Malisheva travel guide for Hibs fans: Estimated flights, hotels, stadium and kick-off in Conference League

Hibs have learned they will be away to Kosovan outfit KF Malisheva in the Europa Conference League second round qualifiers as fans begin to scramble for best modes of travel.

The Easter Road club’s journey begins as a seeded side as they seek to reach the next stage of the competition. A tough task awaits David Gray’s men against a team high in confidence after upsetting the odds to overcome Albanian side KF Vllaznia 6-2 on aggregate in their first round qualifier.

Progression ensured Malisheva created a slice of history as they advanced past the first stage of qualifying for the first time in their short 10-year history after two failed previous attempts.

Leg one takes place in Kosovo on July 23rd before the return leg a week later at Easter Road. So what do supporters need to know about their opponents in terms of travel? Here’s our guide to what fans can expect...

How much are estimated cost of flights for Hibs away match vs FC Malisheva?

The artificial surface at the 1,800-seater Liman Gegaj Stadium where Malisheva play their home games is situated in central Kosovo, and is a 50-minute travel time from the capital city, Pristina. It’s been confirmed though that this one will be played at Fadil Vokrri Stadium in the city centre which is 10-11 miles away from the airport or around 30 minutes via taxi. Action will kick off at 16:30 local time (15:30 GMT) and further communication on ticket specifics is to follow amid a PATG (Pay at the Gate) system.

Malisheva faced KF Vllzania at the Kampi Nacional earlier this week, which is located closer to the Macedonian capital of Skopje, in the south of the country. It was difficult to know exactly what fans’ best bet was regarding travel after Malisheva’s progress was initially confirmed but there are regular taxi and bus services that travel to and from Pristina Adem Jashari International Airport, (PRN). A match in Pristina should make life easier for travelling fans.

Flights out to Pristina from Edinburgh via Copenhagen on Tuesday July 21st and returning on Friday 24th via Copenhagen come in at £572 without all the trimmings added. Flights from Edinburgh via a lengthy six hour stop-over in Geneva on the 22nd and returning on the 24th via Basel come in at £605 without extras. These are just two examples and prices are subject to change.

How much is accommodation for Hibs away match vs FC Malisheva?

Through Booking.com, there are some cost effective options if you start your stay on the 22nd, with some city centre hostels as cheap as £15-20 per night. You might not be staying in five-star surroundings but you will have bedding, a bathroom and WIFI facilities in most places. A three-night stay in one property we looked at that was ranked highly in reviews came in at £176 and if you were doing just the two, it’s £117. Booking.com has hotels listed between £70 and the upper brackets of the £450 range for three nights and mid £40 - mid £320 range for two. Prices are subject to change.

What is there to do in Pristina?

Each to their own in terms of tastes but here are some things in and around the Kosovan capital that are ranked as the top attractions.

• Gracanica Monastery: A famous church that was continually destroyed and rebuilt, an example of medieval Serbian art.
• Marble Cave - Gadime: A breath-taking karstic limestone cave in the village of Gadime
• Pristhina Mall: Largest shopping destination in the Balkans.
• Pristina City Stadium (Fadil Vokrri): Home ground of FC Prishtina & Kosovo national football team.
• Bazaar: A bustling open-air flea and street markets in the city’s old quarter.
• National Gallery of Kosovo: The leading visual arts museum in Pristina.

Food and drink in Pristina

Here are the top rated restaurants in Pristina as per TripAdvisor

• Bon Bouquet Café & Lounge (Pub grub, diner style)
• Albanezi Restaurant Traditional Food (local Balkan cuisine, serves vegetarian dishes)
• Princesha Gresa Restaurant (All you can eat, great cocktails)
• Lotta Napoletana 🇮🇹 (Italian - Outdoor seating, vegan options, live music)
• Simpsons Taverna (All you can eat, Happy-hour food)

In terms of alcohol if you are that way inclined, as per Numbeo, the average cost of domestic craft beer in a restaurant is €2.00, which is equivalent to £1.70, while imported stuff is €2.50 and £2.13.