A port in Montenegro. (Photo by Giwaga / Adobe Stock)
In Europe, most of the popular tourist destinations are drowning in over tourism. But there are still places that haven’t been invaded by tourists yet, including this gorgeous country considered Europe’s new summer destination.
From golden beaches to cobblestone towns, Montenegro is an underrated European gem. Apart from its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, this Balkan country offers an exquisite synthesis of modern comfort and rural charm.
Little visited by tourists, Montenegro is a destination to top the list of places to visit for summer vacation this year. Here are some of the best places to visit according to Condé Nast Traveler.
Kotor and its Bay
Boasting one of the most perfect natural deep-water harbors in the world, at the end of an inland bay rivaling the Norwegian fjords, Kotor is a must-see in Montenegro.
Visitors can discover many white stone villages made up of sailors’ and fishermen’s houses and can also take a break in the old fortified town.
Parast
Perast, which dominates the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, is called the sea soul of the region. Visitors can start with a tour of the small town museum of Perast before boarding one of the boats that make regular crossings to the 17th-century church, Our Lady of the Rocks.
For accommodation, one of the good options available is the Conte Hotel, located on the magnificent beachfront and overlooking Notre-Dame des Roches.
Lustica Peninsula
Located 20 minutes from the international airport, Lustica’s charming rural peninsula still retains its authenticity. The region is home to many secret beaches and hidden Yugoslav underwater tunnels.
As attractions, visitors can tour the peninsula on a quad bike and climb the impressive Austro-Hungarian fortress of Kabala, located near the Rose Road.
Herceg-Novi
Close to the Croatian border and in the shadow of the Orjen mountain range, the bustling little town of Harceg Novi descends from a steep hillside. It is home to many monuments, including the 16th-century Ottoman Kanli Kula Fort.
The building hosts excellent film, theatre, guitar and opera festivals in the summer in its open-air amphitheater.
Lake Skadar
It is the largest lake in the Balkans and extends dramatically into a basin of mountains on the border between Montenegro and Albania. The best way to see the lake is to hire a kayak from the picturesque lake town of Virpazar.
A great day trip to the area is to drive along the south shore of the lake, past small fishing villages, before going for a swim at the sandy Murići Beach.
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