Planning a trip to the Balkans and wondering what kinds of wildlife you might encounter? With vast swathes of undisturbed forests and wetlands, the peninsula is teeming with animals which are rare, if not extinct, in the UK. Despite being popular for the beaches, Albania is actually two-thirds forests and mountains. Across the border in Montenegro, Europe's most mountainous country, lots of nature hotspots are under environmental protection. They include Lake Skadar National Park which is on its way to becoming a UNESCO biosphere and joining the Amazon of Europe. Serbia, Kosovo and Croatia equally boast their fair share of natural habitats. So, in short, the Balkans is the place to visit for wildlife sightings in Europe. Sadly though, there’s a way to go before proper protection is in place for many of the species listed below, meaning they’re at threat of dying out due to human activity (read: damming, deforestation and pollution). That’s why we’re on a mission as a travel company to support vital conservation efforts in the region by donating to our chosen local NGOs through our Book to Give Back scheme and touring responsibly. So, without further adieu, here are just some of the fantastic wild animals you could see (or hear) in the Balkans. 1. Dalmatian Pelican It’s the world’s largest member of the pelican family with a wingspan of three metres and weighing around 9.5 kg respectfully, the Dalmatian Pelican is also the world’s largest flying freshwater bird. A lot of work is being done to protect these remarkable creatures in Montenegro and Albania, particularly in Lake Skadar National Park (where we run Villa Miela), which has a sizeable population of roughly 300 pelicans. You’ll also find them in large numbers on Lake Prespa, shared by Albania and Greece, which you can visit on
Planning a trip to the Balkans and wondering what kinds of wildlife you might encounter? With vast swathes of undisturbed forests and wetlands, the peninsula is teeming with animals which are rare, if not extinct, in the UK. Despite being popular for the beaches, Albania is actually two-thirds forests and mountains. Across the border in
Here at Undiscovered Balkans, we consider ourselves connoisseurs when it comes to Balkan food (see previous blog post), but Macedonian-British author and recipe developer Irina Janakievska's knowledge is unmatched. Since 2011, she's been on a culinary journey to discover the history, intricacies and origins of traditional foods found in the region for her debut cookbook, The Balkan Kitchen. Born in what's now North Macedonia (former Yugoslavia), Irina moved to Kuwait with her mother in the late 1980s to escape the violent breakup of Yugoslavia. In 2001, Irina moved to Britain to study at the London School of Economics, graduating with a Masters and securing a job as a solicitor. She left the corporate world in 2020 to pursue her passion for Balkan cuisine and train at the Leiths School of Food and Wine. Irina has since contributed her knowledge of Balkan food and culture to the likes of The Guardian, Foodnetwork US and Whetstone Magazine, among others and in 2023, The Balkan Kitchen was shortlisted for the Jane Grigson Trust Award. It landed on shelves in October 2024, so we caught up with Irina to find out more about the history behind the recipes and what dishes you should try when visiting the region. How would you sum up Balkan food in three words? Rich, vibrant, diverse. What inspired you to write The Balkan Kitchen? We can tell it was a labour of love with so many personal stories, anecdotes and photographs to accompany the recipes. After my grandmother tragically passed away in 2011, I was in her apartment in front of the bookshelf that held our family’s most treasured books and happened to pick up a copy of her 1956 edition of Veliki Narodni Kuvar (Great National Cookbook) by Spasenija Pata Markovic, with its fading olive-green cover, torn but lovingly
Here at Undiscovered Balkans, we consider ourselves connoisseurs when it comes to Balkan food (see previous blog post), but Macedonian-British author and recipe developer Irina Janakievska’s knowledge is unmatched. Since 2011, she’s been on a culinary journey to discover the history, intricacies and origins of traditional foods found in the region for her debut cookbook,
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 appetite. Is Balkan food Turkish? This is a question we've seen floating around a fair bit. With much of the region formerly part of the Ottoman empire, Balkan countries have inherited lots of Turkish dishes such as baklava and sarma. And Bosnian coffee shares similarities with Turkish coffee (although don’t say that to a Bosnian if you don’t wish to offend). But it’s not just Ottoman dishes that have made their way onto the Balkan menu over time. You can also find typically Austro-Hungarian dishes like schnitzel and goulash. And some things, like rakija, are Balkan through and through. 1. Burek Burek has been a staple across the Balkans since its introduction by the Ottomans in the 14th century and it’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s made of thin layers of filo pastry filled with savoury ingredients, rolled into a spiral, and baked until golden. Popular fillings include spiced meat, a cheese similar to feta, a mix of cheese and spinach, or spiced potatoes. 2. Kajmak Kajmak ("kai-mak") also known as sarshir or qashta/ashta, is a rich, creamy dairy product similar to clotted cream. It’s traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo, cows, sheep or goats and is popular not only in the Balkans, but Western and Central Asia and Turkey. Kajmak is traditionally eaten with meat dishes like 'cevapi' mince kebabs, or as a filling in savoury pancakes. 3. Sarma / Dolma Dolma (more commonly referred to as Sarma in the Balkans) refers
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
Travel writer Laura Sanders shares her experience of joining a group of fellow solo female travellers for our 7-day multi-activity holiday in Serbia, which launched earlier this year. Read about her most memorable moments and anecdotes from the trip below – including how a mountain ranger saved her life from an ancient Balkan ailment with a hairdryer and a pair of socks. In the lead up to my week-long adventure in Western Serbia, I was met with a lot of ‘is it safe’s?’ and ‘you’re braver than me’s’. For many who were around in the 1990s (I was teething), mention of any former Yugoslavian country conjures up harrowing images from the six o'clock news. And while I'm not naive enough to think all is completely rosy now, it’s evident from past trips to the Balkans that life has moved on by a whole generation, and people aren’t their politics. Having ticked off Croatia and Bosnia, I was keen to experience more of this unique region, and so jumped at the chance to join Undiscovered Balkans on their inaugural tour in Serbia. From hiking through lush mountains and kayaking rushing rivers to sharing laughter over rakija with locals who would have gladly given us the shirts off their backs (and socks off their feet, more on that later) — my personal and professional mission was to override these old memories with fresh images of Serbia, its bucolic beauty and warm, genuine people. Well, mission accomplished. A walk on the wild side The first morning, my comrades and I (a group of intrepid women aged between 29 and 65) were whisked straight out of Belgrade for a river hike on the Gradac, one of Serbia’s cleanest waterways and an example of the striking karst landscapes I’d see throughout the week. I felt
Travel writer Laura Sanders shares her experience of joining a group of fellow solo female travellers for our 7-day multi-activity holiday in Serbia, which launched earlier this year. Read about her most memorable moments and anecdotes from the trip below – including how a mountain ranger saved her life from an ancient Balkan ailment with
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 offspring. 1. Sarajevo Bosnia’s capital city boasts an amalgam of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslavian relics. The old quarter is the beating heart of the city and there’s lots there to interest families. Wander the old Ottoman bazaar for souvenirs, visit a traditional Bosnian coffee shop, and explore some of the museums and religious buildings there, such as the beautiful Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Don’t miss out on a walk down Copper Street (Kazandžiluk) to see artisans at work making copper plates, coffee sets et al. Kids love a live demonstration and the locals are all too happy to oblige. Pictured above are UB founders’ Ben and Emma’s children getting involved. Another simple yet fun thing to do with kids in the old town is feed the pigeons around the Sebilj Fountain. If you'd like to learn about the 1990s conflict in Bosnia but you're conscious that some of the museums might be a bit too grown-up for some, visit the War Childhood Museum. It's dedicated completely to the experiences of children who grew up during armed conflict in that period, making it easier for your kids to relate. The collection of personal belongings and video testimonies really brings it to life . Find more things to see and do in Sarajevo. 2. Mostar Mostar is an enchanting city with its old Ottoman landmarks and there’s plenty that children will find fascinating. It’s best known for its Ottoman bridge, Stari Most (look out
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. But why travel all that way for just a day or two? A lovely way to stretch out your trip and really get to know one of these spectacular Balkan countries is to book a holiday on either side of it. So, whether you’re looking to keep up the momentum from a regatta or marathon, delve deeper into the local culture following a food festival, or recover from a gig in a sleepy fishing village, we’ve included information on tours located near each for inspiration. Festivals & events in Croatia 2025 Ultra Europe Music Festival When: 11th-13th July 2025 Where: Split One of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals, Ultra Europe’s star studded 2025 lineup includes Armin Van Buuren and Eric Prydz and takes place in Mladeži Park in Split. Following an electrifying weekend of music pulsing through you, retreat to the sleepy fishing village of Mali Ston on the Peljesac Peninsula to recover while soaking up some authentic Croatian culture. Trade the cheap festival beer for quaffable Dingač wine and work on your tan as we sea kayak to secluded islands. See our 7-day adventure multi-activity holiday. Zen Opuzen Street Art Festival When: July 2025 Where: Opuzen A must for street art enthusiasts, skilled creators from around the world descend on the town of Opuzen in the Dubrovnik-Neretva county to paint the town red… and green, and blue, and yellow, and every colour really (see zenopuzen.com for details). Art aside, Opuzen is a pleasant
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.
Booking your September sun holiday in Europe and not sure where to go? Behold: 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, some of our most active holidays are best enjoyed at this time of year when it’s slightly cooler. If you’re not tied to the school holidays, travelling during quieter periods not only has its advantages for you, it’s better for the local community and environment as you don’t contribute to over-tourism (of course, you don’t need to worry about that too much on our trips as we’re all about taking you off the beaten path). With the kids back in school, this is the best time to book if you want a more mature crowd on your trip too - especially as September is wine making season and we're known to linger longer at the wineries for tastings with no children around. If you want to leave it even later for your holiday, there's the opportunity to make rakija and forage for wild pomegranates during our hikes in October. In terms of temperatures, the sea is at its warmest in September having been heated up throughout the summer - the perfect time for some wild swimming. Read on for our roundup of holiday suggestions and what weather to expect from Balkan holidays in September. Croatia in September Ever been island hopping in Croatia? We bet you’ve never done it like this. Choose between two action-packed adventures in Southern Dalmatia in which you’ll kayak to some of Croatia’s best kept secrets and have a chance to see Dubrovnik with far fewer people clogging up its cobbled streets. Based in Ston, our seven-day Multi-Activity Holiday in Southern Dalmatia takes
Booking your September sun holiday in Europe and not sure where to go? Behold: 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, some of our most active holidays are best enjoyed at this time
Believe it or not, the city walls of Ston are actually bigger and more impressive than Dubrovnik’s, yet hardly anybody knows about this Croatian town. Just a stone’s throw from the tourist trap lies the two-part town of Ston, a fortified settlement promising glorious Adriatic views, crumbling medieval architecture, delectable seafood and fine wine. Ston is located on the Pelješac Peninsula, around an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik and two hours from Split. It’s known for its 14th century city walls which are considered Europe’s answer to China's Great Wall, and world class oysters. Ston is also located in Croatia’s wine country, meaning you’re in the right place for a tipple. Ston has two parts: Ston, sometimes referred to as Veliki Ston (“Great Ston”) and Mali Ston (“Little Ston”). The best things to see and do in Ston Ston old town Much like Dubrovnik, Ston teeters on the edge of the Adriatic, making for a picturesque spot for a coffee while you plan your next move. Take a wander through its medieval streets and see what you find or book an excursion such as an oyster tour. Don't miss a visit to Ston Fortress (pictured above). Ston City Walls The mighty Walls of Ston (Stonske zidine) is Europe’s largest remaining fortification system and the world’s second largest after the Great Wall of China. Built between the 14th and 18th centuries to protect the city from threats in Dubrovnik, the walls spanned 7km originally (it’s now 5km), connecting the two sides of the city by a 3km wall clinging to the hillside. You can pay to walk the walls (which includes the crossing between the two towns) and enjoy aerial views of the settlements and ocean. Along the way, look out for its three forts (Veliki Kaštio, Koruna, and Podzvizd), seven bastions
Believe it or not, the city walls of Ston are actually bigger and more impressive than Dubrovnik’s, yet hardly anybody knows about this Croatian town. Just a stone’s throw from the tourist trap lies the two-part town of Ston, a fortified settlement promising glorious Adriatic views, crumbling medieval architecture, delectable seafood and fine wine. Ston
Wait what? Balkan countries produce wine? Yes they do, as it happens, and some are not just good. They're VERY good. Wine season is fast approaching and we just so happen to have holiday bases in two of the finest wine countries in the Balkan region: Croatia and Montenegro. In late August and September, it’s busy on the vineyards as vintners begin harvesting, but they’ll always welcome visitors. On both our week-long adventure near Dubrovnik in Croatia and our original crowd pleaser holiday at Villa Miela in Montenegro, we’re surrounded by family-owned vineyards which offer tours and tastings. If you’re joining us on a trip at this time of year, know that you’ll certainly get a chance to sample something grape. Read on for a taste of Balkan wines. Dingač Croatian wine Croatia is best known for full bodied red varieties which grow mostly along the coast in Dalmatia, the most famous being Dingač. It’s found in the steep hilly subregion of the same name on the Pelješac peninsula in Southern Dalmatia. Dingač is not a grape variety itself, it’s made from the Plavac Mali (‘little blue’) grape of Dalmatia. It was officially protected under Croatian law as a premium wine in 1965, but the tradition of winemaking in the Dingač region goes back centuries. Likened to a Mediterranean wine, Dingač is big, fruity and tannic, so it’s a perfect pairing to those hearty meat dishes and strong cheeses. On our week-long Croatia activity holiday, we have a sip and cycle day around the vineyards of Dingač. It’s a wonderful cultural experience with epic views of the vines against the backdrop of the Adriatic. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for travel inspiration and offers on holidays in the Balkans Vranac & Krstač of Montenegro Lake Skadar is Montenegro’s wine country
Wait what? Balkan countries produce wine? Yes they do, as it happens, and some are not just good. They’re VERY good. Wine season is fast approaching and we just so happen to have holiday bases in two of the finest wine countries in the Balkan region: Croatia and Montenegro. In late August and September, it’s
"Adventures needn’t stop because you’ve had children," says Emma Heywood, co-founder of Undiscovered Balkans and mother of three. If you’re keen to make your family travel more adventurous and leave the hotel resorts behind, Emma has revealed her top tips for smooth sailing. From the types of activity holidays to choose for your family to ways to motivate kids on a hike (rule #1 - never call it a hike), Emma’s advice comes tried and tested on her own family's travels in the Balkans, and years hosting families at her villa in the wilds of Montenegro. And so, over to Emma for her key to making family activity holidays a roaring success. 1. Look for water activities "Kids of all ages love water. Find a holiday with plenty of opportunities for water-based fun whether it’s jumping into waterfalls, river hiking or whitewater rafting (make sure the rapids are mostly grade 2)." Check out some of our wet and wild adventures 2. Get them excited about the trip "Some of our guests involve their kids in choosing the holiday. We’re less democratic with our three, but we talk about the trip ahead and show them visually exciting content like photos and videos of things they’ll be doing. The social media accounts of your holiday company should have a ready supply of motivational materials. Exhibit A: our Instagram page. "While adventures are all about trying something new, make sure it’s within the realms of your children’s interests and abilities by choosing activities you know they’ll like, that are fun. Ours, for example, love being in the water so we’ll always make sure there's a chance to get wet when booking a holiday." 3. Book a guided group holiday aimed at active families "Guided trips are best if your budget can stretch to
“Adventures needn’t stop because you’ve had children,” says Emma Heywood, co-founder of Undiscovered Balkans and mother of three. If you’re keen to make your family travel more adventurous and leave the hotel resorts behind, Emma has revealed her top tips for smooth sailing. From the types of activity holidays to choose for your family to
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