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Have you ever thought about visiting Montenegro?
This small European country has been named one of the trendy destinations of 2023 by American Express Travel.
While Montenegro is growing in popularity, this Balkan country still remains very underrated. It is often overshadowed by neighboring Croatia, which has become a tourist hotspot in recent years.
However, Montenegro is a hidden gem on the Adriatic Sea, less than two hours from Dubrovnik, Croatia, that is definitely worth visiting.
Here are the top 7 reasons why you should add Montenegro to your travel list in 2023:
1. Affordable prices
Montenegro, like many Balkan countries, is a very affordable destination. This is much cheaper than Croatia, which has become more expensive in recent years due to its rapid growth as a tourist destination.
But Montenegro still maintains affordable prices. Although the currency is the Euro, Montenegro is not part of the European Union or the Schengen zone. unlike neighboring Croatia.
You’ll find that a trip to Montenegro is very affordable, and even in the tourist town of Kotor, prices are lower than in Croatia or other popular nearby destinations like Italy or Greece.
2. Charming towns
One of Montenegro’s highlights is its beautiful coastal towns with ancient stone buildings and orange tile roofs.
Kotor, Budva, Perast, Tivat and Sveti Stefan are all breathtaking towns that look straight out of a fairy tale.
One of the best places to take a trip is Kotor, a medieval walled town that is home to Montenegro’s cruise port. From here it is easy to visit other cities in the country on day trips.
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3. Breathtaking landscapes
In addition to charming small towns, Montenegro also has incredible landscapes. The Bay of Kotor, which stretches along the southwestern part of the country, offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.
Further inland, the mountainous Durmitor National Park and Lake Shkodra offer even more natural beauty.
4. Great hike
If you like hiking, there are many interesting hikes in Montenegro. Some of the best hikes are in Durmitor National Park and Mrtvica Canyon.
You can also hike to St. John’s Fortress in Kotor for incredible views of the city and the Bay of Kotor.
Besides hiking, you can enjoy other outdoor adventure activities like white water rafting.
5. Interesting story
Montenegro only became an independent country in 2006. Before that, it was part of a federation with Serbia, which both countries entered after the breakup of Yugoslavia.
But the country has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. The ancient city of Kotor is over 2,000 years old and the city walls (which you can walk around today) date back to the 9th century, when Kotor was under Byzantine rule.
6. Beautiful beaches
If you’re looking for great beaches, you’ll find them in Montenegro. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro has numerous sandy beaches overlooking crystal clear blue waters.
Some of the best beaches in Montenegro include Sveti Stefan and Petrovac Beach. Jaz Beach, located in Budva, is known for being one of the liveliest beaches in the country, with many bars and restaurants nearby.
7. Compact size
Montenegro is a very small country, which makes traveling easier. You can cover a lot of ground and see a large part of the country in a week, or see a number of highlights in just a few days.
One of the best ways to get around Montenegro is to rent a car. There are buses that connect many popular coastal towns, but a car gives you more freedom to explore on your own and, like everything else in the country, rental cars are very affordable.
Learn more:
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This article was originally published on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the publication.