While Albania may be known for its beaches, there are lots of interesting things about this Balkan superstar. From Stephen Fry’s almost royal connection to the communist leader’s love for British comedy, here are 12 fun facts about Albania. 1. Albania is home to more than 170,000 bunkers Communist dictator Enver Hoxha was a paranoid
So it’s come to our attention that not many people actually know where the Balkans is—or which countries are in the Balkans. To make matters more confusing, people from the Balkans can’t always agree on which countries are Balkan. As a travel company specialising in holidays in the Balkans, we thought we should set the
Travel journalist Laura Sanders has visited Albania twice with us and guest blogs this week to explain the problem with coining Albania the “Maldives of Europe.” You will not catch me referring to Albania as the “Maldives of Europe.” For one, that only refers to the 25% of the country made up of coastline. The
The best kayaking spots in the Balkans
- Destinations, Family Travel, Inspiration, Safety, Uncategorized, Wilderness, Wildlife
- kayaking, Lake Skadar, sea kayaking, Shkodra Lake
We’ve been kayaking in the Balkans since 2004—long before it became cool on Instagram. Back then, it was just us, a couple of battered kayaks, and the endless blue of Lake Skadar—or Shkodër, as it’s known in Albania—the largest lake in the region and the place we now call home. Since then, we’ve explored the
Are you travelling in Albania with us and keen to know who will be leading the way? Meet Alfi, one of our two awesome adventure guides there. Like Aurora, Alfi hails from northern Albania but he also leads our South Albania holidays. Alfi loves nothing more than teaching guests about his country and being in
Where to find hot weather & adventure in the Balkans in September 2025
- Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Destinations, Inspiration, Kosovo, Montenegro, Responsible travel, Serbia, Uncategorized
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro
Booking your September sun holiday in Europe and not sure where to go? Look no further than the Balkans. Croatia, Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina all remain hot and sunny well into October (which is why lots of our trips run until then). In fact, our active holidays such as hiking and kayaking trips
The Undiscovered Guide to Podgorica
- Balkan cities, Destinations, Inspiration, Montenegro, Undiscovered Montenegro
- Balkan cities, City Guide, Podgorica
Podgorica isn’t many people’s first thought when it comes to a city break, but as our guests are discovering, it’s worth a couple of nights there—especially as you’re likely to be flying into it anyway. So we thought we’d give you some pointers on what to see and do there, with recommendations from UB co-founders
Inside our traditional guesthouse stay overlooking the Vjosa
- Albania, Destinations, Homestays, Inspiration, Responsible travel, Uncategorized
- Albania, homestay, South Albania
Are you exploring southern Albania with us? This mountain farmhouse in Përmet on the Vjosa river is sure to whet your appetite. Built more than 120 years ago, Kristaq and Florida Kalllufe’s family home is truly unique. Now listed as a National Monument of Culture, you’ll have the chance to stop there the night before
How to stay cool in the Balkans this summer—our tips
- Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Travel Advice
- adventure travel, Balkans, summer holidays, travel advice, travel tips, weather
If you’re in Albania, Montenegro or Croatia in July, your first question may be, “is it always this hot?” The answer is—well, yes. Welcome to a Balkan summer. ☀️ But unlike what some of the British media headlines might suggest, this is no freak heatwave. For those of us who live in the Balkans—and love
How fit do you need to be for an active holiday? (plus 8-week training plan)
- Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Travel Advice, Uncategorized
- adventure travel, fitness, Hiking Holiday, training plan, travel advice, travel tips
Let’s get one thing straight: many of us who love outdoor adventures as adults weren’t sporty kids at school. I certainly wasn’t. I was a chunky tween who dreaded Sports Day and usually came last. In fact, it took until my twenties to discover I even liked the outdoors. My first real adventure? A three-day