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Montenegro, Crna Gora, Black Mountain: the very name conjures up images of romance and drama – and this fascinating land doesn't disappoint on either front. Why I Love Montenegro I still remember the sheer thrill I felt when confronted with the extraordinary beauty of the Bay of Kotor for the first time – and each time I visit, that thrill returns. For me, Montenegro is at its most magical on long summer evenings when the streets fill up with people, young and old, heading out for a slow, social stroll – a scene that's repeated in every city, town and village

throughout the country. Sit me somewhere with a glass of local wine, a plate of grilled squid and a view of the passing parade, and I'm in heaven. Where Land & Sea Embrace There's not a lot of it – barely 100km from tip to toe – but Montenegro's coast is quite extraordinary. Mountains jut sharply from crystal-clear waters in such a way that the word 'looming' is unavoidable. As if that wasn't picturesque enough, ancient walled towns cling to the rocks and dip their feet in the water like they're the ones on holiday. In summer the whole scene is bathed in the scent of wild herbs, conifers and Mediterranean blossoms. The word 'magical' is similarly impossible to avoid. Go Wild When the beaches fill up with Eastern European sunseekers, intrepid travellers can easily sidestep the hordes in the rugged mountains of Durmitor and Prokletije, the primeval forest of Biogradska Gora or in the many towns and villages where ordinary Montenegrins go about their daily lives. Hike, mountain bike or kayak yourself to somewhere obscure and chances are you'll have it all to yourself. This is, after all, a country where wolves and bears still lurk in forgotten corners. Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/montenegro#ixzz3rEvJVq3P