Discover the hidden gem of the Balkans and immerse yourself in its blossoming adventure travel landscape. With monasteries and minarets nestled against the backdrop of majestic mountain canyons in the southwest region, there’s a wealth of exploration awaiting you in this largely overlooked nation.
Kosovo exudes a vibrant and youthful spirit. As Europe’s newest nation, it boasts the youngest population in the region, with over 55% under the age of 30. In the two decades following the Kosovo War of 1998 to 1999 and its subsequent declaration of independence in 2008, the country has undergone remarkable transformation. Ottoman-era villages have been meticulously reconstructed, Byzantine fortresses restored to their former glory, and the rise of nature tourism has taken flight, particularly in the mountainous regions shared with neighboring Balkan countries.
At the heart of Kosovo’s cultural allure stands Prizren, once the country’s cultural epicenter during Ottoman rule from 1455 to 1912. Just a short drive north lies the quaint town of Peja, nestled at the foot of the majestic Rugova Canyon. Carved over millennia by ancient glaciers, this natural wonder has become the focal point of Peja’s emergence as an adventure destination. These contrasting cities provide visitors with a rich and diverse experience, offering a glimpse into Kosovo’s unique identity as one of Europe’s few Muslim-majority nations. Moreover, with the advantage of the euro stretching further here than in many other European countries, and a reliable bus network facilitating easy travel, exploring Kosovo’s charms has never been more accessible.
Day 1: Exploring Culture and Cuisine in Prizren
Morning:
Start your day in Prizren by immersing yourself in its rich history and cultural heritage. Begin with a visit to the Archaeology Museum, housed in a historic Ottoman bathhouse. Marvel at the artifacts unearthed from the city and its surroundings, and don’t miss the opportunity to climb the clocktower for panoramic views of the Old Town. Next, head to the Ethnographical Museum on Bujar Godeni Street to explore exhibits showcasing 19th-century Prizren’s clothing, furniture, and more. For deeper historical insight, visit the Complex of the Albanian League of Prizren, where local leaders gathered in 1878 to discuss the concept of a united Albanian state.
Afternoon:
Cross the picturesque stone bridge spanning the river and indulge in a traditional lunch at Ambient, a restaurant offering authentic dishes such as tava cooked in clay pots. Afterward, hike up to Prizren Fortress, perched atop a hill overlooking the Old Town. Marvel at the fortress’s history, which dates back to the Byzantine era, and explore its well-preserved structures and exhibits. Be sure to time your visit for sunset, when the city below is bathed in golden light. In the summer months, you might even catch a concert at the fortress.
Evening:
As night falls, join the locals at the cafes of Prizren’s Old Town. Savor a macchiato or sample the local wine from the nearby Rahovec vineyards. For a change of pace, dine at Noja Kuzhine, a cozy vegetarian restaurant offering a variety of flavorful dishes made with local ingredients. After dinner, retire to Hotel Prizreni, a charming chalet-style property in the heart of the Old Town. Upgrade to a balcony room for views of the cobblestone streets and the river below, and rest easy after a day of exploration.
Day 2: Exploring History and Nature in Peja
Morning:
Start your day early and head to the picturesque city of Peja, located in the mountainous Rugova region. Begin by exploring the rebuilt Old Bazaar, a testament to the city’s resilience following the Kosovo War. Don’t miss the Saturday cheese market in the nearby marketplace for a taste of local delicacies. Next, visit the Museum of Peja, housed in a beautifully restored merchant’s home. Explore the artfully reconstructed rooms showcasing ceramics, textiles, and everyday items from bygone eras. For lunch, dine at Art Design restaurant, situated by a tranquil mountain stream, and savor traditional dishes like speca dollma, meaty stuffed peppers.
Afternoon:
Venture seven miles north of Peja to discover the majestic White Drin Waterfall, cascading 82 feet down a mossy mountain gorge. Follow a paved pathway through the forest to reach the base of the falls, then climb a steep flight of stairs for a closer view of its gushing waters. On your way back to Peja, stop by the historic Bërdynaj Mill in the village of Radavc, dating back over 300 years and still operated by the same family. Back in Peja, embark on a cultural trail to explore historical landmarks such as the Kursumli Mosque and a former hammam.
Evening:
Unwind with drinks at the lively bars on William Walker Street, sampling local specialties like rakia or Birra Peja’s Crudo beer. Explore the diverse wine offerings, including selections from Stone Castle Vineyards and boutique wineries like Daka Wine. For dinner, experience Peja’s architectural heritage at Hotel Kulla e Zenel Beut, where you can dine on traditional cuisine in a renovated homestead setting. Enjoy the beautiful masonry and arched windows as you savor the flavors of Kosovo’s culinary traditions.
Outdoor Adventures to Experience in Kosovo
Via Ferrata:
The Accursed Mountains offer thrilling via ferrata experiences, where climbers ascend using metal rails bolted into the mountainside. In Peja, there are four routes up Rugova Canyon, catering to varying skill levels. The Mat route is ideal for families with children, while Ari and Shpellat routes offer a more challenging ascent, with Shpellat featuring a cave exploration segment. For experienced climbers seeking a challenge, the Marimangat route, completed in 2021, offers a demanding three-hour climb. Guided tours and gear rentals are available from Outdoor Kosovo and Balkan Natural Adventure.
Hiking:
Explore the stunning Sharr Mountains National Park, located behind Prizren, offering pristine alpine lakes and meadows. Organize a guided hike through Sharri Ecotour, Balkan Natural Adventure, or Outdoor Kosovo. Peja serves as a starting point for hiking in the Accursed Mountains, including the renowned Via Dinarica trail, which traverses seven countries. Day hikes to Gjeravica, Kosovo’s highest peak, and scenic treks to turquoise lakes near Kuqishtë village are popular options.
Caving:
Embark on an underground adventure with Outdoor Kosovo, exploring the limestone cave systems near Peja. Tours include the Sleeping Beauty Cave, characterized by cathedral-like formations, and the challenging Great Canyon Cave in Rugova Canyon. No prior caving experience is necessary, but participants should be prepared for up to four hours of scrambling through underground river passages on the Great Canyon Cave Trekking tour.
How to Get There:
Wizz Air offers direct flights from London Luton Airport to Pristina International Airport, located 45 miles north of Prizren. From Pristina, travelers can reach Prizren by hire car, taxi, or bus, with a two-hour bus ride from Pristina’s bus terminal.
There are frequent daily bus services connecting Pristina, Prizren, and Peja.
Additionally, there is at least one daily direct bus from Skopje, North Macedonia, to Prizren, with a journey time of just over three hours. For bus schedules, visit travel.gjirafa.com.