OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in some of the most popular holiday destinations – as well as some lesser-known areas.
This week we’re shining a spotlight light on Kotor Bay in Montenegro, one of Europe‘s most spectacular yet underrated seaside escapes.
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey explains: “When it comes to affordable holidays in Europe, going east is always a good idea.
“However, most Brits tend to stop at Croatia, forgetting about Montenegro.
“It was recently named an underrated destination by US News, and British Airways announced new flights to the capital of Tivat in 2026.
“So you should head to see it sooner rather than later if you want to avoid the crowds.”
MUST SEE/DO
Kotor Old Town is the bay’s beating heart, with cobbled alleys, Venetian palaces and fortress walls.
Then a short walk along the waterfront towards Dobrota takes you past a public lido, stone swimming platforms and little cafés right on the water – a calm stretch that’s also one of the safest spots in the bay for an easy sea swim.
A short hop around the bay, Perast is impossibly picturesque, with its baroque houses and tiny islets.
From the harbour, small boats take about ten minutes to reach Our Lady of the Rocks, the postcard-pretty church sitting on its own artificial island.
The historic Ladder of Kotor rises directly behind the Old Town – a zig-zag mule trail with big views the higher you go.
Or head further inland to Lovcen National Park, where the road climbs towards the Njego? Mausoleum and its 360-degree mountain panorama.
The Vrmac Ridge trail, between Kotor and neighbouring Tivat Bay, is another great option, an old military road with superb views over both sides of the coast.
Tour operator Untravelled Paths can fix up guided trips taking in everything from honey farms to white water rafting on the Tara river.
HIDDEN GEM
One of Montenegro‘s quirkiest experiences awaits at the Underwater Kraken Wine Cellar.
This unique winery ages its bottles underwater for a flavour like nothing on land. Bottles are lowered roughly 20 metres to the seabed in metal cages and left to age for about a year.
Travellers can join a guided dive to racks of barnacle-covered bottles on the seabed, then sample the results back on shore.
BEST VIEW
The bar Monte 1350 crowns the upper station of the new Kotor-Lovcen cable car, its terrace looking straight down over the bay and out towards the Adriatic.
Visitors can sip a cold drink while watching the sunlight shift across the bay or stay to catch the sunset.
RATED RESTAURANT
Galion is Kotor’s standout dining spot, with one of the most romantic waterfront settings in Montenegro.
The glass-walled restaurant juts out over the water, giving diners views of the bay while they enjoy fresh seafood and local wines.
Perfect for a special evening without the hefty prices of other Med hotspots.
BEST BAR
Evergreen Jazz Club is a cosy, dimly-lit spot with exposed brick walls and live music ranging from acoustic sets and blues to Balkan fusion. Its great-value drinks are enjoyed by friendly locals and travellers.
HOTEL PICK
Klinci Village Resort on Lustica peninsula is a peaceful spot with rustic charm, sea views and Montenegrin hospitality, with rooms from around £80 per night.
For something more budget-friendly, Hotel Vardar in Kotor offers comfortable rooms and a prime location near the Old Town from around £60 per night.