How to NOT make friends in the Balkans. Photo by Cameron Strandberg Every year, the Balkan region is hit by spates of dangerous forest fires. This year has been particularly bad, with sustained spells of high heat with no rain. So when a tourist in Montenegro got lost, his method of alerting rescuers did not […]
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The Many Delights of Awesome Albania
Here are some of the beautiful locations we love in Albania. Photo by godo godaj The Great Balkan Ride, beginning in Sarajevo on August 5th, explores an beautiful, historic, and very much underrated part of Europe. And nowhere exemplifies those three qualities more than Albania. Here are some photos showing the incredible variety of scenery waiting […]
Continue ReadingGjirokastër: City of Stone
Introducing the historic Albanian city of Gjirokastër. Photo by ShkelzenRexha Gjirokastër (alternatively known as Gjirokastra) is one of the highlights of the Great Balkan Ride. Located in Southern Albania, Gjirokastër offers a rich past, picturesque stone architecture, and fantastic views. Not only is the city a UNESCO world heritage site, but it was also the birthplace […]
Continue ReadingMeteora: Monasteries in the Sky
One of the most spectacular sights in Europe, Meteora must be seen to be believed. The Great Balkan Ride passes many magnificent sights, from historic Sarajevo to the mountains of Montenegro, the surprising beauty of Kosovo to the stunning Albanian Coast. However, for an amazing combination of unusual nature and human ingenuity, it’s hard to […]
Continue ReadingThe Languages of the Balkans
Who speaks what, where? Introducing the languages of the Balkans. During the Great Balkan Ride we’ll cross many borders, and that means entering different cultures, with separate traditions, and (usually) a new language. Things are never simple in the Balkans, though, so let us explain exactly what the languages of the Balkans are, and how […]
Continue ReadingPrizren: Why We Love Kosovo’s Second City
Prizren, Kosovo’s second city, might be our favourite small city in the Balkans. Photo by Tobias Klenze Prizren is a truly remarkable place, far from anyone’s preconceptions about Kosovo. It is a picturesque gem, packed with history and culture. At times it seems like a miniature Sarajevo, complete with gorgeous old town and tragic history. […]
Continue ReadingWhat to Eat and Drink in Bosnia
We tell you what to eat and drink in Bosnia. The Great Balkan Ride sets off from Sarajevo, before heading through some of Europe’s most underrated scenery. The Bosnian capital is famous for its turbulent past and picturesque historical sights, but it is also home to a rich cafe culture, and a delicious culinary […]
Continue ReadingWhy You Should Visit Kosovo
There are so many reasons to visit Kosovo. Photo by Snownjeri All of the Balkans are steeped in history, but nowhere moreso than Kosovo. In Europe’s newest country, the past isn’t over. Less than two decades have passed since the conflict with Serbia. Independence was only declared in 2008, and the state isn’t yet fully […]
Continue ReadingSearching for Undiscovered Montenegro
We rank the highlights of Montenegro, from tourists hotspots to undiscovered gems. Photo by amira_a Montenegro is small, but it has a growing reputation. The country became independent in 2003, and in recent years an increasing number of visitors have been wowed by its heady combination of Mediterranean and Balkan. However, there is lots of Montenegro left to discover. […]
Continue ReadingWhat Makes Thessaloniki Special?
Thessaloniki is the final city visited by the Great Balkan Ride, The cultural capital of Greece, Thessaloniki, is the final city visited by the Great Balkan Ride. The minimal assistance rally will depart from Sarajevo, traversing Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania, before reaching Greece. Teams can celebrate the end of the adventure in the beach paradise of Nea […]
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