Once an uninspiring communist city, Tirana is now a bustling metropolis with surprises around every corner. Whether you’re just passing through or you’re looking for an affordable city break, it’s worth spending at least a day in Albania’s capital. Here we’ve listed some of the must-visit places in Tirana and our favourite food find just
Travelling as a vegan or vegetarian in the Balkans might seem like a challenge at first glance–especially if you’ve heard about the region’s big love for meat and dairy. But look beyond the grills and stews, and you’ll find a wealth of naturally vegan dishes, thanks to centuries-old fasting traditions and the region’s rich agricultural
If you’ve seen one Balkan country, you’ve seen them all, right? Wrong. It’s easy to lump these 12 splendid countries together, but there’s a Thai saying you may have come across which applies here, and that is –“same same, but different.” In some ways, yes, some Balkan countries share a language, history and food–former Yugoslavian
Ever considered hiking the Peaks of the Balkans (POTB)? Read what our past guest Simon and his hiking group YOLO thought. In July 2024, they embarked on our week-long Montenegro to Albania hiking adventure, which includes a snippet of the POTB trail. Here’s how they got on. British hiker Simon Crowther first laid eyes on
This International Women’s Day, we’re bucking the trends and celebrating all female travellers, not just those flying solo. Because apparently, if it wasn’t for women and their wanderlust, a lot of family holidays and couples getaways might not get booked. A study revealed 82% of all travel-related decisions are made by women, who now outnumber
Couples who travel together, stay together. That’s our opinion anyway as a company founded by an adventurous husband and wife. And it turns out there’s some science behind it; studies show that escaping everyday routine and sharing new experiences strengthen relationships. Sure, sipping cocktails on a beach with your honey is great, but you can’t
A tourism boom over the past few years means that, despite the hype, South Albania’s beaches can feel decidedly discovered — but that’s because most don’t know where to look. This summer, my family and I set off on a research trip to carve out our new South Albania itinerary and proved that even in
Travelling to the Balkans for the first time and wondering what foods you should try? We’ve got you covered. From burek to rakija, you’ll find these traditional Balkan foods, accompaniments and beverages widespread across the region. Tick all of these off and you’re only just getting started, so be sure to go with a good
Considering an adventure in Bosnia and Herzegovina and wondering whether it’s suitable for families? Well, we can tell you it absolutely is. The locals adore children and there’s lots of things to see, eat and do for all ages. See our suggestions below which have been tried, tested and approved by the UB founders’ own
From world renowned music festivals like Ultra to outdoor sports events and art exhibitions, the cultural calendar in the Balkans for 2025 is chock-a-block. If you’re planning a visit to Albania, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro or Serbia in 2025, see below our round-up of the best activities and events to help you decide when to visit.
