May 27, 2026, 4:11 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

For the first time, this year’s TRAVELBOOK Sundowner awarded the best emerging travel destination. The contenders were Cyprus, Montenegro, and Albania. More than 15,000 readers voted, and most votes went to Montenegro. The small Balkan country was thus honored with the TRAVELBOOK Special Award as the Rising Star 2026. But what makes the country so special and the most beautiful trending destination? To find out, I flew down for a long weekend. And I can already tell you: Three or four days are far from enough to experience the diversity of this country.

Sea, Mountains, Nature–Montenegro Has It All

Although Montenegro is not particularly large–as mentioned, Brandenburg is more than twice its size–it has an incredible amount to offer. Whether it’s a summer or winter vacation, lounging on the beach, or hiking in the middle of nature: In Montenegro, all of this is possible.

When you arrive in the capital, Podgorica, you already get a great view of Lake Skadar from the plane. It forms the largest national park in Montenegro by area and consists mainly of the lake’s water surface. From above, you get a pretty good impression–on the ground, a visit is definitely worthwhile. Unfortunately, I could only make a brief stop, but even that was impressive. Then it was off to the sea.

Montenegro is located directly on the Adriatic. There are both pebble and sandy beaches. The water is crystal clear and shines turquoise blue. I didn’t discover any truly secluded, untouched beaches on my trip. However, the coast is still special: Behind it, densely wooded hills and mountains rise. This panorama is uniquely beautiful.

The first stop of my short trip took me to Budva, a popular coastal town with a beautiful old town. The place itself is unique. Somewhat built-up, many cranes (at least when I was there), and many construction sites. But you can also tell that something is happening. That the country is ready to welcome tourists and travelers. An absolute must in Budva is the old town, surrounded by a thick city wall. Inside, you weave through narrow alleys, the air filled with the scent of food, and there are small souvenir shops.

Italian Vibes in the Balkans

I got real Italian vibes in Kotor. The city is located on a fjord-like bay, surrounded by steep mountains. Palm trees, conifers, and blooming flowers in all colors create a vacation feeling. But it’s not just the location and nature that are impressive; the medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is as well. Like in Budva, it’s surrounded by a broad city wall, and inside, you wander through narrow alleys. In a small, rather inconspicuous restaurant, I had such good pasta–I really thought for a moment I was in Italy.

The reason Montenegro, especially the coast and places like Kotor, have an Italian influence is that parts of the country were under Venetian influence or direct Venetian rule from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. This shaped not only the cuisine but also the architecture and culture.

More on the topic

Crowned! Why You Should Definitely Visit This European Country

In 9 Days, See (Almost) the Entire Country The Perfect Road Trip Through Montenegro

Mountain Ranges and Europe’s Deepest Gorge

If you’re interested in a winter or hiking vacation, the north or northeast of Montenegro is the place to be. Most of the national parks and the highest mountains in the country are located there. What I wasn’t aware of before my trip: Montenegro is very mountainous overall. More than half of the country is over 1,000 meters high.

To conclude, I made a stop in Žabljak, a small town in the center of Durmitor National Park. Upon arrival, I was totally surprised–I hadn’t expected mountains, some even still snow-covered. The town is the perfect starting point for either hiking in the national park or taking a trip to the Tara Gorge. But beware: Both the drive to Žabljak and the surrounding area can be nerve-wracking due to the serpentine roads.

Just like the view into the Tara Gorge, as it is Europe’s deepest gorge, reaching depths of up to 1,333 meters. At the bottom, the green-blue shimmering Tara winds through the rocks. Thrill-seekers will love it here. Just the view from the Đurđevića Tara Bridge was enough to give me butterflies. For true adrenaline junkies, there are several zip lines, and rafting and canyoning tours are offered.

My Conclusion

In the TRAVELBOOK Rising Star 2026, most readers voted for Montenegro as the most beautiful trending destination. And after my short visit, I completely understand why. Montenegro offers incredible diversity. Snow-covered mountains, crystal-clear sea, and a wealth of history in between. The country offers something for every type of vacationer. And I already know: I will definitely return, as the time was far too short to even begin to immerse myself in the Montenegro experience.