There is a stunning little country in Europe that is just as nice as Spain, Italy and Greece, and a holiday there can be much cheaper. For generations, Brits have been jetting off to the likes of Spain for their annual summer getaways. But with overtourism being a hot topic over the last couple of years, some locals in places like Tenerife and Barcelona have become tired of crowds, leading to protests and British tourists feeling rather unwelcome in places they frequent.

But there are plenty of alternatives where tourism isn’t as heaving. Despite this, these destination dupes still have stunning beaches, delicious food and interesting things to do and see. If you are looking for an alternative destination for next year’s summer holiday, away from the crowds, then there is one country that you should put on your radar. Some tourists have suggested skipping places like Spain in favour of Montenegro.

Montenegro is a stunning Mediterranean country, nestled between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. Although it is small, it boasts a gorgeous coastline that makes for an excellent beach holiday at a fraction of the cost of other European countries.

According to the cost of living calculator Numeo, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around £35, while a pint of beer typically costs as low as £2.20. That is much lower than the estimated costs for the same in Spain, where a draft beer tends to cost around £3.

People who have visited Montenegro in the past have praised it for its offerings at relatively low prices. One travel blogger, known online as The Sun Lounger, said that she found Montenegro to be much cheaper than Spain, Italy and Greece.

Perhaps the biggest draw to Montenegro is the scenic coastline, which is beautiful to experience in the summer months. Some of the most popular beaches in Montenegro include Mogren Beach, Becici Beach, Ploce Beach and Long Beach.

When flying into Montenegro from the UK, you will land in the country’s capital, Podgorica. From here, you can organise travel to take you to your chosen area or resort for your holiday.

There are a slew of things for tourists to experience in Montenegro. According to TripAdvisor reviews from people who have visited before, the best thing to do there is to see Kotor Old Town, where you will learn fascinating history and see glorious views of the sea from the top of the hills in this area.

There is also Old Town Budva, Lake Skadar, Lipa Cave and Ostrog Monastery. Those who have visited Montenegro in the past have had positive things to say about it.

On Reddit, one tourist shared: “If you go inland, it is quite a spectacular country. I spent 3 weeks near Kolasin a few years back. Fantastic hiking. Stunning natural vistas…and I met only one other foreigner.”

Another said: “I loved Montenegro. I was there in November 2016, though, so it wasn’t super busy. Also rented a car and did a little road trip to some parks and sites outside of Kotor. Loved wandering the town, too. Had no issues with food and I’m a vegetarian!”

A third wrote: “The Bay of Kotor is unreal – think dramatic mountain backdrops, crystal-clear waters, and charming old towns.”