Planning a trip to the Balkans and wondering what kinds of wildlife you might encounter? With vast swathes of undisturbed forests and wetlands, the peninsula is teeming with animals which are rare, if not extinct, in the UK. Despite being popular for the beaches, Albania is actually two-thirds forests and mountains. Across the border in Montenegro, lots of nature hotspots are under environmental protection, including Lake Skadar National Park which is on its way to becoming a biosphere and joining the Amazon of Europe. Serbia, Kosovo and Croatia equally boast their fair share of natural habitats. So, in short, the Balkans is the place to visit for wildlife sightings in Europe. Sadly though, there’s a way to go before proper protection is in place for many of the species listed below, meaning they’re at threat of dying out due to human activity (read: damming, deforestation and pollution). That’s why we’re on a mission as a travel company to support vital conservation efforts in the region by donating to our chosen local NGOs through our Book to Give Back scheme and touring responsibly. So, without further adieu, here are but some of the fantastic wild animals you could see (or hear) in the Balkans. 1. Dalmatian Pelican It’s the world’s largest member of the pelican family with a wingspan of two metres and weighing around 9.5 kg respectfully, the Dalmatian Pelican is also quite possibly the world’s largest freshwater bird. A lot of work is being done to protect these beautiful creatures in Montenegro and Albania, particularly in Lake Skadar National Park (Villa Miela’s location), where there’s a sizable population. You’ll also find them in large numbers on Albania's twin lakes Ohrid and Prespa, which you can visit on our South Albania holiday. 2. Wild Horses During the 1990s conflicts, local
Planning a trip to the Balkans and wondering what kinds of wildlife you might encounter? With vast swathes of undisturbed forests and wetlands, the peninsula is teeming with animals which are rare, if not extinct, in the UK. Despite being popular for the beaches, Albania is actually two-thirds forests and mountains. Across the border in
Here at Undiscovered Balkans, we consider ourselves connoisseurs when it comes to Balkan food (see previous blog post), but Macedonian-British author and recipe developer Irina Janakievska's knowledge is unmatched. Since 2011, she's been on a culinary journey to discover the history, intricacies and origins of traditional foods found in the region for her debut cookbook, The Balkan Kitchen. Born in what's now North Macedonia (former Yugoslavia), Irina moved to Kuwait with her mother in the late 1980s to escape the violent breakup of Yugoslavia. In 2001, Irina moved to Britain to study at the London School of Economics, graduating with a Masters and securing a job as a solicitor. She left the corporate world in 2020 to pursue her passion for Balkan cuisine and train at the Leiths School of Food and Wine. Irina has since contributed her knowledge of Balkan food and culture to the likes of The Guardian, Foodnetwork US and Whetstone Magazine, among others and in 2023, The Balkan Kitchen was shortlisted for the Jane Grigson Trust Award. It landed on shelves in October 2024, so we caught up with Irina to find out more about the history behind the recipes and what dishes you should try when visiting the region. How would you sum up Balkan food in three words? Rich, vibrant, diverse. What inspired you to write The Balkan Kitchen? We can tell it was a labour of love with so many personal stories, anecdotes and photographs to accompany the recipes. After my grandmother tragically passed away in 2011, I was in her apartment in front of the bookshelf that held our family’s most treasured books and happened to pick up a copy of her 1956 edition of Veliki Narodni Kuvar (Great National Cookbook) by Spasenija Pata Markovic, with its fading olive-green cover, torn but lovingly
Here at Undiscovered Balkans, we consider ourselves connoisseurs when it comes to Balkan food (see previous blog post), but Macedonian-British author and recipe developer Irina Janakievska’s knowledge is unmatched. Since 2011, she’s been on a culinary journey to discover the history, intricacies and origins of traditional foods found in the region for her debut cookbook,
Travelling to the Balkans for the first time and wondering what foods you should try? We’ve got you covered. From burek to rakija, you’ll find these traditional Balkan foods, accompaniments and beverages widespread across the region. Tick all of these off and you're only just getting started, so be sure to go with a good appetite. Is Balkan food Turkish? This is a question we've seen floating around a fair bit. With much of the region formerly part of the Ottoman empire, Balkan countries have inherited lots of Turkish dishes such as baklava and sarma. And Bosnian coffee shares similarities with Turkish coffee (although don’t say that to a Bosnian if you don’t wish to offend). But it’s not just Ottoman dishes that have made their way onto the Balkan menu over time. You can also find typically Austro-Hungarian dishes like schnitzel and goulash. And some things, like rakija, are Balkan through and through. 1. Burek Burek has been a staple across the Balkans since its introduction by the Ottomans in the 14th century and it’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s made of thin layers of filo pastry filled with savoury ingredients, rolled into a spiral, and baked until golden. Popular fillings include spiced meat, a cheese similar to feta, a mix of cheese and spinach, or spiced potatoes. 2. Kajmak Kajmak ("kai-mak") also known as sarshir or qashta/ashta, is a rich, creamy dairy product similar to clotted cream. It’s traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo, cows, sheep or goats and is popular not only in the Balkans, but Western and Central Asia and Turkey. Kajmak is traditionally eaten with meat dishes like 'cevapi' mince kebabs, or as a filling in savoury pancakes. 3. Sarma / Dolma Dolma (more commonly referred to as Sarma in the Balkans) refers
Travelling to the Balkans for the first time and wondering what foods you should try? We’ve got you covered. From burek to rakija, you’ll find these traditional Balkan foods, accompaniments and beverages widespread across the region. Tick all of these off and you’re only just getting started, so be sure to go with a good
Travel writer Laura Sanders shares her experience of joining a group of fellow solo female travellers for our 7-day multi-activity holiday in Serbia, which launched earlier this year. Read about her most memorable moments and anecdotes from the trip below – including how a mountain ranger saved her life from an ancient Balkan ailment with a hairdryer and a pair of socks. In the lead up to my week-long adventure in Western Serbia, I was met with a lot of ‘is it safe’s?’ and ‘you’re braver than me’s’. For many who were around in the 1990s (I was teething), mention of any former Yugoslavian country conjures up harrowing images from the six o'clock news. And while I'm not naive enough to think all is completely rosy now, it’s evident from past trips to the Balkans that life has moved on by a whole generation, and people aren’t their politics. Having ticked off Croatia and Bosnia, I was keen to experience more of this unique region, and so jumped at the chance to join Undiscovered Balkans on their inaugural tour in Serbia. From hiking through lush mountains and kayaking rushing rivers to sharing laughter over rakija with locals who would have gladly given us the shirts off their backs (and socks off their feet, more on that later) — my personal and professional mission was to override these old memories with fresh images of Serbia, its bucolic beauty and warm, genuine people. Well, mission accomplished. A walk on the wild side The first morning, my comrades and I (a group of intrepid women aged between 29 and 65) were whisked straight out of Belgrade for a river hike on the Gradac, one of Serbia’s cleanest waterways and an example of the striking karst landscapes I’d see throughout the week. I felt
Travel writer Laura Sanders shares her experience of joining a group of fellow solo female travellers for our 7-day multi-activity holiday in Serbia, which launched earlier this year. Read about her most memorable moments and anecdotes from the trip below – including how a mountain ranger saved her life from an ancient Balkan ailment with
Are you coming to find your zen on our Montenegro yoga retreat next year? Or considering it? Get a taste of what's to come as we catch up with our lead yogi Fiona Morris. Fiona is a yoga & pilates instructor and personal trainer based in Nottingham, UK. She turned to yoga after her corporate job left her feeling burned out and after a scary wake up call one night (which we’ll let her explain below), she turned to yoga full time as a teacher. And luckily for us she did because her first retreat with us at Villa Miela this year was a huge hit all around. Read on to find out more about Fiona and the retreat. Places are available now for one of the 2025 yoga retreats, book here. How long have you taught yoga for and what inspired you to do it? I’ve been teaching since 2016. Initially, I completed the teacher training to deepen my own practice after burnout from a hectic and unfulfilling corporate career. I was in a graduate management role that had me working a weekly rotation of 12-hour day shifts followed by 12-hour night shifts and I drifted off at the wheel one night. Luckily, I only curbed it before waking up but that was enough of a wake up call (excuse the pun), to know that I needed out. The plan initially was to teach one or two yoga classes a week around a full time job again, which I did in the beginning, but I just loved teaching so much. It felt like such an honour to hold a safe space for people for an hour or so, it all felt so right, so I took the plunge and went full-time freelance with it. How did you come to
Are you coming to find your zen on our Montenegro yoga retreat next year? Or considering it? Get a taste of what’s to come as we catch up with our lead yogi Fiona Morris. Fiona is a yoga & pilates instructor and personal trainer based in Nottingham, UK. She turned to yoga after her corporate
Considering an adventure in Bosnia and Herzegovina and wondering whether it’s suitable for families? Well, we can tell you it absolutely is. The locals adore children and there’s lots of things to see, eat and do for all ages. See our suggestions below which have been tried, tested and approved by the UB founders’ own offspring. 1. Sarajevo Bosnia’s capital city boasts an amalgam of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslavian relics. The old quarter is the beating heart of the city and there’s lots there to interest families. Wander the old Ottoman bazaar for souvenirs, visit a traditional Bosnian coffee shop, and explore some of the museums and religious buildings there, such as the beautiful Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Don’t miss out on a walk down Copper Street (Kazandžiluk) to see artisans at work making copper plates, coffee sets et al. Kids love a live demonstration and the locals are all too happy to oblige. Pictured above are UB founders’ Ben and Emma’s children getting involved. Another simple yet fun thing to do with kids in the old town is feed the pigeons around the Sebilj Fountain. If you'd like to learn about the 1990s conflict in Bosnia but you're conscious that some of the museums might be a bit too grown-up for some, visit the War Childhood Museum. It's dedicated completely to the experiences of children who grew up during armed conflict in that period, making it easier for your kids to relate. The collection of personal belongings and video testimonies really brings it to life . Find more things to see and do in Sarajevo. 2. Mostar Mostar is an enchanting city with its old Ottoman landmarks and there’s plenty that children will find fascinating. It’s best known for its Ottoman bridge, Stari Most (look out
Considering an adventure in Bosnia and Herzegovina and wondering whether it’s suitable for families? Well, we can tell you it absolutely is. The locals adore children and there’s lots of things to see, eat and do for all ages. See our suggestions below which have been tried, tested and approved by the UB founders’ own
From world renowned music festivals like Ultra to outdoor sports events and art exhibitions, the cultural calendar in the Balkans for 2025 is chock-a-block. If you’re planning a visit to Albania, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro or Serbia in 2025, see below our round-up of the best activities and events to help you decide when to visit. But why travel all that way for just a day or two? A lovely way to stretch out your trip and really get to know one of these spectacular Balkan countries is to book a holiday on either side of it. So, whether you’re looking to keep up the momentum from a regatta or marathon, delve deeper into the local culture following a food festival, or recover from a gig in a sleepy fishing village, we’ve included information on tours located near each for inspiration. Festivals & events in Croatia 2025 Ultra Europe Music Festival When: 11th-13th July 2025 Where: Split One of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals, Ultra Europe’s star studded 2025 lineup includes Armin Van Buuren and Eric Prydz and takes place in Mladeži Park in Split. Following an electrifying weekend of music pulsing through you, retreat to the sleepy fishing village of Mali Ston on the Peljesac Peninsula to recover while soaking up some authentic Croatian culture. Trade the cheap festival beer for quaffable Dingač wine and work on your tan as we sea kayak to secluded islands. See our 7-day adventure multi-activity holiday. Zen Opuzen Street Art Festival When: July 2025 Where: Opuzen A must for street art enthusiasts, skilled creators from around the world descend on the town of Opuzen in the Dubrovnik-Neretva county to paint the town red… and green, and blue, and yellow, and every colour really (see zenopuzen.com for details). Art aside, Opuzen is a pleasant
From world renowned music festivals like Ultra to outdoor sports events and art exhibitions, the cultural calendar in the Balkans for 2025 is chock-a-block. If you’re planning a visit to Albania, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro or Serbia in 2025, see below our round-up of the best activities and events to help you decide when to visit.
Nebija Qotaj first sat behind a loom at the age of 10, under the instruction of her mother and grandmother. Now aged 62 and a grandmother herself, she owns her own successful Albanian rug weaving cooperative and her passion for the craft is infectious. If you’re joining us in Albania, you’ll have a chance to meet Nebija at her workshop on Lake Shkodra. Albania’s rich weaving traditions stem from the Ottoman empire. For centuries, Balkan rugs, known as ‘kilims’, have been traditionally given as a dowry (a ‘paja’) and some families still do this today. The designs and motifs used differ between Balkan countries and in Albania, you'll typically see rugs with Islamic and tribal motifs on them. All of the magic happens beneath her family home in the village of Zogaj, a sleepy fishing village trapped in time where men fish and women weave. Sadly, the practice is dying out as the younger generations move away to study and work in bigger towns and cities - including Nebija’s kids. Related: The best things to do in Shkodër, Albania Albania: 7 things to see and do with kids Inside our traditional Theth village homestay on the Valbona Pass During the communist regime in Albania, weaving was revived in this area in an effort to improve women’s quality of life and deter them from crossing the border into Montenegro (which is within walking distance of Nebija’s village). A factory was built and this is where Nebija worked until it was destroyed during the collapse of communism in the 1990s. That’s when Nebija and a few others decided to carry on weaving and set up at home. Many questioned why she bothered to continue weaving rugs at first, but it’s all she’s ever known and it’s a custom she isn’t willing to
Nebija Qotaj first sat behind a loom at the age of 10, under the instruction of her mother and grandmother. Now aged 62 and a grandmother herself, she owns her own successful Albanian rug weaving cooperative and her passion for the craft is infectious. If you’re joining us in Albania, you’ll have a chance to
Kosovo is a small landlocked country nestled between Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Serbia. It’s in its infancy as a tourism destination and we don’t think it gets enough credit for its vast swathes of untouched natural beauty and fascinating culture. So, we’re putting the spotlight on it this week. Whether you’ve got an upcoming trip to Kosovo and want to swat up on your knowledge or you’re only just hearing about it, you’ll know it a little better by the end of this blog post – and hopefully feel inspired to visit. Here are six interesting things to know about Kosovo. 1. Kosovo is Europe’s youngest country Okay, so maybe you do know this one but we’ll tell you anyway. Kosovo officially gained independence and became the Republic of Kosovo in 2008, making it Europe’s youngest country and just a teenager at 16-years-old in 2024. And like teenagers, Kosovo is growing, changing and finding its own identity while maintaining its cultural influences from Albania, Serbia and other surrounding Balkan states, as well as remnants from the Yugoslav and Ottoman eras. 2. It’s the place to go for silver jewellery Filigrani or filigree is a traditional type of silver jewellery in Kosovo. It dates back to 3,000 BC in Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt and it’s thought the Ottomans imported it during the 15th century. Unlike other traditions, filigree is very much still alive and thriving in Kosovo, especially in Prizren where there’s a booming filigree industry. During our 7-day multi activity holiday in Kosovo, we’ll take you to one of the artisanal workshops where you can witness the intricate process of working with pieces of silver no thicker than a strand of hair and transforming it into beautiful pieces before having a go yourself. 3. It has a lovely
Kosovo is a small landlocked country nestled between Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Serbia. It’s in its infancy as a tourism destination and we don’t think it gets enough credit for its vast swathes of untouched natural beauty and fascinating culture. So, we’re putting the spotlight on it this week. Whether you’ve got an
Looking for a sunshine escape in Europe in October? Croatia, Albania and Montenegro all get a decent amount of sunshine and there are other advantages to visiting the Balkans at this time – fewer crowds, it’s cheaper, ideal temperatures for walking holidays, plus it’s rakija season, meaning ample opportunities for tastings. It’s also time for religious festivals such as All Saints Day on 1st November, when Catholics place flowers and lanterns on the graves of their relatives to celebrate their lives (in a similar way to Mexico’s Day of the Dead) before heading home for a big family get together and feast. You will see people in Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia preparing for this in the last week of October and there will be flower stalls everywhere. Photographers will be familiar with the term ‘golden hour,’ the periods just after dawn and before dusk when the sun is low and gives off a soft, golden hue. Well, October in the Balkans is like a month-long golden hour. In fact, our Kosovan guide Edo says it’s his favourite time of year to hike in the Accursed Mountains because of the sunlight and gentle heat, the reddening forests and the fresh autumnal smells of nature. There’s just a couple of reasons to visit the Balkans in October and if this sounds like a bit of you, read on for trip inspiration and a country-by-country breakdown of the weather conditions. £100pp off ALL autumn holidays From hiking in Albania to painting and wild swimming in Montenegro, get your October holiday for less with £100pp off all holidays in September and October. Browse holidays Croatia in October It doesn’t get much better than watching the autumn sunshine rise and set over the Adriatic – and that’s exactly what you can expect from our seven-day
Looking for a sunshine escape in Europe in October? Croatia, Albania and Montenegro all get a decent amount of sunshine and there are other advantages to visiting the Balkans at this time – fewer crowds, it’s cheaper, ideal temperatures for walking holidays, plus it’s rakija season, meaning ample opportunities for tastings. It’s also time for
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