Kotor in Montenegro is a hidden gem. There are some tourists, but it still maintains that undiscovered appeal. The food is excellent, prices reasonable, and service is friendly – all of which can be quite difficult to find in Europe as there are not many areas left that are not overrun with tourists, especially in summer.

You can either fly directly to Tivat airport which is a short 20 minute drive away, or you can drive over the border if you happen to be holidaying in Dubrovnik or somewhere else in Croatia and you want to escape the crowds. Just bear in mind that Montenegro is not yet in the European Union, so the border crossing can take a few hours if you happen to hit traffic as you have to go through controls.

The Bond film Casino Royale was filmed here, and you can see why. The Bay of Kotor is incredibly scenic (there are impressive yachts here to ogle at too) and certainly rivals the beauty of Lake Geneva in Switzerland and Lake Como in Italy.

STAY:
At the boutique Hotel Hippocampus, a charming hotel in the center of the old town where you are really made to feel welcome. The decor is modern yet warm, and they have a small rooftop terrace overlooking the town.

DINE:
Sit outside at the snack bar ‘AS’. This place looks so simple, but the food is delicious. Try the carpaccio or the fresh calamari (9 euro). This was the most reasonable delicious meal I’ve had in a long time.

You can also sit on the terrace of their open bar Citadella and soak in the views.