{"id":2127752,"date":"2026-09-04T05:00:34","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T02:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2127752"},"modified":"2026-09-04T05:00:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T02:00:34","slug":"budva-travel-guide-how-montenegros-dazzling-riviera-town-is-winning-over-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2127752","title":{"rendered":"Budva travel guide: How Montenegro&#8217;s dazzling riviera town is winning over Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/27\/27\/1200x675_cmsv2_c7e0209a-e7bd-57af-81a3-f29ac434fed8-9892727.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2923130-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923130\" data-cid=\"9901686\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923130-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/86\/189x106_cmsv2_d8e82347-4925-538c-8452-78503d41baa0-9901686.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Industry experts are concerned the removal of the Entry\/Exit System\u2019s temporary flexibilities will see border chaos return. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Travelling to Europe? EES border checks are changing this weekend\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923104-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923104\" data-cid=\"9901546\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923104-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/14\/91\/189x106_cmsv2_35fba5b3-f3be-5747-9603-7afbcd44f940-9901491.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Train hits lorry at a level crossing in Gda\u0144sk, 3 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Driver of lorry hit by Polish train refused to break through barriers\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923113-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923113\" data-cid=\"9901584\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923113-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/15\/84\/189x106_cmsv2_03508de9-7cd0-56e4-85be-a7835e5707be-9901584.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Motor boats take part in a search operation for people missing after a ferry disaster off the coast of Cyprus, near the port of Kyrenia.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Death toll from Cyprus ferry sinking rises to 12 as searches continue\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923080-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923080\" data-cid=\"9901357\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923080-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/13\/57\/189x106_cmsv2_916341c2-5361-5318-af1f-dfe3a8b4b163-9901357.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos at the informal General Affairs Council in Dublin, Ireland on 4 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU tries to turn the page on enlargement after Iceland&#8217;s referendum\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923130-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923130\" data-cid=\"9901686\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923130-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/86\/189x106_cmsv2_d8e82347-4925-538c-8452-78503d41baa0-9901686.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Industry experts are concerned the removal of the Entry\/Exit System\u2019s temporary flexibilities will see border chaos return. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Travelling to Europe? EES border checks are changing this weekend\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923104-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923104\" data-cid=\"9901546\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923104-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/14\/91\/189x106_cmsv2_35fba5b3-f3be-5747-9603-7afbcd44f940-9901491.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Train hits lorry at a level crossing in Gda\u0144sk, 3 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Driver of lorry hit by Polish train refused to break through barriers\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923113-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923113\" data-cid=\"9901584\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923113-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/15\/84\/189x106_cmsv2_03508de9-7cd0-56e4-85be-a7835e5707be-9901584.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Motor boats take part in a search operation for people missing after a ferry disaster off the coast of Cyprus, near the port of Kyrenia.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Death toll from Cyprus ferry sinking rises to 12 as searches continue\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923080-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923080\" data-cid=\"9901357\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923080-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/13\/57\/189x106_cmsv2_916341c2-5361-5318-af1f-dfe3a8b4b163-9901357.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos at the informal General Affairs Council in Dublin, Ireland on 4 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU tries to turn the page on enlargement after Iceland&#8217;s referendum\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Travel<\/p>\n<p>                          Travel News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Budva travel guide: How Montenegro&#8217;s dazzling riviera town is winning over Europe<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/27\/27\/1536x864_cmsv2_c7e0209a-e7bd-57af-81a3-f29ac434fed8-9892727.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Budva is a town in Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Budva is a town in Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Turismo de Montenegro<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Turismo de Montenegro\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbsp<b>David Del Valle<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1788537634\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-09-04 18:00:34 +02:00\">04\/09\/2026 &#8211; 18:00 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" 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class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Budva\u2019s medieval old town, its beaches, nightlife and sites such as Sveti Stefan are turning Montenegro\u2019s coast into a rising Adriatic destination, but the tourism boom is already revealing the challenges the country will have to confront.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--travel js-article-content\">\n<p>There is something both disconcerting and fascinating about the road trip to Budva in the height of summer. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>On one side lies the Adriatic, surprisingly calm, blue and bright. On the other, almost clinging to the shoreline, rise Montenegro\u2019s mountains. Between them runs a road that in July and August seems unable to cope with the sheer number of cars, buses and tourists heading to one of the destinations that is most rapidly gaining prominence in this part of Europe.<\/p>\n<p>Budva is one of the clearest examples of that transformation. The city combines a walled medieval old town with beaches, hotels, restaurants, terraces and a vibrant nightlife. <\/p>\n<p>During the summer months its streets fill with tourists and, when the sun goes down, much of the seafront promenade takes on a different personality.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/27\/27\/808x505_cmsv2_b2065e9e-0e64-5cf6-aed0-8b42c18e20a6-9892727.jpg\" alt=\"Budva combines a walled medieval old town with beaches and a vibrant nightlife\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Budva combines a walled medieval old town with beaches and a vibrant nightlife<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Turismo de Montenegro<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Music, bars, packed terraces and groups of young people roaming the city until the early hours create an atmosphere that, for a Spanish traveller of a certain generation, may feel surprisingly familiar.<\/p>\n<p>Here it feels like the holidays never end: music spilling out of venues, crammed terraces, restaurants, clubs, families strolling along the seafront and young people intent on stretching the night out.<\/p>\n<p>This is the <strong>other face of Montenegro<\/strong>, in contrast with the calmer image projected by its mountains, bays and small coastal villages.<\/p>\n<p>And yet just a few minutes\u2019 walk are enough to enter a completely different setting. The heart of Budva is still its Stari Grad, the old town. Behind its walls lies a maze of narrow stone streets, small squares, churches, restaurants and shops that speaks of the long history of a place considered one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic.<\/p>\n<p>Exploring it at sunset reveals the duality that probably explains much of Budva\u2019s tourist success: you can spend the morning on the beach, wander a medieval town in the afternoon and end the day having dinner or a drink in a resort that in summer hardly seems to sleep.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Major hotel chains move in<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The boom in Budva and Montenegro\u2019s coast has not gone unnoticed by the big international hotel chains. Among them is Spanish group Iberostar, which has strengthened its presence in a country keen to establish itself as one of the Adriatic\u2019s up-and-coming tourist destinations.<\/p>\n<p>The company currently operates four properties in Montenegro, two of them in Budva, a significant presence in a market that is still small compared with other major Mediterranean destinations but increasingly attractive for international tourism.<\/p>\n<p>One of the clearest examples of this bet is the Iberostar Waves Slavija 5*, 1.5 kilometres from Budva\u2019s old town. From its rooftop, home to an infinity pool and the Rooftop Bar, you get sweeping views over the city, the Adriatic and the mountains that frame this stretch of coastline.<\/p>\n<p>But Iberostar\u2019s presence matters beyond any single hotel. The establishment of a Spanish chain with four properties in the country is also a sign of the transformation that Montenegro is undergoing as an emerging tourist destination in Europe.<\/p>\n<p>The coast is rapidly evolving towards a more international hotel offering, especially around Budva, while trying to preserve precisely what sets it apart from other Mediterranean destinations: the extraordinary proximity between the Adriatic, historic towns and a mountainous landscape that begins almost where the sea ends.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/27\/27\/808x608_cmsv2_693d1cb0-c3de-5b8d-9192-7af4071652d3-9892727.jpg\" alt=\"Panoramic view of Budva\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Panoramic view of Budva<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">David Del Valle<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Sveti Stefan: From fishing village to tourist icon<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Just a few kilometres from Budva lies one of Montenegro\u2019s most recognisable images.<\/p>\n<p>Sveti Stefan is a small historic settlement built on an islet linked to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Its outline of stone houses and reddish roofs, surrounded by the waters of the Adriatic, has become one of the country\u2019s great postcard views.<\/p>\n<p>What for centuries was a small community tied to fishing underwent a profound transformation from the mid-20th century onwards to become an exclusive tourist enclave and one of Montenegro\u2019s international symbols. The views from the coast and nearby viewpoints offer one of the most spectacular scenes on the Adriatic.<\/p>\n<p>Here too you find the contrast that accompanies travellers along much of their journey through Montenegro: the almost motionless sea set against an extraordinarily rugged, mountainous coastline.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/27\/27\/808x608_cmsv2_0235578f-d474-51bb-b582-b7b4ea6b0585-9892727.jpg\" alt=\"Panoramic view of Sveti Stefan and its beach\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Panoramic view of Sveti Stefan and its beach<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">David Del Valle<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>A paradise caught in summer traffic<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Driving that coastline also reveals one of the main problems created by Montenegro\u2019s rapid tourism growth. In summer, getting around by road can be unbearably slow.<\/p>\n<p>The coastal road carries an enormous volume of traffic and jams are common. Journeys that look short on the map can take much longer in July and August.<\/p>\n<p>For those arriving by air, Budva has an important advantage: Tivat airport is just a stone\u2019s throw away, offering an easy gateway for holidaymakers heading to this part of Montenegro\u2019s coast.<\/p>\n<p>Another challenge Montenegro faces as tourism grows strongly is entry into the country via the border with Croatia. On average, travellers crossing it by road take around two hours to get through in the height of the summer season.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"1.3333333333333333\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/27\/27\/808x1077_cmsv2_fe471bfd-bbc7-54d9-bfa9-b609bcfaf39a-9892727.jpg\" alt=\"Montenegro\u2019s border with Croatia with kilometre-long queues of vehicles\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Montenegro\u2019s border with Croatia with kilometre-long queues of vehicles<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">David Del Valle<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>It is hardly the best calling card for a country that aims to integrate ever more closely with Europe and that receives a large proportion of its visitors via the roads that connect it with its neighbours.<\/p>\n<p>Montenegro is one of the most advanced candidate countries in the negotiations to join the European Union. Its future accession could also transform the experience of those travelling by road through this part of the Balkans.<\/p>\n<p>For a relatively small territory that is increasingly dependent on tourism, easing border bottlenecks and improving infrastructure will be essential if it wants to absorb a growing number of visitors without undermining the traveller\u2019s experience.<\/p>\n<p>All the signs suggest those visitors will keep coming. Montenegro brings together many of the ingredients that have turned other Mediterranean destinations into tourism powerhouses: beaches, climate, heritage, gastronomy and a spectacular coastline concentrated into relatively few kilometres. <\/p>\n<p>On top of that it offers a landscape hard to find elsewhere in the Mediterranean, where the sea and high mountains seem to be constantly competing for the same space.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"1.3333333333333333\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/27\/27\/808x1077_cmsv2_09df1f72-9fe0-5c09-958d-3e64d19f8e7c-9892727.jpg\" alt=\"Sea and mountains in Montenegro\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Sea and mountains in Montenegro<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">David Del Valle<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Budva is probably the most intense expression of all this. It can feel noisy, crowded and chaotic in the peak summer weeks. Its traffic tests your patience and its nightlife is a long way from the image of peaceful retreat that some travellers might associate with Montenegro.<\/p>\n<p>But that is precisely where part of its character lies. Budva is a medieval town on the Adriatic that turns into a major holiday resort when summer arrives. There is something of a Balkan Riviera about it and, at times, something of that Spanish Mediterranean of the 1990s when the nights seemed endless.<\/p>\n<p>Today, the arrival of international hotel groups such as Iberostar shows just how far Montenegro is entering a new tourism phase. Between sea and mountains, between medieval walls and music-filled venues, Montenegro is now seeking its place among Europe\u2019s major holiday destinations. And Budva seems determined to be at the forefront.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2891625-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2891625\" data-cid=\"9748695\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891625-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/86\/95\/480x270_cmsv2_de5b02df-dff2-5a8a-b101-48faa4cc2bca-9748695.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The island of Sveti Stefan is exclusively for Aman guests\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><span class=\"c-icon-gallery the-media-object__icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/camera.svg\" width=\"21\" height=\"21\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Residences<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Aman\u2019s Sveti Stefan resort to reopen five years after beach access row<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2870987-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2870987\" data-cid=\"9663336\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2870987-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/65\/40\/21\/480x270_cmsv2_0c856b4f-b81e-50d5-94da-cebea5883415-9654021.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Grebaja\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Montenegro: The new tourist gem shining in Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2826679-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2826679\" data-cid=\"9438801\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2826679-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/43\/88\/01\/480x270_cmsv2_858deeac-ffcc-5381-8440-45a519c09eed-9438801.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ruby Deevoy (right) travelled to Montenegro with three generations of her family. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Destinations<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How to plan a multi-generational family trip that actually works<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Montenegro<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Culture<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Travel guide<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Travel<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Hotel Industry<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923130-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923130\" data-cid=\"9901686\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923130-label-pos2-top-stories\" 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src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2922302-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922302\" data-cid=\"9897551\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thailand confirms it will cut visa-free stays for EU travellers<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article 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beautiful hotels \u2013 and No.1 is in Ireland<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891625-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2891625\" data-cid=\"9748695\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891625-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/86\/95\/480x270_cmsv2_de5b02df-dff2-5a8a-b101-48faa4cc2bca-9748695.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The island of Sveti Stefan is exclusively for Aman guests\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><span class=\"c-icon-gallery the-media-object__icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/camera.svg\" width=\"21\" height=\"21\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Residences<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Aman\u2019s Sveti Stefan resort to reopen five years after beach access row<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2870987-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2870987\" data-cid=\"9663336\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2870987-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/65\/40\/21\/480x270_cmsv2_0c856b4f-b81e-50d5-94da-cebea5883415-9654021.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Grebaja\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Montenegro: The new tourist gem shining in Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2826679-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2826679\" data-cid=\"9438801\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2826679-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/43\/88\/01\/480x270_cmsv2_858deeac-ffcc-5381-8440-45a519c09eed-9438801.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ruby Deevoy (right) travelled to Montenegro with three generations of her family. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Destinations<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How to plan a multi-generational family trip that actually works<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923130-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923130\" data-cid=\"9901686\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923130-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/86\/320x180_cmsv2_d8e82347-4925-538c-8452-78503d41baa0-9901686.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Industry experts are concerned the removal of the Entry\/Exit System\u2019s temporary flexibilities will see border chaos return. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Travelling to Europe? EES border checks are changing this weekend<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2849382-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2849382\" data-cid=\"9560464\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2849382-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/04\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_cba69ac4-7bd3-5886-88da-252745379693-9560464.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Travel - Euronews\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Euronews Travel Channel \u2013 Travel News, Guides, Magazines &amp; Inspiration | 24\/7<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922818-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922818\" data-cid=\"9899974\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922818-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/99\/74\/320x180_cmsv2_f8bc7af3-4723-57cf-9993-bcce283dd4fd-9899974.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ashford Castle was just named the world&apos;s most beautiful hotel by Time Out\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    These are the world\u2019s most beautiful hotels \u2013 and No.1 is in Ireland<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922480-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922480\" data-cid=\"9898388\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922480-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/83\/88\/320x180_cmsv2_af77fcf2-0c86-5de3-b0d0-b6fa34ee4864-9898388.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Blanche Mortemard, Icelandair\u2019s \u2018really bad photographer\u2019, stands in front of her tour bus\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><span class=\"c-icon-gallery the-media-object__icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/camera.svg\" width=\"21\" height=\"21\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Behind the lens with the \u2018really bad photographer\u2019 in Iceland<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922594-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922594\" data-cid=\"9898850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922594-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/88\/50\/320x180_cmsv2_870cdf25-04a7-5e3a-ac51-f73b834ee9a7-9898850.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Could coach trips be getting trendy? Some experts think so \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Coach trips are back \u2013 and these are some of Europe\u2019s best routes<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922302-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922302\" data-cid=\"9897551\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thailand confirms it will cut visa-free stays for EU travellers<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922870-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922870\" data-cid=\"9900305\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The world\u2019s longest cruise just set sail from Rome<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922612-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922612\" data-cid=\"9899080\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Frecciarossa starts trials for new links to Munich from Milan and Rome<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2921935-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2921935\" data-cid=\"9895694\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Who are the world\u2019s most polite tourists?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922818-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922818\" data-cid=\"9899974\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    These are the world\u2019s most beautiful hotels \u2013 and No.1 is in Ireland<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">There is something both disconcerting and fascinating about the road trip to Budva in the height of summer.On one side lies the Adriatic, surprisingly calm, blue and bright. On the other, almost clinging to the shoreline, rise Montenegro\u2019s mountains. Between them runs a road that in July and August seems unable to cope with the sheer number of cars, buses and tourists heading to one of the destinations that is most rapidly gaining prominence in this part of Europe.Budva is one of the clearest examples of that transformation. The city combines a walled medieval old town with beaches, hotels, restaurants, terraces and a vibrant nightlife.During the summer months its streets fill with tourists and, when the sun goes down, much of the seafront promenade takes on a different personality.Music, bars, packed terraces and groups of young people roaming the city until the early hours create an atmosphere that, for a Spanish traveller of a certain generation, may feel surprisingly familiar.Here it feels like the holidays never end: music spilling out of venues, crammed terraces, restaurants, clubs, families strolling along the seafront and young people intent on stretching the night out.This is the other face of Montenegro, in contrast with the calmer image projected by its mountains, bays and small coastal villages.And yet just a few minutes\u2019 walk are enough to enter a completely different setting. The heart of Budva is still its Stari Grad, the old town. Behind its walls lies a maze of narrow stone streets, small squares, churches, restaurants and shops that speaks of the long history of a place considered one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic.Exploring it at sunset reveals the duality that probably explains much of Budva\u2019s tourist success: you can spend the morning on the beach, wander a medieval town in the afternoon and end the day having dinner or a drink in a resort that in summer hardly seems to sleep.Major hotel chains move inThe boom in Budva and Montenegro\u2019s coast has not gone unnoticed by the big international hotel chains. Among them is Spanish group Iberostar, which has strengthened its presence in a country keen to establish itself as one of the Adriatic\u2019s up-and-coming tourist destinations.The company currently operates four properties in Montenegro, two of them in Budva, a significant presence in a market that is still small compared with other major Mediterranean destinations but increasingly attractive for international tourism.One of the clearest examples of this bet is the Iberostar Waves Slavija 5*, 1.5 kilometres from Budva\u2019s old town. From its rooftop, home to an infinity pool and the Rooftop Bar, you get sweeping views over the city, the Adriatic and the mountains that frame this stretch of coastline.But Iberostar\u2019s presence matters beyond any single hotel. The establishment of a Spanish chain with four properties in the country is also a sign of the transformation that Montenegro is undergoing as an emerging tourist destination in Europe.The coast is rapidly evolving towards a more international hotel offering, especially around Budva, while trying to preserve precisely what sets it apart from other Mediterranean destinations: the extraordinary proximity between the Adriatic, historic towns and a mountainous landscape that begins almost where the sea ends.Sveti Stefan: From fishing village to tourist iconJust a few kilometres from Budva lies one of Montenegro\u2019s most recognisable images.Sveti Stefan is a small historic settlement built on an islet linked to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Its outline of stone houses and reddish roofs, surrounded by the waters of the Adriatic, has become one of the country\u2019s great postcard views.What for centuries was a small community tied to fishing underwent a profound transformation from the mid-20th century onwards to become an exclusive tourist enclave and one of Montenegro\u2019s international symbols. The views from the coast and nearby viewpoints offer one of the most spectacular scenes on the Adriatic.Here too you find the contrast that accompanies travellers along much of their journey through Montenegro: the almost motionless sea set against an extraordinarily rugged, mountainous coastline.A paradise caught in summer trafficDriving that coastline also reveals one of the main problems created by Montenegro\u2019s rapid tourism growth. In summer, getting around by road can be unbearably slow.The coastal road carries an enormous volume of traffic and jams are common. Journeys that look short on the map can take much longer in July and August.For those arriving by air, Budva has an important advantage: Tivat airport is just a stone\u2019s throw away, offering an easy gateway for holidaymakers heading to this part of Montenegro\u2019s coast.Another challenge Montenegro faces as tourism grows strongly is entry into the country via the border with Croatia. On average, travellers crossing it by road take around two hours to get through in the height of the summer season.It is hardly the best calling card for a country that aims to integrate ever more closely with Europe and that receives a large proportion of its visitors via the roads that connect it with its neighbours.Montenegro is one of the most advanced candidate countries in the negotiations to join the European Union. Its future accession could also transform the experience of those travelling by road through this part of the Balkans.For a relatively small territory that is increasingly dependent on tourism, easing border bottlenecks and improving infrastructure will be essential if it wants to absorb a growing number of visitors without undermining the traveller\u2019s experience.All the signs suggest those visitors will keep coming. Montenegro brings together many of the ingredients that have turned other Mediterranean destinations into tourism powerhouses: beaches, climate, heritage, gastronomy and a spectacular coastline concentrated into relatively few kilometres.On top of that it offers a landscape hard to find elsewhere in the Mediterranean, where the sea and high mountains seem to be constantly competing for the same space.Budva is probably the most intense expression of all this. It can feel noisy, crowded and chaotic in the peak summer weeks. Its traffic tests your patience and its nightlife is a long way from the image of peaceful retreat that some travellers might associate with Montenegro.But that is precisely where part of its character lies. Budva is a medieval town on the Adriatic that turns into a major holiday resort when summer arrives. There is something of a Balkan Riviera about it and, at times, something of that Spanish Mediterranean of the 1990s when the nights seemed endless.Today, the arrival of international hotel groups such as Iberostar shows just how far Montenegro is entering a new tourism phase. Between sea and mountains, between medieval walls and music-filled venues, Montenegro is now seeking its place among Europe\u2019s major holiday destinations. And Budva seems determined to be at the forefront.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2026\/09\/04\/budva-montenegros-riviera-winning-over-europe&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/27\/27\/1200x675_cmsv2_c7e0209a-e7bd-57af-81a3-f29ac434fed8-9892727.jpg&#8221;] Travel News Travelling to Europe? EES border checks are changing this weekend Europe News Driver of lorry hit by Polish train refused to break through barriers Europe News Death toll from Cyprus ferry sinking rises to 12 as searches continue Europe News EU tries to turn the page on enlargement after Iceland&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2127752","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2127752","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2127752"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2127752\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2127752"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2127752"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2127752"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}