A Romantic Stay in Gjakova

A Quiet Stay for Two

Gjakova is a small, calm town, so a romantic stay here means one or two unhurried days of good dinners, evening walks and a wine tasting rather than a long list of sights. The old bazaar is the setting for most of it, and it is easy to cover on foot. The euro is the currency.

Dinner at Hani i Haraçisë

Hani i Haraçisë is a caravanserai from the 16th century, with a newer wing dated 1901, and it has been a restaurant since 1984. Ask for a table in the courtyard or in the upstairs room. Tavë Gjakovare is on the menu, and mains cost about 5 to 10 EUR each. Another option is the Çarshia e Jupave restaurant, where mains run about 7 to 15 EUR.

An Evening on Sylejman Hadum Aga Street

The pedestrian street is lined with lanterns and murals, and the cafés and bars in the bazaar stay open into the evening, often until 23:00 or later. Ku Zine at no. 51, Ambient at no. 40 and Old Barrel are good places for a last coffee or drink.

Where to Stay

A boutique stay in the bazaar puts you steps from the evening walk. Choose between:

  • Gegë Boutique Hotel, 36 Sylejman Hadum Aga Street.
  • SHQIP Boutique Hotel, 86 Sylejman Hadum Aga Street.
  • Kulla Dula Guesthouse, Ganimete Terbeshi 38, a stone house from the 18th century.

Boutique rooms in the bazaar run from about 30 to 100 EUR a night, and typical hotels cost about 20 to 50 EUR.

A Wine Half Day

Rahovec is wine country, and Stone Castle is its largest winery, with a tasting room open to visitors. Risons Wine & Distillery in Qerim village, on the Pristina road, offers tastings by reservation. Either trip takes a half day by taxi or car, and a reservation is advised.

River Viewpoints

A day out to the White Drin Canyon and Fshajt Bridge, 11 km east on the Prizren road, gives you riverbank viewpoints. The canyon is a protected natural monument. In summer, families camp by the river.

Getting Here

Fly into Pristina, since Gjakova Airport is military and has no civilian flights. The bus to Gjakova takes 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 for about 5 EUR on average. Taxis in town cost about 2 to 5 EUR.

Read more: couple activities in Gjakova adds more ideas for evenings and half days.

Hotel and restaurant details are on Wikivoyage , wine visits can be planned through the Stone Castle website , and rooms can be compared on Booking.com .