Meeting the Malesorë shepherds of Albania

I’ve had my fair share of unforgettable travel moments over the years, but this one, which led to milking a sheep in a hailstorm on a remote mountain in North Albania, is right up there. This summer, my 11-year-old daughter and I joined a ‘tester day’ for a new experience we’ve included on our Family

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15 fun facts about Bulgaria

In honour of the first of our new mountain hiking holidays in Bulgaria taking place this month,  we’ve rounded up some interesting facts about the country that you probably didn’t know. For example, did you know Bulgaria’s actually a huge exporter of wine? Speaking of which, Valentine’s Day in Bulgaria is known as something else

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The best kayaking spots in the Balkans

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

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Where to find hot weather & adventure in the Balkans in September 2025

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

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The Undiscovered Guide to 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

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Inside our traditional guesthouse stay overlooking the Vjosa

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

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Undiscovered Balkans 14 years on, through the eyes of our first guest

As a business, we don’t often sit back and look at how far we’ve come in the last 15 years. But the return of our very first guest to Villa Miela a couple of weeks ago took us on a trip down memory lane. In case you haven’t read our story, we started out as

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The 8 best hikes in the Balkans

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,

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Komani to Shkodra: The 6 most beautiful lakes in Albania

Albania's best lakes: Komia Lake

Albania isn’t short of lakes, thanks in part to its karst limestone topography. There’s no less than 1,040 lakes in Albania (240 natural and 800 man-made), putting it in the running with Italy which has 1,500. So how on earth do you decide which ones are worth visiting? From the Thailand-esque Komani to wildlife-rich Shkodra,

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From eSIMs to currency: How to prepare for your trip to the Balkans

What currency does Albania use? Can you drink tap water in Croatia? Should you buy an eSIM? Having an adventure in the Balkans booked is super exciting, but the inevitable pre-trip admin can kill your buzz if you don’t know what to do. Fear not! From visa requirements to eSIMs, safe drinking water to currency,

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