Greece, Spain and Portugal are popular travel destinations and it’s easy to see why. All three countries are gorgeous and have something different to offer. Unfortunately, more often than not, they are packed with tourists during the summer months. So for anyone who is looking for some peace and quiet, they might not be the best choice. Luckily, there is an alternative that might even be better, according to some travellers.
Montenegro is a small country on the Adriatic Sea, sharing borders with Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Albania. It may be lesser known, but its gorgeous coastline, clear waters and medieval towns have earned it praise from holidaymakers who say it’s just as beautiful as more famous destinations, only without the crowds. The country is home to the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often compared to a fjord.
Surrounded by mountains, the bay is lined with historic towns like Kotor and Perast.
According to TripAdvisor reviews, many visitors found it more peaceful than the Greek islands or the Spanish coast.
One person wrote: “Montenegro stole my heart, even more than Greece!” adding that the local seafood tasted even fresher and the views were “insane.”
They continued: “Greece was great, but Kotor Bay’s cliffs and medieval walls blew me away. Wandering through Kotor Old Town, I loved how peaceful Montenegro felt, far less tour‑bus chaos than Athens or Santorini.”
Another visitor who had recently travelled to Portugal’s Algarve said: “Last summer, I toured Portugal’s Algarve coast. Lovely beaches, bustling towns, but Montenegro left a far bigger mark.
“Its Adriatic coastline is stunning, yet totally uncrowded compared to Portugal in summertime. Jaz and Mogren beaches felt like private retreats.”
A third traveller said that Montenegro was even better than Spain. They said: “I’ve been to Spain’s Costa del Sol several times (think sun, sea, sangria), but Montenegro feels more authentic and affordable.
“Beach days in Budva and Tivat cost a fraction of Spanish resorts, yet the scenery is just as spectacular.”
The coastal town of Budva is very popular among those who travel to Montenegro. It’s known for its beaches, nightlife and Old Town.
Further inland, places like Durmitor National Park offer mountain scenery, hiking trails and even white-water rafting through the Tara River Canyon.
One traveller said: “In just a few hours, I went from pebbled beaches on the Budva Riviera to the snow-capped peaks of Durmitor National Park.”
According to many people, Montenegro is also more budget-friendly than other European hotspots.
One review read: “Beach days in Budva and Tivat cost a fraction of Spanish resorts, yet the scenery is just as spectacular.”
What makes Montenegro even more special is its size. The country is small and very easy to explore.
According to those who have visited, you can hike in the morning, visit a beach by the afternoon, and have dinner by the water in the evening.
Many also say that it’s one of the few places in Europe where you can enjoy mountains and coastline on the same day.