From Peja to Shkodër, on Day 3 teams left Kosovo and made their way to beautiful Albania. Photo by Theodore Marković Day 3 of the Great Balkan Ride 2017 began understandably slowly, after Day 2 had ended with a late night out drinking rakia of the lively boulevard of Peja. Once teams had recovered enough to […]
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The Big Book of Balkan History
You can read 700 pages in a year, right? Besides the incredible scenery — mountain peaks, tranquil lakes, golden beaches, and more — and of course the warm hospitality, a great attraction of visiting the Balkans is the rich and complex history. There’s no better way to learn about the region’s past than by visiting […]
Continue ReadingHow NOT to Get Help When Lost in the Balkans
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 […]
Continue ReadingThe 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 ReadingSarajevo to Yerevan: The Perfect Summer Adventure
The Great Balkan Ride and the Caucasian Challenge are designed to be combined. We can’t wait for the inaugural Great Balkan Ride: we’ll discover Sarajevo, explore Albania, then have fun in Greek sun. But if that’s not enough, the 10th edition of the Caucasian Challenge, is taking place right afterwards. Departing from Istanbul, participants will […]
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 ReadingTheth: Albania’s Mountain Paradise
Theth is an isolated village in mountainous Northern Albania. Photo by ViolaCiv Albania is filled with glorious scenery, isolated communities, and ancient traditions, and nowhere is more picturesque than the Northern mountains, close to the borders with Montenegro and Kosovo. Hidden there is the tiny village of Theth, perhaps Albania’s most gorgeous location. This isolated village, set […]
Continue ReadingAlbania’s Concrete Bunkers: Defences Against an Enemy that Never Came
Photo by Concrete Mushrooms Project An introduction to Albania’s Concrete Bunkers. Of all the countries explored by the Great Balkan Ride adventure rally, Albania is likely the most unknown and underrated. It has an incredibly diverse landscape, a unique culture, and a fascinating history. Albania’s concrete bunkers are the most visible relic of the country’s past, since they are to […]
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Introducing the Great Balkan Ride
The Balkans are almost* certainly Europe’s most underrated region. This tightly packed peninsula of small nations has it all: you can explore untouched nature, relax (or party!) on luscious beaches, discover the area’s complex history, or be welcomed by the locals’ culture of extremely generous hospitality. Joining the Great Balkan Ride is the perfect way to […]
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