Montenegro isn’t most people’s first thought when it comes to a travel destinations but its stunning mountains and crystal clear waters makes it well worth visiting.

When to go?

Go during the warmer months to make the most of the picturesque landscape. High temperatures are frequently enjoyed between May and September while rain is at a minimum between July and August.

How to get there?

Trains aren’t able to navigate across the harsh mountain terrain but there are a range of buses that will take you to Montenegro’s coast. Direct services from the likes of Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina run on a regular basis although be aware they often take longer than advertised.

Where to go?

Kotor

Kotor’s old city walls run all the way from the charming town centre to the mountain top overlooking the water. Views at the peak are unmissable and it’s a pleasure you can enjoy for free, while most visitors pay the €8 fee. To avoid coughing up this amount, start your climb slightly further north by the old hydro power plant or take the main entrance before 8am or after 7pm.

There’s plenty of places to swim in the bay but for something a little different you might want to try the outdoor pool opposite Kotor’s main shopping centre. Here you can try out a spot of water polo, providing you have your own ball but they can be bought across the road. In the evening head to Tanjga for a bite to eat. The family-owned establishment is hugely popular and they serve up very generous portions without putting a dent in the wallet. Accommodation here is expensive by Montenegro standards but places such as Montenegro Hostel B&B Kotor and Hostel Cent offer good quality stays at an affordable price.

Tivat

Kotor is certainly far from fast-paced but you may find that the streets are busy with slow moving traffic. For somewhere a little less congested, Tivat is the place to go. Be sure to check out Porto Montenegro’s array of beautiful yachts which would not look out of place on the shores of Monaco. The waterfront is littered with fine restaurants but a few more inexpensive establishments appear a little down the coast near Belani beach. Sidro offers a great value for money eat while Red Lobster around the corner has a popular 6 euro meat or fish buffet every day.

Many choose to swim in the clear waters but paddleboards are available to rent at Hotel La Roche’s outdoor bar. For a real paddleboard adventure you can enjoy a guided tour with Montengro+. If you’d prefer to guarantee staying dry when exploring the waters, boat tours can be booked with Agency Una but a minimum of five people is required for it to take place.

After a day getting your hair soaked in the cool water, you have a range of excellent places to stay in Tivat. Family Apartments is a great choice for those after a private room while those on a budget should head to Hostel Anton where a bed can be booked from around £15 a night.