Having travelled extensively in Africa and Asia, Undiscovered Balkans co-founders Ben and Emma thought they’d seen it all—until they came to the Balkans. This wild corner of Europe continues to amaze them even after 20 years—and they’re not easy to impress. So when we say the Balkans is home to not only some of Europe’s, but the world’s, best hikes, we’re not exaggerating. The main draw besides unrivalled natural beauty that makes the Western European alps look boring? Far fewer people know about them. From month-long expeditions to day hikes in the Dinaric Alps, read on for our roundup of the best hikes in the Balkans. 1. Valbona pass, Albania Distance: 18km Difficulty: Moderate The high mountain pass between Valbona and Theth, two time-warped shepherd’s villages in the Accursed Mountains, is quite arguably one of the best day hikes in Europe. The dramatic karst landscapes and ancient forests stretching as far as the eye can see could have you thinking you’re in the Peruvian Andes. The hike takes around seven hours to complete on average and you’ll gain an elevation of around 1,100m. Many hikers come from Tirana and go from Valbona to Theth as it makes logistical sense. But as we’re coming from Shkodër (around two hours away) on our North Albania holiday, we do it the other way around. We start by exploring Theth and enjoy a traditional farm homestay the night before and recover in Valbona after the hike. The next day, we travel back to Shkodër by ferry on the glorious Lake Komani, one of Albania’s most beautiful lakes. 2. Via Dinarica, cross-border Distance: 1,260km Difficulty: Challenging Launched in 2010 to boost tourism in the region, this mega hike spans eight Balkan countries from Slovenia to Albania. The Via Dinarica would take you several weeks to
Having travelled extensively in Africa and Asia, Undiscovered Balkans co-founders Ben and Emma thought they’d seen it all—until they came to the Balkans. This wild corner of Europe continues to amaze them even after 20 years—and they’re not easy to impress. So when we say the Balkans is home to not only some of Europe’s,
Following the launch of our new Bulgaria hiking holiday recently, we think it's only polite to introduce you to the man leading the way and the newest member of our team. Meet Atanas, a mountaineer, travel lover and history buff. There's nothing he doesn't know about Bulgaria's mountains—he's been exploring them by foot, skis and bike since his teens. Read on to get to know Atanas (who we suspect is secretly half-yeti) and find out what our exciting new adventure entails. Tell us a bit about yourself—where did you grow up and why did you become a guide? I was born in the seaside city of Burgas but I’ve spent most of my life in the capital, Sofia. I started exploring the Bulgarian mountains in my teens, spending all my free time travelling, hiking, skiing and cycling with my free-spirited friends. Outdoor sports have always been a big part of my life and my favourite way to explore. I studied political science at university and became really interested in the history and culture of Eastern Europe, specifically the Balkans. But despite enjoying what I learnt, I knew academic life wasn’t for me—I wanted to explore the world first-hand. And so after graduating, I started guiding small-group activity tours in Bulgaria and its neighbouring countries and it struck me that being a guide combined all of my interests: outdoor sports, travel and history. During the pandemic, I used the time to improve my mountaineering skills and enrolled in a two-year mountain guiding course to gain my official Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA) accreditation. I’m always learning new things and feel part of an amazing travel community—that’s the best thing about my job. What is your favourite place to explore in Bulgaria? As a person who loves trekking and skiing,
Following the launch of our new Bulgaria hiking holiday recently, we think it’s only polite to introduce you to the man leading the way and the newest member of our team. Meet Atanas, a mountaineer, travel lover and history buff. There’s nothing he doesn’t know about Bulgaria’s mountains—he’s been exploring them by foot, skis and
Planning to visit the Balkans this year but not sure when to go? We’ve got you. Whether you’re looking for the best month to visit Albania for sun, when to hike the Peaks of the Balkans trail or the best time to book a holiday in Croatia to avoid the crowds (hint: you’ll always dodge the crowds with us), keep reading. Balkans climate Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, southern Bosnia and southern Bulgaria generally have a Mediterranean climate, meaning hot, dry summers and mild winters. Like anywhere, the weather is generally cooler and less predictable in the mountains in these destinations, where there can be snow during winter and early spring. The more northerly locations such as Serbia, northern Bosnia around Sarajevo, and parts of Montenegro have a milder, more continental climate. Balkans weather by month See the average daytime high temperatures by month in Croatia, Albania, Montenegro and other popular holiday destinations in the Balkans below. But bear in mind it depends on where you go. Mostar in Bosnia is more like 25-40℃ in August due to humidity. Best time to visit the Balkans for sun A Balkan summer is like no other — long sunny days and a culture that celebrates leaping into refreshing pools of water, whether it's the Adriatic Sea or a brilliant blue river. Balkan summers see temperatures generally hovering between 27℃ and 31℃, occasionally climbing to the high 30s, depending how far south you go. During these months, you will see little rainfall and lots of clear, sunny skies – perfect for water activities like kayaking, rafting and wild swimming. If that’s a little too hot for you, consider visiting in April or May for daytime temperatures in the low to mid 20s. Bear in mind that the weather is less predictable in shoulder season and
Planning to visit the Balkans this year but not sure when to go? We’ve got you. Whether you’re looking for the best month to visit Albania for sun, when to hike the Peaks of the Balkans trail or the best time to book a holiday in Croatia to avoid the crowds (hint: you’ll always dodge
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