The owner of the winery is a successful American businessman, which is why the American, Kosovar, and Albanian flags are displayed outside. The winery was established in 1953 and privatized in 2006. There, they produce a whopping 30 million liters of wine every year. The grapes they used come from their 2,243-hectare vineyard, which they share with private farmers.
The History of Peja
Northwest of Peja, between the city and the Kosovo/Montenegro border, is another of the top things to see and do in Peja, Kosovo, Rugova Valley. This serpent-shaped valley snakes its way through stunning mountain landscapes that include alpine forests, mountain pastures, and glacial lakes.
Another great place in Peja where locals congregate is the Main Square. In most European towns and cities, the main square often serves as a meeting place for people. They’re also usually lined with shops, restaurants, museums, and sometimes even government buildings.
As I mentioned earlier, meat is a major part of the cuisine in Kosovo. Meat is prevalent throughout the Balkans, where you’ll find one of my all-time favorite meat dishes. Known as ćevap, qebap, or ćevapčići depending on which country you’re in, this mincemeat sausage is one of the most mouthwatering dishes you’ll find in the Balkans.
Guests can choose between five different types of rooms: a standard room, a deluxe suite, a deluxe twin room, a presidential room, and a penthouse. All rooms boast stunning views of either the river, city, or Rugova Gorge.
Modern-Day Peja
Peja was ruled by the Serbs for 300 after a Serbian Grand Prince liberated the city from the Byzantine Empire in the late 12th century. Serbian archbishops then built homes and churches in the city, which later became a major religious center.
Further down the street, you’ll find Qebaptore Egzoni. There, they sell meatballs that are more like burgers. They come with cabbage, tomatoes, chilies, cucumbers, pepper seeds, potato salad, and salt. The peppers make the dish quite spicy, but it’s worth it. Flush it down with a milky yogurt drink called ajran to kill the heat in your mouth and throat!
Peja 30000 Kosovo
One of their most unique offerings is bread shaped like a traditional qeleshe hat. The cooks fill it with a mixture of sauteed beef, eggplant, peppers, and carrots. The vegetables had a nice, roasted flavor that perfectly complemented the meat and bread. It was like a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs beef stew, perfect for a chilly autumn day.
Visit the Old Bazaar
While I’m not necessarily a budget traveler, I certainly appreciate a good bargain, especially when it comes to comfortable accommodations. Peja’s best accommodation, Hotel Dukagjini, also happens to be quite affordable. This five-star hotel in the center of the city is the perfect choice for travelers exploring the city.
It is thought that Peja was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman town known as Siparantum. Many ancient stelae from the time period have been unearthed in the area.
Birra Peja
As is customary in Kosovo, the meal also comes with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese, onions, and peppers on the side. I suggest adding some of the white cheese to the beef and vegetables, which adds a whole new dimension of flavor to the dish. If you’re brave enough, try one of the peppers, but be warned—they can be pretty spicy!
Before you set out on your hike along the White Drin River—or after, if you prefer—I recommend stopping inside Resort Ujevara e Drinit. The resort stands on the banks of the river, giving guests unparalleled views of the area’s natural splendor. The best place on-site to enjoy the views is the hotel’s restaurant, Moncafe.
Check Out the Main Square
After it fell to the Ottomans in 1455, the city’s was known by its Turkish name, İpek. Nearly five centuries later, the First Balkan War of 1912-1913 ended the Ottoman regime.
If you’re a bit more adventurous, the shop also sells a variety of organ meats, which are my personal favorites. They’re not for everyone, but if you enjoy the buttery, gamy, iron-rich flavors and textures of organs like liver and kidneys, this is the spot for you!
While the city itself offers more than enough sites and activities for travelers, I recommend taking some time to explore outside the city. One of my favorite spots in the area is banks of the White Drin River, near Resort Ujevara e Drinit. Located just 30 minutes outside of town, it’s the perfect day trip for anyone who wants to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Peja, Kosovo
+383 49 400 046
Check out the Top 10 Things to See and Do in Prizren, Kosovo
Eat Traditional Tavas at Kulla e Zenel Beut
Hiking along the White Drin River is also one of the top things to do in Peja, Kosovo for wildlife enthusiasts. The wet forest environment is the perfect haven for fire salamanders, beautiful amphibious creatures with black and orange markings.
+383 38 771 177
Restaurant Art Design
Peja, Kosovo
It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Kosovar culture, as coffee and raki are common breakfast pairings. It likely wouldn’t be the first choice for most Western visitors, but when in Rome, right?
In the wine-tasting room, you can try their rosé, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, chardonnay reserve, vranats, and more. I suggest the 2015 red dry shiraz and 10-year-old brandy. They also have a strong but smooth raki that’s 49% alcohol. Of course, buying some Stone Castle wine is a must. Some of their reds cost up to 60 Euros (roughly USD) per bottle, but it’s worth it if you can afford it!
The hotel itself dates back to 1956 and is considered one of Kosovo’s elite hotels. It was completely renovated after becoming part of the Dukagjini Group in 2008. Hotel Dukagjini manages to feel both traditional and modern and boasts unique and charming architecture.
Also known as the Bazaar of Peja, the Old Bazaar is built in the traditional Ottoman style in the center of the city. However, it isn’t the original bazaar. The original bazaar has been destroyed twice—once during World War II and again during the Kosovo War in the late 1990s.
You can also sample their clearer, amber-colored filtered beer, which is also fantastic. Both beers both made with water from the White Drin River, which is why they’re both of such high quality.
You can also sample their clearer, amber-colored filtered beer, which is also fantastic. Both beers both made with water from the White Drin River, which is why they’re both of such high quality.
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Stay at Hotel Dukagjini
+377 44 222 254
Adem Jashari
A set of steps leads to a unique bridge that crosses the river directly above a set of waterfalls. Further along the path, you’ll find the second-largest cave in Kosovo, Sleeping Beauty Cave. My guide Erjan told me that this tunnel-filled cavern is a dream to explore, but if you want to visit, you can only do so between April and October.
Kosovo is a culture that embraces meat, dairy, and vegetables. Nearly all of its traditional dishes contain one (or all) of the three, and they’re all quite tasty. One of my personal favorite places to eat traditional food in Peja is Kulla e Zenel Beut, which stands just minutes from the main square.
I recommend starting with some raki, also known as rakija. This is a fruit brandy that is popular throughout the Balkans. It can be made with a variety of fruits, including apples, plums, apricots, pears, and berries. Their quince fruit raki is outstanding!
Bërnjakë p.n.
Erjan and I followed that by seeing Peja Brewery’s bottling process in another building. I got to learn how the bottles are washed and filled. The beer gets pasteurized at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and then the bottles get labeled! I’ve always had a passion for seeing how beer is made. It never ceases to amaze me!
Situated in the eastern section of the Accursed Mountains in western Kosovo is the city of Peja. Located in the mountainous Rugova region, this Balkan city is a dream for curious travelers with its mix of tradition and modernity. The area is home to modern attractions like ski centers and zip-lining adventures, beautiful natural locations, and centuries-old UNESCO sites and traditional cuisine. These things make up the top things to see and do in Peja, Kosovo.
I had the amazing opportunity to tour Peja with my friend Erjan from Travel Media EU in October of 2020. During my two days there, I learned that the area around Peja is also quite stunning, with gorgeous valleys, peaceful forests, and majestic rivers cutting through the mountainous terrain. It’s one of my new favorite Balkan cities, and I’ll break down why in this guide. These are the top 10 things to see and do in Peja, Kosovo.
I had the amazing opportunity to tour Peja with my friend Erjan from Travel Media EU in October of 2020. During my two days there, I learned that the area around Peja is also quite stunning, with gorgeous valleys, peaceful forests, and majestic rivers cutting through the mountainous terrain. It’s one of my new favorite Balkan cities, and I’ll break down why in this guide. These are the top 10 things to see and do in Peja, Kosovo.
Conclusion
Stone Castle Vineyards and Winery
Today, Peja is a quaint city of just under 49,000 according to the 2011 census, but it is rapidly becoming a must-visit tourist destination. But while Peja has seen an influx in visitors from around the world in recent years, its traditional roots remain intact.