'Hidden gem' country is perfect mix of private beaches and city breaks
Montenegro, a rather underappreciated jewel in the Balkans, should be on more Brits' summer holiday shortlists. It's an ideal spot for both beach holidays and city breaks, with direct flights from the UK to two of its cities - Tivat and Podgorica.
Touted as an 'up and coming' destination by Condé Nast Traveller, Montenegro caters to all sorts of holidaymakers, boasting wild beaches and hidden trails, as well as private beaches, beach clubs, and superyachts.
Plus, it's a breathtakingly beautiful country, so you'll have plenty of snaps to show off to your mates and social media followers.
The capital city, Podgorica, is just a direct flight away from London Gatwick, taking less than three hours.
Ideal for a city break, there's loads to do in Podorica, from exploring the Ottoman-era neighbourhood of Stara Varoš, to taking a riverside stroll to Waterfall Niagara (not to be mixed up with the similarly named Niagara Falls on the US-Canada border).
History enthusiasts can take pleasure in wandering through the city's historic sites, including the stunning Saborni Hram Hristovog Vaskrsenja church, or the ancient Duklja Ruins, which hark back to the Roman era, and are just a few miles from the city centre, reports the Express.
For those seeking a tranquil beach holiday, Budva is the place to be. This stunning city boasts sandy expanses and pebbly coves, bustling tourist hotspots and secluded beaches favoured by locals.
Slovenska Plaža, a popular beach near the old town, offers both public and private sections. For a more serene experience, the picturesque Mogren Beach or the somewhat secluded Ploce Beach are ideal choices.
Many of the city's hotels and resorts also feature their own private beaches, meaning you won't have to venture far for some sun-soaked relaxation if you've booked a stay in the city.
If a summer getaway isn't your cup of tea, then consider a winter trip to the mountainous village of Kolašin for some thrilling skiing.
The Kolasin ski centre has received glowing reviews from visitors. One thrilled guest wrote: "It was amazing experience. We went there to snowboard, and it was awesome. Ski tracks were great! We will come again next year!"
Another visitor shared: "Will remember this place because my 5 and 7 y.o, kids learned to ski here. Great ski instructors Ksenija & Ivan - more than grateful for their patient approach and fun we had with them."
A third reviewer enthused: " What a great resort to go to. There was plenty of snow and many runs to go down. Exciting and some scary runs but didnt take long to get back into skiing after over 20 years of not doing it."
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