Budva. Photo / Supplied
They say the best things come in small packages, and that most definitely rings true when it comes to the Balkan beauty of Montenegro, writes Naomi Chadderton.
Blame its scenic old towns, impressive amount of Unesco World Heritage Sites (10 in total), or Game of Thrones, but Croatia has become something of a tourist trap over the years. So much so that Dubrovnik has been ranked the most overcrowded city in the world, with 27 tourists to every resident at its peak.
It’s hardly surprising then that, as its lesser-known neighbour, tiny Montenegro is finally having its time in the sun thanks to an influx of new flights from Europe and glamorous new coastal hideaways popping up along the shoreline, such as Siro Boka Place, Mamula Island by Banyan Tree and the upcoming Meliá Bečići Budva Resort.
If you’re dreaming of fjord-like bays, Venetian-style towns and a coastline that still feels like a secret, here’s how to uncover Montenegro at its finest.
Medieval towns, glamorous marinas, glacial lakes, dramatic canyons – Montenegro manages to fit centuries of history and a staggering variety of landscapes into a country smaller than Canterbury.
Montenegro is a place Lord Byron once called “the most beautiful encounter between land and sea”, and it’s easy to see why – where else in the Mediterranean can you step from a medieval walled town on to a yacht, sail past baroque palaces and within hours be hiking through alpine national parks?
Begin in Kotor, a Unesco World Heritage Site and the country’s best-known jewel. Its fortified walls climb steeply into the cliffs, while in the old town you’ll find cafes and wine bars lining stone squares and churches built by seafarers who once ruled its waters. Cats lounge in doorways, cared for by locals who consider them part of the city’s charm.
A short drive along the bay brings you to Porto Montenegro, a marina that has transformed a former naval base into one of Europe’s most glamorous waterfronts. Today it’s a mix of superyachts, boutiques and restaurants, yet just beyond lie wild beaches and tucked-away coves where Montenegro still feels untouched. From here you can sail across the water to Perast, once a wealthy trading town and still home to baroque houses and chapels, and the place where boats ferry visitors to Our Lady of the Rocks, an island built stone by stone over centuries, crowned with a small church rich in maritime history.
For a change of pace, head inland. Durmitor National Park, a Unesco-listed wonder in the north, is defined by dramatic mountains, deep canyons and 18 glacial lakes. It’s perfect for hiking, biking or rafting in summer, and a ski destination in winter. Adventurers can also tackle Europe’s deepest gorge, the Tara River Canyon, or explore the reed-fringed waters of Lake Skadar, the Balkans’ largest lake, best seen by kayak.
Montenegro’s hotel scene has transformed in recent years, with international names now sitting alongside boutique independents.
One&Only Portonovi
Perhaps the most exclusive address in Montenegro – it marked the luxury hotel brand’s European debut when it opened in Herceg Novi in 2021 – this exclusive hotel is a magnet for the style set, with its private beach, Chenot Espace wellness centre and sweeping views over Boka Bay.
Mamula Island by Banyan Tree
Formerly known as just Mamula Island, this five-star hotel joined the Banyan Tree portfolio in 2025. Set in a restored 19th-century fortress at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor, it blends history and modern design with world-class dining and a serene spa.
Siro Boka Place
Kerzner’s newest wellness concept hailing from Dubai, this fitness- and wellness-focused retreat opened earlier this summer in Porto Montenegro, marrying recovery, nutrition and movement with world-class sea views.
The Chedi Luštica Bay
A staple for those after understated luxury, expect sleek rooms, a marina setting, five restaurants and its own private slice of beach in a prime location on the south coast of Montenegro’s Luštica peninsula.
Montenegro’s 2026 calendar is packed with festivals that showcase its spirit, so be sure to plan your visit around one and you’ll see the country at its most celebratory.
Mimosa Festival, Herceg Novi, February 12 – March 1, 2026
Celebrating the arrival of spring in Herceg Novi, where the hillsides glow with the soft yellow of mimosa blossoms, the Mimosa Festival turns the entire town into a stage for vibrant parades, open-air concerts and joyous performances that carry the spirit of renewal.
Budva Carnival, April/May 2026
The annual carnival in Budva is one of the biggest events in Montenegro, with the historical coastal town becoming a wash with colour, music and costumes. The highlight is the parade, which features dozens of floats and elaborately dressed characters.
Montenegro Independence Day, Podgorica, May 21, 2026
Marking the 2006 referendum that restored the nation’s sovereignty, Montenegro’s capital city, Podgorica, becomes the epicentre of the celebrations, adorned with national flags and decorations.
Fašinada, Perast, July 22, 2026
Each July in Perast, locals and visitors uphold the heartfelt tradition of casting stones into the Adriatic toward Our Lady of the Rock, honouring centuries of devotion, faith, folklore and community spirit. The ceremony is accompanied by quiet reflection and boat processions, creating a moment of calm beauty amid the coastal scenery.
Boka Night, Kotor, August 2026
Usually held on the third Saturday in August, this annual maritime festival features a parade of imaginatively decorated boats followed by a fireworks display and concerts in the Old Town.