The Western Balkans don’t tend to be towards the top of the classic European adventures list, but they really should be and especially so if you’re looking for a 2-3 week adventure. Whilst the likes of Spain, France and Italy offer the beautiful settings and a similar(ish) geographical area, the Western Balkans offer the variety of 8 different countries, are more compact, less busy and go toe-to-toe with those countries in terms of beaches, dramatic settings and cute old towns. Examples? The Havar area has the best beach and boat setting in Europe; Lake Bled and Sveti Stefan must be up there with the most picturesque spots in Europe; Dubrovnik has arguably the best Old Town and city walls in the world; and, in my opinion, Montenegro has the most beautiful coastline in the world. Don’t believe this? Give it a go – as I say, one of the best 2-3 week European adventures in Europe
Country: Montenegro
The Montenegro Coastline
You’ll typically read in guide books, “for such a small country, Montenegro punches above its weight”, but that really does Montenegro a disservice. I’d be a bit more ballsy and go as far as to say Montenegro’s coastline is the most beautiful in the world. It has the same beautiful clear water and beaches that follow down the Dalmatian Coast from Croatia (if you haven’t been to Croatia- just think very picturesque beaches with crystal clear water); yet with the backdrop of full blown mountains that meet right at the waterfront. When you throw into the mix the picture perfect terracotta roof islands of the likes of Sveti Stefan and dramatic Kotor Harbour with its medieval maze of lanes and Venetian Palaces, and you really do have one of the most beautiful places in the world