Understand

Embark on a journey to Gjakova, a town with a remarkable past. Despite the devastation caused by the Kosovo War of 1998-1999, Gjakova has risen from the ashes. Once driven out by the Serbian Army, the resilient ethnic Albanian population has returned and now comprises 95% of the town's inhabitants. Witness the rebuilding of the downtown area, known as Qarshia e Madhe, and see the revival of businesses. Explore the history and culture of this vibrant town, which stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people.

Get in

Getting to Gjakova, a charming city in Kosovo, is a breeze with convenient transportation options. Whether you're coming from major cities in Kosovo or from Albania, you'll find easy access to this delightful destination. From Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, buses to Gjakova run every hour between 6AM and 8PM. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, offering you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. The fare is only 4 Euros, making it an affordable choice. If you're in Prizren, another beautiful city in Kosovo, you can catch a bus to Gjakova every 30 minutes from 6AM to 8PM. The travel time is around 1 hour, and the ticket costs just 2 Euros. Similarly, from Peja, a town known for its stunning natural landscapes, buses to Gjakova also operate every 30 minutes from 6AM till 8PM. The journey takes about 1 hour, with a budget-friendly fare of 2 Euros. For those coming from abroad, particularly from Albanian cities, reaching Gjakova is quite simple. From the vibrant city of Tirana, buses to Gjakova depart twice a day at 6AM and 3PM. The ride offers a scenic route, showcasing the beauty of Kosovo's mountains, lakes, rivers, and bridges. The trip lasts approximately 4 hours and costs between 7-10 Euros. There are special fares available for students, with a round-trip ticket priced at 15 Euros, while regular fares are 20 Euros. Additionally, minibuses are available from the harbor where ferries from Albania's city of Shkodra across Lake Koman/Lake Fierza terminate. These minibuses provide another convenient option for reaching Gjakova.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Kosovo's national dish is called Pasta e fasule, which translates to "pasta with beans". It is a hearty, vegetarian dish consisting of pasta cooked with white beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices. The combination of the rich tomato sauce, tender beans, and al dente pasta creates a delicious and comforting meal that is loved by many in the region.

Another popular dish in Kosovo is Tavë Kosi, a traditional baked lamb and rice dish. The lamb is marinated in yogurt, garlic, and herbs before being slow-cooked, resulting in tender, juicy meat. The cooked rice and some of the yogurt mixture are placed at the bottom of a baking dish, followed by layers of the marinated lamb, more rice, and finally more yogurt. The dish is then baked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together into a decadent symphony of tastes and textures. Though this dish does contain meat (lamb), it is often served with a side of fresh vegetables to balance the richness.

A favorite appetizer in Kosovo is Accre, a spread made from roasted red peppers, eggplant, and various spices. The peppers and eggplant are charred over an open flame until the skin is blackened and then peeled off, revealing tender, smoky flesh. They are then combined with garlic, oil, lemon juice, and other seasonings to create a bold, flavorful spread. Acre is traditionally served alongside grilled bread or crackers as a tasty starter to any meal. This appetizer is suitable for both omnivores and vegetarians alike, as it contains no meat or animal products.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing