Kosovo tours & holidays

Kosovo’s mountainous terrain means cold, snowy winters, hot summers and some mild months in between, perfect for shoulder season travelling. Between December and January, the holiday season is in full swing and temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly up in the hills. If you're travelling over the end of the year, explore snow-inspired activities or hang out down in the plains where life is more stable. July and August are the warmest, with average daily temperatures around 27°C, with very little rain. If you’re after outdoor activities like hiking and swimming, try late spring or early autumn, when the days are mild and the sun is shining.

Since the Romans, Kosovo has been ruled by Bulgarians, Byzantines, Ottomans, Serbians, Hungarians and (recently) the Kosovars themselves. This small country has a vast history and culture, with 13th-century mosques, old churches, Ottoman-style bazaars and crumbling ruins dotted throughout the landscape. Hang out among Prizren’s orange rooftops—this city is the most culturally and ethnically diverse city in all of Kosovo—then walk around the bazaars and handicraft shops, getting to know the locals. 

It’s hard to drop a ball in Kosovo and not have it roll away. Most of the country is steep and mountainous, except for two big plains: the Metohija Basin in the west and the Plain of Kosovo in the east. The countryside is mostly rolling fields and meadows filled with poppies and wildflowers, with dense forests of deciduous oak and beech trees in between. Occasionally, you’ll come across a Serbian monastery high up in the hills, or a red-roofed town by a riverbank. You could drive across the whole country in a couple of hours! Fun fact: Kosovo has the only river in Europe (the Nerodimka) that splits and flows into two different seas.

In the heart of the Balkans, Kosovo’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the countries surrounding it, with some dishes influenced by Mediterranean dining. With mild summers and long winters, there’s lots of pickled vegetables here, like sauerkraut, green peppers and ajvar. Most Kosovar dishes center around bread and pastry filled with meats like beef, pork and lamb, with sides of peppers, potatoes and beans. For the best wineries and restaurants, head to Rahovec – the gastronomic region in Prizren. 

Foods to try in Kosovo 

1. Tave Prizreni 

The unofficial national dish of Kosovo, this casserole is made with lamb, flour, onion, green peppers and tomatoes.  

2. Burek  

Also known as Borek, Byrek or Boureki, this pastry is made by layering dough and filling it with ingredients like cheese, minced meat, spinach and seasonings, along with a creamy egg and yogurt mixture.   

3. Flija  

An Albanian dish common in Kosovo, these layered crepes are served with sour cream and butter, making for a delicious dessert.

4. Stuffed peppers 
Popular in summer, this is a baked dish of hollowed bell peppers, filled with pork or chicken sausage, beef, rice, onions and a tomato sauce. 

5. Sarma  
Popular throughout Eastern Europe, this Balkan favourite consists of stuffed cabbage, grape or vine leaves filled with grains and minced meat.   

6. Baklava 
Baklava is a layered dessert made with pastry, chopped nuts, and honey or syrup. It is easy to find anywhere in Kosovo and is often enjoyed with vanilla ice cream. 

1. Prizren

Kosovo's second biggest (and arguably its most beautiful) city, Prizren is known for being tiny and gorgeous. Walk along the Bistrica River to explore the city’s famous mosques and abandoned Serbian Orthodox churches, or see the locals attending to their sheep. Visit the 6th-century Kalaja Fortress, which sits on a hilltop above the town, and discover the hidden 43-step staircase for incredible views over the city and the Drini River.   

2. Rahovec 

This region is known as the gastronomic heart of Prizen, so if you’re a foodie, you’ll want to make sure this is a stop in your itinerary. There are plenty of wineries and restaurants to explore here, so maybe hire a minibus and go winetasting in the vineyards, sampling a few local drops. 

3. Pristina 

Kosovo’s capital and largest city sits at the country’s centre. Go inside the Cathedral of Saint Mother Theresa, climb the stairs for views over the city, then hang out in the square below. While here, you can explore the surrounding Gracanica settlement and monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This area also serves as the home of one of the few dominantly Serbian populations in Kosovo and is a great place to tuck into some Kosovo-Serb barbecued meats.

4. Rugova Mountains 

Home to gorgeous hiking trails, vast green landscapes and opportunities for rock climbing and skiing, these mountains are perfect for nature-lovers and active adventurers. This area is also less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful time out in Kosovo’s scenic outdoors. 

5. Visoki Decani Monastery 
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this 14^th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery is famous for its well-preserved architecture and beautiful frescoes.  

The local currency in Kosovo is the euro. Cash is still king in Kosovo; while major supermarkets and restaurants accept all major credit cards, plenty don’t.

ATMs are the safest and easiest way to get cash, and there are plenty around in major towns like Pristina and Prizren. You’ll struggle to find them in smaller towns, so make sure to withdraw enough cash to see you through until the next big city.