Located in the mountains of southern Europe, much of Kosovo receives significant snowfall during winter (December, January, and February), while sweltering temperatures in the country will have most seeking out shade in the high summer months of July and August. Visits to Kosovo are therefore best considered during either spring (March and April) or in the autumn months of September and October. April provides the perfect blend of blue skies, comfortable temperatures, and fascinating Easter celebrations that are sure to impress anyone, while many travelers head for the country in July and August to attend music and film festivals in Prizren.

Although small, Kosovo’s mountainous terrain means that travel times might be slightly longer than you are used to elsewhere in Europe. Stick to the cultural sites around Pristina, including the Serb Orthodox monastery at Gračanica, if you only have three or four days in the country. With five days, it is possible to visit the cafés and wander through the bazaars of Peja. Splurge on a week-long vacation in Kosovo if you wish to discover some of its hidden gems, including the stunning Marble Cave.

In addition to the destinations already mentioned, no trip to the country is complete without a visit to Gjakova. Home to Kosovo’s oldest bazaar, history oozes from every stone in Gjakova. The ornate Decani Monastery, located not far from Peja, is the burial place of Serbia’s King Stefan Dečanski, the fourteenth-century monarch who died in the nearby Zvecan Fortress, which is thought to have been built around the year 1000 AD. Skiers and snowboarders will also want to include the Sar Mountains in the itinerary, while Brezovica is yet another destination that should not be missed.