Lonely Planet
Best Boutique Hotels in Europe: 15 Design-Forward Stays Worth the Trip
A villa in Italy, a mansion in Greece and a spa in Mallorca are among our picks of the best boutique hotels in Europe, with price guidance and booking tips.
Lonely PlanetSep 25
The 18 Best Things to Do in Montenegro
Montenegro may be small, but it is packed with everything a traveler could want. Here are the top things to do, from beach days to national park hikes.
25 things in this story
- Sveti StefanSightBudva, MontenegroFortified island village, highly photogenic, luxury resort access.
- DurmitorRestaurantŽabljak, MontenegroRugged national park with mountains, forests, and the Tara River.
- Ostrog MonasterySightDanilovgrad, MontenegroSet beneath a cliff face, visible for miles above the Zeta valley.
- Lake SkadarSightPodgorica, MontenegroKnown for island monasteries and abundant bird life.
- National Museum of MontenegroMuseumCetinje, MontenegroThe museum was established in 1896 and is located in Cetinje, Montenegro.
- Lipa CaveSightCetinje, MontenegroKarst cave complex with stalactites, stalagmites, and natural pillars.
- Cetinje MonasteryPlace of worshipCetinje, MontenegroHistoric monastery in Cetinje, repeatedly ruined and reclaimed.
- Museum of King NikolaMuseumCetinje, MontenegroCovers royal history in Cetinje.
- Montenegrin Art GalleryGalleryCetinje, MontenegroFeatures icons, frescoes, and modern Montenegrin artworks.
- Njegoš MausoleumSightCetinje, MontenegroPovodom stogodišnjice Njegoševe smrti, 1951.
- Lovćen National ParkSightCetinje, MontenegroFeatures hiking paths, mountain biking trails, and diverse wildlife.
- Ivanova KoritaNeighborhoodCetinje, MontenegroPark's main hub with restaurants, guesthouses, and a ski slope.
- Wolf TrailTrailCetinje, MontenegroOne of the most popular walks in Lovćen National Park.
- Stara VarošNeighborhoodPodgorica, MontenegroHeart of Ottoman-era Podgorica for 400 years.
- Natural History Museum of MontenegroMuseumPodgorica, MontenegroFeatures displays on Montenegrin flora, fauna, and fossils.
- City MuseumMuseumPodgorica, MontenegroBrush up on local history and art in Podgorica.
- Starodoganjska MosqueSightPodgorica, MontenegroA 15th-century mosque remaining in Stara Varoš.
- Osmanagić MosqueSightPodgorica, MontenegroAn 18th-century mosque remaining in Stara Varoš.
- Ribnica FortressSightPodgorica, MontenegroRuined Ottoman fortress built after their conquest in 1474.
- Galerija CentarMuseumPodgorica, MontenegroA branch of Podgorica’s Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Kanli KulaSightHerceg Novi, MontenegroBiggest and most impressive of Herceg Novi's three historic fortresses.
- Forte MareSightHerceg Novi, MontenegroWaterside fortress in Herceg Novi used for summer film screenings.
- Tara CanyonSightŽabljak, Montenegro
- Njegoš Birth HouseSightNjeguši, Montenegro
- Budva MuseumMuseumBudva, Montenegro
Lonely PlanetSep 18
12 of the Best Places to Visit in Montenegro
At the heart of the Balkans, Montenegro is a small country with big scenery. From Cetinje to the scenic Bay of Kotor, here are the best places to visit.
19 things in this story
- Sveti StefanSightBudva, MontenegroFortified island village, part of luxurious Aman Sveti Stefan resort
- Bay of KotorSightKotor, MontenegroSeries of interlocking inlets enclosed by rocky mountains, breathtaking vistas
- Tara River CanyonSightDurmitor National Park, MontenegroRafting expedition from April to October for scenic drift with rapids
- Black LakeSightDurmitor National Park, Montenegro3.6km hike around largest of 18 glacial lakes, known as 'mountain eyes'
- Stari Grad (Old Town)NeighborhoodKotor, MontenegroUNESCO-listed, uncover secrets of historic wonder, churches, palaces
- St Tryphon’s CathedralSightKotor, MontenegroImposing towers within Kotor's Old Town
- St Luke’s ChurchPlace of worshipKotor, Montenegro12th-century frescoes in Kotor's Old Town
- St Claire’s Franciscan ChurchSightKotor, MontenegroVenetian baroque architecture in Kotor's Old Town
- Mt LovćenSightKotor, MontenegroAccessible on foot, via winding drive, or by cable car
- Aman Sveti Stefan resortHotelBudva, MontenegroLuxurious resort on Sveti Stefan island, atmospheric lanes off-limits
- MiločerSightBudva, MontenegroKing's Beach, now open to all
- St John the Baptist’s ChurchSightBudva, MontenegroChurch with belltower in Budva's old town
- CitadelaSightBudva, MontenegroFort in Budva offering waterfront views and maritime exhibits
- Podmaine MonasterySightBudva, MontenegroFresco-filled monastery linked by trail to Podostrog Monastery
- Podostrog MonasterySightBudva, MontenegroHistoric monastery, once a residence for Montenegro’s prince-bishops
- Sveti NikolaSightBudva, MontenegroIsland with beach-edged, greenery-capped rock, out in the bay
- RoseNeighborhoodKotor, MontenegroPretty stand of stone houses at peninsula tip, pause for lunch
- Lake SkadarHotelVirpazar, MontenegroLargest lake in Balkan Peninsula, best experienced by boat or kayak
- Luštica PeninsulaNeighborhoodKotor, Montenegro
Lonely PlanetAug 26
10 of the Best Places to Go in Europe in Fall 2026
Explore the best of Europe crowd-free during the autumn months with our pick of where to go for sun, food or beautiful fall foliage.
18 things in this story
- Durmitor National ParkSightUNESCO-listed park with dark, serrated summits and glacial lakes
- Elsewhere
- Museo del Baile FlamencoMuseumSeville, SpainLearn about flamenco and catch live performances
- Real AlcázarAttractionSeville, SpainAstonishing royal palace complex with Mudéjar architecture
- Mt TeideSightTenerife, SpainSpain's highest peak and world's third-largest volcano
- Anaga MountainsTrailTenerife, SpainLaurel ridge walks with excellent trekking infrastructure
- Masca GorgeTrailTenerife, SpainSpectacular gorge traverse with good bus network
- Gauja National ParkSightLatviaAdmire castles and waterways amid yellow-gold trees
- Gauja RiverTrailLatviaHiking trails along the river, good for leaf-peeping
- Ķemeri National ParkSightLatviaTramp through unique bog environment, brilliant birding in autumn
- DodecaneseNeighborhoodRhodes, GreeceSoutheasterly island group with good weather and lower prices
- OlymbosNeighborhoodKarpathos, GreeceHilltop village like a living folklore museum
- Guadalquivir RiverSightSeville, SpainIdeal for T-shirt walks and alfresco tapas bar evenings
- Casa de PilatosMuseumSeville, SpainExquisitely tiled mansion
- OrvietoNeighborhoodUmbria, ItalyThe city rises dramatically above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built…
- AmeliaNeighborhoodUmbria, ItalyPubblicazione di documenti relativi ad atti e provvedimenti dell'Ente.
- NarniNeighborhoodUmbria, ItalyAt an altitude of 240 metres (790 ft), it overhangs a narrow gorge of the River Nera in the province of Terni.
- Strada del SagrantinoTrailUmbria, ItalyWine routes visiting vineyards and medieval villages for tastings
- PerugiaNeighborhoodUmbria, ItalyHosts Eurochocolate festival in November
Lonely PlanetAug 18
Montenegro vs Albania: how to choose between two Balkan beachfront countries
Montenegro and Albania should both be on your travel wishlist. But how do you decide which one to visit first?
13 things in this story
- Durmitor National ParkSightDurmitor, Montenegroone of the deepest canyons in Europe, carved by River Tara
- Stari BarNeighborhoodBar, Montenegroold town ruins up in the hills above Bar
- River TaraPlaceTara, Montenegrofor white water rafting
- Morača MonasterySightMorača, Montenegrofeatures 13th-century frescoes
- Bay of KotorSightKotor, Montenegrowildly indented coastline encloses a bay shaped like a double anvil
- Lake SkadarSightSkadar, Montenegrolargest lake in the Balkans, amazing birdwatching area
- Crmnica wine regionPlaceCrmnica, Montenegrotry reds from small-scale producers
- Dafina CaveSightDafina Bay, Albaniasnorkel here
- Pyramid of TiranaAttractionTirana, Albaniacultural hub with panoramic city and mountain views
- Hora VertikalePlaceTirana, Albaniasustainable residential development made of 13 stacked cubes
- Bond TowerPlaceTirana, Albaniaballet-inspired building with bent shape and zigzag towers
- Bunk'Art 1MuseumTirana, AlbaniaProjekti BUNKART eshte ngritur brenda bunkerit atomike te diktatorit Enver Hoxha ne periferi të Tiranes.Bunkart i…
- Bunk'Art 2MuseumTirana, AlbaniaProjekti BUNKART eshte ngritur brenda bunkerit atomike te diktatorit Enver Hoxha ne periferi të Tiranes.Bunkart i…
Lonely PlanetAug 11
18 things to know for visiting Montenegro
Be ready for your travels in Montenegro with these tips on planning, etiquette and safety.
15 things in this story
- Velika PlažaSightUlcinj, Montenegro12km expanse of darkened sand near Albanian border
- Sveti StefanSightBudva, Montenegroisland fortress connected by causeway, luxury resort
- Stari BarNeighborhoodBar, Montenegroinland hot spot, popular during summer high season
- TelekomPlacePodgorica, MontenegroJavite nam se, prijavite problem ili provjerite vašu narudžbinu Najčešća pitanja Skenirajte QR kod na…
- DurmitorRestaurantŽabljak, MontenegroIt is part of the Dinaric Alps.
- LovćenPlaceCetinje, MontenegroIt is the inspiration behind the names Montenegro and Crna Gora, both of which mean 'Black Mountain' and refer to the…
- Biogradska GoraPlaceKolašin, MontenegroThe landscape is one of mountain ridges, glacial lakes, and temperate forest.
- Ada BojanaSightUlcinj, Montenegro3km strip of sandy beach near Albanian border
- ArambašaRestaurantMorača, Montenegrosmall-production aged rakija made from plums
- Njeguši prosciuttoRestaurantNjeguši, Montenegrosimilar to Italian variety, goes well with cheese
- Njeguški sirRestaurantNjeguši, Montenegrohard sheep cheese from Njeguši
- Plantaže Vranac Pro CordeRestaurantPodgorica, Montenegrolocal vranac red wine
- m:telPlacePodgorica, Montenegro
- SkadarPlacePodgorica, Montenegro
- ProkletijePlacePodgorica, Montenegro
Lonely PlanetAug 7
Europe's 20 Best Beaches
Along the tens of thousands of miles of coastline in Europe, these are the 20 best beaches you can find.
24 things in this story
- Île de PorquerollesSightHyères, FranceCar-free islet with crescent-shaped beach of pearl-white sand.
- NavagioSightZakynthos, GreeceIt is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in the world.
- Haukland BeachSightLeknes, NorwayCreamy sands, spiky granite peaks, chilly water never over 15°C.
- RauðasandurSightLátrabjarg, IcelandVast, empty, bronze sands buttressed by dark cliffs, azure lagoon.
- Cala GoloritzèSightBaunei, ItalySnow-white pebbles give way to aquamarine blue sea.
- Spiaggia dei ConigliSightLampedusa, ItalyBleached sands and shallow aquamarine water near Tunisia.
- Barafundle BaySightStackpole, United KingdomArc of butterscotch sand rimmed by dunes to clear turquoise water.
- Pembrokeshire Coast PathTrailStackpole, United KingdomWalk over gorse-cloaked clifftops to Barafundle Bay.
- West BeachSightBerneray, United Kingdom5km expanse of white sand slides into turquoise sea.
- Plage de PalombaggiaSightPorto-Vecchio, FrancePale sand shelving into cerulean-blue waters, backed by pines.
- Platja IlletesSightFormentera, SpainBleach-blonde sand and translucent azure waters.
- Trucador PeninsulaSightFormentera, SpainBeach forms the western section of this slender peninsula.
- Praia da ArrifanaSightAljezur, PortugalGolden crescent with a ruined fortress and beachside restaurant.
- Praia da BordeiraSightAljezur, PortugalDunes fizz away into the brilliant blue sea.
- Cala MacarellaSightCiutadella de Menorca, SpainFlour-white sand and startlingly turquoise waters.
- Shipwreck BeachSightZakynthos, GreeceRusted hulk of a cargo ship on shores.
- Platja des Coll BaixSightAlcúdia, SpainPale pebbles and crystal-clear sea rimmed by crumbling cliffs.
- Cap des PinarSightAlcúdia, SpainRemote peninsula with a beach accessed by walking trail.
- Praia as CatedraisSightRibadeo, SpainSpectacular rock arches, towers, and chambers exposed at low tide.
- Sveti StefanSightBudva, MontenegroFortified island village with pink sands and limpid waters.
- Lara BeachSightPaphos, CyprusUnspoiled sands and pristine waters, a hatchery for turtles.
- Zlatni RatSightBol, CroatiaSand-and-pebble beach dipping into the Adriatic.
- Îles CerbicaleSightPorto-Vecchio, France
- Aman ResortHotelBudva, Montenegro
Condé Nast TravelerAug 6
One of the Happiest Places in Europe Is This Charming Walled City in Montenegro
From climbing ancient fortress walls to lingering over seafood beside the bay, discover why Kotor has earned its reputation as one of Europe's happiest places.
24 things in this story
- VrmacSightpine-clad ridge between the bays of Tivat and Kotor
- PerastNeighborhoodBaroque merchants’ palaces reflect in the water
- Our Lady of the RocksPlace of worshipisland church reflects in the water
- Mount LovćenSightblack mountain from which Montenegro takes its name
- St John’s FortressAttractiondefenses snaking up the precipitous limestone slope
- farmers’ marketMarketbeneath the city walls selling local produce
- Sea GateSightpedestrian entrance to the Old Town
- Clock TowerSightearly-17th-century structure leaning jauntily
- Pillar of ShameSightobelisk used as town pillory until Venetian rule ended
- Square of ArmsViewpointbusiest part of town, lined with cafés
- Cinema SquareNeighborhoodcoffee beneath a spreading black poplar planted in 1667
- Kotor krempitaRestaurantlocal speciality of puff pastry and sweet custard
- Kotor Cat MuseumMuseumfunds care of town’s cats descended from Venetian sailors’ mousers
- Church of St MichaelPlace of worshiptiny Romano-Gothic church housing the Kotor Lapidarium
- Kotor LapidariumMuseumstone artifacts from Illyro-Roman period to 18th century
- St Luke’s SquareNeighborhoodpretty square to walk through
- Trg od DrvaNeighborhoodWood Square, where you can mount the ramparts
- Castle of St JohnTrailclimb involves about 1,350 steps for exceptional views
- Church of Our Lady of RemedyAttractionlocated halfway up the climb to the fortress
- BastionRestaurantdependable Old Town fish restaurant beside northern gate
- Cathedral of St TryphonSightKotor’s most important monument, finest Romanesque church
- Maritime MuseumMuseumhoused in 18th-century Grgurina Palace
- Moritz EisIce cream shopartisan ice-cream shop near the southernmost Gurdić Gate
- Kotor–Lovćen cable carSightgondola climbs more than 4,265 feet in 11 minutes
Lonely PlanetAug 5
The 10 best places to visit this October
October is one of the best times for epic adventures all over the world.
16 things in this story
- Inca TrailTrailMachu Picchu, Peru40km trail ending at Machu Picchu.
- Camí de CavallsTrailMenorca, Spain185km coastal circuit for hiking or biking.
- Fes el-BaliGuest houseFes, MoroccoTangled alleys of the medieval city.
- Taos PuebloSightTaos, United States1000-year-old site nodding to Native American roots.
- Naruko GorgeSightTohoku, JapanFall colors transform the gorge.
- Parc Natural S’Albufera des GrauSightMenorca, SpainBird-filled wetlands at the center of the reserve.
- Durmitor National ParkSightDurmitor, MontenegroUNESCO-listed park with dark, serrated summits.
- Biogradska Gora National ParkSightBiogradska Gora, MontenegroPeaks and primeval forests for great hiking.
- Kučka KrajinaSightPodgorica, MontenegroRange near the capital for hiking.
- Mt BjelasicaSightBjelasica, MontenegroAdmire autumn colors around this mountain.
- Bobotov KukSightDurmitor, MontenegroHighest peak in the country.
- South West Coast PathTrailSouth West, United KingdomEngland's longest hiking trail.
- Qhapaq ÑanTrailAndes, PeruVast network of Inca highways.
- Salkantay TrekTrailAndes, PeruTraverses thrilling Andean wilderness.
- Mts OrjenSightOrjen, Montenegro
- Mt LovćenSightLovcen, Montenegro
AfarJul 29
These 6 National Parks in Europe Have Glacial Lakes, Nearby Chalets, and Way Fewer Tourists
Climbing a 396-step metal staircase bolted to the side of an extinct volcanic crater in Iceland, I thought about how underrated many of Europe’s national parks are. There were no crowds nor viewpoints ...
21 things in this story
- Triglav National ParkSightBled, SloveniaHome to Slovenia's highest summit and deep forests.
- Snæfellsjökull National ParkSightSnæfellsnes Peninsula, IcelandSnaefellsjokull national park was established in 2001, and it covers about 170 km2 of the westmost tip of the…
- Arnarstapi to Hellnar coastal trailTrailSnæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland2-mile hike passing villages, cliffs, and views.
- Fosshotel HellnarHotelHellnar, IcelandSet above cliffs with beer-garden and restaurants.
- Seven Lakes ValleyTrailBled, SloveniaMulti-day route through valleys and meadows.
- Chalet SofijaHotelBled, SloveniaMountainous getaway with Alps views, infinity pool.
- Retezat National ParkSightRetezat Mountains, RomaniaRomania's first national park with glacial lakes.
- Bucura Glacier Lake CircuitTrailRetezat Mountains, RomaniaRoute showcasing peaks and Alpine terrain.
- Transylvania Log CabinsHotelRetezat Mountains, RomaniaEco-minded lodges with tree-house accommodations.
- Białowieża National ParkNature reserveBiałowieża, PolandProtects Europe's largest free-roaming bison population.
- Żebra Żubra (Bison's Ribs) TrailTrailBiałowieża, Poland3.4-mile loop through marshes and old-growth forest.
- Royal Oaks TrailTrailBiałowieża, PolandShort walk among centuries-old oak trees.
- Hotel Żubrówka Spa & WellnessHotelBiałowieża, PolandHas indoor pool and spa, near park entrance.
- Skuleskogen National ParkSightHigh Coast, SwedenIt covers 30.62 km2 (11.82 mi2), constituting the eastern part of the Forest of Skule.
- SlåttdalsskrevanSightHigh Coast, SwedenDramatic 200-meter-long rock fissure.
- FriluftsBynHotelHigh Coast, SwedenVillage with cabins, eateries, and activities.
- Durmitor National ParkSightŽabljak, MontenegroLimestone peaks and remote mountain landscapes.
- Bobotov Kuk summit trailTrailŽabljak, Montenegro6.3-mile climb to country's highest peak.
- Black Lake trailTrailŽabljak, Montenegro2.9-mile loop around an iconic glacial lake.
- Tara River CanyonSightŽabljak, MontenegroEurope's deepest gorge, offers white-water rafting.
- Casa di Pino EcoLodge HotelHotelŽabljak, MontenegroBoutique, nature-connected base for luxury experience.
Lonely PlanetJul 13
The 11 best beaches in Montenegro in 2026
Montenegro’s tiny coastline has some of the most dazzling beaches in the Balkans. Here are the 11 best beaches in Montenegro.
17 things in this story
- MiločerSightSveti Stefan, Montenegropinkish pebbly sands, perfect for swimming
- DragoRestaurantSveti Stefan, Montenegromidrange hotel with incredible terraces
- Mogren BeachSightBudva, Montenegrodouble-bayed pebble stretch tucked between cliffs
- Budva BallerinaSightBudva, Montenegromost-photographed landmark
- DobrečSightHerceg Novi, Montenegroboat-only beach with excellent water quality
- Slovenska PlažaSightBudva, Montenegrolong, overdeveloped main beach
- Ploče BeachSightBudva, Montenegropopular complex with pools and water slides
- Drobni PijesakSightRijeka Reževići, Montenegrohidden cove with ground sand
- Beach Bar BalunRestaurantPresjek Beach, Montenegroserves stupendous black risotto
- Queen's BeachSightČanj, Montenegropink-sanded, reachable only by boat
- MurićiSightLake Skadar, Montenegrolakeside beach on Lake Skadar
- Ladies' BeachSightUlcinj, Montenegroquiet, women-only space
- HigoRestaurantUlcinj, Montenegroelevated dining experience amid pine forest
- Velika PlažaSightUlcinj, Montenegro12km-long sandy beach, ideal for kitesurfing
- Dolcinium Kitesurf ClubPlaceUlcinj, Montenegrokitesurfing school
- KiteloopPlaceUlcinj, Montenegrokitesurfing gear rental
- Konoba Kod RankaRestaurantAda Bojana, Montenegrofamily-run restaurant