Top 10 Places To Visit in Kosovo (2024)
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Destinations in Kosovo
Kosovo is a relatively new country in Europe. Kosovo was under Serbia up until its independence on February 17, 2008. As one of the best-kept secrets of the Balkans, Kosovo has only recently opened up for tourism after years of conflict. It is true that Kosovo has a turbulent history, but you’ll find welcoming people, charming towns, dramatic landscapes, and sites with a ton of history untouched by mass tourism.
This place is literally a path less traveled, and yet a lot to see. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Kosovo in 2024.
1. The Town of Prizren
Prizren, without a doubt, offers the quintessential Kosovan experience. The cobbled lanes, Ottoman-era architecture, lively cafes, etc, add to the charm. One of the best things to do here is to take time and meander along the stone streets, soaking up the atmosphere.
A top attraction here is the stone bridge crossing the Prizren Bistrica River with views of the Sinan Pasha Mosque. Head over to the League of Prizren Museum afterward to learn about the 1878 nationalist movement founded here. Follow it up by hiking up to the medieval Kalaja Fortress for the best views over Prizen. Do not miss out on the 14th-century Serbian Orthodox church and grounds of Our Lady of Ljeviš.
The whole place might take 2 days to explore, but it is worth it. Moreover, you can also shop for local handicrafts, jewelry, ceramics, and more at the Shadervan market.
2. The Rugova Valley
The Rugova valley cuts through the western side of Kosovo. This valley has nearly vertical cliffs lining the valley walls.
The jaw-dropping views here are contributed by the pine forests, waterfalls, and stone villages on the mountain slopes. This is the perfect place for outdoor adventures, including
- Hiking and rock climbing
- Paragliding off steep ledges
- Kayaking the river rapids
- Mountain biking to vantage points, etc.
On top of all that, the villages of Rugova offer comfortable lodging in guest houses at low fares. Do not miss out on the çaj mali (mountain tea) on your explorations!
3. The City of Pristina
The perfect blend of the new and the old, you’ll find the best of both worlds here. The capital city of Kosovo is also the largest city of Kosovo, Pristina. This city represents the future of Kosovo with its development and creativity while rooted in deep traditions. They have Ottoman-era bazaars, modern high rises, historic mosques, orthodox churches, trendy cafes nest to traditional cafeterias, ancient graveyards alongside modern mountains, and so much more.
Some of the top experiences here in Pristina include,
- People watch at one of hundreds of cafes
- The sunset views from the Mother Teresa Cathedral
- NEWBORN sign and Bill Clinton statue
- National Library, etc.
This city is constantly reinvented and always provides something new from visit to visit.
4. Visoki Dečani Monastery
The Visoki Dečani Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox shrine in the mountains of Prokletije. This Monastery was built in the 14th century and is famous for the colorful fresco paintings by medieval artists covering every inch of wall and ceiling space.
When you visit this place, look for the exhibits of biblical scenes, iconostasis with carved wood and gold, outbuildings, vineyards, and more. Make sure to see the grave of their national hero, Stefan Dečanski. Take a souvenir back home from the gift shop on the grounds.
The atmosphere here is so tranquil. Sit here for a while, close your eyes, and listen to monks chanting prayers within the hallowed stone walls.
5. The City of Peja in the Mountains
Peja is situated on the edge of the Rugova Mountain Peaks. This place is also called Pec to the Serbs. Peja has the freshest produce at Green Market, which means great food! You can sample craft beers here at the Hivzi Brewery. Peja has a bear sanctuary where you can see a lot of preserved bears.
If viewpoints are your thing, take the path to Bigor Waterfall. If the serenity of a monastery is your thing, the Patriarchate of Pecs is your place. They have really beautiful and ageless frescoes.
There are a lot of things to see and do at Peja, even if you are just passing through.
6. The Gadime Cave
Situated in the Gadime National Park, this is the largest cave system in Kosovo. This cave is formed out of limestone karst. The Gadime Cave has stalactites, stalagmites, and stone curtains. There is an 11km long cave of three covering the grounds.
This region has a crystal-clear underground lake to row across. There are options to hire professional guides to lead small group tours if you’re traveling with family or friends.
Don’t forget to bring a sweater here since it’s a cool 10°C all year round. Also, be prepared to climb ladders and get muddy if you want to go into the caves. This place definitely evokes my explorer genes.
7. The Bear Sanctuary Pristina
There is a bear sanctuary outside Kosovo’s capital that provides lifetime care to mistreated captive bears. There are 20 European brown bears here now after being saved from abusive situations.
The visitors can take a walk on the forested trails and observe bears in semi-wild enclosures. There are educational exhibits here that teach us about the backstory of each bear. You can help fund the operations here by buying souvenirs or by donations. Feel free to relax in the Bear Cafe with hot drinks and vegetarian bites.
It is a positive space all around, and witnessing these bears’ second chance at life is heartwarming. Kudos to the dedicated rescuers and caretakers!
8. Sip Your Way Along the Kosovo Wine Route
Kosovo has a winemaking legacy that goes back to Illyrian and Roman times. Vineyards are being re-cultivated in the fertile lands here. They are using innovative cultivation and production techniques along with traditional forms.
Some of the most popular wineries here are,
- Stone Castle: Modern facility growing Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more
- Han i Elezit: Family-run producing Chardonnay and Chevron varietals
- Castel: Vineyard in Rahovec region crafting red and white blends
Apart from popular wineries, several Serbian Orthodox monasteries also create their own signature wines to sample. Have a taste and see for yourself!
9. Patriarchate of Peć Monastery
The Patriarchate of Peć Monastery complex was established in the 13th century. This place has been considered the spiritual seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church for over 200 years. The monastery is now in ruins, but the Pec Church still stands with the frescoes from centuries ago.
This church’s interior preserves paintings by controlling temperature and humidity. Every surface of the church is decorated with biblical narratives. Exterior stone walls and bell towers are still intact. The Patriarchate of Peć Monastery has been on UNESCO’s Heritage in Danger list since 2006.
This place has been ransacked many times over the years and yet has depth and historical significance today.
10. Hike a Via Ferrata in Accursed Mountains
Even experienced mountaineers used to pull back from climbing the steep terrains of the Accursed Mountains. Via Ferrata is Italian for ‘iron path’, where the steep terrain climb is paved with iron path for added safety.
Climb the risky mountains by,
- Clipping into fixed cables for security as you walk
- Climbing ladders, ramps, and traversing ridge lines
- Crossing suspension bridges with stunning scenery
While technical, most physically fit people can take on a via ferrata with the required gear.
To conclude, Kosovo has survived a lot and yet managed to be such a beautiful country. The local cuisine here includes grilled meats, Turkish kebabs, fluffy pita, stuffed peppers, hearty stews served with raw veggies and onions, and the list goes on.
The Kosovars have been working hard to move the country forward. You’ll also notice that the population is very young here, as half of Kosovo’s citizens are under the age of 30. From 1999 to 2008, they were under UN administration until 100+ countries unilaterally declared their independence. They have been under war and survival for so long that they are rebuilding their home for a better future.