Overtourism is becoming an increasing issue across Europe as tourists flock to the most popular holiday destinations. However, there is a stunning seaside town that tends to be a little less busy in the summer months.
Kotor, in Montenegro, is loved for its natural beauty and charming UNESCO-protected old town with Ventetian architectire. It has a dramatic bay and is situated between huge mountains. The water at the Bay of Kotor is both calm and crystal clearm making it the perfect place for a swim.
Like other European holiday spots, Kotor’s Old Town is a maze of medieval cobbled streets. Visitors can wander through and gaze at the historic churches and fortress walls.
The fortress is perched in the mountain and gives stinning views of the bay and old town. There are 1,350 steps and it takes between 30 and 40 minutes to reach the top.
A number of boat trips are also available from Kotor, taking people out to a number of stops including “Lady of the Rock”. This is a church located in the middle of the bay.
Kotor, which is located just two hours south of Dubrovnik, has a very relaxed and charming atmosphere. Travel and lifestyle brand Scratch Your Mapa said it is the “new up and coming place to see” in Europe.
They said: “Have you ever heard of our favorite town in Montenegro, Kotor? It is the perfect mix of relaxing beach vacation and old European charm.
“Just a couple hours south of Dubrovnik, this city is the new up and coming place to see, and you surely don’t want to miss it. Kotor will blow your mind with its beauty, and more and more Europeans are starting to take note of it.”
Kotor has a near-perfect five star rating on Tripadvisor. One person said: “The Bay Of Kotor is simply stunning and there is more than one way to enjoy it.”
A second wrote: “A preserved city that looks like a sea-side presbyter. Great for hiking through its historic centre. Very worth the visit!”
A third put: “Absolutely beautiful and unique. We did a boat tour in Kotor Bay to the church island and Perast. Very quaint, calm water and amazing scenery.”
A fourth added: “Amazing bay, with very cool seaside, but mainly amazing walking way on a masterpiece of nature. Enjoy the sight and walk aroud just with no plan.”