In a word, a private cruise or luxury yacht charter in Montenegro is stunning. Known as the "pearl of the Mediterranean", this area features breathtaking waterfalls, lush mountains, still lakes and dramatic rivers. It is also gaining traction as the elite destination for superyachts and superyacht charters.
While the on-land hotels and amenities are rapidly in development to luxurious standards, Montenegro itself is the real draw: the charming island of Sveti Stefan, beautiful coastal towns, miles of beaches, secluded coves and, of course, the still-as-glass Bay of Kotor.
Situated between Corfu and Venice, with Croatia as a neighbour, Montenegro is sublimely positioned in some of the best cruising grounds in the world. It is no surprise that it is gaining a reputation for becoming the next Monaco for yacht charters.
Day 1: Porto Montenegro to Budva via Bigova
Board your boat at superyacht heaven of Porto Montenegro and head out of the Bay of Kotor for a lunchtime stop at Bigova Bay. Anchor off and take a tender trip to the jetty and a dip in the clearest, cleanest waters you can find anywhere in Europe.
There are a number of places to enjoy fine dining away from your yacht in Montenegro. Lunch on the freshest fish, lobster or mussels prepared in a number of different traditional ways at Konoba Grispolis. Bigova has a tradition of fishing and the owners of this restaurant have been fishermen for generations.
Take a walk along the charming waterfront and then set sail for your night stop in Budva, passing Jaz Beach, site of Rolling Stones and Madonna concerts.
Enjoy a cocktail on board while you take in the atmosphere of this vibrant town, take your pick from a number of great traditional restaurants — Demižana, Dona Kod Nikole or Konoba Langust (a short taxi ride away in Przno) to name but three — and then follow the sounds of music and party the night away.
Picture courtesy of Sergey Moskvitin/Shutterstock.com