12 Hidden Gems for 2026: Underrated Spots to Visit Before They Go Viral

By

Lau Racciatti

December 2, 2025

11. Kotor, Montenegro

Photo Credit: Getty Images @Yarnit

Kotor’s UNESCO-listed old town sits on a tranquil bay framed by steep hills, offering fortress climbs and quiet evenings by the water. Compared with neighboring Croatian hotspots, Montenegro often sees fewer visitors, which makes Kotor an attractive place to explore architecture, small museums, and local seafood restaurants without the busiest crowds. Hike the fortified walls for panoramic views over the bay, or take a short boat ride to the nearby island church of Our Lady of the Rocks. Tivat and Podgorica are the nearest airports; regional ferries and coastal drives connect Kotor with other Montenegrin towns. Low-season travel reveals local rhythms and makes it easier to book family-run guesthouses. Combining Kotor with lesser-known coastal villages helps maintain the region’s quieter character while spreading economic benefits across smaller communities.

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