KOSOVO
Why Kosovo?
Kosovo is probably the least traveled part of Europe, even in the Balkan region. Apart from the devastation of war in 1998-1999 and the influx of once politically and now economically motivated Kosovar immigrants to Western Europe, not much is known about Kosovo as a tourist destination. But this small country has much more to offer than you think, from the wine regions of Rahovec to Europe’s deepest Rugova canyon with endless outdoor possibilities. Gjakova, Peja, and especially Prizren have a significant Ottoman heritage with mosques and bazaars.
Kosovo has 4 Serb Orthodox Churches listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The Kosovo War caused immense destruction but was much more extensively restored than neighboring Bosnia and Hercegovina.
Read the Kosovo travel guide + 6 days itinerary to plan your trip
Kosovo is still a controversial state whose independence has not been approved by several countries, first of all by Serbia. It creates tension between the countries mainly because Kosovo is Serbia’s soul, its historical and spiritual center, where its most important historical events happened, and is the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Still, Kosovars are proud of their independence, declared on 17th February 2008, becoming the youngest European state.
Here, you can drink the best coffee outside Italy and enjoy the nightlife in one of Pristina’s super trendy restaurants and bars. Plus, Kosovo is still a relatively cheap destination where you will meet incredibly friendly and helpful people, which makes your visit truly memorable. Besides beautiful landscapes and cultural monuments, Kosovo is an educative travel destination, especially if you include a visit to the divided city, Mitrovica.
Quick facts
Population: roughly 2 million
Area: 10 887 km2
Capital: Pristina
Geography: Kosovo is a landlocked country without access to the Mediterranean Sea. Central Kosovo is dominated by the extensive plains of Metohija and the Kosovo field. It has two mountain ranges, the Šar Mountains and the Accursed Mountains, with one of Europe’s deepest and longest canyons, the Rugova gorge.
Ethnicity: Albanians 90%, Serbs 6-7%. The rest are made up of Romas, Bosniaks, Goranis and others.
How to plan your trip to Kosovo?
Find the cheapest flights to Kosovo with Skyscanner or book flights, hotels, and local tours, rent a car, and benefit from immediate cashback through Wayaway! You can sign up for the Wayaway Membership program for only 49.99$! Use my discount code to get extra 10% off the subscription fee: VOG
Also Seach for cheap flights on Google Flights.
Book hostels through hostelworld.com or look for both hostels and hotels in Kosovo on booking.com.
Book a free walking tour in Pristina and other one or multi-day trips in Kosovo through GetYourGuide or Viator to learn more about the country from somebody who lives there and has a lot to say. The war-themed local tours will probably be the highlight of your trip.
Find a great deal to rent a car with Discover Cars or Rentalcars.
Book your bus ticket through Bookaway in Kosovo.
SafetyWing is a recommended and affordable travel insurance
Posts about Kosovo and the Balkan
ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO KOSOVO (+ 6 DAYS TINERARY)
THINGS TO DO IN MITROVICA
BEST THINGS TO DO IN ONE DAY IN PRISTINA (+DAY TRIPS FROM PRISTINA)
TRAVEL GUIDE TO SARAJEVO+ 1 DAY, 2 DAYS AND 3 DAYS ITINERARY
MOSTAR TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO DO IN MOSTAR IN ONE DAY
