Greece, celebrated for its picturesque islands, pristine white buildings and crystal-clear waters, remains one of Europe’s most sought-after holiday destinations, attracting visitors from around the globe keen to soak up its Mamma Mia magic. Yet, Greek holidays frequently carry a substantial cost and the popular destinations can become overrun with tourists.
For travellers seeking spectacular scenery similar to Greece without emptying their bank account or wrestling with masses of holidaymakers, Montenegro presents a magnificent option. Nestled beside the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy, it sits just one country away from Greece, beyond Albania, yet remains a largely undiscovered treasure barely touched by mass tourism. Boasting magnificent coastlines and unspoilt towns brimming with charm, Montenegro has earned acclaim for mirroring Greek scenery whilst delivering a similar holiday experience.
Montenegro’s appeal has exploded across social media, with users displaying its splendour on platforms such as TikTok.
One standout post from user @bellastraveldiary features mesmerising clips of crystal blue waters, accumulating more than 260,000 views and 12,000 likes, accompanied by an eye-opening caption: “This isn’t Greece or Italy… it’s Montenegro.”
Travel blogger @emsbudgettravel has been championing Montenegro as an undiscovered paradise in a clip that has achieved viral status, amassing over 25,000 likes and over 200 comments.
She enthused: “I travelled to 12 different countries in 2023 and this was my favourite,” The footage showcases her escapades in Budva, a premier choice among Montenegro’s coastal destinations, featuring an excursion to Mogren beach where they basked in magnificent turquoise waters.
“I can’t believe more people aren’t doing this and it was absolutely stunning and pretty much empty every time we went round. I feel like if this was in Greece or Italy it would be absolutely packed.”
For those craving a budget-friendly getaway this autumn, Skyscanner shows direct flights from Manchester Airport to Tivat in Montenegro for just £35 in October.
Prospective holidaymakers should remember that this enticing fare may not include additional costs such as seat reservations and baggage charges.
Montenegro is not only spectacular but also kind to your purse strings. A three-course dinner for two costs around 36 euros – a bargain compared to the 46 euros you’d spend on Crete.
The local beer is also excellent value, with a pint costing roughly 2.20 Euros, significantly less than the 3 Euro pints in Crete.
Montenegro’s autumn weather proves equally appealing, sustaining pleasant temperatures in the low 20Cs, which beats the chilly seasonal conditions back in Britain. Bear in mind: evenings can become somewhat cool, so bringing a lightweight cardigan would be sensible.
Budva, amongst the oldest settlements along the Adriatic Coast, stands as a prime destination for sun-seekers. Dubbed the Budva Riviera thanks to its spectacular coastline, visitors should consider packing water shoes as the shores tend to be stony.
Tivat, a picturesque town nestled within a bay, provides a unique perspective. The encircling mountains lend it more of an Italian lakes feel than that of a Greek island.