As well as Moldova, Kosovo is likely to get the the very least frequented and regarded country in Europe.
The Balkans are gaining acceptance and attracting Many vacationers monthly. But Kosovo tourism is simply starting to prosper.
Several remain unaware with the existence of Kosovo, the youngest state in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one vacationer attraction is there, and it's not amongst Balkan highlights. This a single is Prizren. Most vacationers will never know this one particular if they check with about sites to go to in Kosovo.
I are actually to Kosovo 2 times to this point, and I am able to show you which the region has a good deal to supply website visitors who are more adventurous and curious.
This can be my minor 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 crucial to begin with the fundamentals.
You may be questioning if it is truly worth viewing Kosovo in the event the close by nations are so beautiful and interesting (I am investigating Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my answer is simple: Sure.
Kosovo tourism is not yet perfectly-recognised. It is only visited by a couple of individuals who aren't fearful to enterprise into unidentified territory.
It is a really beautiful area to visit, as everything feels serious rather than designed for holidaymakers. Kosovo's currency is Euro. But that doesn't signify it is expensive!
My most loved places in Kosovo: Exactly what are you trying to find?
Along with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to become the the very least visited and regarded nation in Europe.
The Balkans are attaining acceptance and attracting Countless travelers each month. But Kosovo tourism is simply starting to flourish.
Lots of are still unaware of your existence of Kosovo, the youngest region in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one tourist attraction is there, and it's not amid Balkan highlights. This one is Prizren. Most vacationers will not know this one particular when they request about sites to visit in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo twice to date, and I can inform you which the country has a good deal to provide guests who are more adventurous and curious.
This is often my small cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will assist you to decide how to proceed in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo Harmless?
It is once again a Of course.
It absolutely was a feeling of full basic safety which i experienced on a regular basis.
While there were tensions in Kosovo not also way back, and there remain tensions there, holidaymakers visiting Kosovo have nothing for being concerned about.
I traveled by yourself and didn't practical experience any awkward scenarios. I don't know almost every other tourists who professional any complications in Kosovo.
Everybody was so friendly and willing to assist even whenever they did not have the time. I was in Prizren and Pristina at night (mostly in central but still) and not one person bothered me.
Because of the particular situation in Kosovo, there are lots of foreign forces that seem following the nation.
It is feasible to determine soldiers marching up and down Pristina's main boulevard. Having said that, there is no rationale to be anxious. They only would like to look terrific and act like These are over a runway.
You may be fantastic, just like everywhere else. Make use of your widespread sense And do not do nearly anything you wouldn't in your own home. Kosovo is quite Secure
What can the thing is in Kosovo
Despite the fact that Kosovo isn’t essentially the most stunning state from the Balkans, it does have its moments.
Even though the metropolitan areas may not be quite possibly the most stunning, likelihood is you are going to tumble in enjoy with its cafes and vibe, landscape, individuals, and delightful surroundings. Kosovo has a lot of to supply tourists!
Here's my leading picks for sites to discover in Kosovo
Prizren
The second major city in Kosovo, as well as Previous City is a stunning gem. Prizren could be the place to go in Kosovo if you need to see all of it.
You may have viewed the photo with the old stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains while in the background. That is Prizren! It is really a lot more attractive in genuine lifetime!
The Old Town bustles with lots of cafes and eating places.
Shadervan, the leading sq., seems to constantly be comprehensive of individuals just hanging out and undertaking their business.
Kaljaja, the fortress with Among the most stunning views in Kosovo, is the principle attraction of Prizren.
It's a short hike with the Aged Town to reach the best, and you'll conveniently spend your whole day there. Kaljaja is a superb place being in Prizren, in addition to Shadervan.
It is claimed being quite possibly the most stunning at sunset. I want I could verify this, but as I was about climbing up there, a thunderstorm passed in excess of Prizren...
I actually hope being again in Prizren for Dokufest, a environment-famed Worldwide Documentary and Limited Film Pageant.
But I also desire to check out the town and are in its backstreets, the place abandoned properties are my residence. Prizren is much more than just postcards!
Pristina
It's Among the most attractive capitals in Europe, but It is additionally considered one of my favorites!
Pristina provides a lively, amazing, chic and cosmopolitan vibe.
You will discover very few monuments there. (Unless of course you discuss the National Library of Kosovo, which is easily the most unbelievable brutalist making I've at any time observed as well as the one that encouraged my appreciate of this type of architecture. But Pristina can make it appear to be so wonderful.
This metropolis features a technique for Keeping you close and refusing to Allow go.
My Tale with Pristina was just like my really like affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Following my to start with check out, I was less keen on the town. It was all right nonetheless it didn't blow my head.
But, I began to think about 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 that may be "done in 2 several hours" and I'd return in a heartbeat!
My times have been loaded by a number of my favorite cafes, brutalist architecture, delightful meals, heat evenings, and incredible men and women.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is among the most tricky location in Kosovo that I've ever wished to see.
Town is split into two parts: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions amongst them.
Whilst I admit which i was a little 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 with the divided city, and Mitrovica was a fantastic 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, destinations of worship, and even the currency. Even folks glance distinctive.
Even though I couldn't pick which facet I preferred, Northern had among the Spomeniks even though Southern experienced an excellent cafe with umbrellas.
Politics apart, Mitrovica is a great working 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 absolutely was a relaxed town, with the best coffee in Kosovo for 2EUR. There is great street art, 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 chill out, It is far from 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 all over again just after new renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a singular area with numerous craft workshops and cafes. It is read more the most important and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It is lined with cafes and decorated with artwork installations by MimozaRraci. It appears to be like wonderful. It really is Probably the most beautiful spots I've noticed for cafes.
Gjakova is far more than simply that. Your entire town and the encompassing mountains are a gorgeous place to go to, making it a fantastic working day excursion from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Sensible Information and facts
How can I get to Kosovo?
There are several minimal-cost flights to your Balkans. You'll be able to fly direct from Germany, France or Hungary to Pristina (I flew from Berlin to Pristina for 60 EUR/return in May 2016). Or you may 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 around two several hours. Buses depart much less routinely than each and every hour. For just a one particular-way ticket, I compensated 5EUR in November 2014 and will 2016.
Kosovo: Revenue
The currency of Kosovo could be the Euro.
To save money on journey, my number one suggestion is to employ Revolut Bank Card.
The cardboard is shipped by mail inside a subject of days. You need to use it anyplace on the earth. The card could be topped up from the app out of your cell phone. You can have accounts in different currencies and Trade revenue in between them totally free and at pretty appealing costs. It is really super easy and swift to utilize the application to manage your accounts.
Revolut accepts in excess of a hundred and forty currencies, and allows you to withdraw from any ATM everywhere on this planet. Revolut card has long been great! I have utilized it in 12 diverse nations around the world on three continents in the main 6 months and had no problems. The exchange prices had been really competitive and I used to be capable to help 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 transportation process in Kosovo.
There are plenty of buses that operate involving metropolitan areas. 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 can help you discover the right bus, as each desired destination has its individual System. If it isn't written someplace men and women will position you in the correct path prior to deciding to check with!
Take into account, nonetheless, that the last bus may well 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.
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 3 night time (by using a trip to Mitrovica).
It's also possible to elect to remain in Pristina and just take day outings. The nation is compact, and only 2 several hours generate from each appealing place.
I stayed inside of a hostel in Pristina, which I did not endorse. Here are a few other choices!
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 insurance
I don't vacation with out insurance plan because you never ever know what could take place and it is healthier to be Risk-free than sorry ( I've learned my lesson).
I recommend SafetyWing, which presents the insurance which is specially designed for travelers like you and me.