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Kosovo


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Where to go in Kosovo

Kosovo Custom Tour Packages

Europe's youngest country, right at the heart of the Balkans. Kosovo's recent past hasn't been easy but this is one of the continent's last few undiscovered destinations, with warm welcomes the norm.

A welcoming, affordable destination

It's impossible to talk about Kosovo without considering its struggle for independence. Kosovo is now recognized by about 100 UN members (including neighbors Albania, Macedonia, and Montenegro) as an independent state. Serbia still regards Kosovo as a province, and although some agreements have been reached, the situation is still fractious. Travel to the northern areas of the country where most of the Serb minority are situated is not advised. Kosovo's War of Independence in the late 90s against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (consisting of Serbia and Montenegro) had its beginnings in the early 90s with Yugoslavia's breakup. This 18 month war was only ended by NATO bombardments of Serbian targets, most notably in Belgrade. This is one of the reasons that this is considered the most pro-US country in the world, and Americans are welcomed so exceptionally warmly. Since 2009 a statue of Bill Clinton has stood on Bill Clinton Boulevard, unveiled by the ex-President himself.

The result of the past few decades have meant that the small Serb minority are located in the north of the country, in the area that borders Serbia. The ethnic Albanian population, which is predominately Muslim, now makes up over 90% of the population.

Preserved, historic towns

To understand why Serbia refuses to concede that Kosovo is no longer part of their country, you only need to take a look at the UNESCO World Heritage List. The "Medieval Monuments in Kosovo" entry refers to four Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries. As Kosovo is not a member of UNESCO, the sites are still listed under Serbia. These represent a significant part of Serbia's religious history and the Serbs assert that the churches are not treated with respect and have been damaged numerous times over the years.

Landlocked Kosovo's continental climate of cold snowy winters and hot summers mean you can experience all the seasons here. For cooler temperatures you can head into the mountains where you'll find charming mountain towns.

The present-day capital Pristina isn't much to look at but it boasts the youngest population in Europe, giving it a vibrancy all of its own. The much more picturesque old town of Prizren is worth more of your time and also serves as a base for day trips to the Shar mountains.

Your Kosovo travel specialists

Accommodation in Kosovo is comfortable and affordable. Our local guides will be on-hand to assist all vacationers. Wherever you want to travel in Kosovo, we can make it happen. Contact us for a free travel consultation and we'll start planning the perfect Kosovan vacation, just for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Kosovo

When is the best time to visit Kosovo?
We recommend visiting Kosovo between late April and early June, or from early September to early October. Kosovo's summers can be hot, with average highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, while the winters are cold and often snowy.
Is Kosovo safe?
Kosovo is fairly safe, in part due to its international police force and NATO peacekeepers. Mines have been cleared from all but the most remote areas, and all remaining minefields are clearly marked.
What is Kosovan cuisine like?

Kosovo's food has influences from throughout the Balkans, especially Albania. Fresh vegetables are popular in summer, and pickled vegetables year-round. Savory pies, known as Trejte or Pite, are common, especially the Flia, which has crepe-like layers of dough brushed with cream, and served with sour cream. If in Prizren, we recommend trying to Tave Prizreni, a hot casserole made with lamb and vegetables. Kosovans are fond of sorbet, and strong coffee is an omnipresent part of local life. Rasoj, a probiotic fermented red cabbage juice similar to kraut juice, is especially popular in winter. The tap water is generally drinkable, but we still recommend sticking to bottled water.

What is transportation like in Kosovo?
Although Kosovan roads can still be bumpy, highways are the best way to get around. We recommend against car rental, due to poor local drivers, parking difficulties, and high rates charged by rental agencies. Kosovan towns and cities have little space for cars.
Will I have trouble entering Kosovo?
According to Serbian law, Kosovo is part of Serbia. If you enter Kosovo from another country, then try to enter Serbia, you will be refused entry, as you will have de jure entered Serbia without a Serbian entry stamp. Likewise, if you enter Kosovo from Serbia, you will not receive a Serbian exit stamp, and will have to return to Serbia, in order to legally exit that country (and thus legally return to Serbia in the future). This is not a problem for EU citizens, who can use their national ID card at the border, and thus avoid stamps. Travelers often enter Kosovo via Macedonia, then pass through Skopje to visit Serbia, but people occasionally take a brief detour through Montenegro to get from Kosovo to Serbia. If you enter Kosovo from Serbia, we recommend returning to Serbia afterwards, in order to get a Serbian exit stamp when you leave Serbia again.
Can I pay by card in Kosovo?
Most places don't take cards, so we recommend having local cash on you. We recommend using bank ATMs, but can recommend currency exchange places, as can hotel staff.
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