THE HIDDEN GEM

Located in the heart of the Balkan peninsula, this landlocked country is one of the region’s hidden gems. If the image of Kosovo has been directly associated with the last war and its devastation for the past few years, it is changing. Visitors have indeed a lot to discover: varied landscapes combining rolling hills, lush forests, meadows and high snow-capped peaks make it an extraordinary land of adventure. Added to this is the charm of its old towns and the unrivaled hospitality of its inhabitants!

For its mountains

Did you know that Kosovo is home to one of the most amazing ski areas on the Balkan Peninsula? Brezovica, a mountainous region close to the Macedonian border, is mainly frequented by the expatriate community living in the country, but in recent years, more and more tourists have visited during the winter season in this region enjoy its resorts. ski.

For its inhabitants

The kindness of the local population is in itself a good reason to go to Kosovo. This country shelters indeed a population of friendliest and most hospitable in Europe. Ready to help visitors, very open, Kosovars are always inclined to exchange on their beautiful country with tourists.

For its events

Dokufest The international documentary film festival Dokufest has brought Prizren international fame. Dokufest is an unmissable event for filmmakers from around the world and attracts thousands of visitors each summer. Films are shown on the Lumbardhi River and the festivities continue in the evening in Maras Park.

For its historic cities

Kosovo is not just about Pristina. The country is home to two of the most picturesque cities on the peninsula: Prizren and Gjakova. While Prizren is famous for its Ottoman-era buildings and ancient mosques, such as the spectacular Sinan Pasha Mosque, Gjakova is home to the country’s largest bazaar, renowned for its cafes and artisan shops.

For its gastronomy

Albanians and Serbs  share a passion for raki, a brandy, produced from plums, pears, grapes, quinces, and even honey. Local cuisine, too, brings communities together, with the preparation of Ottoman-inspired dishes but with the local touch. Country recipes are often made using local products. If the Gorani and the Bosnians are best known for their burek, these delicious “puff pastry” are prepared in all the cities of Kosovo. In the divided city of Mitrovica, the delicious meatballs, called qebapa in Albanian or ćevapčićien in Serbian, are appreciated by all locals. A wide variety of quiches or Pites are prepared in the region, including spinach, cheese, minced meat, and potatoes. There are a number of varieties of tava, stew simmered for several hours in the oven in an earthenware dish. Most of these traditional dishes are found throughout Kosovo, with certain nuances. Some products are more specific, like the tasty cheese from the Sharr Mountains.

For Pristina, a lively capital

Coffee culture

The city is full of terracesand cafes on every corner, and the favorite pastime of the people of Pristina is drinking coffee with friends. Whether for an appointment or a business meeting, coffee is often the place to be. Kosovars are big consumers of coffee and each bar has an espresso machine to serve delicious macchiato and other Italian specialties.

Nightlife

The animation of the city stops only a few hours at the end of the day to resume in the evening in the many bars and clubs of Pristina. The population of Kosovo, mainly young, gives the city a particular dynamism. Full of enthusiasm, the youth walk the streets during the week and weekends, creating a cheerful and energetic atmosphere.