Family Days in Gjakova

What to Expect

Gjakova is a small town with a short list of child-focused attractions, so it suits a relaxed day or two of strolling, cycling and easy outings rather than a packed itinerary. Children tend to enjoy the traffic-free bazaar, the woods on the edge of town and a cave a short drive away. The euro is the currency.

Shkugëza Park

Shkugëza is a pine forest 3 km from the centre. It takes about 10 minutes by car, 20 by bike or 45 on foot. Walking and bike trails run through the trees, and there are four restaurants, one of which is La Villa at Nikollë Kaçorri Street 24. Entry is free. It makes a good picnic or afternoon walk, and older children can cycle out.

The Old Bazaar

The pedestrian main street, Sylejman Hadum Aga Street, has no traffic, so younger children can walk it freely. Along the lanes, open workshop doors let children watch craftsmen who make felt caps, silverwork and woodwork, and there are sweets to buy. Ku Zine at no. 51 sells samun with suxhuk sausage from about 1 EUR. For a family lunch, Hani i Haraçisë has a courtyard and mains of about 5 to 10 EUR.

Kusar Cave

Kusar Cave is about 9 km from town at 501 m, at the foot of Pashtrik. A rock-walled stepped courtyard, about 22 m by 10 m, leads down a gorge by stairs to two chambers of about 11 m and 20 m. The municipality improved access in 2022 to 2024, and the cave is a protected natural monument. Wear shoes with grip, bring a torch and ask locally about conditions before you go.

A Meal with a View

Oxygen, a family-friendly restaurant on a hill west of the bazaar, has a terrace with views. Meals cost about 5 to 10 EUR. The way up is steep and takes around 30 minutes on foot, so a taxi helps with small children.

Getting Around

  • Buses to Deçan, Prizren and Peja cost about 2 to 3 EUR each way and take 30 to 55 minutes, which keeps outings cheap for a whole family.
  • Gjakova is known as the bike capital of Kosovo, so cycling around town is realistic with older children.
  • Taxis in town cost about 2 to 5 EUR.

Places to Skip with Children

Lake Radoniq is the drinking-water reservoir for the area, so swimming is not allowed, and the shore is for walks and picnics only. The Fshajt Bridge jump is an organised summer competition for divers and is not a visitor activity, though older children can watch the event from the banks. Gjakova suffered in the 1999 war, and a few places in town are sites of mourning, so parents can decide whether to visit them with children.

Read more: couple activities in Gjakova and day trips from Gjakova list further ideas.

Venue and transport notes come from Wikivoyage , and bus fares are on Gjirafa Travel . Family-friendly outings can be browsed on GetYourGuide .