'Hidden gem' country is perfect mix of private beaches and city breaks
Montenegro, an overlooked gem in the Balkans, deserves to be on more Irish holidaymakers' rader this summer. It's a perfect destination for both beach getaways and city breaks, with direct flights from the UK to two of its cities - Tivat and Podgorica.
Labelled as an 'up and coming' spot by Condé Nast Traveller, Montenegro caters to all types of holidaymakers, offering wild beaches and hidden trails, as well as private beaches, beach clubs, and superyachts.
Moreover, it's a strikingly beautiful country, ensuring you'll have plenty of photos to share with your friends and social media followers.
The capital city, Podgorica, is perfect for a city break, from exploring the Ottoman-era neighbourhood of Stara Varoš, to taking a riverside walk to Waterfall Niagara (not to be confused with the similarly named Niagara Falls on the US-Canada border).
History buffs can enjoy wandering through the city's historic sites, including the stunning Saborni Hram Hristovog Vaskrsenja church, or the ancient Duklja Ruins, which date back to the Roman era, and are just a few miles from the city centre, reports the Express.
For those seeking a peaceful beach holiday, Budva is the place to go. This beautiful city offers sandy stretches and pebbly coves, bustling tourist hotspots and secluded beaches favoured by locals.
Slovenska Plaža, a stone's throw from the old town, boasts both public and private stretches for beachgoers. For those seeking tranquillity, the idyllic Mogren Beach or the more hidden Ploce Beach are perfect spots.
You don't need to stray too far for a dose of Vitamin D if you're staying in one of the city's hotels or resorts, as many come with their own exclusive beaches.
Not everyone fancies a summer holiday; if that's you, why not opt for a winter escape to the mountainous village of Kolašin for some exhilarating skiing?
The Kolasin ski centre has been met with rave reviews from its visitors. One ecstatic snowboarder commented: "It was amazing experience. We went there to snowboard, and it was awesome. Ski tracks were great! We will come again next year!".
Another guest recalled: "Will remember this place because my 5 and 7 y.o, kids learned to ski here. Great ski instructors Ksenija and Ivan - more than grateful for their patient approach and fun we had with them."
And a third reviewer couldn't hide their excitement: " What a great resort to go to. There was plenty of snow and many runs to go down. Exciting and some scary runs but didn't take long to get back into skiing after over 20 years of not doing it."
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