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
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
Albania is a great destination for foodies. From hearty meat dishes to fresh vegetables and quaffable wines to wash it down with, food is at the heart of the culture. You will never go hungry on Albanian food, that’s for sure. But where do you start? Here’s our guide to traditional Albanian dishes and wine,
While Albania may be known for its beaches, there are lots of interesting things about this Balkan superstar. From Stephen Fry’s almost royal connection to the communist leader’s love for British comedy, here are 12 fun facts about Albania. 1. Albania is home to more than 170,000 bunkers Communist dictator Enver Hoxha was a paranoid
So it’s come to our attention that not many people actually know where the Balkans is—or which countries are in the Balkans. To make matters more confusing, people from the Balkans can’t always agree on which countries are Balkan. As a travel company specialising in holidays in the Balkans, we thought we should set the
Travel journalist Laura Sanders has visited Albania twice with us and guest blogs this week to explain the problem with coining Albania the “Maldives of Europe.” You will not catch me referring to Albania as the “Maldives of Europe.” For one, that only refers to the 25% of the country made up of coastline. The
The best kayaking spots in the Balkans
- Destinations, Family Travel, Inspiration, Safety, Uncategorized, Wilderness, Wildlife
- kayaking, Lake Skadar, sea kayaking, Shkodra Lake
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
Where to find hot weather & adventure in the Balkans in September 2025
- Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Destinations, Inspiration, Kosovo, Montenegro, Responsible travel, Serbia, Uncategorized
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro
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
Inside our traditional guesthouse stay overlooking the Vjosa
- Albania, Destinations, Homestays, Inspiration, Responsible travel, Uncategorized
- homestay, South Albania
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
How fit do you need to be for an active holiday? (plus 8-week training plan)
- Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Travel Advice, Uncategorized
- adventure travel, fitness, Hiking Holiday, training plan, travel advice, travel tips
Let’s get one thing straight: many of us who love outdoor adventures as adults weren’t sporty kids at school. I certainly wasn’t. I was a chunky tween who dreaded Sports Day and usually came last. In fact, it took until my twenties to discover I even liked the outdoors. My first real adventure? A three-day