Europe has no shortage of beaches that will take your breath away and cobbled squares that feel like you’re on the set of a film. With so much of the continent to explore, even the most experienced of travellers might have missed out on this Balkan gem.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Montenegro’s Kotor is one of Europe’s most underrated Mediterranean getaway destinations. Having officially gained independence in 2006, the country’s charming medieval towns and stunning coastline located on the Adriatic Sea have seen it become one of the fastest-growing tourist hotspots in recent years.
Full of winding streets and several Romanesque churches, Kotor was listed as one of the Mediterranean’s most “underrated” spots by travel experts at Samboat thanks to its “small-town charm".
Considered one of the best-preserved medieval sites in the Adriatic, the town is also home to the Bay of Kotor, where visitors can explore a number of nearby sites, including stunning natural caves and ancient ruins.
Surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, Kotor is also a “magnificent boating destination” with a number of boat trips available from the bay, meaning visitors can take in the stunning views away from the shore.
High season in the coastal town, which is considered July and August, sees ships arriving at the Port of Kotor daily on their way along the Adriatic Coast. But there are also plenty of options for daily boat tours that allow you to stop off at ancient monasteries and swim in turquoise lagoons.
Going by boat means you can also step into the tranquil town of Perast, which is totally car-free and home to a number of restaurants serving fresh seafood. Another famous landmark, Our Lady of the Rocks is a man-made island home to a 17th-century church.
When not exploring the water by boat, there are plenty of sandy and pebble beaches to relax by that boast crystal-clear waters if you feel like a dip.
The best time to visit Kotor is in the spring and autumn months when you’re still guaranteed mild weather and sunshine without crowds of tourists that visit during the town's high season.
