Kosovo

The final shard in former Yugoslavia’s demise wasn’t given up without a fight. For Serbians, Kosovo was, and presumably still is, associated with their nation’s struggle and birth. Unfortunately times have a changed, and what once was majority Serb is now majority Albanian. And the Albanians were no longer content to live under Serb rule. Thus the struggle ensued, atrocities were committed, international intervention followed, and Kosovo gained its independence, though this is not recognized by everybody.

Peace has returned and some sort of understanding with Serbia has been reached allowing the two governments to, at least, be on speaking terms. While majority Albanian, there is still a vocal Serbian minority, especially in the north.

Politics aside, there are plenty of sites to lure in the tourists, with UNESCO heritage Serbian monasteries, Albanian mosques, rugged mountains, and even more rugged rivers, and of course the diverse intermix of cultures that caused so much heartache and pain, but is also the mother of beauty. The population is generally young, interested and very hospitable.

Not a lot of travellers make it out here, so make the most of it while it lasts, because this is bound to change in the future. For now it is for you to discover this little jewel in the Balkans.