Montenegro: Europe's newest nation

Despite only achieving its independence less than a year ago, following a referendum that saw it part company with Serbia, the Republic of Montenegro has wasted no time in putting itself forward on the world tourism map.

Indeed, the World Travel and Tourism Council has recently identified the south-eastern European country as the fastest growing travel and tourism economy in the world.

Benefiting from substantial financial grants from the European Union, Montenegro is currently in the process of tearing down the concrete monstrosities put up under the Communist rule of Tito and transforming itself into a glamorous holiday destination.

Not surprisingly, most of the work is being focused along the country's 300km of Adriatic coastline.

While inland Montenegro is not to be overlooked, with numerous picturesque villages dotted amid stunningly green mountains as well as the historical capital Cetinje, it is the coast that draws the majority of the visitors to Montenegro, with the locals keen to cite Lord Byron's remarks centuries ago: "At the moment of the birth of our planet, the most beautiful meeting of land and sea was on the Montenegrin coast."

Such praise is echoed by contemporary travellers, with Boka Kotorska (the Bay of Kotor) often referred to as the most beautiful bay in all of Europe, while the small town of Perast which looks out onto the bay is an idyllic base from which to appreciate the natural beauty, as well as experience the traditional day-to-day life of the country's people.

Though it may be tempting to spend a week or more settled in one hotel, particularly if that happens to be a luxury hotel on the famously picturesque island hamlet of Sveti Stefan, with so many well-preserved ancient towns and villages dotted along the coast, it is well worth hiring a car and slowly crawling along by the sea.

The towns of Budva, famous for its sandy beaches and stunning Mediterranean architecture and Kotor, a UNESCO world heritage site, are two of the most famous examples, though much of the charm lies in finding a village off the tourist map, complete with a secluded and empty beach.

Though prices are inevitably rising as Montenegro establishes itself as a tourist destination, visitors can still eat and drink well in any of the chic waterfront bars and restaurants, surrounded by glamorous-looking playboys who would look more at home along the Cote D'Azur than the Balkans.

Luxury is never too far away in the south of the city should you be willing to pay that bit more - Casino Royale was set largely in Montenegro - though, with the cuisine revolving around the freshly-caught seafood from the Adriatic, high quality is assured even for those on the smallest of budgets.

Travellers wishing to take advantage of the relative seclusion of the nation's beaches and low prices of its hotels and restaurants are advised to head east as soon as possible.

At present, Montenegro is best served from the UK by flying first to Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia, before making an additional two-hour journey to Budva in the south.

However, with the country already accepting the euro, it is highly likely that throngs of tourists will be helping the country celebrate its second anniversary of independence, no doubt having all arrived on cheap flights.