We love Croatia but found Dubrovnik unbearable with the crowds last summer. Having flashbacks from Prague to be fair.
Thinking of Montenegro (Kotor/Budva) this year. Is it still a “hidden gem” or is it packed with cruise shippers too? We are looking for that old town vibe but with maybe 30% fewer elbows in our ribs.
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Montenegro’s popularity is growing, but it’s still not at the saturation level of Dubrovnik or Prague.
If you travel slightly off-peak (late Spring or early Autumn), you can enjoy the old towns with fewer crowds.
Visiting Kotor’s UNESCO old town early morning or later in the evening also helps.
Budva is more of a beach resort town with a lively nightlife and a smaller old town area.
It’s busier during peak season and attracts more party-goers.
Consider staying in Kotor and exploring smaller coastal towns nearby, like Perast or Herceg Novi, which are quieter yet charming.
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Echoing what @TravelNotes wrote - go to Kotor. Skip Budva, it’s just a resort town with hotels stacked on top of one another.
Also highly recommend visiting Lovćen National Park near Cetinje. The mountains and sweeping views are something else.
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