Montenegro is, along Croatia and Albania, one of the gems in the Adriatic Sea and one of the top 10 eastern European destinations to visit. Montenegro boasts a wealth of historical influences such as Romans, Serbia and Turks that give the country such as diverse blend of architectural styles. Montenegro also boasts many UNESCO Heritage Sites and beautiful old medieval towns with lovely fortresses overlooking the sea.

If you’re looking for cheap summer destinations in Europe that offer gorgeous beaches, look no further than Montenegro, as the country boasts some of the most stunning sandy beaches on the Adriatic Sea.

Kotor

Kotor is first on my list of places to visit in Montenegro because of the impressive fortification surrounding the port of Kotor.You can get amazing views from the castle fortress and appreciate the natural beauty of the Gulf of Kotor.

Kotor is also one of the top Eastern European cities to visit as it boasts one of the oldest and best preserved medieval towns in Europe.Taking a walking tour of Kotor old town’s narrow and cobblestone streets is one of the most rewarding things to do, especially on a pleasant day, when the streets are filled with bars and cafes.

Two of the most popular landmarks to look out for during your walking tour of Kotor old town are the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the church of St Nicholas, which is a great example of Serbian Orthodox architecture.

Perast

The village of Perast is located along the Bay of Kotor and it’s an excellent place to visit if you need to get away from the crowds in Kotor.

If you’re visiting Kotor on a day trip from Budva, Perast is worth adding to your itinerary of places to visit in Montenegro because of the breathtaking natural setting, beautiful ancient stone buildings and interesting history.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love spending a day or two on the sleepy town of Perast visting places such as ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’ church which boasts a lovely museum with paintings depicting the history of Perast.

Budva

Budva is another beautiful coastal town, located not far from Kotor. In fact, if you’re using car rental, it’s only 25 minutes drive south of Kotor.

Budva is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro if you’re looking to enjoy a beach vacation in Europe because of the sandy beaches and great nightlife.

The town also boasts beautiful fortresses and the old mediaeval town itself boasts many Roman-style churches such as St. Ivan's church (pictured), and buildings that you can explore while on a walking tour.

Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Montenegro where you can appreciate the country’s rich architectural past.

Herceg Novi old town is a joy to stroll on foot and a few interesting places you don’t want to miss visiting are the Castle Forte Mare, the Clock Tower, St. Arhangel Mihail Church and the Historic Museum.

Herceg Novi is also an ideal place to base your vacation in Montenegro, if you’re looking to do side trips to nearby Croatia.

There is a daily bus that runs from Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik taking about 60 minutes to get to, though I’d recommend catching the earliest bus so you can make the most of your time in Dubrovnik.

Ulcinj

Ulcinj is located on the south coast of Montenegro and the Ulcinj Riviera is sometimes compared to places such as Nice and Sochi as you can see millionaires posing in super yachts.

Ulcinj old town is also one of the top places to visit in the town because of the Ulcinj Castle which offers beautiful views of the shore, and the Turkish style architecture.

The town of Ulcinj is also another of my favorite places to visit in Montenegro because of its location close to the Albanian border.

If you’d like to add a day trip to Albania, from Ulcinj, you can use both bus and taxi to explore places such as Shkoder and Tirana.

See. Interesting places to visit in Slovakia
Must do Things in Albania
Things to do in Eastern Europe
Must do Things in Slovenia

Best Beach Bars in Europe

The port city of Kusadasi, located along the Turquoise Coast, is home to beautiful beaches and Roman ruins such as the ones found in Ephesus and Didyma.

Apart from the many things to do in Kusadasi Turkey, the city is located a short drive south of Izmir Turkey things to do.


Kusadasi Turkey is also a popular holiday base for those wanting to explore mainland Greece and the Greek Islands such as Crete, Paros and things to do Mykonos Greece.

Things to do in Kusadasi Turkey: Beaches

Ladies Beach

Ladies Beach (Kadinlar Beach), located a mile away from the city center, is a beautiful sandy beach that can be quickly reached by car ( taking just seven minutes).

Ladies Beach is one of the closest beaches to the city and therefore, one of the busiest during high season. The beach also features amenities such as bars and restaurants and water sport rentals.

Kustur Beach

Kustur Beach, located 3 miles north of Kusadasi Turkey, is in the other hand a rocky beach and also features amenities such as bars, toilets and beach rentals.

It can be quickly reached within ten minutes along the D515/Turgut Ozal Blv, and if you are looking to avoid the big crowds, Kustur is one of the quieter beaches near Kusadasi's city center.

Pamucak Beach

Pamucak Beach, located 6 miles away north of the city center, is a beautiful sandy beach and one of the biggest beaches near Kusadasi.

The beach can be reached within thirty minutes along the D5-15 route. However, this beach does not have beach rentals

Things to do in Kusadasi Turkey: Places of Interest

Ancient City of Ephesus

The Ancient city of Ephesus, located a short drive north of Kusadasi city center, is home to some of oldest and most magnificent Greek and Roman ruins such as the well-preserved Odeon amphitheater.

If you are visiting this region for the first time, a visit to the ruins of Ephesus is one of the most popular things to do in Kusadasi Turkey.

Temple of Apollo Ruins

Visiting the ruins of the temple of Apollo at Didyma is another popular must-add attraction to your Kusadasi Turkey Itinerary.

The Temple of Apollo, located south of Kusadasi Turkey, can be easily reached by road (taking just fifty minutes from Kusadasi’s city center).

Kusadasi Setur Marina

If you love yachts, Kusadasi Setur Marina is a great place to stroll along the waterfront and marvel at the yachts afloat.

The marina also offers boat facilities that include a workshop for any kind of boat maintenance or repairs needed.

Fortress Mosque

Visiting a Turkish mosque is another must-add to your itinerary. For instance, the 17th century Fortress Mosque is one of the most famed mosques in Kusadasi Turkey.

Inside the mosque, you can appreciate beautiful Ottoman ornamented designs and stained glass windows.

The Caravanserail

If you are interested in architecture, the Caravanserail is another magnificent example of 17th century Ottoman architecture.

Today, the Caravanserail is a historic hotel that features a lovely courtyard where you can enjoy a peaceful drink.

Things to do in Kusadasi Turkey: Outdoor Activities

Sailing

If you are traveling in a group, one of the most popular things to do in Kusadasi Turkey is to rent out a Turkish gulet.

A gulet is a traditional Turkish vessel that can be rented as charters which includes an experienced crew and a captain.

Gulets Tours take you out on the sea, and include fishing and snorkeling activities (fishing and snorkeling gear are usually included)

If you are couple looking for romantic things to do in Kusadasi Turkey , most charter companies also offer gulet rentals for couples at affordable prices.

Hiking

If you are an outdoor enthusiast or simply want to explore Turkey’s natural beauty, the Dilek Peninsula National Park is one of the best places you can enjoy fun outdoor activities.

Dilek Park, located on the sea-side town of Guzelcamli, can be easily reached along the 09-58 route (30 minutes drive from Kusadasi’s city center).

The park features breathtaking mountain views ideal for long treks, and apart from hiking, you can enjoy a relaxing time at the beach, as well as picnicking on the park’s designated areas.

Waterpark

If you love water slides or you are traveling with the family, visiting a water park is something else you can add to the itinerary.

One of the closest waterparks is Adaland AquaPark which is one of the largest in Europe. Adaland is just a short drive (15 minutes) from Kusadasi’s City Center. At the park, you can enjoy fun water slides, rafting and more.

Things to do in Kusadasi Turkey: Shopping

Turkey is known for its colorful markets (bazaars) which are reminiscent of the markets (souks) in Morocco in North Africa and Cairo Egypt.

Exploring the city’s shopping scene is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular things to do in Kusadasi Turkey.

Two of the most popular shopping places are the Orient Bazaar and Grand Bazaar (located near the harbor) where you can shop for the popular Turkish carpets as well as leather goods, gold and jewelry.

Another popular place for souvenir-shopping and shopping for local produce is at the Kusadasi Market, which is held on Fridays.

Things to do in Kusadasi Turkey: Nightlife & Entertainment

Just like the city of Izmir, Kusadasi Turkey has a buzzing, friendly and lively night scene.

The Old part of Kusadasi is the one of the hot-spots for nightlife and you can find many Irish and Turkish bars, as well belly dancing venues such as the Caravanserail.

Most of the popular Kusadasi nightclubs are beach clubs. For instance, Jade beach club, located in the Snake region, is a massive complex that features bars, restaurants, tennis courts and a nightclub.

Another trendy place is Miracle beach club, located near Green Beach, which a popular venue with an excellent location overlooking the sea.

Things to do in Kusadasi Turkey: Events & Festivals

Gold Pigeon Music Festival

The Gold Pigeon Music Festival, held in June, is a popular fun event where you can enjoy comedy show and performances, as well as live music concerts.

Camel Wrestling Festival

The Camel Wrestling Festival, held in January in Pamucak Beach, is a popular event that it is held during the camels breeding season so male camels would wrestle-up each other for females.

See. Best Party Beaches in Europe
Things to see in Istanbul in 2 days
Spain’s Top Tourist Sites
Best Small Beach Towns in Spain

Top 10 Summer Destinations in Spain
Places to visit in Tel Aviv
Interesting places to visit in Serbia
Top 10 countries to visit in Europe
Interesting places to visit in Slovakia

Mykonos Greece is one of the biggest of the Cycladic islands and it is along Skyros and Naxos one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Europe.

One of the best things about a vacation in Mykonos Greece is its size. The island is easy to get around, with great bus connections, and some of the best international beaches in Mykonos are located within five miles of Mikonos town.

Mykonos also has great ferry boat services between the Greek islands of Crete, mainland Greece, Crete and the west coast of Turkey, making Mykonos Island an ideal holiday base for exploring fun things to do in Izmir Turkey.

Apart from stunning beaches, one of the most popular things to do in Mykonos Greece is to experience the amazing nightlife which is reminiscing of places such as Ayia Napa in Cyprus and Ibiza and Mallorca in Spain.

Things to do in Mykonos Greece: Beaches

Beaches North of Mykonos Town

If you are looking for a more relaxed beach atmosphere, the beaches north of Mykonos town offer some of the quieter beaches in the island.

Panormos Beach, just an 11 minute drive (3.5 miles).

Agios Sostis, just a 12 minute drive (4 miles).

Beaches East of Mykonos Town

Kalafati Beach

If you are looking to enjoy water sports during your vacation in Mykonos, Kalafati Beach is one of the best places in the island that offers facilities for jet-skiing, windsurfing and more.

Those based in Mykonos town, Kalafati Beach is easily reached by car in just 12 minutes.

Beaches South of Mykonos Town

Three of the most popular beaches south of Mykonos town are located within 3 miles and they are easily reached by bus or taxi ride:

Platys Yialos Beach, just a 9 minute drive (3 miles)

Ornos Beach, just a 7 minute drive (2 miles)

Psarou Beach, just an 8 minute drive (2.5 miles)

Things to do in Mykonos Greece: Nightlife & Entertainment

As mentioned earlier, experiencing the nightlife in Mykonos is a must-add in your itinerary.

Two of the most popular and liveliest venues in Mykonos are Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach, which are known for hosting some of the most popular Dj’s in the summer months.

During the day these beaches are great for relaxing while soaking up the sun (top-less or clothed). In the evening they become absolute beach parties with a relaxed and a fun atmosphere.

Mykonos town is also a hot spot for nightlife and here you can find all kind of bars such as the popular Pierro's gay bar.

Things to do in Mykonos Greece: Places of Interest

Mykonos Town

A visit to Mykonos town is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular things to do in Mykonos Greece for those interested in Old Greece.

Mykonos town is an excellent example of Venetian influences, and today you can see their legacy in the form of beautiful and charming buildings such as Panagia Paraportiani church.

The town of Mykonos is also a popular place for taking pictures of the 16th century Venetian windmills, as well as strolling by ‘Little Venice’ which is a charming district where you can admire at the beautifully constructed Venetian houses.

Ano Mera Town

Ano Mera town (a 12 minute bus ride from Mykonos town) is a small charming town where you can explore more beautiful Mykonos Greece landmarks such as the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani

Island of Delos

If you are interested in Greek archaeological sites, the island of Delos, located west of Mykonos, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to a myriad of ancient landmarks.

Delos, located a mile away from Mykonos, is easily reached by ferry boat from Mykonos Harbor and the whole trip takes just under twenty minutes.

Some of the most popular landmarks there include the Delos Synagogue, the Doric Temple of Isis, the Minoan Fountain and the Temple of Delians.

Also, most of the many of the artifacts found at the archaeological site here can be seen on display at the Archaeological Museum of Delos.

Things to do in Mykonos Greece: Shopping

The island of Mykonos has also a great shopping scene with many traditional shops scattered along the island. Popular items to shop for include local hand-made crafts and textiles which make an ideal souvenir present.

For instance, the Little Venice district in Mykonos town is home to many lovely shops selling all kinds of crafts, textiles and local art.

For a more upscale shopping experience, Matogianni Street is home to many designer boutiques and jewelry shops.

Things to do in Mykonos Greece: Transportation

The Greek Islands have a great ferry service connection between them making it ideal for those who wish to do island-hopping.

Mykonos Island is easily reached by ferry boat from the other Cycladic islands and it makes an ideal base for day trips to Athens Greece and Turkey.

The island is home to the small airport of Mykonos Island National Airport, if you wish to fly into Mykonos, the summer months is the best time to fly into the island as the airport has more flight connections and longer operating hours.

See. Top 10 Summer Destinations in Spain
Top 5 European Beaches

Best Party Beaches in Europe

Izmir Turkey is the second largest port city in Turkey after Trabzon Turkey. The city is a modern and cosmopolitan city divided into districts, each of them, with its own influences and character.

Apart from the many fun things to do in Izmir Turkey, the city is an ideal holiday base for exploring nearby mainland Greece and  things to do in Mykonos Greece.

Fun Activities

Hot-spring Spa

Enjoying a therapeutic bath during your visit to the port city is one of the most popular fun things to do in Izmir Turkey.

For instance, The Balçova hot springs, located on the Balçova district, is one of the most popular hot-spring spa in Izmir Turkey.

Turkish Baths

Experiencing one of the famed traditional Turkish Baths is another of the popular fun things to do in Izmir Turkey.

Day trip to a Greek Island

Taking a day trip to one of the Greek Islands is another great thing to do during a vacation in Izmir Turkey. For instance, most people take the one hour bus ride to nearby Kuşadası and then ferry out to the Greek Island of Samos.

Go-Karting and Ice-Skating

Apart from enjoying some retail shopping, Forum Bornova shopping mall is a great place to enjoy go-karting and ice-skating.

Places of Interest

Izmir Clock Tower

The Izmir Clock Tower, located in Konak square, is a beautiful Turkish landmark, which offers beautiful views, especially at night when the tower is lit up.

Kadifekale Fortress

Kadifekale fortress, located nearby Konak district on top of Kadifekale hill, is another top tourist attraction in Izmir, which offers lovely vistas of the Gulf of Izmir and the city.

Jewish Interest Sites

Those of you interested in visiting the Jewish interest sites in Izmir Turkey, Izmir Bazaar, Alsancak and Karatas are the places where you'll find traditional and modern Jewish synagogues.

Shopping

Shopping at a Turkish bazaar for local Turkish crafts is one of the most popular fun things to do in Izmir Turkey. For instance, the massive Izmir bazaar is one of the best places to find local hand-made goods that include rugs and bronze crafts.

Those of you interested in retail shopping will enjoy a visit to Ege Park shopping Mall which is located in Mavisehir district, and has over one hundred department stores to choose from.

Another popular place to enjoy shopping is in the Bornova district. The district is home to Forum Bornova and Park Bornova shopping malls, where you can enjoy shopping, as well as arcade games and bowling centers.

Sports

If you are traveling with kids and are interested in fun family outdoor activities, the Bornova district is home to over one hundred parks which feature kids’ playing areas.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Izmir Turkey has a buzzing and an exciting nightlife with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from. For instance, the Alsancak district nightlife is known for its charming bars that have theme nights that feature hip-hop and salsa nights.

Those of you interested in a night out at a theater, the Bornova district is also home to a few theater complexes such as the one located in Uğur Mumcu Park.

Events & Festivals

Izmir International festival

The Izmir International festival, held during June and July, is a popular event where you can see a variety of art performances such as orchestras and plays.

The İzmir International Fair

The İzmir International Fair, held annually in September in the Kültür park, is another fun and interactive event where you can see expositions on food and electronics.

The Izmir European Jazz Festival

The Izmir European Jazz Festival, held in March, is a popular event that brings together jazz artists from Europe and Turkey.

See. Best Beach Bars in Europe
Things to see in Istanbul in 2 days

Top places to visit in Malta
Interesting places to visit in Slovakia
Interesting places to visit in Serbia