17 Reasons to Visit Kosovo on its 17th Anniversary of Independence

17 Reasons to Visit Kosovo on Its 17th Anniversary of Independence

Is there a better reason to celebrate and share with you the 17 main reasons why you should visit Kosovo, which today marks its 17th birthday and independence, also declared on February 17, 2008?

As one of Europe’s youngest countries, Kosovo has rapidly developed into an exciting destination for travellers. Kosovo may be young, but its history, culture, and breath-taking landscapes make it an unmissable destination. This year, on its 17th anniversary of independence, there’s no better time to explore all that this remarkable country has to offer and plan your visit as soon as possible!

So, let’s dive in to the list, where the first is the indisputable, the symbol of Kosovo’s independence, which was inaugurated on the very day of its independence: NEWBORN.

1. NEWBORN – Prishtina, the capital and dynamic heart of Kosovo, is a city that pulses with energy and creativity, offering a mix of historical landmarks, trendy cafes, and a vibrant nightlife. The Newborn monument (typographic sculpture) stands out as a powerful symbol of Kosovo’s independence, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the nation’s journey. Moreover, every anniversary it changes its appearance and invites its citizens in getting involved in its colouring. What message do you think this sculpture will convey this year?

2. Hospitality – Kosovars are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and at home. The generosity and friendliness of the people are a defining feature of the country, offering travellers a unique and authentic cultural experience. No visit with a local kosovar can be imagined without buying you a tea, coffee, or a glass of rakija (local brandy). Refusing such an offer is considered disrespectful 🙂

3. Safety – One of the most talked about topics regarding Kosovo and tourists visiting Kosovo is undoubtedly safety or how safe Kosovo is for tourists. In the recent survey Kosovo is ranked among the 14 countries where people feel most safe walking alone on the streets at night, according to the latest Gallup report on Global Safety, Express reports. Along with Kosovo, this list also includes Kuwait, Singapore, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Slovenia, the United Arab Emirates, El Salvador, Montenegro, Iceland, Luxembourg and Switzerland, while Kosovo is 12th on this list.

4. Reasonable prices – Since the end of the pandemic and especially with the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the topic and issue of inflation has been one of the most talked about topics and many tourist destinations have been untouchable due to high prices. Despite price increases throughout the Western Balkans, Kosovo, in terms of prices remains one of the cheapest countries in Europe.

5. The youngest state in Europe – With the declaration of Kosovo’s independence on February 17, 2008, Kosovo took its place as the youngest state in the world and automatically as the youngest state on the European continent. So, with a visit to Kosovo, you will find a very ancient people living in a new state. Not to forget that rarely you can find a place in Southeast Europe where English is spoken to a greater extent than in Kosovo, especially among the younger generations who are fluent in English. Most of the Kosovo citizens are at least bilingual where the languages ​​spoken are German, Turkish, Serbian, and Croatian.

6. Delicious food – Kosovo’s cuisine is rich in flavours and history, with dishes like flija, byrek, tava etc showcasing the country’s culinary traditions. The national cuisine combined with International, Turkish, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine makes it an ideal place for gourmets and let’s not forget that the dishes served are also XXXL in size.

7. The Best Coffee in the World – In a 2014 Yahoo Travel article titled “Where is the best macchiato in the world? A hint: It’s not in Italy.”, Kosovo was declared the country with the best macchiato in the world!

8. Ulpiana Archeological Park – Very close to Prishtina this biggest archaeological park offers a glimpse into Kosovo’s rich Roman history. Known for its well-preserved ruins, including remnants of a Roman city walls, churches, residential buildings, Ulpiana Secunda provides valuable insights into daily life during the Roman Empire. Visiting this historical site is important for those interested in understanding Kosovo’s role in the ancient world, offering an opportunity to explore a significant part of the region’s cultural heritage.

9. Kosovo is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Patriarchate of Peja, the Visoki Decani Monastery, the Gracanica Monastery, and Church of Our Lady of Ljevis in Prizren. These sites are important to visit for their exceptional historical, cultural, architectural and artistic values, offering a deep insight into the region’s rich medieval Christian heritage and Kosovo’s significance in European history.

10. Historic Novo Brdo Fortress dating back to the medieval period, offers not only a fascinating glimpse into Kosovo’s past but also stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Exploring the fortress is a journey through history with the added bonus of spectacular vistas.

11. One of the oldest mosques in Balkans – The Çarshia Mosque, also known as the Stone Mosque, was built after the first Battle of Kosovo in 1389 and is one of the oldest mosques not only in Kosovo but also in the Balkans. Additionally, this mosque marks the zero point of Prishtina and has a very unique characteristic, as it is entirely built from stone, including its minaret—one of the few of its kind in the Balkans. The Hadum Aga Mosque, a key landmark in Gjakova’s Grand Bazaar is one of Kosovo’s finest cultural sites. Its complex includes a mosque, minaret, one of Kosovo’s oldest libraries, and a distinctive entrance with three domes. The mosque also features decorative fleur-de-lis motifs.

12. Prizren is often called Kosovo’s jewel and cultural & historical capital, with its charming cobbled streets, the grand Sinan Pasha Mosque, and the iconic Prizren Fortress that offers sweeping views of the town. Its unique blend of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Albanian heritage makes it a must and un unforgettable destination of Kosovo.

13. Gjakova and Peja’s Old Bazaar are one of the oldest and most charming in Kosovo, where visitors can wander through cobbled streets lined with artisan shops, traditional coffeehouses, and historic mosques. These lively marketplaces offer a glimpse into the region’s cultural traditions and vibrant atmosphere.

14. Wine Tasting in Rahovec – Renowned for its vineyards, the Rahovec region offers wine lovers the chance to experience Kosovo’s growing wine scene. Visitors can tour the scenic vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings of some of the country’s finest wines.

15. Visiting the national parks and mountains in Kosovo is essential for experiencing the country’s breath-taking natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From the rugged peaks of the Sharr Mountains to the serene landscapes of Rugova Canyon, these areas offer stunning opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, zipline, Tibetan bridges and wildlife spotting. The parks are not only a haven for nature lovers but also protect a rich array of flora and fauna, making them vital for conservation. Exploring Kosovo’s mountains allows visitors to connect with its pristine environment and experience the country’s tranquility and natural wonders firsthand.

16. Albanian kullas – are traditional stone tower houses with deep historical and cultural significance, particularly in Kosovo (Peja, Gjakova, and Deçan) and northern Albania. Built between the 18th and 19th centuries, these fortified stone houses were primarily used by noble families and served as both residences and defence structures. They played a key role during Ottoman rule, providing refuge and hosting traditional gatherings, where important social and political matters were discussed. Today, most of these houses are protected monuments and can be visited upon reservation.

17. Last but not least important, your visits would not be considered more meaningful, more enjoyable, and more immersed in local topics without a professional and qualified tourist guide. For this, GUIDEKS – Kosovo Tourist Guide Association is more than happy to help you.

Welcome! Mirëseerdhët! Dobrodošli! Hoş geldiniz! Willkommen! Bienvenue! Benvenuto! ¡Bienvenido! 欢迎 환영하다! ようこそ！Καλώς ήρθες!

Authors: Muamer Hasani and Enes Toska