Whether you’re planning an active holiday, a family adventure, or simply wondering whether Montenegro deserves the hype it’s been getting in recent years, this guide should help. May 2026 marks 20 years since Montenegro voted for independence. We've been here for 18 of them, long enough to watch a small Balkan nation of 600,000 people become one of Europe's most compelling destinations for curious, active travellers (and long enough for us to have developed strong opinions about which konoba does the best grilled fish). Montenegro isn't a cheaper Dubrovnik. We love Croatia, but here is something else: an authentic, less crowded, and experience-led destination with adventure travel credentials, and the advantage of nobody asking you to pose for a photo in front of a Game of Thrones filming location! A country with deeper roots than you think Montenegro is often described as a young nation, but that's misleading. Its roots stretch back to 12th-century Duklja, the first formalised southern Slavic kingdom, and it had its own royal family until the end of the First World War. The 2006 independence referendum was a new chapter, not a beginning. That layered history is visible everywhere. Cyrillic and Latin alphabets share the same street signs. A 16th-century mosque stands in Stari Bar alongside Byzantine ruins. The country carries a fascinating mix of Orthodox Christianity, Ottoman influence (around 20% of Montenegrins are Muslim), and former Venetian Empire coastal culture — and has that unmistakable frisson of Eastern influence you find in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Albania. A word of caution: Don't believe headlines describing Kotor as a quieter, undiscovered Dubrovnik. In peak summer, the old town's narrow cobbled streets are packed, with cruise ships adding large daily visitor numbers, and coastal traffic piling up. If Montenegro seaside holidays appeal, it's best to plan your visit
Whether you’re planning an active holiday, a family adventure, or simply wondering whether Montenegro deserves the hype it’s been getting in recent years, this guide should help. May 2026 marks 20 years since Montenegro voted for independence. We’ve been here for 18 of them, long enough to watch a small Balkan nation of 600,000 people
Cool Concrete: Yugoslavia's Extraordinary Abstract Monuments Scattered across the mountains and national parks of the former Yugoslavia — in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia — are hundreds of striking brutalist monuments. These are Spomeniks: abstract brutalist monuments commissioned during Yugoslav times to honour WWII's fallen. Some look like gigantic fists, alien spacecrafts, or wings in flight. All are extraordinary. Spomeniks are most often found 'in the wild': buried in forests, rising out of national parks, and squatting on mountain peaks. This is one of rare instances where nature adventure lovers and architect enthusiasts combine: each masterpiece of brutalism can be reached on a Balkan hiking holiday or road trip. Their striking futuristic designs have several explanations: after the war and the establishment of Yugoslavia in 1963, Tito had to forge a united country from a federation that included multiple religions and ethnicities. Architects and sculptors were briefed to create something that would not offend the different sides. Instead of war heroes, neutral abstract designs were chosen, aligning with modernist trends of the 1960s to 1980s. Of the thousand-plus former Yugoslav spomeniks that once existed, only a few hundred remain. Some are well maintained, with museums and parks attached. Others were destroyed during the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s; or were vandalised, forgotten, or reclaimed by nature. Some have been stripped to their concrete skeletons, like the Monument on Mount Makljen (Tito's Fist). A comprehensive Spomenik database was created in 2016 by Donald Niebyl which documents every monument of the region. Here, we narrow it down to the spomeniks you can experience along beautiful hiking routes or scenic drives – including several we visit on our small-group adventures in the Balkans – and how to incorporate these fascinating sculptures into an adventure into nature. Bosnia & Herzegovina: brutalist
Cool Concrete: Yugoslavia’s Extraordinary Abstract Monuments Scattered across the mountains and national parks of the former Yugoslavia — in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia — are hundreds of striking brutalist monuments. These are Spomeniks: abstract brutalist monuments commissioned during Yugoslav times to honour WWII’s fallen. Some look like gigantic fists, alien spacecrafts,
If you're planning a trip around wildlife in Montenegro or Albania and wondering what you might encounter, prepare to be surprised. The Balkans is one of Europe's last great wildlife frontiers, a region where bears still roam mountain forests, wolves howl across river valleys, and pelicans the size of small children patrol vast spring-fed lakes. With over 40% of Montenegro and 2/3 of Albania covered in forest and mountain wilderness, this corner of the western Balkans shelters species that vanished from most of Western Europe long ago. For birdwatchers, nature lovers and wildlife photographers, Montenegro and Albania offer some of the best wildlife watching in Europe. The Balkans is one of the most species-rich regions in Europe for birdlife, with over 270 bird species recorded in Montenegro alone. Rare and migratory birds flock to key sites including Lake Skadar, a candidate UNESCO biosphere reserve that stretches into Albania, and the salt flats near Ulcinj, where flamingos, cormorants, Dalmatian pelicans, eagles, and all manner of waders can all be spotted (with patience and some good binoculars!) On our cross-border hiking journey from Albania to Montenegro for example, we follow the Via Dinarica trail through some of the most untouched wilderness in Europe: the Albanian Alps, Valbona Valley, Accursed mountains down to the shores of Lake Skadar. Scroll down to find 15 of our favourite wild animals of the Balkans, and where to find them. What wildlife can you see in Montenegro and Albania? Montenegro and Albania are home to a wide range of wildlife across mountains, forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats. Species commonly found in the region include brown bears, wolves, lynx, golden eagles, flamingos, pelicans, and dolphins, alongside many smaller mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Mammals: Brown bear, Golden Jackal, wildcat, grey wolf, Eurasian lynx, chamois, red deer, wild boar, otter
If you’re planning a trip around wildlife in Montenegro or Albania and wondering what you might encounter, prepare to be surprised. The Balkans is one of Europe’s last great wildlife frontiers, a region where bears still roam mountain forests, wolves howl across river valleys, and pelicans the size of small children patrol vast spring-fed lakes.
Welcome to our handy shopping guide on what to buy in the Balkans (souvenirs, gifts, local products). It goes without saying that the best souvenir from the Balkans is time spent there. But if you want something tangible to take home, here are 12 artisan crafts that are made locally, used daily and have long histories. Souvenirs is a word often associated with tourist tat, but the Balkans is not a turbo-charged tourism industry, so things you can buy in markets still tend to be hand-crafted traditional gifts. Plus, supporting local craftspeople is all part of being a conscientious traveller and leaving a positive impact. These 12 souvenirs are traditional Balkan gifts we genuinely love, use and give to our friends. Some are practical, some beautiful, some edible, and all of them will have you hankering to go back long after you’ve unpacked your bag. What to buy in the Balkans: The best traditional gifts in the Balkans are locally made, small-batch products that reflect the region’s culture. Look for: Rakia (fruit brandy) from family-run distilleries Regional wines from lesser-known Balkan vineyards Handmade ceramics and traditional pottery Embroidered textiles and handwoven rugs Olive oil, preserves and other small-batch food products Herbal teas and natural, plant-based cosmetics Artisan jewellery inspired by local heritage Scroll down to find out where to find the best of each... Index: Best Souvenirs from the Balkans at a Glance Handwoven Kilims: Albanian and Serbian Rugs Priglavke: Hand-Knitted Wool Socks and Traditional Woollens Bosna Quilts: The Bosnian Cooperative Turning Craft into Collector's Art Carnival Masks from Albania and Montenegro Ajvar: The Balkan Pantry Essential Balkan Wines and Rakia Copper Coffee Pots from Sarajevo Personality Perfumes from Sarajevo Balkans Flea Markets: Antiques and Traditional Clothes Patterned Balkan Pottery Brutalist Design Books and Monuments (Serbia) Bulgarian Rose Products from
Welcome to our handy shopping guide on what to buy in the Balkans (souvenirs, gifts, local products). It goes without saying that the best souvenir from the Balkans is time spent there. But if you want something tangible to take home, here are 12 artisan crafts that are made locally, used daily and have long
Serbia is one of the Balkans' best-kept hiking secrets, with great mountain trails that rival Montenegro, Bulgaria or Albania. From the Eagle Canyon to the Stara Planina - an ancient range stretching all the way to the Black Sea, and the Zlatibor range on the Serbian-Montenegrin border, hiking in Serbia has much to offer. Like most Balkan hiking destinations, tourism is still in its infancy here so most often you will have all that spectacular scenery to yourself. Village guesthouses dot the mountain routes and it's here you'll find the authentic taste of Balkan mountain culture and hospitality. Read on to discover the best hiking trails in Serbia, all featured in our guided Serbia holidays. And don't miss the video below showing some of the beautiful places we explore! Stara Planina, Serbia's 'Old Mountains' Eastern Serbia is largely uncharted territory by foreign tourists, including the Stara Planina range which stretches 550 kms from Serbia to Bulgaria. The name 'old mountains' suit it in more ways than one - people still live a traditional way of life in stone villages with small family farms. Expect to find homemade rakia and every kind of pickle stored in the house! The area is dotted with naturally occurring karst waterfalls and the ruins of Felix Romuliana: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Roman palace complex built by Emperor Galerius. Worth a detour on your way in or out. We explore Stara Planina on our 7-Day hiking holiday in Serbia, rambling around waterfalls and serious ridgelines, and, if we’re lucky, spotting some wild horses. This range has it all, from half-day strolls to full summit days. Midžor Peak — Serbia's Highest Summit (2,169m) Distance: 16km Difficulty: Moderate, 6–7 hours at a comfortable pace. No scrambling, no ropes, just good boots and stamina. We do
Serbia is one of the Balkans’ best-kept hiking secrets, with great mountain trails that rival Montenegro, Bulgaria or Albania. From the Eagle Canyon to the Stara Planina – an ancient range stretching all the way to the Black Sea, and the Zlatibor range on the Serbian-Montenegrin border, hiking in Serbia has much to offer. Like
If you’re looking for the best places to go canyoning in the Balkans, you’re in the right place. From Montenegro’s dramatic gorges to Bosnia & Herzegovina's hidden turquoise pools, this region is by default one of Europe’s top canyoning destinations. We've been sliding and scrambling through the Balkans' wild rivers for more than a decade, so it's time to share what we've learnt. Many canyons in the Balkans are still relatively unknown, meaning you can experience incredible canyoning adventures without the mass tourism found in the Alps or Pyrenees. Below we explain what canyoning actually involves and round up some of our favourite spots to do it, from Montenegro and Croatia, to Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Ready for an adrenalin adventure? Join us for guided canyoning in Montenegro or the Balkans on one of our multi-active holidays. Jump to: What is canyoning? The best canyoning spots in Montenegro The best canyoning spots in Serbia The best canyoning spots in Croatia The best canyoning spots in Bosnia & Herzegovina FAQs What is canyoning? Canyoning (sometimes called canyoneering) can mean different things. In parts of the Balkans you may see “canyoning” advertised, but it is simply walking or wading through a canyon or river gorge – fun, but on the softer end of adventure travel. In this guide, we're focusing on canyoning as a proper outdoor adventure sport that involves descending through a canyon using a mix of techniques, which include: Abseiling (rappelling) down waterfalls Sliding down natural rock chutes Jumping into deep pools Swimming through narrow gorges Scrambling over rocks It's exhilarating, fun and requires specialist equipment such as ropes, harnesses, helmets and wetsuits. On our trips, you will always be guided by licensed professionals who will manage the ropes as you navigate your way through the natural watercourse and
If you’re looking for the best places to go canyoning in the Balkans, you’re in the right place. From Montenegro’s dramatic gorges to Bosnia & Herzegovina’s hidden turquoise pools, this region is by default one of Europe’s top canyoning destinations. We’ve been sliding and scrambling through the Balkans’ wild rivers for more than a decade,
Dreaming of an affordable trip for the school break? A family holiday in North Macedonia might not be the first destination that comes to mind, but it really should be. This small Balkan country is packed with lakes, mountains, fortresses and outdoor adventures, and is both exciting and easy to explore with children. Better still, it’s far more budget friendly than nearby destinations like Croatia or Greece, making it ideal for families travelling during peak times. Flights are affordable, distances between major sights are short, food and drink is cheap, and there are many activities suitable for young children as well as teenagers. Another big advantage: locals genuinely love children. Family life is central to Balkan culture, and kids are welcomed everywhere. Below the FAQs are our favourite things to do in North Macedonia with kids— all tried, tested and approved by the Undiscovered Balkans founders’ own offspring. And, all these acitivites are all found on our 7 day North Macedonia Activity holiday. 1. Things to do around Lake Ohrid Lake Ohrid is the star attraction of Macedonia, and it’s easy to see why. Affectionately known as “Macedonia’s Freshwater Sea”, it has unbelievably clear waters that glow with an iridescent blue colour and it's one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. It's a highlight for any family holiday to North Macedonia. There are plenty of small pebble beaches around, including outside Ohrid town, that are perfect for families with calm water, easy access and safe swimming. The kids will also be impressed with the range of activities you can do here. Our NEW North Macedonia activity holiday includes the chance to go SUP boarding on the lake, take a walking tour of the Old Town, board a yacht and discover the surrounding mountains with an experienced local guide.
Dreaming of an affordable trip for the school break? A family holiday in North Macedonia might not be the first destination that comes to mind, but it really should be. This small Balkan country is packed with lakes, mountains, fortresses and outdoor adventures, and is both exciting and easy to explore with children. Better still,
Bosnia and Herzegovina's hiking trails are Europe’s best-kept secret. They wind through magical landscapes of alpine peaks, rainforests, rugged valleys and river canyons and tiny villages wrapped in mist. The 1990s conflicts sadly meant that the country's wild beauty remained hidden for decades, but an enthusiastic new generation of Bosnians have been marking hiking trails, building bothies and making the mountains accessible again. Today, hiking in Bosnia offers remarkable variety, from gentle day walks near cities like Sarajevo and Mostar, to challenging multi-day alpine treks on the Via Dinarica White Trail. Below, we've gathered some of the best hiking trails across Bosnia and Herzegovina – from panoramic peaks and canyon-edge paths to quick city escapes and long distance treks. The below routes are all found on our Bosnia holidays: Bosnia's best mountain hikes Maglić Peak, Sutjeska National Park Bosnia's highest summit, Maglić (2,386m), sits within Sutjeska National Park, a vast protected landscape of sharp limestone ridges and dense forest. The hike typically starts in Prijevor (1,659m), one of the most untouched areas of the national park. It is a flower-filled meadow but soon gives way to scree, so take care on this section - you may have to scramble a little. From here it's a 90-minute hike to Trnovačko Lake, a heart-shaped lake like a jewel below Mount Maglić, Bosnia’s highest peak (although it's technically in Montenegro). The last section passes through meadows again before climbing steeply towards the summit ridge. Maglić itself means 'Misty mount' in Bosnian/Montenegrin. On a clear day, the views sweep across Volujak, Bioč, Zelengora and the shining Trnovačko lake. It's a demanding full-day hike that requires experience and rewards with spectacular scenery, among Bosnia's most dramatic. Čvrsnica mountain and the Outlaw’s Gate (Hajdučka Vrata) Rising high above Blidinje Nature Park on the Čvrsnica massif, Veliki
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hiking trails are Europe’s best-kept secret. They wind through magical landscapes of alpine peaks, rainforests, rugged valleys and river canyons and tiny villages wrapped in mist. The 1990s conflicts sadly meant that the country’s wild beauty remained hidden for decades, but an enthusiastic new generation of Bosnians have been marking hiking trails,
Although we're craving the warmer months, let's just sing the praises of long winter nights for a moment. The Balkans has some of Europe’s most spectacular dark skies for star gazing and these are at their best in winter and spring. It's no wonder given areas of natural beauty are still so remote and untouched by light pollution. Think of star gazing here as the Balkans equivalent of watching the Northern lights! Hunting for the best dark sky spots - or planning a trip around the chance to see metro showers - is just another reason to go on an outdoors adventure holiday. You can always find us heading up into the mountains, away from the glare of coastal hotels. On a recent Montenegro Family Adventure, guest Katie Baker said the star gazing at our zero light pollution rafting base in Montenegro's Durmitor mountains was "breathtaking." Here we give you a sneak peak into some of the places we go on our adventures where you can see the best starry skies. From night hiking on our winter holiday at Kolašin, to our bushcraft camp at Lake Skadar, to our very own Villa Miela which is the perfect place to watch the Perseids meteor shower. Best Dark Sky locations in Albania Prokletije (the Accursed Mountains) in Albania & Montenegro The Prokletije live up to their name with wild landscapes that demand fitness but reward hikers with pure night skies. Also known as the Albanian Alps, or Theth-Valbona National Park, they offer some of Europe's darkest skies, with hiking trails and homely hospitality in small guesthouses that don't have the hotel glare. Remote valleys and high passes mean there is almost no light pollution. Our day hikes from Theth to Valbona on the Peaks of the Balkans trail take you deep into
Although we’re craving the warmer months, let’s just sing the praises of long winter nights for a moment. The Balkans has some of Europe’s most spectacular dark skies for star gazing and these are at their best in winter and spring. It’s no wonder given areas of natural beauty are still so remote and untouched
This week we share a recipe for a cheese pie called Gibanica, popular across the Balkans, especially on feast days like St Tryphon's on February 14. Gibanica is faintly similar to the famous burek, but has a few important nuances you need to know before you cook it. Who is St Tryphon? The paton saint of vineyards and wine growers, St Tryphon's 'slava' (Saint's Day) is celebrated on February 14, making him the unofficial rival to St Valentine in Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and parts of Bosnia and Croatia. St Tryphon's day is celebrated with wine, which has long been connected with fertility, health and abundance - and therefore love. Instead of chocolates and roses, traditionally couples would have shared a glass of wine on February 14, a symbol of prosperity and connection. Vineyards are pruned, wine is poured onto the earth, and farmers pray for a good growing season before the harvest. Nowadays both St Valentine's day and St. Tryphon's day traditions are mixed. So as well as going on a date, don't forget to practice some traditional customs like pouring wine into the soil and praying for fertility and a strong harvest! In eastern Serbia St. Tryphon is known as Trifon Orezac or Zarizoj, while in North Macedonia he is affectionately called St Tryphon the Drunkard, patron of vineyards and taverns. An old saying goes that if it rains or snows on Tryphon’s day, the year ahead will be abundant, while sunshine may signal drought. This is the only time we will say: pray for rain! What are special Balkan foods on St Tryphon’s Day? Like all celebrations, the feast is symbolic. The main things to include are the Slavski Kolač – ceremonial bread/cake and, of course, Vino (wine) for blessing and joy. Alongside these come the traditional dishes
This week we share a recipe for a cheese pie called Gibanica, popular across the Balkans, especially on feast days like St Tryphon’s on February 14. Gibanica is faintly similar to the famous burek, but has a few important nuances you need to know before you cook it. Who is St Tryphon? The paton saint
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