When we visited Kosovo earlier this year, we weren’t really sure what to expect. Most of what we knew about Kosovo was based on news reports we had seen at home many years ago. It was painted as war-torn and dangerous. But what was it like now?
Since declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo hasn’t exactly been a tourist hot-spot. However, after our recent trip to Kosovo, we are sure that’s all about to change.
Here are 6 reasons why Kosovo is backpacker heaven – and why you need to get there before everyone else finds out!
1. Kosovo is a Tourist-Free Zone
Kosovo is probably one of the last truly off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe. Due to its turbulent past, tourism in Kosovo is in its infancy. We rarely ran into other English-speaking travellers during our visit. In fact, most of the places we visited still felt fairly untouched by tourism.
As a result, there are only a couple of hostels in each city. This is in stark contrast to other Balkan budget travel hubs like Kotor (Montenegro) or Dubrovnik (Croatia), which are stuffed full of rowdy backpacker venues. This means you probably won’t be hitting the clubs until the wee hours in Kosovo, but you will have most tourist attractions almost entirely to yourself.
A total lack of tourists also means no tourist scams or pickpockets. Even the taxi drivers didn’t seem to want to rip us off. Huzzah! You won’t find anyone trying to tie string to your finger here (ahem… Paris).
2. Kosovo is a Beautiful Place to Visit
Admittedly, we only spent 3 days in Prizren, but that alone was enough to leave a lasting impression on us. Strikingly similar to Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Prizren’s old town is stunning. The view of Prizren’s beautiful stone bridges with the city’s main mosque in the background is one you won’t forget.
There are also some great day trips from Prizren. Head out to the picturesque Monastery of the Patriarchate of Pec with its 12th century chapels and resident nuns. Not far from the Monastery is a local favourite, the Spring of Drini i Bardhe, which is also worth a visit. On the way back to Prizren, check out the former Ottoman trade centre of Gjakova. Here you can enjoy a coffee in the huge cobble stoned central marketplace.
3. Kosovo is Possibly the Cheapest Country in Europe
We have travelled to some seriously cheap countries – think India, Bolivia and Vietnam. And Kosovo is on par with all of them. It is incredibly cheap! Especially for Europe.
Accommodation costs are on par with the rest of eastern Europe, with a highly rated hostel costing around 10 euro per night. Everything else however, is as cheap as you’ll find in Europe. A beer should cost no more than 1.50 euro. You can usually find a meal for less than 5 euro per person (and that’s at a ‘fancy’ restaurant). A burek or cevapcici sandwich will only cost a couple of euros. Plus, most attractions are free of charge!
4. The People are Wonderful
We had been in the Balkans for a few weeks before arriving in Kosovo and didn’t think the hospitality could get any better. But Kosovo raised the bar. The locals we encountered during our short stay in Kosovo were some of the friendliest people we have met during our travels.
Whether it be in a hostel, in a restaurant or on a day tour, the local people went out of their way to ensure we had a great time. They are also quite unreserved when discussing their religion and culture, which makes for incredibly interesting listening.
5. Kosovo Makes the Best Macchiatos in Europe (and perhaps the world?)
No joke, Kosovo makes some of the best coffee we have ever tasted. And we’re from Melbourne, which makes us total coffee snobs. Kosovo’s specialty is espresso macchiatos. The cobble stoned streets of Prizren are a great place to sit in the sun with a tiny cup of deliciousness, and watch the world go by. You will be joined by plenty of locals, especially on weekends. Coffee is a way of life here!
6. Kosovo’s History is Fascinating (and controversial)
It is no secret that Kosovo has a very tumultuous past. The area once served as the centre of a medieval Serbian kingdom, but was later ruled by the Ottomans between the 15th and 20th centuries. The area was a melting pot of religions and cultures, which led to violent conflict and an international crisis in the 1990s.
Kosovo eventually declared independence in 2008. However, Kosovo’s independence is not a clear-cut affair. A number of countries, including Serbia and Russia, still do not recognise Kosovo’s independence.
The war-torn history of Kosovo is raw and recent. By visiting Kosovo, you have the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts about one of the most significant conflicts of recent times. It brings history out of the text books, and into real life. However, the war was a traumatic time for many Kosovars, so approach any conversations of this nature with caution and respect. Hiring a local guide for a day is a great option, as they can show you around, and answer any sensitive questions you may have.
We acknowledge that the history of Kosovo is controversial, and the version you hear often depends on the perspective of the source (as with most historical accounts). We do not profess to be experts! You could spend years studying this area and its complex history. While political tensions are sadly far from over, in general it is a very safe place to visit. We take travel warnings with a pinch of salt, but always use common sense!
Have you been to Kosovo? What did you think? Tell us in the comments below!
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1. Kosovo is the home of Europe drug cartels.
2. Experience the highest number or radical Islamists Isis fighters in Europe.
3. Bombed with impoverished uranium in ’99 you can feel that radioactive thrill on your skin.
4. Home of human organ harvesting scheme, Kosovo will let you know the life without one kidney.
Jon Smith i think you have never been to Kosovo because all you are saying are words of “haters” who dont know the truth and just talk negative for something.Kosovo its known for:
1.Youngest population in Europe
2.The best and the cheapest machiate in the World
3.Kosovo’s Government is one of the strongest in Balkan for fighting Isis members and radical islam
4.Religious tolerance and harmony (you rarely see a mosque and a church sharing the same yard,but this happens in the city of Ferizaj in Kosovo)
Maybe we aren’t very rich,but we are nice and friendly people.
Thanks for much for your perspective! My family and I (Americans) lived in Kosovo for 8 years in the 2000’s (and have been back several times since then) and, truly, you have hit the nail on the head regarding this wonderful country and its wonderful people. Does it have problems? Of course! But it has an ethos that is willing to both deal with and live with its problems, with patience and hospitality to any willing to accept it. My only fear in reading your blog is that *more* people will discover it and it will lose something with the influx of tourists. But there’s nothing we can do about that so we’ll just need to keep enjoying it with anyone new who comes. Thanks!
U’r not John Smith ..U’r Slobodan Milosevich..
All listed is 100% truth. But don’t take my word for it, visitors should look it up for them selves.
1. Youngest population in Europe, make many kids as imposed by Islam laws.
Youngest population and 45% unemployment meaning drug cartels have no problems finding workers.
2. Strong government “fighting” Isis and N°1 fighters per capita don’t mix.
All I wrote are facts anyone can check for themselves.
My husband loved this, he is from Kosovo and said that this was perfect.
It’s a great way to tell your friends you go visiting Serbia if you have problems pronunciating the sound “R”
I’ve been many times, it’s a beautiful country, friendly and helpful people. And yes the coffee is amazing! Going out is definitely cheap.. public transport is rubbish but taxis are only a few Euro. Lots of places to visit- Rugova, Prizren.. Pristina is a great city, awesome bar scene.
Downside is no direct flights from London anymore since BA stopped the route
Always John Smith; every where I see; On political Debates, on Islamist terr. expert, historian Geography expert, Anthropologist…but as usual John Smith reports on every Journal or Portal/ social Websites, report from his “Cave” because is scared to get on the field and see with his eyes, or obviously he has no eye, just like Mole.
We can’t wait to visit Kosovo! I’ve heard really good things. Good to know that taxis are cheap and that the people are really friendly and helpful 🙂 Thanks for commenting Ruth.
Great! Thanks for commenting Sara 🙂
Sounds like such an interesting place to visit. To be somewhere which still has so much complex tension happening must be quite intense. It looks beautiful though and the fact there are very little tourists visiting makes it very appealing.
John Smith is a Serbian who hates everything that moves ,even him self. You comments are lies lies and only lies.
My husband is from Kosovo as well. We brought the family to visit over the summer and I fell in love with the country. Can’t wait to go back!
The best way to discover a country is to go there, Kosovo is becoming very attractive to tourists, hopefully will not become overcrowded in few years. Outdoor Kosovo can help to plan your trip there. And yes there is a direct flight from London with germania airway, fridays only for now.
I was in Kosovo many times. It is very beautiful in the landscape, historical monuments and stories. It is full of history, but unfortunately, there is the truth in the John Smith words. But not all people are the same. As everywhere else in the world has those who are bad or good guys. For sure it is no reason not to visit Kosovo and its heritage. Just follow the basic instruction for your security and everything will be fine 🙂 .
As a Serbian who does not hate everything that moves I yell you “Jedi govna”
Agreed! Eastern Europe has some very interesting places. We’d love to check out Kosovo, thanks for the comment!
That’s great! We’d love to visit
Great tourist location, beautiful scenery. I am happy to read this article, thank you for sharing.
I love the place. Been there many times, it’s so gorgeous. I understand with the John Smith person ,yes there is radiation, but guess what? The war was what caused it, that’s not something we can control. The war was voided by ones who couldn’t master the fact and pull up there big girl pants and accept that “we deserved to be free and have our own thoughts. We deserved going to bed at night and not being worried if our moms or sisters are going to be raped tonight.” Everything we got is because we deserved it. So will there is some truth to That John Smith guy, I would like to also point out that ever country has it past. And that’s just facts! You can look that up and see. Happy traveling to all.
I’m not pointing figures or anything I was just stating something I read in a book for my world history class
Serbian people lives there over 1000 years, everybody know that. Albanians with Americans destroy everything and change history for stupid tourist.
hahahahah that was the best reply ever!!! I am from Kosovo and we might be a poor country but John Smith here is off his rocker with his “facts”