Prettiest country people say is better than Spain, Greece and Portugal — with less crowds
Greece, Spain, and Portugal are the go-to spots for many holidaymakers, famed for their stunning landscapes and rich offerings. However, these destinations can become tourist traps in the peak of summer, leaving those in search of tranquillity a bit miffed.
But fear not, there's a hidden gem that some seasoned travellers argue might just outshine them all. Tucked away on the Adriatic Sea and bordered by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Albania, Montenegro is a treasure trove yet to be overrun by mass tourism.
Its breathtaking coastline, crystal-clear waters, and time-capsule towns have garnered accolades from tourists who reckon it rivals its more illustrious neighbours, minus the throngs of visitors.
The Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reminiscent of a fjord, is a jewel in Montenegro's crown.
Nestled among mountains, this bay boasts historical gems like Kotor and Perast, enchanting visitors with their charm, reports the Express.
TripAdvisor reviews are positive with tales of Montenegro's allure, with many finding it a welcome respite from the bustling Greek isles or the crowded Spanish beaches.
One traveller said: "Montenegro stole my heart, even more than Greece!" praising the sublime seafood and jaw-dropping vistas.
"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 tourist chaos than Athens or Santorini."
Another holidaymaker who had recently explored Portugal's Algarve posted: "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 globe-trotter declared that Montenegro surpassed even Spain in their estimation, explaining: "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 seaside resort of Budva draws countless visitors to Montenegro, renowned for its sandy shores, vibrant nightlife, and historic Old Town quarter.
Venture further into the interior, and destinations such as Durmitor National Park present alpine vistas, walking routes, and thrilling white-water rafting adventures along the Tara River Canyon.
One explorer shared: "In just a few hours, I went from pebbled beaches on the Budva Riviera to the snow-capped peaks of Durmitor National Park."
Many travellers highlight Montenegro's wallet-friendly appeal compared to other European holiday favourites.
One holidaymaker said: "Beach days in Budva and Tivat cost a fraction of Spanish resorts, yet the scenery is just as spectacular."
Montenegro's compact dimensions make it particularly attractive for tourists, as the nation is petite and incredibly straightforward to navigate. Visitors have reported that you can enjoy a morning hike, an afternoon at the beach, and an evening meal by the water.
It's also often cited as one of the rare spots in Europe where you can savour both mountainous landscapes and coastal views within the same day.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
British boy, 15, sneaks onto plane to Italy instead of flying home with parents
A British teenager who vanished while travelling home from a family holiday has been found after it emerged he snuck onto a flight to the wrong country. The 15-year-old boy's parents lost sight of him soon after they arrived at Menorca Airport, where they were due to catch a plane to London Stansted this morning. The couple alerted authorities at the airport, who checked CCTV footage. They discovered the boy had managed to get past security alone and board an EasyJet flight to Milan – despite not having a valid ticket. It's thought he may have slipped onto the flight after staff at the gate finished processing all other passengers and left their posts. Authorities and EasyJet staff in Milan met the boy when he arrived in Milan. His mum boarded a later plane to the city before heading back to the UK with him. An easyJet spokesperson said: 'We are investigating with the airport and our ground handling provider at Mahon how a young passenger was able to travel unaccompanied on the wrong flight to Milan this morning.' 'The airport had already activated its missing child alert system but it was deactivated after it was confirmed the lad was on his way to Italy,' a spokesperson for Menorcan police said. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Look around the idyllic tropical island with incredible white beaches & dolphins – but only 6,000 people visit it a year
The island is home to rare birds, and the waters are brimming with sea life HIDDEN PARADISE Look around the idyllic tropical island with incredible white beaches & dolphins – but only 6,000 people visit it a year Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN we think of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, images of the Maldives or the Caribbean often spring to mind. As idyllic as those holiday hotspots are, they are often packed with tourists, and finding undiscovered gems can be tough. 6 The stunning collection of islands spread across all four hemispheres Credit: AP:Associated Press But what about if there was a dazzling collection of islands with the same wow factor as well-known beach spots, but with a fraction of the visitors? Kiribati is a remote slice of paradise in Micronesia that welcomes just 6,000 visitors a year. For nature-lovers, the islands and the turquoise waters that surround them are home to Spinner, Striped, Fraser's dolphins. There have also been sightings of short-finned pilot whales and false killler whales off the shore. Nestled more than 8,600 miles from the UK, the Republic of Kiribati, it comprises 33 islands - 21 of which are inhabited. English-speaking utopia The islands are spread across an ocean area larger than the continental United States. With just over 121,000 people calling it home in 2020 census, many speak English and Gilbertese — a remnant of British colonial times before full independence in July 1979 and UN membership in 1999. The people who live in Kiribati are proud of their culture and traditions, which includes dancing and chanting at social events. Maneaba, also known as community meeting houses, are central to village life and democracy. Most of the inhabitants live in small villages and rely on fishing and farming. The group of islands are grouped into three island clusters - the Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands and Line Islands. Despite minimal infrastructure, tourism is emerging — yet still tiny. In 2023, approximately 8,000 visitors arrived, showing a surge from pre‑pandemic levels and accounting for about 4 percent of GDP and 2 perfect of jobs. Most cruise ships dock here just a handful of times, and regular international flights come only from Fiji Airways or Nauru Airlines. Another wow factor for Kiribati is that it is the only country in the world to straddle all four hemispheres. Smaller than New York City It stretches across the equator and the 180-degree meridian, meaning parts of the nation lie in UTC +14, making them one of the first places on earth to welcome in the new day. The atolls are minuscule patches of land — total land area is just 811 square kilometres, tinier than New York City, but scattered across some 3.4 million square kilometres of ocean. Kiribati is also known as Christmas Island (not to be confused with Christmas Island in Australia) and has the largest coral atoll by land area. It measures around 312 square kilometres and is ringed by a vast lagoon brimming with bonefish, tuna, wahoo and billfish. Nature-lovers' dream Kiribati is also home to the rare bokikokiko (Christmas Island warbler), found only on Kiritimati and Washington Island — fewer than 2,500 remain and the species faces threats from invasive cats and rising seas. Nearby, you'll spot the elegant Christmas white‑eye and even traces of the extinct Christmas sandpiper, which vanished from the earth in the early 1800s. Most of all, this remote haven is tailor‑made for holidaymakers on the hunt for peace and quiet. Snorkelling, scuba diving, sport fishing, birdwatching — all can be done in near‐solitude. 6 A hut made from a coconut palm tree in a village on Christmas Island, Kiribati Credit: Alamy 6 Spinner dolphins are a common sight around Kiribati Credit: Alamy 6 An example of a hut made by the Micronesian people Credit: Alamy 6 An aerial view of Christmas Island, Kiribati, which has the largest coastal atoll by land area Credit: Alamy
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's biggest campsite is 'beach heaven' found on stunning tidal island
Shell Island, on the coast of Gwynedd in Wales, dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 and has been a popular campsite for more than 60 years Despite its name, Shell Island is not an island but a peninsula near the village of Llanbed in Wales. Its main route is cut off at high tide on certain days each month, giving it an island feel. The land where Shell Island campsite now stands has a rich history, dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086. The site's historical significance doesn't end there, with tales of King Charles I reportedly hiding at the nearby Elizabethan mansion, Cors Y Gedol Hall, in the 1640s before attempting to flee to France, possibly departing from Shell Island's shores through a secret tunnel. Interestingly, the area wasn't even a peninsula until the 19th Century when the Earl of Winchilsea diverted the Afon Artro in 1819 to improve access to the wharf at Pensarn, which was the shipment point for slate from Llanfair and Llanbedr. Before this, the Artro entered the sea to the south of Shell Island, or Mochras as it's known in Welsh. The English name, Shell Island, comes from the abundance and variety of seashells found on its beaches. These beaches began attracting visitors in the second half of the 19th Century. The Cambrian Coast Line, constructed between 1855 and 1869, opened up the seaside to the new industrial workers, driving the development of the area. In 1958, the Workman family arrived and began to shape the site into what it is today. They purchased 450 acres of land and established what is now one of Europe's largest campsites. Over time, Shell Island's historic structures have been carefully repurposed. The restaurant, snack bar, and tavern, developed between 1976 and 1977, were once a hay barn, stables, and a cow shed, respectively. Even the toilet block has an interesting history, having served as a homing station for the RAF Station at Llanbedr during wartime. For many families, a visit to this place has become an annual tradition, with each year introducing a new generation to its allure. Those who fall in love with the place can't help but sing its praises, as evidenced by the five-star reviews on Tripadvisor. One recent review dubbed it "beach heaven" and described the surroundings - with Eryri as a backdrop - as a true "feast for the eyes". They added: "A simply wonderful, divine place. "Another camper said: What an experience to set up camp in this expansive site right on the sand dunes! Spectacular views, lots of space and the beach right there!" Another praised it as: "Wales at its beautiful best" but was hesitant about spreading the word, adding: "I would thoroughly recommend but don't tell everyone as I want to go back! However, it's not everyone's cup of tea, with some visitors expressing dissatisfaction over large groups. One disgruntled camper wrote: "Massive groups of loud, not very nice people. The site has really gone down hill since Covid, they say they don't let groups on but people just book separately and meet up when they arrive. There are far better camp sites out there." Another complained: "Considering they say there are 400+ acres it seemed very crowded, if you want a sea view you're going to be within touching distance of your neighbour. "Definitely not a quite relaxing holiday, more like a festival field, we were booked in for three nights but left after 1, the views are beautiful but it's spoilt by it being overcrowded and some of the people there are maybe not to everyone's taste shall we say." However these complaints are certainly in the minority - with around 750 of just over 1,000 reviews rating it good or excellent, and it's easy to see why. The Workman family said: "Whether you're planning a day visit or an extended stay, Shell Island promises a personal slice of paradise for every visitor.
