Bay of Kotor

A winding bay surrounded by steep limestone mountains, often called Europe's southernmost fjord. The walled medieval town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of squares and churches. Climb the 1,350 steps of the fortifications to the castle of San Giovanni for the view over the bay.

Perast, nearby, has Venetian palaces; take a boat out to the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks. Cruise ships crowd Kotor in summer; go early. The old road to Lovćen, with 25 hairpin bends, gives superb views.