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
Where to enjoy autumn sunshine & adventure in the Balkans in October
- Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Destinations, Inspiration, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia
- adventure travel, Balkans, Hiking Holiday, mountains
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
Where to find hot weather & adventure in the Balkans in September
- Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Destinations, Inspiration, Kosovo, Montenegro, Responsible travel, Serbia, Uncategorized
- Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro
Booking your September sun holiday in Europe and not sure where to go? Behold: 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, some of our most active holidays are best enjoyed at this time
7 of the best national parks in the Western Balkans
- Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Destinations, Inspiration, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia
- cycling, Hiking Holiday, Hiking Holiday, kayaking, National Parks
Looking for your next hiking, cycling or kayaking holiday? With breathtaking scenery and a unique culture? And only a short flight from the UK, say in Europe somewhere? Check, check and check. The Balkans boasts vast swathes of untouched natural beauty in its national parks. Some of the forests are so old and undisturbed, they’re
The undiscovered guide to Shkodër, Albania
- Albania, Balkan cities, Inspiration, Uncategorized
- City Guide, Shkodër, Shkodra Lake, Undiscovered Guides
Shkodër is a North Albanian city beside Lake Shkodra, Southern Europe’s largest lake which Albania shares with Montenegro (where it’s called Skadar). It’s around two hours’ drive from Tirana and considered the gateway to the Albanian Alps. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Shkodër, including a couple of hidden
The best cold water swimming spots in the Balkans
- Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Destinations, Inspiration, Montenegro, Serbia, Uncategorized
- Balkans, cold water swimming, lakes, rivers, wild swimming
Cold water swimming may be the latest wellness trend but here at Undiscovered Balkans, we were doing it long before it became mainstream. When you live near some of Europe’s cleanest rivers and lakes, it’s impossible to resist. While our friends in the Nordic countries are credited with promoting the health benefits of cold water
To say that the Theth valley in the Albanian Alps is stunningly beautiful is an understatement, so there’s no wondering why it’s becoming increasingly popular with hikers. The Accursed Mountains, as they’re also known, could easily be mistaken for the Peruvian Andes. On the Valbona pass, karst limestone topography carpeted by beech forests stretch as
Albania may have seas as dreamy as the Maldives, beaches like Croatia and even some similarities to Greece, but there are several things that set it apart from its Balkan neighbours and everywhere else. From vast swathes of landscapes completely untouched by humans to its folklore traditions, Albania is a holiday destination like no other.
If you travel with us to Albania, chances are you will be in the capable hands of Aldo for the duration of your adventure, from hiking and kayaking to drinking raki! Aldo’s passion for his country is infectious and like us, he’s most at home in the mountains. In a previous life, he was an
The 7 best things to do in Albania with kids
- Albania, Destinations, Inspiration, Uncategorized
- Albania, Albania, Albania, Albania, Albania, Albania, Albania holidays, Family holidays
Considering a holiday in Albania in 2024 and wondering if it’s suitable for children? Look no further. As parents of three youngsters ourselves, Ben and I can confirm it’s a fantastic destination for families. Albania offers great value for money and endless adventures on its mountains, rivers and beaches. As it’s still fairly unexplored, it’s