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Written by Cassie from Cassie the Hag.
So that you’re pondering of visiting Kosovo or maybe are planning a extra in depth journey across the Balkans? Like many who’ve fallen for the charms of Europe’s latest nation, I actually consider Kosovo is without doubt one of the continent’s most underrated locations.
Now more and more vacationer-pleasant and protected to go to, the challenges of visiting a rustic that solely declared its independence in 2008 are far overwhelmed by the various nice causes so as to add it to your Europe bucket listing.
Though it was the unbridled welcome of the locals that left the most important impression on me following my quick journey to Kosovo, it’s the integration of sudden cultural gems with beautiful nature that left me questioning why Kosovo isn’t extra common.
These are amongst the explanation why my cease in Peja turned a agency favourite throughout my months solo backpacking the Balkans. (Aspect word: sure, it is a protected area for solo vacationers to go to too!)
About Peja, Kosovo
Peja can be recognized by its Albanian title Pejë or Serbian title ‘Peć’, which implies ‘cave’, presumably after the close by canyon or caves which you’ll nonetheless go to at this time.
This small metropolis has lower than 50000 inhabitants and is a part of the better Peć district of Kosovo, closeby to the borders of each Montenegro and Albania. Peja is without doubt one of the ‘three Ps’ of Kosovo which are sometimes instructed as a advisable route by means of the nation. Probably the most properly-recognized are the quirky capital Pristina and the cultural hub of Prizren. All cities are inside 2 hours of one another and accessible by common and simple bus routes.
I merely purchased my four euro bus tickets upon arriving on the station and was in a position to stow my backpack under, making Kosovo a fairly relaxed nation to journey round. Alternatively, you possibly can lease a automotive, common with many who’re passing by means of on a Balkans highway journey.
Though on the floor there isn’t a lot to do in Peja in comparison with its bigger European counterparts, it has some extremely distinctive historic websites of its personal and the encircling surroundings is to not be missed. In truth, Peja is the proper gateway for climbing the formidable Accursed Mountains or visiting the close by Rugova Canyon. The mountain ranges listed here are breathtaking and the waterfalls are amongst the least visited in Europe. Besides by the locals, after all, who’re positive to offer you some nice ideas throughout your keep.
Traditionally, town was a serious non secular centre in medieval Serbia, and was made the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church again within the 14th – 18th centuries. Though pleasant monasteries from this era stay within the space, sadly greater than 80% of individuals’s houses have been broken throughout the tragic Kosovo Conflict in 1999.
The town is visibly much less fashionable than others in Europe, though that is no motive to not go to; the tour business right here is famous for its extremely pleasant guides and the comfy lodging are fronted by extremely hospitable locals.
Nonetheless not satisfied? My hostel dorm was solely 2 euros an evening (yep, you heard that proper) and a meal was by no means greater than four euros, though vegetarian choices are fairly restricted except for pasta and pizza.
Outdoor Actions In Peja
In case you are planning to go to Peja, the probabilities are you’re eager to make use of it as a base to go to the close by pure landscapes. Listed below are among the greatest-recognized hikes and out of doors actions within the area, all simply accessible from Peja.
Lake Liqenat (Half Day Hike)
That is the best hike to entry for these travelling by means of Kosovo on public transport and, though strenuous, is appropriate for much less superior hikers. The one bus to the Lake Liqenat hike is at 7am from Peja Bus Station (get off at Kuqishtë, on the bus is heading in direction of Boge). The bus again is at 3pm or you might organize an inexpensive taxi. Pin Kuqishtë to your google maps so you realize the place to get off. Additionally it is price pinning ‘Te Liqini’ to your map, which is a restaurant. The hike begins from behind this restaurant.
This hike has unbelievable views over the cool blue Lake Liqenat, which straddles the border of Kosovo and Montenegro. In truth, you might technically cross the border right here simply by swimming throughout the lake! In complete, you will notice two glacial lakes on this hike, alongside the magnificent peaks of the Accursed Mountain vary.
Hasan Peak (Half Day Hike)
This half-day hike is just a little taxing, going as much as 1900 metres altitude, however doable for anybody of pretty good well being and value it for the surroundings. With guides, it’s additionally potential to absorb the snowy peaks throughout the Winter interval, or else you possibly can benefit from the stretching views of wildlife right here within the spring.
For those who don’t have a automotive, the hikes change into more and more harder to entry, nevertheless you might organize a driver or use this prime-rated tour firm. Balkan Pure Journey has many climbing choices accessible and seem dedicated to offering a rewarding expertise for his or her company, at the least if their 5 star opinions are something to go by. The one draw back is that for price range travellers they could be just a little expensive, beginning at a hefty 120 euros. You’d be higher off doing the Lake Liqenat hike should you select to journey by yourself and on a price range.
Hajla Peak (7-eight Hour Hike)
Climbing as much as 2400 metres with views over each Kosovo and neighbouring Montenegro, that is the best choice for adventurous hikers, particularly since you can also make it an in a single day keep. Not solely does the bottom camp have a mountain hut with primary facilities however you might additionally lease tenting gear from BNA for one evening, permitting you to proceed climbing to the height the next day if you want.
This explicit hike can be a part of the ‘Peak of the Balkans’ path. This longer trial may be carried out over as much as 10 days relying in your route, crossing by means of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. It is suggested to solely do that route with a information until you’re a extremely skilled hiker and is an unmatched option to see these unspoiled landscapes.
Rugova Canyon And By way of Ferrata (Rock Climbing And Zip Line)
While these travelling by automotive can respect the 25km lengthy Rugova Canyon and its unbelievable 1000m depth from afar, these feeling adventurous can take the By way of Ferrata possibility, which interprets to ‘Iron Path.’ It refers to a route that utilises ladders and metal rungs with out the necessity for technical gear, although an affixed harness is secured retaining individuals from the opportunity of falling. Phew. This fashion, you possibly can view the canyon by way of an exhilarating rock climb.
For an ideal day journey, mix it with the close by 700m zip line, hurtling over the canyon in underneath a minute.
These searching for a extra stress-free time out – or who’re petrified of heights – can take pleasure in strolling alongside the canyon whereas recognizing the various springs and waterfalls within the space.
Extra Things To Do In Peja
The Outdated Bazaar
Whereas in Peja itself, you possibly can take a look at the Outdated Bazaar. In concept, it is a conventional-fashion market to select up some native souvenirs, although the choices may appear just a little lacklustre with the potential exception of native jewelry artisans. Take into account dropping by to calm down in a restaurant and take a look at some Turkish espresso as an alternative.
Patriarchate Of Peć
Among the best issues to do in Peja is to go to the Patriarchate of Peć which is a 30 minute stroll from town centre. Alternatively, you might take a taxi.
This 13th-century monastery is now classed as a UNESCO World Heritage website and is taken into account an necessary medieval monument in Kosovo. It’s nonetheless in use at this time and you will notice the nuns going about their day. Inside, they may fortunately provide you with a tour of the extremely spectacular flooring to ceiling frescos.
TIP: Serbian monasteries in Kosovo are often guarded. You could want handy over your passport so as to enter, as I did when visiting Patriarchate of Peć. For those who overlook your passport, you received’t have the ability to enter. Some travellers have famous they felt uncomfortable chatting with the police pressure however I had a really constructive expertise with a welcoming man and a cute canine on the entrance.
Visoki Decani Monastery
Simply over a 20-minute drive south of Peja is that this Serbian Orthodox Christian monastery. The distinctive domed exterior is surrounded by a formidable backdrop of pine forest and mountains, however the inside is the true present-stopper. Additionally a UNESCO World Heritage website, the church nonetheless has 1000 preserved frescoes and was in-built 1335. It’s famous for having probably the most elaborate examples of stone ornamentation from this era.
White Drin Waterfall & Radaci Cave
One other spot solely round a 20-metre drive from Peja, though the waterfall is sadly in the other way from Decan Monastery. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent cease on the way in which to common vacationer cities Gjakova and Prizren, Kosovo’s cultural centre.
Comply with the walkway by means of the forest and over previous stone bridges until you attain White Drin Waterfall, a very serene spot common with locals. Additionally throughout your go to, comply with the indicators to Radaci Cave. Also referred to as ‘Sleeping Magnificence Cave’, marvel on the stalactites and stalagmites on show. Tour guides right here communicate English and the cave is lit up inside with a multi-colored show, so don’t fear should you’re just a little petrified of the darkish. Carry a jacket and the small ticket value of two.5 euros.
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