Prizren

Prizren, in southern Kosovo, is widely considered the country's most beautiful and historic city, an atmospheric town of great charm set beneath a hilltop fortress where the Prizren River tumbles through the centre. Its well-preserved old quarter is a delight of cobbled lanes, Ottoman-era houses, the graceful Sinan Pasha Mosque, an old stone bridge, a hammam and churches, reflecting centuries of layered Ottoman and Balkan history. Climbing to the ruined Kaljaja fortress rewards visitors with sweeping views over the red rooftops, minarets and mountains, and the lively, café-filled streets make it a captivating place to wander.

What you actually see

• The old town - the cobbled lanes and Ottoman-era houses.
• Sinan Pasha Mosque - the graceful landmark mosque.
• The stone bridge - the old bridge over the river.
• Kaljaja Fortress - the hilltop ruins and panoramic views.

When to go

May to September, for the warmest, most pleasant weather to explore the old town and climb to the fortress; the town is lively year-round, and August brings the well-known Dokufest documentary film festival, filling the streets with energy. Evenings on the café-lined riverside are especially atmospheric.

Honest expectations

Prizren is a small town best explored slowly on foot, so a day is enough, and while charming, it is a real, lived-in place rather than a polished museum-town; Kosovo as a whole remains one of Europe's least-visited and least-developed countries. As the most beautiful and historic city in Kosovo, though, with its Ottoman old quarter, fortress views and lively café culture, Prizren is a genuine delight and the highlight of the country.

Nearby

The Sharr Mountains, the Dečani monastery and the city of Pristina are within reach.