Balkan highlights. This a single is Prizren. Most vacationers will never know this a person when they ask about locations to go to in Kosovo.
I are to Kosovo 2 times thus far, and I'm able to inform you the region has a good deal to supply website visitors who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This is often my minimal cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will help you decide how to proceed in Kosovo.
Can it be worthwhile to go to Kosovo?
It is crucial to begin with the fundamentals.
There's a chance you're wanting to know whether it is well worth checking out Kosovo when the close by nations around the world are so attractive and exciting (I'm looking at Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my reply is simple: Certainly.
Kosovo tourism will not be nevertheless effectively-identified. It is only frequented by several individuals who are not afraid to undertaking into unfamiliar territory.
It is a very interesting area to visit, as everything feels authentic and never suitable for tourists. Kosovo's forex is Euro. But that doesn't signify it is pricey!
My favorite destinations in Kosovo: What exactly are you looking for?
In conjunction with Moldova, Kosovo is likely to generally be the the very least visited and recognised nation in Europe.
The Balkans are attaining acceptance and attracting thousands of travellers every month. But Kosovo tourism is simply beginning to flourish.
Several 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's not amid Balkan highlights. This one is Prizren. Most vacationers will likely not know this a single once they question about places to visit in Kosovo.
I are to Kosovo twice to date, and I am able to tell you the place has a lot to provide visitors who are more adventurous and curious.
This is certainly my little cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will assist you to make your mind up what to do in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo Risk-free?
It is really again a Sure.
It had been a sense of total security which i expert continuously.
Whilst there were tensions in Kosovo not way too way back, and there remain tensions there, holidaymakers browsing Kosovo don't have anything being worried about.
I traveled alone and did not encounter any awkward conditions. I do not know almost every other tourists who professional any troubles in Kosovo.
Absolutely everyone was so helpful and prepared to enable even every time they did not have some time. I had been in Prizren and Pristina during the night time (typically in central but nonetheless) instead of a single individual bothered me.
As a result of the particular circumstance in Kosovo, there are various overseas forces that glance following the region.
It is feasible to find out soldiers marching up and down Pristina's major boulevard. Even so, there is absolutely no cause to be concerned. They merely want to glimpse terrific and act like These are over a runway.
You may be good, just like just about everywhere else. Use your popular feeling and don't do something You would not at your house. Kosovo is incredibly Secure
What can the thing is in Kosovo
While Kosovo isn’t one of the most attractive region in the Balkans, it does have its times.
Although the towns might not be probably the most breathtaking, likelihood is you will tumble in enjoy with its cafes and vibe, landscape, individuals, and beautiful landscapes. Kosovo has a great deal to provide vacationers!
Here are my major picks for places to determine in Kosovo
Prizren
The 2nd premier city in Kosovo, plus the Old City is a stunning gem. Prizren could be the place to go in Kosovo if you would like see it all.
You'll have observed the Image on the aged stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains inside the history. That's Prizren! It can be much more attractive in real daily life!
The Aged Town bustles with several cafes and dining establishments.
Shadervan, the most crucial square, seems to constantly 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 can be a brief hike through the Aged City to reach the leading, and you'll conveniently spend your complete day there. Kaljaja is a superb place to get in Prizren, along with Shadervan.
It is said being the most stunning at sunset. I want I could confirm 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-well known Intercontinental Documentary and Quick Film Festival.
But I also wish to investigate the town and reside in its backstreets, in which abandoned houses are my house. Prizren is more than just postcards!
Pristina
It is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, but Additionally it is one among my favorites!
Pristina incorporates a lively, awesome, chic and cosmopolitan vibe.
You will find hardly any monuments there. (Until you look at the Nationwide Library of Kosovo, which is among the most extraordinary brutalist building I've at any time viewed plus the one that impressed my love of the form of architecture. But Pristina makes it seem so astounding.
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 4 times in Pristina. It is the town which can be "performed in 2 several hours" and I would return in a very heartbeat!
My days were crammed by a few of my beloved cafes, brutalist architecture, delightful foods, heat evenings, and extraordinary individuals.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is easily the most hard place in Kosovo that I have at any time desired to see.
The town is split into two areas: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions between them.
Despite the fact that I acknowledge that I was somewhat anxious about going to Mitrovica, I shortly understood there was nothing at all to be scared of and my mind was just enjoying tips.
I'm fascinated through the divided city, and Mitrovica was a tremendous position to go to.
Every little thing improvements once you cross the (blocked, guarded by Global forces such as Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, currency, license plates, locations of worship, and in some cases the forex. Even people today appear distinct.
While I could not decide which aspect I most well-liked, Northern experienced one of the Spomeniks whilst Southern had a great cafe with umbrellas.
Politics aside, Mitrovica is a fantastic 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 had been a calm metropolis, with the most effective coffee in Kosovo for 2EUR. There is certainly very good Road art, good bazaar and excellent street art. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for coffee, but I failed to go.
Even though it was a good location to chill out, It's not necessarily the preferred of many of the sites in Kosovo.
Peja is a wonderful possibility if you're keen on mountains!
Gjakova
My most important shock in Kosovo! Gjakova was severely broken in the war, but it is now blooming again after latest renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a singular spot with several craft workshops and cafes. It really is the most important and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It is lined with cafes and decorated with artwork installations by MimozaRraci. It looks amazing. It is really Probably the most lovely places I've found for cafes.
Gjakova is way more than simply that. The complete town as well as encompassing mountains are a gorgeous place to go to, rendering it a terrific day vacation from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Realistic Details
How can I get to Kosovo?
There are lots of small-Expense flights towards the Balkans. You could 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 take the bus to Kosovo. It can be so easy!
The journey from Skopje to Pristina will take just over two hrs. Buses depart less commonly than each and every hour. For just a a single-way ticket, I compensated 5EUR in November 2014 and will 2016.
Kosovo: Dollars
The currency of Kosovo could be the Euro.
To save money on journey, my number 1 tip is to work with Revolut Bank Card.
The card is distributed by mail in a issue of days. You should utilize it anywhere on this planet. The cardboard may be topped up while in the application out of your mobile phone. You might have accounts in many currencies and exchange income concerning them at no cost and at quite interesting prices. It really is Tremendous very simple and fast to utilize the application to manage your accounts.
Revolut accepts more than one hundred forty currencies, and means that you can withdraw from any ATM anywhere on the planet. Revolut card is good! I've made use of it in twelve different nations on 3 continents in the primary 6 months and experienced no challenges. The Trade premiums were being very competitive and I used to be in the position to help save some huge cash!
Click the link To find out more About the Service and Order Your Revolut Card!
General public transportation in Kosovo
I had been pleasantly stunned by the superb community transport method in Kosovo.
There are numerous buses that run in between cities. Though they won't be the most beneficial, These are affordable enough to get you in the two-hour journey.
Bus stations will assist you to uncover the correct bus, as Each and every location has its own System. If it is not composed somewhere people today will position you in the best path before you check with!
Take into account, nonetheless, that the last bus may perhaps depart at 6 o'clock each morning.
These are generally 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 back again in Pristina for 3 night time (having a vacation to Mitrovica).
You can even choose to remain in Pristina and consider working day journeys. The state is modest, and only two hrs travel from Every single fascinating site.
I stayed within a hostel in Pristina, which I failed to propose. Here are a few other choices!
You are able to reserve your hotel in Prizren when you are interested in keeping there (the 1 I stayed at isn't any more offered).
Vacation insurance policy
I do not travel with no coverage since you under no circumstances understand what could come about and it is healthier for being Safe and sound than sorry ( I've discovered my lesson).
I like to recommend SafetyWing, which features the insurance coverage that is definitely especially created for tourists such as you
small European cities and me.