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Have you ever thought of visiting Montenegro?
This small European country was named one of the trending travel destinations for 2023 by American Express Travel.
Montenegro is growing in popularity, but this Balkan country is still underrated. It is often overshadowed by neighboring Croatia, which has become a tourist hotspot in recent years.
But Montenegro is a hidden gem on the Adriatic Sea less than two hours from Dubrovnik, Croatia, and well worth a visit.
Here are the top 7 reasons why you should add Montenegro to your to-do list for 2023.
1. Affordable price
Like many Balkan countries, Montenegro is a very affordable destination. Due to its rapid growth as a tourist destination, prices are much cheaper than Croatia, where prices have skyrocketed in recent years.
However, Montenegro still remains affordable. Although its currency is the Euro, Montenegro is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, unlike its neighbor Croatia.
You will find that a trip to Montenegro is very affordable. Even in the touristy Kotor, prices are lower than in Croatia and other popular nearby destinations such as Italy and Greece.
2. Charming city
One of Montenegro’s highlights is its gorgeous coastal town with ancient stone buildings and orange-tiled roofs.
Kotor, Budva, Perast, Tivat and Sveti Stefan are all breathtaking towns straight out of a fairy tale.
One of the best places to base your trip is Kotor, a fortified medieval town with a cruise port in Montenegro. From here, it’s easy to visit other towns around the country on day trips.
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3. Superb view
In addition to charming small towns, Montenegro also has stunning scenery. The Bay of Kotor, which stretches along the southwestern part of the country, offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe.
Further inland, the mountainous Durmitor National Park and Lake Shkodra add to the natural beauty.
4. Great hiking
If you like hiking, Montenegro has a lot of great hikes. Some of the best hikes can be found in Durmitor National Park and Mrutovica Canyon.
You can also hike up to St. John’s Fortress in Kotor for stunning views over the town and Kotor Bay.
In addition to hiking, enjoy outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting.
5. Interesting history
Montenegro only became an independent country in 2006. Before that, it belonged to a federation with Serbia, which both countries joined after the breakup of Yugoslavia.
However, the country has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. The ancient city of Kotor dates back over 2,000 years to his 9th-century ramparts (now walkable), when Kotor was under Byzantine rule.
6. Beautiful beach
If you’re looking for great beaches, you’ll find them in Montenegro. On the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro has many sandy beaches overlooking the crystal clear blue waters.
Some of the best beaches in Montenegro include Sveti Stefan and Petrovac Beach. Jaz Beach in Budva is known as one of the liveliest beaches in the country, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.
7. Compact size
Montenegro is a very small country, so it’s easy to get around. You can cover a lot of land in a week and see most of the country. Or you can see many highlights in just a few days.
One of the best ways to get around Montenegro is with a rental car. Buses run between many popular coastal towns, but a car gives you more freedom to explore on your own. Also, like everything else in the country, car rentals are very affordable.
traveler alert: Don’t forget your travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com.
