While most summer holidaymakers descend in mass on Europe’s top beaches, some look for something a little less crowded. They might consider a Budva beach retreat in Montenegro, a new ‘it’ spot with a classic summer vibe, music festivals, impromptu theatre, beach parties and much more. Even better, Budva is one of those rare gems that offer true cultural immersion away from the tourist trail, but with the services of a major destination.

While Thailand or New Zealand frequently make headlines by virtue of their natural wonders, one small corner of the Balkans has slipped below the radar for years. Set against the deep blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, Podgorica, Montenegro, is home to some of the most stunning gorges, peaks, rivers and valleys in Europe, if not the world. Even better, thanks to its relative distance from the tourist track, its centuries-old culture and traditions have remained largely intact.

By Ethan Gelber

“Just like in childhood memories in which reality seems to shine with living colours,” says the website of Montenegro Adventures, a well-respected tour operator, “Montenegro is a land of contrasts and natural beauty… a fascinating combination in which the tiny and the grandiose are tangled.” Apparently, that same website has been instrumental in capturing some of the same sense brilliance in “this small but fabulous destination.”

By Ethan Gelber

Until not that long ago – only about 100 years – the whole of Montenegro was still a tribal society with groups of families united by clan and living in regions called nahijas. The oldest historical part of Montenegro, today referred to as Old Royal Montenegro, which was independent for centuries, was split into four such nahijas: Crmnička, Katunska, Riječka and Lješanska nahija. Sadly, today, despite its incredible cultural and historical importance, its proximity to other major attraction.