Greece, renowned for its idyllic islands, whitewashed structures and azure waters, continues to be among Europe’s top holiday hotspots, drawing global crowds eager to experience its Mamma Mia charm.

However, Greek getaways often come with a hefty price tag, and the bustling resorts can be swamped by tourists. For those yearning for breathtaking vistas reminiscent of Greece without draining their wallet or battling throngs of holidaymakers, Montenegro is an exquisite alternative.

Tucked along the Adriatic Sea, facing Italy, it is separated from Greece by Albania, yet it remains a hidden gem mostly untouched by tourism. With stunning shorelines and untarnished towns teeming with character, Montenegro has garnered praise for resembling Greek landscapes, offering a comparable vacation atmosphere.

The allure of Montenegro has taken social media by storm, with users showcasing its beauty on platforms like TikTok. A particular highlight from user @bellastraveldiary displays captivating footage of sheer blue seas, racking up over 200,000 views and 10,000 likes, with a striking revelation: “This isn’t Greece or Italy… it’s Montenegro.”

Travel enthusiast @emsbudgettravel has been raving about the hidden gem of Montenegro in a video that’s gone viral, boasting nearly 600,000 views and winning the hearts of 21,000 viewers. She gushed: “I travelled to 12 different countries in 2023 and this was my favourite,” reports the Manchester Evening News.

The clip highlights her adventures in Budva, a top pick amongst Montenegro’s seaside resorts, including a trip to Mogren beach where they revelled in stunning azure waters.

“I can’t believe more people aren’t doing this and it was absolutely stunning and pretty much empty every time we went round. I feel like if this was in Greece or Italy it would be absolutely packed.”

For those hankering after an affordable escape this autumn, Skyscanner lists direct flights from Manchester Airport to Tivat in Montenegro for as little as £53 in October. Potential travellers should remember that this tempting price may exclude extras such as seat selection and luggage fees.

Montenegro is not only breathtaking but also gentle on the wallet. A three-course meal for two averages at 36 euros — a steal compared to the 46 euros you’d part with on Crete.

The local brew is a bargain too, with a pint pouring in at approximately 2.20 Euros, undercutting the 3 Euro pints in Crete.

The weather in Montenegro during fall is just as delightful, maintaining a comfortable temperature in the low 20Cs, which is far more inviting than the brisk autumnal air back in the UK. Take note: it can get a tad cool during the evenings, so packing a light jumper would be wise.

Budva, one of the most ancient settlements on the Adriatic Coast, is a top choice for beach lovers. Known as the Budva Riviera due to its breathtaking beaches, it’s advisable to bring water shoes as the beaches can be pebbly.

Tivat, another beautiful town nestled within a bay, offers a unique view. The surrounding mountains give it more of an Italian lakes vibe than that of a Greek island.