This gem of the Adriatic is completely underrated (Photo: Getty Images)
Looking for last-minute deals for your summer vacation but don't want to go to a tourist destination?
If you want to see places like Italy and Croatia without the crowds, why not try Montenegro's lesser-known city of Kotor?
A new study that analyzed a city's safety score, number of landmarks and things to do has ranked Kotor as one of Europe's hidden gems, perfect for summer travel in 2024.
The fortified city of Kotor on Montenegro's Adriatic coast is famous for its winding streets and romantic squares. Perfect for history buffs, the city is home to several Romanesque churches, including the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, as well as the Kotor Cathedral.
Valletta, Malta, on the other hand, offers a similarly Italian feel but without the high prices, and was ranked #1 as Europe's hidden gem.
Matera in Italy, Sintra in Portugal and Valencia in Spain are also named in the study compiled by italki experts.
According to a thread on Reddit, Montenegro is blessed with “breathtaking beaches” that are perfect for “slow travel” (when you're on vacation and don't want to rush around or cram in too much).
Look at that sparkling blue sea (Photo: Getty Images)
“Montenegro's coast is undeniably beautiful. Breathtaking high mountains set against tranquil bays flowing from the Adriatic Sea,” Reddit user @isabroad wrote in the r/travel thread.
“You can take a great taxi boat ride between towns and islands. There are also breathtaking beaches along the main roads. As fans of leisurely travel, we decided to stay there for 5 days.'' I made it.”
“It's such an amazing country if you go inland. A few years ago I spent 3 weeks near Kolasin. Great hiking. Amazing natural views,” FlyDeeMouse added in the comment, adding that it's a similarly underrated place. I professed my love for this destination.
Kotor Attractions
Want to learn about local history? Kotor has a lot to offer with its architecture, especially its Old Town. The ramparts are an impressive feat, and tourists attempt to climb them every day.
Admission is 8 euros from May to September, and the walls are technically open 24 hours a day, perfect for night owls.
It is also home to the beautiful Bay of Kotor, a winding bay on the Adriatic Sea and home to the southernmost part of the historic region of Dalmatia. The bay has been inhabited for thousands of years, and the well-preserved medieval towns of Risan, Tivat and Perast are worth a visit as well.
The old town is especially worth a visit (Photo: Getty Images)
In fact, the area is so breathtakingly beautiful that in 1979 the Natural and Cultural Historical Area of Kotor was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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For classic Instagram photos, head to the viewing platform on the Kotor-Lovcen road. There is plenty of space to park and take photos there.
Kotor is home to many Orthodox and Catholic churches and monasteries, attracting pilgrims of various faiths as well as those interested in architecture and history.
St. Tryphon's Cathedral honors Kotor's patron saint and is a Romanesque cathedral with pink stone columns, an arched roof, and Byzantine frescoes (usually a style of water-based painting on freshly painted plaster). A classic example of architecture. .
When to go to Kotor
Naturally, if you're looking for sun, the best time to visit Kotor is summer.
In June (also known as next month if you're looking for a last-minute deal), temperatures can drop as low as 28 degrees. In July and August, the temperature can reach a whopping 31℃, but in September it gets a little cooler at 26℃.
Our Lady of the Rocks is located off the coast of Perast (Photo: Getty Images)
However, if you're looking for an off-peak vacation, spring and fall are still relatively mild. In October, the temperature remains at 22 ° C, but in April and May it can reach 19 ° C and 24 ° C. Don't forget to bring a hat for sun protection.
How to get to Kotor
The cheapest route from London to Kotor is to fly to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Flights from Stansted Airport take around 2 hours and 50 minutes and return flights are available for just £56 return with Ryanair.
It takes less than two hours to drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor. However, if you don't want to hire or pay for a taxi, you can take a bus which takes about 2.5 hours and costs about €24.00.
From Manchester, Ryanair flies to Dubrovnik with an average duration of 3 hours 5 minutes. Return options are available for a total of approximately £81.
Top 10 hidden gems in Europe to travel to this summer, according to italki experts
Valletta, Malta Kotor, Montenegro, Matera, Italy Sintra, Portugal Valencia, Spain Lausanne, Switzerland Coimbra, Portugal Salzburg, Austria Plovdiv, Bulgaria Heidelberg, Germany.
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