Kotor is the main draw. The Bay of Kotor looks like a fjord (it's not, but it's dramatic). The old town is a UNESCO site with narrow streets, squares, and churches. The City Walls climb the mountain behind the town. It's about 1,350 steps to the top, but the views over the bay are worth it. Kotor is beautiful, touristy, and gets packed with cruise ship passengers in summer.

Perast (a small town on the Bay of Kotor) is quieter and more picturesque. Two tiny islands sit in the bay (one has a church, the other has a cypress grove). You can take a boat to the islands.

Budva on the coast is the party town with beaches, bars, and clubs. The old town is small and charming with medieval walls. Budva is touristy, crowded, and fun if you want nightlife.

Sveti Stefan is a tiny island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. It's now a luxury resort (you can't visit unless you're a guest), but the views from the beach are iconic.

Durmitor National Park in the north has mountains, glacial lakes, and hiking trails. The Tara River Canyon (the deepest canyon in Europe) is stunning. Rafting on the Tara River is popular in summer.

Lovćen National Park has mountains and the Njegoš Mausoleum on top of Mount Lovćen. The views are incredible.

Montenegrin food is Balkan with Italian and Mediterranean influences. Ćevapi (grilled minced meat). Njeguški pršut (smoked ham from Njeguši). Burek (savory pastry). Seafood on the coast. The food is fresh, flavorful, and affordable.

Montenegrin people are warm, laid-back, and hospitable. They're proud of their small country and happy to welcome tourists. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Getting around is straightforward. Buses connect coastal towns and Podgorica (the capital). If you want to explore the mountains or national parks, rent a car.

Montenegro is cheaper than Croatia but getting more expensive. Hostels run $12-20/night. A meal at a restaurant is $8-12. A beer is $2-3.

When to go: Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) are perfect. The weather is warm, crowds are manageable, and prices are reasonable. Summer (July-August) is hot, crowded (especially Kotor), and more expensive. Winter (November-March) is quiet, and many beach areas close, but skiing is possible in the mountains.

Montenegro is dramatic, beautiful, and still relatively affordable. If you want Croatia without the crowds, go here.