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It’s been a while since I returned to Montenegro and very little has changed in 20 years.

It’s still the most unspoilt part of the Adriatic south of Croatia. I can truly say there are very few area's of Europe like here. With over 25 kilometres of beaches, clear lakes and gorgeous mountain views, this enchanting destination is rustic, low key and inexpensive.

Herceg Novi is situated close to the Croatian border and dates back to the 14th Century. What a delightful little historical town with much character and lovely winding steep back streets taking you up to the main fortress of the old town with its Austrian influence. The main entrance into the old town takes you past its clock tower dated 1667 and into the main square with its icy cold water fountain and the tiniest church (St. Jeronimo).The smell of incense and burning candles with a back drop of byzantine icons was beautiful.

Here in the square we sat watching the children play on a make shift stage for evening concerts surrounded by a mixture of Turkish and Venetian architecture.

Heading off back down to Herceg Novi's Marina we passed many local hamburger and kebab bistros. Montenegro's version of fast food but extremely cheap and tasty, all fresh in the largest baps I have ever seen served with fresh salad all for 1 Euro.

Along the beach front is the infamous promenade and in the evening you will find all the locals sat chatting or walking up and down meeting friends for drinks. Here you can also find many souvenir stalls and shops, have your portrait painted or buy a bikini.

If it seems to you that this is it for the Riviera, well it isn't. Experiencing the true Montenegro will take you as far as the Albanian border to Ulcinj, inland to the beautiful mountain resorts of Zabjlak, its capital town of Podgorica and back to the beautiful beach resorts of Sveti Stefan,Kotor, Petrovac, Budva and Perast.

Montenegro is an extremely religious country and the main religion in this area is Orthodox. Many Monasteries and churches can be found up and down the coastline but please respect that some churches do not allow photo's to be taken, so make sure you always ask.

Day trips up to Croatia are popular too and from the Herceg Novi Riviera Dubrovnik can be reached in 40 minutes by boat trip. Other popular sports in the area and inland are rafting, hunting, kayaking, and fishing.

I specialise in this region and also speak Serbian fluently. This country is where I came to relax and came home totally rejuvenated and not out of pocket. The Montenegrins will try to converse with you, and are extremely hospitable and friendly. A very simple holiday but just what I needed.

For any future travel advice to Montenegro and Croatia please don't hesitate to contact me.

DOVIDENJA – translated ‘Till we meet again’.