The pretty but underrated country dubbed ‘new Croatia’ perfect for a cheap holiday | Travel News | Travel
Croatia is quickly becoming one of the most popular European travel destinations, with the likes of Dubrovnik drawing in well over a million tourists each year. But with bigger crowds come surging prices, so many are now on the hunt for cheaper alternatives.
Luckily, Croatia’s western neighbour, just a short distance from Dubrovnik itself and just as beautiful, has been named an “up-and-coming” destination and one of Europe’s best-value hotspots for Brits. According to the new report from Mintel and eurochange, this eastern European country is one of the cheapest options this year when it comes to the costs of flights, a three-course meal and a beer.
According to the report, a three-course meal for two comes in at £38.61, while a domestic beer costs just £2.32.
Flights into Tivat (TIV) in April start at just £92 for return flights from Gatwick Airport with easyJet, or you can add a hotel to the package, including a stay at Hotel Astoria, just 0.2 miles from Tivat city centre for just £74 a night, according to Skyscanner.
For a trip to Croatia, for comparison, Brits would be expected to spend between £43 and £86 for a three-course meal for two, excluding drinks, in a mid-range restaurant in Dubrovnik with a pint of domestic beer costing up to £6.60. Return flights for the same period in April with easyJet, meanwhile, are around £91.
The Montenegro bucket list is long, but the Express has shared below some of the best must-see destinations.
The stunning coastal town of Kotor is nestled between cliffs and a picturesque bay and has earned itself a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list thanks to its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its labyrinthine streets, historic churches, and charming squares, TimeOut has also named the town one of the 30 most beautiful places in the world.
The St Tryphon Cathedral, dating back to 1166, is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture, home to an impressive collection of religious artefacts, while the ancient walls stretch for nearly three miles up the hillside to the fortress of San Giovanni.
Temperatures in the seaside town of Tivat can reach 34C in the summer and can easily be accessed from several major UK airports. Home to bobbing super yachts, a posh promenade and rows of swanky apartment blocks, Brits may find themselves wondering if they’ve arrived in Monaco rather than Montenegro. It’s the perfect place to spend a couple of hours perusing the shops, or even just doing a bit of window shopping.
For those looking for a more relaxing beach holiday, Montenegro also boasts stunning coastlines. Popular choices including Jaz Beach near Budva, known for its length and summer events, and Buljarica Beach, further south, known for its crystal-clear waters and the Sea Dance Festival. Other notable beaches include Sveti Stefan, a picturesque location, and Becici Beach, part of a resort area.
According to Laura Evans Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, “A less crowded alternative to Croatia, it offers similar quaint towns, gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline, but it is around 20-30% cheaper”.