Cultural heritage isn’t kept behind museum glass in the Balkans—it’s lived, breathed, eaten, sung, crafted and danced. From Ottoman cities like Berat and Mostar to natural wonders such as Durmitor National Park, Albanian folk singing to lacemaking in Croatia, UNESCO World Heritage in the Balkans is a multi-sensory tapestry of the region’s diverse natural and cultural offerings. In light of Lake Skadar being nominated to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in October 2025, we’ve rounded up some of the region’s cultural and natural highlights—many of which you can see on our holidays in Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria and Croatia. UNESCO natural heritage in the Balkans Durmitor National Park, Montenegro Characterized by towering limestone peaks and glacial lakes, Durmitor National Park in Montenegro is undeniably breathtaking. It’s home to one of Europe’s deepest canyons and the stunning Black Lake. “I’ll never forget my first glimpse of Durmitor National Park, like a real-life Hobbit land, all jagged peaks in stunning formations, and wispy clouds, with wild horses roaming the grassy meadows,” says UB co-founder Emma. “The landscape’s so epic it’s hard to take it all in.” Visit Durmitor National Park on our Montenegro family activity holiday. Lake Skadar, Montenegro & Albania Lake Skadar straddles the border between Montenegro and Albania and is the largest lake in Southern Europe at roughly 400 square kilometres (is actual size depends seasonal water level variations). This biodiversity hotspot is teeming with wildlife and an important nesting site for the endangered Dalmatian Pelican, which our guests love to spot during kayaking safaris on our Lake Skadar holiday, and on boat trips. In 2025, the Montenegrin and Albanian governments both nominated Lake Skadar to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means it will enjoy greater environmental protection and extend the so-called 'Amazon of Europe' deeper into Southeast Europe.
Cultural heritage isn’t kept behind museum glass in the Balkans—it’s lived, breathed, eaten, sung, crafted and danced. From Ottoman cities like Berat and Mostar to natural wonders such as Durmitor National Park, Albanian folk singing to lacemaking in Croatia, UNESCO World Heritage in the Balkans is a multi-sensory tapestry of the region’s diverse natural and
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 and you might spot vintners sweet talking their vines instead of their wives. Read on for more interesting facts about Bulgaria. 1. Bulgaria is old! Established in 681 AD and never renamed since, Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Unsurprisingly, it’s also home to Europe’s oldest inhabited city. Plovdiv, in southern Bulgaria was built around 8,000 years ago. The old town and Roman amphitheatre there are among its biggest attractions. 2. It has some really old artefacts Being one of Europe’s oldest countries, it comes as no surprise that Bulgaria has some pretty old artefacts too. And not many people know that Bulgaria is ranked third after Greece and Italy for archeological monuments. The world’s oldest golden treasure was found there which date back 6,000 years. 3. Bulgarian folk music is out of this world In 1977, the Bulgarian folk song “Izlel e Delyu Haydutin” was sent into space on board the US Space Probe Voyager I and there’s probably some aliens flying around singing it. 4. Bulgaria is home to the highest peak in the Balkans The peak of Mount Musala (Ottoman for “Close to God”) is the highest peak in the Balkans, soaring to 2,925.42 metres (9,958 feet). You’ll have a chance to hike this mighty mountain on our 7-day mountian hiking holiday in Bulgaria. Related: 12 fun facts about Albania 6 things you probably didn’t know about Serbia 6 things you probably didn’t know about Kosovo 5. Bulgaria has
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
Following the launch of our new Bulgaria hiking holiday recently, we think it's only polite to introduce you to the man leading the way and the newest member of our team. Meet Atanas, a mountaineer, travel lover and history buff. There's nothing he doesn't know about Bulgaria's mountains—he's been exploring them by foot, skis and bike since his teens. Read on to get to know Atanas (who we suspect is secretly half-yeti) and find out what our exciting new adventure entails. Tell us a bit about yourself—where did you grow up and why did you become a guide? I was born in the seaside city of Burgas but I’ve spent most of my life in the capital, Sofia. I started exploring the Bulgarian mountains in my teens, spending all my free time travelling, hiking, skiing and cycling with my free-spirited friends. Outdoor sports have always been a big part of my life and my favourite way to explore. I studied political science at university and became really interested in the history and culture of Eastern Europe, specifically the Balkans. But despite enjoying what I learnt, I knew academic life wasn’t for me—I wanted to explore the world first-hand. And so after graduating, I started guiding small-group activity tours in Bulgaria and its neighbouring countries and it struck me that being a guide combined all of my interests: outdoor sports, travel and history. During the pandemic, I used the time to improve my mountaineering skills and enrolled in a two-year mountain guiding course to gain my official Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA) accreditation. I’m always learning new things and feel part of an amazing travel community—that’s the best thing about my job. What is your favourite place to explore in Bulgaria? As a person who loves trekking and skiing,
Following the launch of our new Bulgaria hiking holiday recently, we think it’s only polite to introduce you to the man leading the way and the newest member of our team. Meet Atanas, a mountaineer, travel lover and history buff. There’s nothing he doesn’t know about Bulgaria’s mountains—he’s been exploring them by foot, skis and
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You may opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
We use cookies to improve your experience while navigating our website. Of these cookies, those that are categorized as necessary are stored in your browser as they are essential for the basic functionality of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. However, opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for this website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensure basic functionality and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for this website to function and are used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to using these cookies on this website.
