Kosovo

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Kosovo is a largely mountainous country in Balkans|South Eastern Europe. It declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 but Serbia has not recognised it. Kosovo borders Albania from the west, Montenegro from the northwest, North Macedonia from the south, and Serbia to the northeast.

In 2019, Kosovo is recognised by about slightly over half of the countries around the world. Serbia and many other countries continue to consider Kosovo an "illegitimately separated province". The majority of the population is ethnic Albanian. Minorities include Serbs, Bosniaks, Turks, Gorani and Roma (all five of which are considered equal in status to Albanians within Kosovo's constitution). Most Albanians, as well as Turks, are Muslim, but the regime is secular, and all religious groups freely observe their key feasts and celebration dates.

Kosovo is also young in terms of average age of population, with more than 70 percent of its population under the age of 35.

While the independence of Kosovo is disputed by some states, from a traveller's perspective it is the self-proclaimed state which exercises de facto control of the land.

An Introduction to the regions of Kosovo

{{Regionlist | region1name=Central Kosovo | region1color=#33cc99 | region1description=Contains the capital Pristina, which has a lively downtown with bustling cafes and bars, galleries and museums and the Newborn independence monument and the Germia National Park right on the edge of the city. Cultural events are hosted here year-round and it has regular transport links to towns and cities throughout Kosovo. Outside of the city, lies the town of Gračanica with its 14th century Serbian Orthodox monastery and nearby Ulpiana archaeological site. The region also includes two monuments to the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, a tower at Gazimestan and the Tomb of Sultan Murad.

| region2name=Western Kosovo | region2color=#336699 | region2description=The west is Kosovo's most scenic region and has a rich cultural legacy. It's two biggest cities are Peja, with its scenic location and 13th Century UNESCO-protected Patriarchate, and Gjakova with its recently restored Ottoman old town. Behind Peja lies the dramatic Rugova Mountains|Rugova Gorge, a national park and playground for outdoor activities, while east of Gjakova is fruit cocktail-making country, with vineyards surrounding the town of Rahovec. Serbian legacy can be explored in the medieval village of Velika Hoca, where rakija (brandy) is still made in the traditional way, and the Visoki monastery with its 14th century original frescoes just outside of Dečan. Two sets of waterfalls in the west can offer a refreshing getaway, including Mirusha on the road from Prishtina to Gjakova and Radavc, between Peja and Montenegro, where the source of the White Drin can be found.

| region3name=Southern Kosovo | region3color=#cc66cc | region3description=The city of Prizren lies at the heart of southern Kosovo, with its historic old town, hilltop castle, and impressive array of masjids and churches. South of Prizren is the remote mountainous area of Dragash, home to one of the Balkans' most picturesque villages, Brod. The Sharri mountains stretch across Kosovo's southern border, and offer ample opportunities for hiking and skiing, on the slopes of Brezovica.

| region4name=Northern Kosovo | region4color=#99cc33 | region4description=At the centre of the northern region is the city of Mitrovica, with its mixed Albanian and Serb population divided by the River Ibar. Nearby is the town of Vushtrri and the oldest settlement in Kosovo that has a centuries old castle and stone bridge. At Prekaz, close to Skanderaj, visitors can get a glimpse into Kosovo's more recent history, at a monument to the Jashari family, whose massacre in 1998 is often seen as the trigger to the escalation of violence at the end of the 20th century. Opportunities for hiking are provided by rural regions in the north, including in Shala e Bajgores east of Mitrovica and around the lake outside of Zubin Potok.

| region5name=South-eastern Kosovo | region5color=#bfbfbf | region5description=The rolling hills of Kosovo's southeast are home to the bustling city of Gjilan, a medieval fortress at Novo Brdo and the church where Mother Theresa received her calling at Letnica. On the road from Prishtina to Skopje lie the cities of Ferizaj and Kacanik, with their murals and post-industrial legacy, and a chance to explore the Gadime caves.

Other Muslim friendly Cities in Kosovo

  • Pristina
  • Ferizaj
  • Gjakova
  • Gračanica (Kosovo) | Gračanica
  • Kacanik
  • Mitrovica
  • Peja
  • Prizren

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Kosovo

  • Brod
  • Rugova Mountains|Rugova Gorge

Kosovo Halal Explorer

History of Kosovo

File:07 Gjakova Naten Gjakova at Night - View of Gjakova

History in Kosovo has been highly politicized and is wrapped up with the histories of its Balkan neighbors.

Control of Kosovo changed hands many times in the medieval period, passing variously from being part of the Bulgarian Empire, Byzantine Empire and the Serbian Empire. From the 15th century Kosovo was part of the Islamic Ottoman Empire for almost 500 years, before the empire collapsed at the beginning of the 20th century. Wars and border disputes continued as Kosovo became part of the Kingdom of Serbia, which expanded into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes at the end of World War I, and changed its name to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929.

At the end of World War II, and the defeat of the invading Axis powers by socialist partisans, Kosovo became an Autonomous Province in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, led by Josip Broz Tito.

After Tito's death in 1980, and the rise of nationalism throughout Yugoslavia, Kosovo was stripped of its autonomous status at the end of the '80s by the regime of autocratic leader Slobodan Milosevic. With Yugoslavia breaking apart, Kosovo's Albanians were stripped of many of their rights during a decade of repression during the 1990s, which ultimately ended in the war of 1998-99, as Kosovar Albanians stood up against the Serbian regime to fight for their liberation. A bombing campaign against Serbian military targets brought the war to an end in June 1999, and led to a period in which Kosovo was administered by the United Nations.

On February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, and was quickly recognized by many Western powers, including the United States and most member states of the European Union. However Serbia continues to refute Kosovo's independent status. It is also not a member of the United Nations as its independence is not recognised by Russia and China, both of whom have used their veto power on the Security Council to block any UN recognition of Kosovo. Domestically, while most ethnic Albanians support Kosovo's independence, most ethnic Serbs do not and still consider Kosovo to be a part of Serbia.

How is the Climate in Kosovo

The climate is continental, with very warm summers and cold and snowy winters.

Religion

Kosovo is a multi-ethnic, secular state whose population trainings a diverse selection of religions. The majority Albanian population is mainly Muslim, though with a significant catholic minority. Kosovo's Bosniak, Gorani and Turkish communities are also predominantly Muslim, while Kosovar Serbs tend to training Serbian Orthodox Christianity.

Travel to Kosovo

  • According to the Serbian Constitution, Kosovo is a part of Serbia. If you enter Kosovo first and then try to travel directly to Serbia they will view you as being illegally in their country because you do not have a Serbian entry stamp. You must exit Kosovo and enter Serbia from a different (non-Kosovo) border crossing if wishing to enter Serbia.
  • You will not be given a Serbian exit stamp if you enter Kosovo from Serbia.
  • Alternatively, if you are an EU, Bosnian, Macedonian, Montenegrin, Serbian or Swiss national, use a national ID card at border crossings (no stamps involved).

Visa policy of Kosovo - Map showing the visa requirements of Kosovo, with countries in yellow having enjoying visa free entry for ordinary passports while countries in green enjoy visa free entry with service and diplomatic passports

Muslims visitors of countries such as Albania, Australia, Canada and the European Union, CIS, Lebanon, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and Türkiye do not need a visa, but if you are planning to stay in Kosovo for more than 90 days you should register at the Police Department for the Registration of Foreigners. This is next to the central police station in Pristina. Muslims visitors of other countries that have significantly contributed to the rebuilding of the Kosovo probably also do not need visas either, although Kosovo is starting to implement a stricter visa regulation. The 90-day rule for the registration of foreigners applies to everybody.

You can enter Kosovo through the northern border with Serbia through Kosovska Mitrovica or near Pristina. There are bus connections from Belgrade and Nis to Pristina and Prizren and from all the major towns in Serbia to the northern parts. The most used transport route is through North Macedonia and Pristina airport. Skopje is only one and a half hour from the capital city of Kosovo, Pristina. Travelling from Pristina to any other city of Kosovo does not take longer than an hour and a half. For instance, from Pristina to Prizren takes 45 minutes. Travelling to Peja takes a hour and a half.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kosovo

  • Pristina International Airport IATA Flight Code: PRN - Several European airlines have started to offer direct connecting Flights from their hubs to the Pristina International Airport. Examples are easyJet, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Eurowings, Jetairfly, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, SWISS, EdelWeiss Air, Croatia Airlines and Austrian Airlines. Adria Airways has a regional hub in Pristina. During the summer, several additional charter flights are available for Muslim travellers.

Travel on a Bus in Kosovo

From Montenegro, you can enter through Rozaje to Peja/Pec (roughly 2.0 hours).

From North Macedonia (Skopje), you can take a bus to Pristina (less than 1.5 h)

There is a border crossing in the Presevo Valley in Serbia.

There are a couple companies offering buses from Istanbul via Skopje.

From Albania, you can enter through Prizren on a nice new road; gone are the days of the "nightmare" 10-hour mountain ride. The trip from Tirane costs 10€ and takes less than 4 hours, with two stops.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Kosovo

HK NOHAB Di 3 005 at Ferizaj - International passenger train operated by Kosovo Railways in Ferizaj

There are also trains crossing the Kosovo border. Two daily services connects Kraljevo in Serbia with all towns on the Leshak, Fushë Kosovë (Kosovo Polje). Connections from Beograd are feasible but includes a long stay between train at Kraljevo, thus bringing the journey to more than 12 hours for 399 km.

This service has vanished from Kosovo Railways' timetable but it is reported that Serbian Railways run a twice daily service from Zvecan (just after Mitrovica) all the way to Kraljevo. Check their homepage for details. No passenger trains run between Fushe Kovove/Kosovo Polje – Mitrovica – Zvecan.

Since March 1, 2006, an identical service, twice daily, has run from Skopje in North Macedonia to Pristina in Kosovo. It is hard to find timings for these trains. Trains are very slow and convey second class only, but they give the opportunity to see a lot of Kosovo and are good value at roughly €4 each way.

This service has been reduced to once daily, leaving Pristina at 7.10, arriving in Skopje at 09.52 (return leaving Skopje at 16:35). The timetable is available at the Kosovo Railways website.

By car

To enter Kosovo and the validity and acceptance of the International Motor Insurance Card is in doubt. At the border you will need to pay for separate insurance, which will cover you throughout Kosovo for two weeks. Costs depend on the vehicle but two weeks' cover is usually under €20. Ensure also that you have your vehicle registration and a power of attorney from the owner if the vehicle is not yours. During the summer holidays in Germany and Switzerland expect long queues at the border crossing in Merdare (up to 3 hours).

How to get around in Kosovo

Travel on a Bus in Kosovo

The best way to travel intercity in Kosovo is by bus. The buses are relatively affordable and comfortable (for example from Pristina to Peja is €4), with discounts available for students. Payment is usually made on the bus to a representative of the bus company coming around once the journey has started - you may or may not receive a physical ticket, depending on the company.

Between some cities you may also have the option of mini-vans, running from nearby the main bus station. These leave when full and are usually a similar price to the regular buses.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Kosovo

There are two daily train services from Pristina to Peja which are a comfortable way to make this journey (€3)

By car

Major construction of highways in recent years has cut travel durations between major cities significantly, and more highways are being built and improved.

Driving in Kosovo, particularly in cities, can be a little stressful to begin with, and it can be best to go in with the attitude of "expect the unexpected." Pedestrians crossing in front of you unexpectedly, cyclists coming towards you on the wrong side of the road, and potholes appearing out of nowhere are all familiar sights, as are just-in-time overtaking maneuvers and swerving lane-changes, while roundabouts bring with them their own unique customs. That being said, you are likely to quickly get used to it and as long as you stay alert - and look out for sudden changes in road surfaces - you should be fine!

Parking can be a challenge, particularly in Pristina and major cities, but there are plenty of informal vehicle parks (at around 1-2 euros for the day), where your vehicle should be safe. Lots of local residents choose to park up at the side of the road, on pavements, or wherever there are a few square meters, although the police have begun to remove illegally parked vehicles in some areas.

Road signs and place names usually appear in both Albanian and Serbian, although it is not uncommon for the minority language to be scratched out - a useful indication of the majority population of the area you're in.

Best way to travel in Kosovo by a Taxi

It is best to use registered taxis as they have fixed prices and are metered. Registered taxis are clearly marked with a company name and phone number printed on the vehicle. Unregistered taxis are usually cars with a yellow taxi sign affixed to the roof and they are safe, but the price is entirely at the driver's discretion. For more information on taxi companies see the pages for individual cities.

Local Language in Kosovo

Most people in Kosovo speak Albanian phrasebook|Albanian, while in Serb-majority areas, such as the north, Serbian is spoken - both are official languages and appear on road signs, etc. All Kosovar Albanians born 1987 or earlier will understand Serbian, although it may result in a hostile reaction if you try to speak Serbian to them.

Young people, particularly in the major cities such as Prishtina and Prizren, are likely to understand English, whereas the older generation are more likely to understand (German). Some older people are able to speak Russian, as it was compulsory in schools during the communist era, although it may not be received well among the Albanian population due to its apparent similarity with Serbian.

Turkish can be useful, and the Turkish minority speaks both Turkish and Albanian.

What to see in Kosovo

Newborn Monument 2017 - The Newborn monument in Prishtina; the letters get a new paint scheme every year

  • Prishtina 42.662914, 21.165503 is the capital city of Kosovo. Places that should be visited in Pristina is the quarter near the National Museum of Kosova. In addition to visiting the museum where a lot of archaeological artifacts are presented, in both ways when you exit, you see the old masjids from the Islamic Ottoman Empire era.
  • Prizren 42.215258, 20.741474 The most historical city in Kosovo. It has plenty of examples of beautiful Islamic architecture.
  • Mirusha Waterfalls Ujëvarat e Mirushës - 42.524036, 20.600299 Take the Prishtina - Gjakova bus and ask to be dropped off at Ujëvarat e Mirushës then walk ~3 kilometers inland. Located between Prishtina and Gjakova, it is a nice hike ending in a cascade of 16 waterfalls and visible stone strata. On the way back stop at the restaurant near the road for fish and relaxation.
  • Waterfall of the Drini River - Radavc - 42.738049, 20.305781 Located north of Peja behind the Berdynaj village During the summer, this place is fantastic, and the road to the river is an amazing, narrow road with wires on one side and the river on the other; this is a great part of Kosovo.
  • The Pec Patriarchy - 42.661256, 20.265298 The Peć patriarchy lies 2 kilometers to the north west of the Peja (Pec) downtown. This location was the seat of the Patriarchy of the Serbian Orthodox Church starting in 1302 and for many Serbs is considered to be of extreme national importance. All of the Serbs who lived in Peja have either left or been forced to do so by Albanian nationalists leaving the Patriarchy to be heavily guarded by NATO troops, with a few remaining clergy. It is a beautiful monastery with many spectacular paintings. If you go, dress conservatively.
  • Rugova Gorge 42.700138, 20.144463 Rugova gorge is also to the northwest of Peja, can be found by following the same road that leads to the Pec Patriarchy. Just drive further.
  • The canyon has extremely steep walls reaching possibly up to 300 meters.
  • Gjakova Old Bazaar - 42.38071, 20.42691 free - A very beautiful old "shopping center" from 17th century. It was burned down during the war in 1999 and has been reconstructed. Also in the center of the bazaar is located an old mosque that was built in the 15th century. It is one of the rarest of its kind. An architectural and cultural complex, with a length of 1 km, including a space of about 35,000m2, it holds a large number of crafts-work shops.
  • The Mitrovica Bridge 42.891256, 20.866002 An interesting symbol of the division of the population in Kosovo. This bridge is the dividing line between Serbs and Albanians in Mitrovica. It will almost always be safe to approach the bridge and look at it.
  • Brezovica Ski Centre 42.181962, 21.031866 Old infrastructure but great slopes, located in Southern Kosova. Go from Prizren or from Prishtina through Ferizaj.

Novobrdo1 - Novoberdo Fortress

  • Novobrdo 42.615156, 21.417214 In Latin documents written as Novaberd, Novus Mons or Novamonte; and in Saxon miners' documents as Nyeuberghe) was mentioned in the historical documents as early as 1326. Novo Brdo was a metropolis at the time, with a huge medieval fortress built on the top of an extinct volcano cone and the remains of which can be visited today, and residential sections sprawling all around. In the outer wall of the fortress, a large cross is visible, built into the stones. The castle, or fortress, was thought at one point to have dated back to the Byzantine Empire.
  • Ulpiana 42.595875, 21.175117 from Prishtina, head towards Gracanica, make a right downtown towards Ulpiana One of the oldest cities in the Balkan peninsula, is 20–30 minutes away from Pristina towards Gjilan. It was re-constructed by Justinian I emperior.

Medieval monuments

A UNESCO World Heritage listing consisting of four religious edifices:

  • Gračanica Monastery near Prishtina – One of the most beautiful examples of Serbian medieval (14th c.) ecclesiastical architecture. This monastery was built by the Serbian king Milutin in the Serbo-Byzantine style, reportedly its shape being inspired by a cloud. It is noted for its frescoes, and being the only medieval Serbian monastery found in an urban setting complete with an old school and archives.
  • Decani Monastery in western Kosovo – One of the most important monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo. It is famous for its elegant and peculiar architecture. As an orthodox monastery from the 13th century, it successfully mixes western and eastern church building elements to form a particular hybrid style only known on the territory of old Serbia. This monastery is particularly noted for some of the world's finest medieval frescoes adorning its walls.
  • Monastery of the Patriarchate of Peć in Peja, northwestern Kosovo.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kosovo

Though Kosovo is not yet well known for its tourism, this is changing rapidly and definitely has something to offer for every type of traveler. Surrounded by high mountains and still coming into its statehood, Kosovo is easily accessible in many aspects and one of the cheapest European destinations to travel. With cross-border hiking trails like the Via Dinarica and Peaks of the Balkans bringing an influx of new visitors to Kosovo that can be traversed in a day, but can take years to fully absorb, now is the perfect time to discover the potential of this once-unknown region. Exploring Kosovo's rural areas you will find a land rich in stunning scenery, cultural legacy and exceptional hospitality. Travelers can enjoy hiking over the jagged Sharri, Pastrik and Accursed Mountains, ski pristine and less-trodden slopes in Brezovica, appreciate the impeccably maintained Ottoman architecture of Prizren, sample raki or homemade around Rahovec, visit a traditional stone kulla in Junik or Drenoc, dive into the coffee-drinking culture in one of Prishtina’s many wonderful cafés, or explore both Islam and Orthodox Christianity at beautiful monasteries and masjids (sometimes found side by side) around Kosovo. As a place full of lively cafés and wide-ranging restaurants, a thriving outdoor adventure scene and the warmest local residents you can imagine and some of the best prices across a vast region, Kosovo definitely deserves the attention not only of the intrepid traveler, but of anyone looking to avoid the regular tourist traps.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kosovo

Money Matters & ATM's in Kosovo

In Serbian-majority municipalities

The Serbian dinar is used in the four Serbian-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo and in Gracanica and Strpce. Exchange offices are found almost everywhere. Note that in these locations while euros are accepted generally, all prices are listed in dinar.

Buy Souvenirs from Kosovo

For those seeking a souvenir to take back with them from Kosovo and there are many options available: From fine handcrafted Filigree silver to traditional Albanian wool hats (a plis) and musical instruments (the stringed ciftelia). Local food specialties to take home could include honey, raki, a high strength alcohol distilled from fruit, ajvar, a pepper based spread or feferona, spicy local peppers.

Tipping

In Kosovo generally tipping is not expected from local residents, but as it is done by foreigners, it is welcome. In more upmarket venues it might be more likely for tipping to be expected. In taxis you can tip to the nearest euro or half euro.

Halal Restaurants in Kosovo

Prishtina tiffany cuisine - Traditional dishes at a restaurant in Prishtina

Best restaurants to eat at are those that are located in the villages near by big cities; they tend to have the best Meat dishes and the best sea food. Trout, seabass and salmon fish are very common and popular and are kept fresh in their pools and are nearly always fried when you order. Prices are pretty average and, for some countries' nationals, cheap.

Lots of great burek (baked pastry stuffed with Cheese, Meat or spinach). Try the drinkable yogurt (Ayran)—it's superb. Lots of Halal Kebab and other Ottoman Turkish style food.

As far as you are in an Albanian territory, you could try Albanian Halal Food as well. Fli, a very good pastry, can be found in different traditional restaurants.

At the bakery, you can buy a fantastic loaf of bread for under €1.

The grocery stores have a plentiful supply of International food.

Non-Alcoholic:

Yogurt/Ayran is a common local drink and is often consumed with pastry based foods.

Boza is also another common sweet drink made from cornflour and often drank with cakes and pastries.

Local company Frutomania produce 100% natural juices, alongside traditional fruit drinks like limonata (from lemons) and boronica (from blueberries)

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kosovo

Kosovo - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kosovo, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kosovo. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kosovo and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kosovo. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kosovo. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKosovo: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kosovo.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kosovo: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kosovo, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kosovo.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kosovo, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kosovo, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kosovo and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kosovo, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kosovo, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kosovo without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kosovo is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kosovo.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kosovo is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kosovo, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kosovo Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kosovo

eHalal Group Kosovo is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kosovo. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kosovo.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kosovo ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kosovo. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kosovo, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kosovo are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Kosovo

Accommodation in Kosovo can be expensive in hotels, but in Pristina, Prizren and Gjakova in particular, affordable lodging (hostels or apartments) are extremely simple to find.

Basically you can find:

  • Apartments
  • Hostels
  • Small hotels (motels)
  • Two and three star hotels (more common)
  • At least two five star hotels in Pristina

Guesthouses are also dotted around throughout Kosovo, offering affordable alternatives.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Kosovo

Ballanca prej kodres t'kitices - panoramio - Landscape

There are pretty much no physical or criminal dangers you need to worry about; people in general — both Albanians and Serbs — are extremely friendly and hospitable to tourists. Since the end of the war, more than 200,000 international workers from over the world have come to develop Kosovo and local people are very used to people from outside and very friendly towards them.

Like in much of the Balkans, land mines were heavily used during the Yugoslav wars, although you are extremely unlikely to encounter them in any way today. Mines were a major problem in Kosovo in the first four years after the war, and though some mines still exist and they are generally in remote areas and have well-marked signs advising not to enter a certain space. Most of the mined areas are places where conflict took place (rural Central Kosovo and the Kosovo–Albania border region). It's very safe to go hiking and camping — just ask before you do in order to make sure it's not an area that may still have mines, but most hiking and camping takes place in areas where the war did not occur, like the Šar mountains, where there is a ski and camping resort.

It is best to use registered taxi companies as they provide fixed prices measured through a meter. Unlicensed taxis are safe but the price is completely down to the driver's discretion.

As with the region as a whole, homophobia is fairly widespread and public displays of affection are almost non-existent.

Medical Issues in Kosovo

It is feasible for foreigners to obtain treatment at the public hospital in Pristina (staff from your lodging may come in handy as translators). However and the state of the hospital is far from ideal: The toilets have no soap, infusions are hanging from improvised stands. Kosovo has no public health insurance system and you will be required to pay your bill in cash. A visit to the doctor and a few pills from the pharmacy will cost you around 20 €. If you know what you need you may visit the pharmacy directly as no prescription is needed.

Locals drink the tap water, though visitors are advised to drink bottled water.

Telecommunications in Kosovo

You can buy a local sim card for 3 EUR, with the two major carriers being Vala and Ipko. You need to provide an ID (passport) and register.

Most cafes and restaurants have a free WiFi connection that clients can use.

Travel Next from Kosovo

Kosovo has easy access to destinations in neighboring countries such as Skopje, North Macedonia, Northeastern Albania and North Montenegrin Mountains.

There are Flights from Pristina International Airport to Frankfurt, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Munich, Stuttgart, Geneva, Zurich, Vienna, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Budapest, Ljubljana, Istanbul and London.

There are direct bus links to major cities in Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Albania, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Serbia.

Note that if you plan to go to Russia after Kosovo, you may encounter a bit of trouble entering the nation as Russia considers the declaration of independence of Kosovo illegal.

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