Full Description
This new fully updated 3rd edition of Bradt's Kosovo is the only full-length English guidebook to this land rich in cultural heritage, generous hospitality and stunning scenery which is celebrating its 10th anniversary of unilateral independence from Serbia. Updated by two resident tourism experts, this new edition is an ideal companion for all visitors, offering maps, contacts and detailed information not easily accessible online, insider knowledge of one of Europe's last unspoiled destinations, and comprehensive detail on sites, attractions and practical information.
What was once a hub for adventurous backpackers and international organisations has become an outdoor adventure destination in its own right with a compelling buzz thanks in part to a vibrant and dynamic young population: the average age here is 26. Mega-hiking trails like the Via Dinarica and Peaks of the Balkans have brought attention to the country's unmatched scenery and multitude of 2,500+ metre peaks. New via ferratas - climbing routes - in the country's north and west appeal to the adventurous set, while newly restored archaeological sites offer a haven for history buffs as well. This third edition contains a wealth of new tour operators and fully updated maps to key cities and regions that make it easier than ever to explore Europe's youngest country.
Ringed by high mountains and recovering from a turbulent past, Kosovo is enjoying a tourism renaissance. Following this guide, visitors can ski over pristine snowfields and hike among saw-toothed mountains, explore the ebb and flow of Islam and of Orthodox Christianity at beautiful shrines such as Gracanica Monastery or Prizren's Sinan Pasha Mosque, sample raki at one of the vineyards, visit a traditional stone kulla, and be initiated into Prishtina's coffee-drinking culture. Bradt's Kosovo caters for all travellers. With detailed descriptions of the country's lively cafés and wide-ranging restaurants, as well as the thriving outdoor adventure scene, plus accommodation to suit all budgets, this new edition is the ideal companion for tourists, NGOs and long-term visitors.
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation areas, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights and suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and
away, Health, Safety, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Sports and activities, Media and
communications, Business, Cultural etiquette, Living in Kosovo, Time, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Prishtina/Pristina
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink,
Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Sports and activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 4 Central Kosovo
Gracanica and around, Janjevo/Janjeve, Lipjan/Lipljan and around, Drenas/Glogovac and around, Monuments to the Battle of Kosovo, Batllava Lake
Chapter 5 Western Kosovo
Peja/Pec, Around Peja, Rugova Valley, Istog (Burim)/Istok, Kline/Klina, Decan/Decani and around, Gjakova/Djakovica
Chapter 6 Southern Kosovo
Prizren, Around Prizen, Rahovec/Orahovac, Dragash/Dragas municipality, Zhupa Valley, Brezovica, Strpce/Shterpce
Chapter 7 Southeast Kosovo
History, Geography, Gjilan/Gnjilane and around, Novo Brdo/Novoberde (Artane), Kamenice/
Kamenica, Ferizaj/Urosevac and around, Viti/Vitina, Letnica/Letnice, Kacanik/Kacanik
Chapter 8 Northern Kosovo
Vushtrri/Vucitrn, Skenderaj/Srbica, Mitrovica/Kosovska Mitrovica, Around Mitrovica,
Leposavic/Leposaviq, Zubin Potok
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Albanian and Serbian place Names
Appendix 3 Further Information
Index
