7 Great Trips to Take in Kosovo

Rugova Canyon in Kosovo, one of the most exciting destinations to visit in the country
Rugova Canyon in Kosovo, one of the most exciting destinations to visit in the country | © Otaulant / WikiCommons
Francesca Masotti

Are you planning to visit Kosovo this year? The small region, located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, has plenty of gorgeous places that make the trip worthwhile. If you love to discover untouched places with few tourists and zero crowds, Kosovo is the right place for you. Here are seven great trips to take in the country.

Take a walking tour of Pristina

Pristina is one of the liveliest capital cities in the Balkan Peninsula, and while it may not be as beautiful as others, it has its charm. If you are travelling to Kosovo, you cannot avoid visiting it: Pristina is the cultural, economic and political centre of the country and has a lot to offer visitors. Walk around Bulevardi Nene Tereza, Pristina’s main pedestrian street, and admire some of the buildings that were built during the Yugoslav-era. Then sip a coffee in the lovely Dit’n’Nat restaurant, hidden behind the street. Two not-to-miss places to visit in Pristina are the National Library of Kosovo (one of the most famous Brutalist monuments in the world), and Old Town with its beautiful mosques.

Newborn Monument in Pristina

Visit enchanting Prizren

Stone Bridge, Prizren

Taste wine in Rahovec Valley

It might not be as famous for its wine as Italy or France, but Kosovo has great wine production. In the heart of the country, between the historical cities of Prizren and Gjakova, hides the Rahovec Valley, one of the most important wine producing areas in the peninsula. Once here, you will want to visit the Bodrumi i Vjetër cellar, which is the oldest winery in the country, established in Kosovo by the Yugoslav government in 1953. A tasting-tour costs about 8-10€ ($10-12 /£7-9); make sure to taste the award-winning 2014 Elephant Chardonnay.

If you are a rosé fan, you’ll want to visit Stone Castle Vineyards and Winery. Their aromatized rosé is unforgettable.

Kosovar Wines

Hike the Bistra Peak

If you love outdoor activities, don’t miss the chance to hike the Bistra Peak. This mountain peak can be found along the trans-Balkan trail via the Dinarica trail. It is one of the most exciting outdoor experiences in the area, as it is among Kosovo’s highest summits. Bistra is close to the Macedonian border, and it was once used as a trading path between Skopje, the capital city of Macedonia, and Prizren, Kosovo’s second largest town. From the peak, you’ll have the chance to admire breathtaking views over Kosovo, Macedonia and Albania.

Trek through Rugova Canyon

The Rugova Canyon, a 25 km (15.5 mile) long canyon in Kosovo, is one of the most beautiful places you will see. This natural area, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, is located near the Montenegrin border. You’ll want to start your exploration of the canyon in the lovely town of Peja, famous for its kulla or typical Albanian buildings. Another destination situated at the entrance of the Rugova Canyon is the Patriarchate of Pec, a beautiful Serb monastery.

Rugova Canyon in Kosovo

Ski in Brezovica

Only a handful of people know that Kosovo is one of the top destinations for skiing in the Balkan Peninsula. It might not be as popular as other ski resorts nearby, such as Kolašin in Montenegro or Jahorina in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the Brezovica resort has great potential. Located in the Sharr Mountains near the Macedonian border, Brezovica is mostly frequented by expats who live and work in Kosovo and go in search of great snow and ski touring options.

Cross the Albanian border

As you can see, Kosovo is a paradise for fans of outdoor activities. The last great trip to take in Europe’s youngest country is one that crosses the border of Albania and leads to the Valbonë Valley National Park, the largest park in northern Albania. The journey takes visitors to some of the country’s most beautiful natural panoramas, as well as typical Albania sights, such as bunkers.

Valbonë Valley National Park, Albania

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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