Majestic Montenegro

From super yachts to rustic olive groves, Europe's little-explored beauty spot appeals to luxury travellers in many forms

- TAMSIN COCKS

Blessed with brooding mountains, sparkling fjord-like bays and medieval villages, Montenegro really is one of southern Europe's best-kept secrets. The country received just 2.5 million tourists at its peak in 2019 compared to neighbouring Croatia, which received 19.6 million.

Perched on the Adriatic Sea between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Albania, the small Balkan country has had its fair share of tumultuous history, which partly explains why it's been kept off the tourist trail. A new chapter began in 2006 when the country formalised its independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (formerly Yugoslavia) to became one of Europe's youngest sovereign nations. (Only Kosovo is younger, which established independence in 2008).

Since then, the country has emerged as a luxury playground - there's more superyachts than McDonalds (although that's actually not difficult, given there isn't a single McDonalds in the whole country), and has a rapidly growing tourism economy. This is due to some visionary hospitality investments and a coordinated government approach to tourism that makes use of its stunning natural assets and welcoming Mediterranean climate.

The makeover began with Porto Montenegro in Tivat, a premium marina town developed by Canadian billionaire Peter Munk. Styled on the VIP resort vibes of Monaco, Porto Montenegro opened in 2010 and has become a haven for superyachts, with 450 berths of up to 250 metres welcoming some of the most stylish and exclusive sailing vessels in the world, including Azzam, the world's largest super yacht.

It's nestled on the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor (also known as Boka Bay), which resembles the magnificent Scandinavian fjords with its crystal-clear waterways flanked by rugged snow-capped mountains, while medieval forts and idyllic fishing towns fringe the coastline to complete the picture-perfect vista.