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There is an overlooked seaside town that makes for a great holiday, and it's in a lesser-known European country that an expert has said is cheaper than Croatia. A growing number of Brits are travelling to Croatia as the country stands as a strong competitor for places like Spain and Portugal, often with cheaper food, drink and accommodation. The Mediterranean country has some stunning beaches and islands, with popular destinations there including Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik.

But there is another country close by with a stunning seaside town that makes for a great sun-filled break, and it's a destination you may not have heard of before. Consumer group Which? has collated all of its available data, based on several studies and surveys, to identify the best destinations for people to visit in 2026. Among them is this charming seaside destination that gives hotspots in Croatia a run for their money.

Kate Pasola, senior writer at Which?, said that Budva and Bar in Montenegro are well worth a visit. Montenegro is a small coastal country in the Balkans that boasts amazing scenery, tasty food and unique history.

Budva and Bar are both coastal towns in Montenegro. They are located within an hour's drive of each other, and Pasola recommends both for a trio when visiting Montenegro.

While Bar is a town with a more industrial feel, you will likely have more of a holiday vibe in Budva, with its beaches and thriving nightlife. "Head a little further down the coast from the frenzied crowds of Dubrovnik and you'll find Balkan serenity: turquoise waters and terracotta rooftops of the Budva Riviera in Montenegro," the expert says.

She also pointed out how these destinations are considerably cheaper than Croatia. "Eating out is budget-friendly too, drink local beers like Nikšiko and Pivo for around £2-3, and share generous portions of freshly caught fish and seafood at similarly reasonable prices," she writes.

"For wild beaches, fewer crowds and even lower prices, take a bus further down the coast to the laid-back town of Bar - the journey is an hour, and a ticket costs around £5-8."

There are several things to do to fill a holiday in Budva. Among them is Altstadt, which is the historic old town of Budva. Walk through the charming streets, take in the coastal scenery and eat at one of the well-reviewed local restaurants.

Other attractions include Mogren Beach, which is tucked away in between green cliffs, giving a real feeling of serenity and escape. The Budva City Walls are worth visiting for anyone interested in history, while Royal Beach is another beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

To get to Budva, you would fly into the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica, and arrange travel from there. The flight time to Montenegro from the UK is around three hours, a shorter distance than popular tourist spots such as Greece and Turkey.

As well as Budva, Montenegro, Which? listed several destinations that Brits should consider travelling to in 2026. They mentioned Evora in Portugal, Murcia in Spain and Bolzano in Italy.