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

It’s one of the most frequently asked questions about countries from the former Yugoslavia, and it’s not an easy one to answer. In fact, you can accidentally get into trouble if you’re not careful. The question is of course: ’What language do they speak there?’  What language do they speak in the Balkans? If we’re

Coffee is the cornerstone of Bosnian culture and has been since the Ottomans introduced it in the 15th century. But make no mistake, it is not the same as Turkish coffee. Order the latter at a cafe in Sarajevo and you’ll soon be corrected. Tasting Bosnian coffee (Bosanska kahva) is a must-do experience during your

This week, we invited award-winning journalist and travel writer Laura Sanders to be a guest blogger and tell us why the Balkans are on her radar in 2024. Laura explored Bosnia, Croatia and Montenegro last year. After being wowed by Mostar’s Ottoman architecture on holiday, she returned and dug deeper for assignments from Conde Nast Traveller,

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

If you’re in search of some armchair travel or inspiration for your next trip, we’ve rounded up nine of our favourite books set in the western Balkans.  Whether you’re looking to escape to the idyllic mountainscapes or understand the region’s complex past, these books will have you gripped – and perhaps even inspire you to

Bosnia’s historic capital is where east and west quite literally meet at a compass inscribed on the pavement in the old town. You’ll find this fusion everywhere – in its architecture, food and language.  Adorned by the pine forested Dinaric Alps encircling it, there’s more to this bustling Balkan city than first meets the eye.