Whereas components of the Balkan Peninsula, akin to Croatia and Montenegro, have seen a surge in tourism in recent times, Kosovo stays one of many least visited nations in Europe, with simply over 450,000 vacationers anticipated to reach right here in 2025.
Because of Wizz Air’s low cost flights from London Luton to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, I lastly had the prospect to go to Skopje myself this Might.
My itinerary was packed to benefit from my time earlier than returning to Euronews Journey’s base in Doha, however since I solely had someday in Kosovo, I had to decide on between Pristina and Prizren, and ended up within the latter, the nation’s cultural capital.
Pondering of heading there your self? Here is what to see and do in Prizren, what to eat and drink, and a few ideas.
Issues to see and do in Prizren
Take a photograph subsequent to the previous stone bridge
The previous stone bridge over Prizren Bistrica (pictured above), initially constructed within the sixteenth century, is the town’s most iconic sight.
If you wish to get the “greatest shot” of Prizren, cross to the opposite aspect of Sjödervan Sq. and take a photograph with the bridge and Sinan Pasa Mosque within the background.
The unique bridge was destroyed within the 1979 flood, so the present bridge dates again to the early Eighties, however it nonetheless retains all of its allure.
Go to Sinanpasha Mosque
Talking of which, the Sinan Pasha Mosque can be a must-see. Accomplished in 1615, this Ottoman-era mosque has wealthy interiors adorned with floral motifs and Arabic script.
As with all mosques, footwear have to be eliminated earlier than getting into and ladies should cowl their hair. Scarves will be rented simply after getting into the doorway.
Admire the frescoes on the Church of Our Woman in Ljewis
Our Woman of Ljevic, a part of Kosovo’s UNESCO World Heritage Web site Medieval Monuments, is a Serbian Orthodox church constructed within the 14th century.
Of word are the inside frescoes painted by the Byzantine Greek painter Michael Astrapas and his companion Eutychios. It’s fairly distinctive, overlaying uncommon subjects such because the transience of life within the novels of Barlaam and Joasaph, and that includes personifications of day and evening representing the New and Previous Testaments.
The church turned a mosque within the fifteenth century, however the unique work had been lined with mortar and broken. You may as well discover Arabic writing on the wall on the first entrance.
Entry to the church is restricted because it was additional broken by riots in 2004. There’s a police guard submit proper outdoors, and you will have to point out your ID to enter.
Find out about archeology at a former Ottoman hammam
The Prizren Archaeological Museum is positioned in a former Ottoman hammam. Right here you may find out about varied discoveries made within the surrounding space, together with the well-known Prizren runners.
The clock tower can be a part of the complicated and you’ll climb to the highest for views of the town.
One other bathhouse, Gazi Mehmet Pasha Hamam, additionally beforehand served as a cultural house, however is presently closed for renovations. Keep tuned to see when this resumes.
Tour the Albanian Federation Prizren Museum
The six stars on Kosovo’s flag characterize its fundamental ethnic teams, one among which is Albanians. On the Albanian Federation Prizren Museum you may be taught all about their function in Kosovo.
The museum particulars the historical past of the political group and in addition has an ethnographic part that reveals typical Albanian gown from the totally different areas they lived in on the time.
Climb Karaya Fortress
Situated a couple of 15-minute hike from the town middle, Karaya Fortress, in its present kind, has protected the town because the days of the Byzantine Empire.
Visits are free and the views of the town are unparalleled. It is an important sundown spot. In case you’re right here when sundown is nicely previous the 7pm closing time, there are many locations to take images alongside the street and out of doors the principle gate.
The UCK signal contained in the fortress stands for Ushtria Srilimtare e Kosovo, or Kosovo Liberation Military, and comparable indicators and monuments will be discovered all through the nation.
Drink water from the fountain at Place de Chadervin
It’s stated that having a drink on the fountain in Prizren’s fundamental sq. will certainly carry you again, so in the event you fall in love with the town, positively give it a strive.
That is additionally the place you will discover a excessive focus of eating places and bars to go to.
What to eat and drink in Prizren
Like different nations within the Balkans, Kosovo is legendary for its Bairek delicacies, and there are numerous eating places serving it.
Since my go to was brief, I am not certified to let you know that this place is the most effective, however I am positive you will be happy regardless of which retailer you go to. The Ottomans additionally introduced boza, a drink constituted of fermented corn.
For a drink with a view, strive BarAca, positioned simply behind the Sinan Pasha Mosque.
I used to be additionally a fan of Te Kizini, which serves very chilled glasses of draft peya and bottled craft beers.
Subsequent time we are going to go to Prizren.
Throughout Bunar Fest, held on the finish of Might, residents participate in a river rafting journey on the Prizren Bistrica river.
It is a full day (and all evening…) occasion with loads of musical performances scheduled.
The right way to get to Prizren
Buses from Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, run often and take roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. Pristina Airport has direct flights from cities akin to Berlin, Brussels, Lyon, Vienna and Oslo.
Buses are additionally out there from Tirana in Albania and Skopje in North Macedonia. It is a three-hour bus trip from both capital.
essential ideas
Money stays the norm in Kosovo. I could not pay by card at any of the locations I visited.
The nation is over 90% Muslim, so concentrate on public holidays akin to Eid, and bear in mind that opening hours might change throughout Ramadan.
The month of Ramadan is the most effective time to go to as you may expertise the magic of Iftar. I heard that as a substitute of conventional Ramadan cannons, Kosovo makes use of fireworks to mark the top of the day’s quick.
