Budva

Background to Budva: Situated along the Adriatic coastline, south-east of Dubrovnik, this beautiful ancient town basks in its status as the new St Tropez. It is easy to see why: cobbled streets leading to smart boutique shops, cosy restaurants and a glittering seafront. Visitors are guaranteed cherished memories of one of the finest destinations in the Balkans. The fine selection of hotels that grace Budva complete the picture. From family-friendly hotels to cosy boutique hotels, the needs of every visitor are catered for in the superb Montenegrin destination.

Explore the Old Town: If a cultural foray is on your agenda, the Old Town will satisfy your needs. Perched on its own peninsula and Venetian in style, this beautiful part of Budva hosts a pleasing selection of sights. Enclosed by a ring of fortifications, cobbled streets meander past numerous boutiques and cafes that subsequently lead south to Starogradski Square and various imposing churches. The Modern Galerija, a bright space that plays host to contemporary exhibitions, is also well worth a visit.

Hit the beach: When thoughts turn to relaxation, Budva hits the spot. The extensive selection of beaches curving round the bay and dotted with rocky coves are every beach-goer’s dream. Secluded beaches backed by rolling mountains offer endless options. The best are located on Sveti Nikola Island, where heavily-wooded cliffs shelter long stretches of sand and pebble beach. Access is by nippy water taxis that depart regularly from the marina by the Old Town.

Explore the coastline on foot: Montenegro boasts a trail of wonderfully picturesque coastal villages. Head south, past Becici, and you’ll soon be in Przno, Milocer and the famous Sveti Stefan. Frequented by the well-heeled and famous, these enchanting fishing villages are considered by many to be the most attractive spots on the Adriatic coast. Visit one of the many beach-side restaurants for lunch.

Ostrog Monastery: The largest Monastery in Montenegro, located 900m above sea level and carved into the cliffs, this 17th century wonder is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. Consisting of a 'lower' monastery which is located 2km away from the gleaming white 'upper' shrine, it is home to the relics of St Basil and is truly awe-inspiring. There's no public transport so you'll need to visit as part of an organised tour costing between 20-30 Euros.

Kotor (Montenegro): Only 30 minutes from Budva, is the magnificent city of Kotor. A walled wonder, sitting on a glacial bay, surrounded by mountains, Kotor is something of an undiscovered marvel. Get lost exploring the maze of cobbled streets that lead to a selection of palaces, museums and squares. You can visit Kotor from Budva by using the local bus service. More information on Kotor can be found here.

Lake Skadar: Montenegro's and the Balkan's largest lake, Skadar is incredibly scenic and well worth a day trip from Budva. Home to an abundance of flora and fauna this off the beaten track location is a simply a nature lover's paradise. Around 280 species of birds can be seen here including pelicans and kingfishers. From Budva you can visit as part of an organised excursion or by hire car. Entrance fee is around 4 Euros. Boat tours are available locally.

White Water Rafting: If you're after some adventure on your Montenegro holiday, then the Tara River provides a fantastic setting to try your hand at white water rafting. The canyon that the river flows through is 90km long and full of rapids, dense forest and waterfalls. A number of companies offer this experience, which depart from Kotor (30 mins away), and is sure to provide an everlasting memory.