Montenegro, where shadows reveal beauty. A small country with many faces: steep mountains dropping straight into the sea, stone towns along the bay and water so clear you can see the bottom.

Kotor

Kotor sits at the end of the Bay of Kotor, the most intricate bay on the Adriatic. The old town behind its mighty walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, small squares and churches. It is at its most beautiful early in the morning or towards evening, when the daytime crowds have gone.

Copyrighted photographs by GJ Media Production

Perast

Perast is a picture-perfect little town that leaves you speechless. A single street along the sea, stone palaces and bell towers, and two islets off the shore, Our Lady of the Rocks and St George. Boats run from the shore to Our Lady of the Rocks.

St Andrew and the serpentines above the bay

The walk to St Andrew above Perast is an excellent choice for a view over the Bay of Kotor. The drive up the serpentine road is also a must: it climbs from Kotor towards Lovćen in tight hairpin bends. Every bend opens a new view of the bay, and higher up in the mountains is the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, from where you can see much of the country on a clear day.

Copyrighted photographs by GJ Media Production

Budva and Sveti Nikola island

Budva is the best-known resort on the Montenegrin coast and a place where construction is truly going wild. Skyscrapers and new hotels are rising one next to the other, so Budva is honestly more notorious than beautiful. The real gem lies off the coast: the island of Sveti Nikola, which you can even reach by pedalo. The ride is pleasant, but you’ll need strong legs.

Copyrighted photographs by GJ Media Production

Practical tips

• The cheapest way in is by plane to Podgorica, which is served by many low-cost airlines.
• The water along the coast is exceptionally clear, so always pack your swimwear.
• Food and drinks in tourist spots are more expensive than in Slovenia.
• Drive the serpentines in daylight and take care, as the road is narrow and winding.