If you’re in Albania, Montenegro or Croatia in July, your first question may be, "is it always this hot?" The answer is—well, yes. Welcome to a Balkan summer. ☀️ But unlike what some of the British media headlines might suggest, this is no freak heatwave. For those of us who live in the Balkans—and love nothing better than jumping into rivers or the sea, or kayaking to hidden beaches—this is just normal. It’s supposed to be hot in Southern Europe. That’s the point—and you just need to embrace it. Yes, temperatures can reach the high 30s, but this isn’t the sticky, airless heat of a terraced house in August. It’s dry, breezy and delightfully swimmable. The Mediterranean sun sets the pace here—and if you follow its rhythm, you’ll not only cope, you’ll thrive. Here’s how we—and our guests—stay cool, while loving every sweaty second of our adventure holidays. So, how hot is the Balkans in summer? Along the coast and inland valleys, daytime temperatures tend to hover around 35°C from late June to July and August, sometimes a little more. In higher areas, it can be 10-15 degrees cooler – another reason to love the mountains this region is famous for. The heat is dry, not humid. That means shade and water go a long way, and evenings are often breezy and a bit fresher. British guests sometimes find it a shock at first – but that’s mostly a matter of expectations. If you’re coming from 18C and drizzle, of course it’ll feel intense. But this isn’t dangerous heat, as long as you follow these top tips. Related: When’s the best time to visit the Balkans? How to pack light for an adventure holiday in the Balkans From eSIMs to currency: Preparing to travel in the Balkans Where to find
If you’re in Albania, Montenegro or Croatia in July, your first question may be, “is it always this hot?” The answer is—well, yes. Welcome to a Balkan summer. ☀️ But unlike what some of the British media headlines might suggest, this is no freak heatwave. For those of us who live in the Balkans—and love
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 trek in Madagascar with Ben and two French backpackers we'd just met. I had no clue what I was doing, no fitness plan, and no appropriate gear. Just youthful stubbornness and a rucksack. I was so red-faced and out of breath, our local guide called me "Vaza Tomate" – the foreign tomato. But I made it. Fast-forward a fair few years and I co-run active holidays in the Balkans, where I regularly hike steep rocky inclines and kayak 12km. But I’ve still had my setbacks. In 2021, I ruptured my ACL skiing. I had reconstructive knee surgery in Dubrovnik, and just four months later, I was back on the trail, guiding hikes for guests at my villa in Montenegro. How? Determination, muscle memory, and the help of my brilliant physio Aleks, who let me train in a private gym bedecked with Balkan muscleman posters. Motivating, if a bit intimidating! So when guests ask me how fit do you need to be for an active holiday, or whether they'll need to train to go mountain hiking, the answer is: it depends. If you’re joining us for one of our standard activity weeks and you're in reasonable shape, you’ll be fine. But if you’re joining one of our multi-day hikes or super-active adventures, which take place in proper mountainous terrain, training is a really good idea – and might just transform your holiday. Are You Mountain-Ready? Take Our Balkan Fitness Test If you can comfortably tick off
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
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, we’ve got the answers to all of your Balkan travel FAQs so you can focus on being excited. As well as generic advice below, we’ve included tips that are more specific to our holidays, when you may need a bit of extra cover on your travel insurance due to all of the adventurous activities we offer or local cash because we’re visiting a mountaintop village. Not sure what to pack? We’ve got you covered with that too; read our guide to packing light for adventure travel in the Balkans. On this page: Are the Balkans in the EU? Do I need a visa? Travel insurance tips eSIMs and data roaming in the Balkans Currency and paying in the Balkans Is it safe to drink tap water in the Balkans? Are the Balkans in the EU? Some Balkan countries are EU members, others are applying and some aren’t in the EU but do use the Euro (confusing or what?). Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia and Greece are members of the EU, making things simpler for travellers. Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia are EU candidates hoping to be in the club by 2030. Kosovo is a potential candidate, meaning it has or can apply for membership, but the big chiefs are yet to make it an official candidate. For travellers, this means data roaming, currency (and how easy it is to get hold of), and passport requirements can vary depending on where you travel.
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,
The western Balkans boasts some of the best white water rafting in Europe, thanks to a wealth of wild waterways slicing through the karst landscapes there. Combine riding the rapids with this region’s unrivalled natural beauty, rich history and unique culture and you’ve got one heck of an adventure – you won’t believe you’re still in Europe. From leapfrogging down the Tara river to paddling down one of Europe’s last true wild rivers in Albania, see our roundup of the best rafting spots in the western Balkans below. We’ve also included our practical tips and FAQs about this exhilarating sport for newcomers. Ready for a splash of excitement? Join us on a guided rafting adventure as part of one of our multi-activity Balkan holidays. Jump to: When to go rafting Rapid grades explained The best rafting destinations in the Balkans What to wear Safety tips Physical fitness & medical conditions The best time to go rafting Deciding when to book your rafting adventure in Europe depends on the weather and your level of experience. You’ll find the highest water levels, and therefore strongest rapids, in spring due to snowmelt running off the mountains at this time of year. Therefore, Easter is a perfect time to book your rafting holiday if you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie. For families and beginners who’d prefer to start off a little gentler, aim for July and August when water levels aren’t as high and the rapids are tamer (plus the water is warmer if you do go overboard!) Whitewater rapid grades explained Rivers are internationally graded from I-VI depending on factors such as gradient, how fast and smoothly they flow, and obstacles such as rocks you will need to maneuver around. The higher the grade, the more difficult the river is to navigate.
The western Balkans boasts some of the best white water rafting in Europe, thanks to a wealth of wild waterways slicing through the karst landscapes there. Combine riding the rapids with this region’s unrivalled natural beauty, rich history and unique culture and you’ve got one heck of an adventure – you won’t believe you’re still
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
Looking for a sunshine escape in Europe in October? Croatia, Albania and Montenegro all get a decent amount of sunshine and there are other advantages to visiting the Balkans at this time – fewer crowds, it’s cheaper, ideal temperatures for walking holidays, plus it’s rakija season, meaning ample opportunities for tastings. It’s also time for religious festivals such as All Saints Day on 1st November, when Catholics place flowers and lanterns on the graves of their relatives to celebrate their lives (in a similar way to Mexico’s Day of the Dead) before heading home for a big family get together and feast. You will see people in Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia preparing for this in the last week of October and there will be flower stalls everywhere. Photographers will be familiar with the term ‘golden hour,’ the periods just after dawn and before dusk when the sun is low and gives off a soft, golden hue. Well, October in the Balkans is like a month-long golden hour. In fact, our Kosovan guide Edo says it’s his favourite time of year to hike in the Accursed Mountains because of the sunlight and gentle heat, the reddening forests and the fresh autumnal smells of nature. There’s just a couple of reasons to visit the Balkans in October and if this sounds like a bit of you, read on for trip inspiration and a country-by-country breakdown of the weather conditions. £100pp off ALL autumn holidays From hiking in Albania to painting and wild swimming in Montenegro, get your October holiday for less with £100pp off all holidays in September and October. Browse holidays Croatia in October It doesn’t get much better than watching the autumn sunshine rise and set over the Adriatic – and that’s exactly what you can expect from our seven-day
Looking for a sunshine escape in Europe in October? Croatia, Albania and Montenegro all get a decent amount of sunshine and there are other advantages to visiting the Balkans at this time – fewer crowds, it’s cheaper, ideal temperatures for walking holidays, plus it’s rakija season, meaning ample opportunities for tastings. It’s also time for
"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
When Carly joined us in Serbia this month, she was a complete newbie to adventure travel having only ever taken beach holidays and city breaks. For those considering their first adventure holiday or joining an organised tour as a solo traveller, we asked her to guest blog for us this week and share her experience. Over to Carly… My typical holiday involves relaxing on the beach and feeding myself with lots of nice things. I work hard and my annual leave is precious, so when I go away it’s to switch off and unwind. Never had I imagined taking a week off to work even harder, climbing mountains, abseiling down waterfalls and wild swimming. But do you know what? It’s the best trip I’ve had in a long time and just days after getting home, I’m raring to go again. As I approach 40, I made a promise to myself this year to step outside my comfort zone. So when my friend, Dawn, asked if I wanted to join her on this small group adventure in Serbia, I jumped at the chance. But then I started to think about it. As the departure date neared, I began seriously doubting my abilities and questioning whether I had made a huge mistake. My stomach sank as I studied the itinerary and I stared at my empty suitcase. ‘What am I doing?’ I asked myself. Imposter syndrome There were so many uncertainties. First, the packing. This wasn’t a case of tossing a few bikinis and dresses in my bag. Walking boots, active wear and water shoes were among the required items on the packing list provided. That in itself made me question what I had let myself in for. Another foreign concept to me was a holiday without guaranteed sunshine. Usually, I board
When Carly joined us in Serbia this month, she was a complete newbie to adventure travel having only ever taken beach holidays and city breaks. For those considering their first adventure holiday or joining an organised tour as a solo traveller, we asked her to guest blog for us this week and share her experience.
Following the immense success of our first small group adventure in Serbia, we caught up with the man behind the magic - Aleks, our adventure travel guide with a wealth of experience in Serbia's outback and the newest member of the team. Born in Belgrade and raised in the mountains, Aleks's passion for Serbia is contagious and we challenge you to find something he doesn't know about his homeland. Aleks is a licensed tour guide, ski instructor, and mountain rescuer and in previous lives, he has been a soldier, a professional footballer, a boxer and teacher. Aleks is brimming with stories and fascinating facts about Serbia, so if you're due to travel there with us or you're just intrigued by this under-the-radar destination, read on to learn more about our expert guide and the country he's lucky to call home. Where did you grow up and what inspired you to become a tour guide? I was born in the Serbian capital of Belgrade but I spent the best part of my childhood and formative years in the Prokletije range of mountains in north Montenegro, where my grandparents lived. Western Serbia’s mountainscapes are very similar and remind me of my childhood home. Those early experiences and memories of the wilderness, big sky and freedom in the mountains instilled a lifelong love and passion for the outdoors in me. I started skiing and mountaineering at a very young age and in my early twenties, during my Sports Science studies and after rigorous training, I became a mountain rescuer at the Mountain Rescue Service of Serbia as well as a mountain guide and ski instructor. Some seven years ago, I qualified as a licensed tour guide in order to be able to show our guests the cultural and historic side of Serbia, in
Following the immense success of our first small group adventure in Serbia, we caught up with the man behind the magic – Aleks, our adventure travel guide with a wealth of experience in Serbia’s outback and the newest member of the team. Born in Belgrade and raised in the mountains, Aleks’s passion for Serbia is
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fascinating place, one nobody is more passionate about than Skender, our local tour guide, who you may remember if you read our blog on Bosnian coffee culture. Skender has witnessed Bosnia’s many twists and turns growing up and he’s determined to showcase all of the natural beauty and melting pot of cultures there today. We caught up with Skender to ask what he loves most about his job, why people should visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, and answer some of your most frequently asked questions about this Balkan gem. Where did you grow up and what inspired you to become an adventure guide? I was born in Libya and spent the first three years of my life there before moving to Sarajevo, a city that holds a special place in my heart. My childhood was deeply influenced by the war, a time that taught me resilience and the value of community. After the war, I watched my father manage a hostel. Helping him allowed me the privilege of meeting travellers from all over the world, sparking my interest in different cultures and stories beyond my own. These experiences inspired me to become a tour guide and entrepreneur. It was not only the fascinating people I met but also the opportunity to challenge and change stereotypes about my country that motivated me. What is your favourite thing about being adventure guide? The best thing about being a guide, for me, is connecting with people. These moments are a treat, allowing me to bring people together and foster understanding through shared experiences. As a guide, I have the unique privilege to not only showcase the beauty and heritage of my country but also to witness the transformative power of travel on individuals. Why should people visit Bosnia? Growing
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fascinating place, one nobody is more passionate about than Skender, our local tour guide, who you may remember if you read our blog on Bosnian coffee culture. Skender has witnessed Bosnia’s many twists and turns growing up and he’s determined to showcase all of the natural beauty and melting pot
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