Traveling Truly

Kosovo? What is that? Where is that? I’ve never heard of it.

Isn’t that super war-torn?

Why would you want to go there?

These are all variations of the many questions I would receive during the time that I lived in Kosovo (and even now that I am back in the States but I visit often). People understandably know next-to-nothing about this brand new republic that is simultaneously a land steeped in ancient history and strong tradition.

I know that it is strange to imagine, but this tiny nation has a way of capturing one’s heart! I’ll explain why, in no particular order.

Why You Should Visit Kosovo

1. It’s incredibly affordable

Kosovo is one of the very cheapest destinations in Europe. Unfortunately, this is because the economy is very small and struggling. Tourism is a win-win though – it gives the visitor an amazing experience for an amazing price, and the business helps build the economy and support the locals.

In Kosovo, you can rent a nice bed in a hostel in the center of town for 10-15 euros per night. Hotels are also affordable and there are a few AirBnB options as well. I stayed in this beautiful home during my visit to Peja last summer and it was beyond perfect. Wonderful location, hosts, views, and neighborhood.

Food can range anywhere from 1,5 euros for fast food/pizza to about 20 for very nice meal (including an app, dessert, and drink). I would say an average lunch in a sit-down down restaurant plus a drink is going to be 4-5 euros.

Coffee, (which I will discuss more in detail) is typically less than one euro, although that is likely rising as prices rise across Europe and America.

A bus ticket between cities is typically 4 euros, and taxi rides are also very affordable. Rental cars go for 20-25 euros/day.

Things to do and see are typically nature or culture related and are free or quite cheap.

In short, you can get away with spending very little and getting very much out of a trip to Kosovo!

2. The Nature

If you are into hiking (or driving, like me) through gorgeous, towering peaks, Kosovo is an amazing place to do it! Especially in Rugova Valley. I am no expert hiker, but I have taken a few hikes in Rugova, both in summer and in snow, and there’s no place on earth like Rugova to me. There are also many places through the winding canyon up the mountains where you can sip coffee or get a fresh trout lunch while soaking in the incredible view. A personal favorite is Restaurant Hani, but there are lots of wonderful options!

Kosovo is almost like a giant valley surrounded by mountains, so there are many places to go and things to see. Beautiful waterfalls, caves, trails, creeks, and of course the peaks themselves are very much worth seeing.

3. The Culture

The Republic of Kosovo, as previously mentioned, is quite young. Established only in 2008, the government is just learning to walk and trying to get its foothold. However, the people and their culture trace back to ancient Illyria and beyond. The majority of people in Kosovo are ethnically Albanian and quite proud of that fact. Their culture is rich and strong. The Kosovo Museum is free to enter and has some fascinating exhibits! On my last visit, they had an exhibit which I thoroughly enjoyed all about the Kosovo War in 1999 that redefined life for everyone in the country.

When you walk down through the market of any city in Kosovo, you will see beautiful traditional clothing, instruments, glassware, food, and more for sale. If you strike up a conversation with one of the many locals who speak English, they would love to share with you information about their nation and culture, even over a cup of coffee if you ask! Many Americans think of all Europeans as being closed off to strangers, but that is not the case at all here. I always tell people that Albanians are the friendliest people in the world. It is not unusual for a Kosovar to strike up a conversation with a stranger, especially a foreigner, just out of curiosity about what brings them to their country.

4. The Coffee

This ties in with the part about the culture, but I didn’t mention it because it deserved its own section. Coffee is an integral part of Kosovo culture. You won’t be ordering a pour-over or a a fancy, sugary latte (in most coffee shops, anyway), but what you will get is an inexpensive, quality macchiato, espresso, or my personal favorite – pa plum, which is like the macchiato but with less foam. (Honestly I think that the macchiatos in Kosovo are more like a cappuccino, and the pa plum is more like a true macchiato). Turkish coffee is also prevalent and delicious, as well as Turkish tea, which is my favorite thing to sit and sip on a chilly evening.

Sitting in a cafe (or multiple cafes) for hours with a friend or two over coffee is a normal part of every day life in Kosovo. Make a new friend on the street and ask them for a coffee during your visit. If you’re lucky, you may even be invited to their house for coffee, which will inevitably turn into you staying for dinner, dessert, and tea as well. (Kosovar generosity and hospitality cannot be outdone).

I have a few favorite coffee shops in Peja and in Prishtina, but there is an insanely high number of coffee shops everywhere, so you won’t ever have to go far to find a great one!

5. The People and Pace

I said in no particular order, but I definitely saved the best for last. As I have mentioned, I believe the Kosovar people to be the friendliest in the world. If you are ever unsure of where to get on the bus, how to buy a ticket, how to park your car, how to get a SIM, if you need help carrying a bag, communicating with someone, or calling a taxi, you can ALWAYS find a friendly face to help you out. I cannot tell you how many Albanians have taken a lot of time, gone out of their way, and inconvenienced themselves just to help me, a total stranger, out. I have been welcomed in many homes and served amazing meals where I stuffed myself with traditional food until I couldn’t breathe by people who barely knew me. Of course you always have to be mindful when traveling, but overall Kosovo is a very safe place to visit with trustworthy people. Hand-in-hand with the people is their way of life, which is slow. Guests are always welcome. Visits extend for hours. Take a break from your busy backpacking and find some peace in rest among the friendly strangers in Kosovo.

If you cannot tell, this place and people have taken up a deeply special place in my heart. I could go on with a million more reasons why you should visit Kosovo, but some you can go and see for yourself. If you go into Kosovo with the right mindset, you will leave with incredible memories, and likely even a new perspective on some things.

Let me know if Kosovo interests you, if you have ever been before, or if you have any questions!

Happy Travels!