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Curator of the world’s oldest continuous civilization, China has a lot of historic attractions to offer such as the famous Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army. In a previous article we’ve covered China’s top attractions. Here’s a look at some more amazing sights that are perhaps not as well known but are well worth a visit.

Hundreds of years ago, the Chinese built massive stone walls around their cities to defend them from invaders. Xi’an was no exception. This city’s wall survives today, and is considered one of the most well preserved in China. The wall is 12 meters (40 feet) tall and about 15 meters (50 feet) wide at the bottom, tapering to 12 meters (40 feet) at the top. Walking on this wall is a must-do for visitors to this ancient capital of China.

See Also: Where to Stay in Xi'an

Located about a mile northwest of the ancient city of Dali, The Three Pagodas are one of the best preserved Buddhist structures in China having endured several man-made and natural catastrophes. The middle pagoda, built during 824-840 AD by king Quan Fengyou, is 69.6 meters (227 feet) high and is one of the tallest pagodas in China. The other two pagodas were built about a century later.

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Established in 1982, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the first national forest park in China and is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Areas. With its clear streams, weird-looking peaks, wildlife and abundant sub-tropical vegetation, the park is a year-round magnet for visitors. Key attractions include the Golden Whip Stream where visitors can see fish swimming in the crystal-clear water.

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Nothing is more symbolic of Beijing than the iconic blue dome of the Temple of Heaven. Located in south Beijing, the Temple of Heaven was built by the Ming emperor Yongle in 1420. Emperors from then on would come here to pray and make sacrifices to the god of heaven for good harvests. It is the world’s largest complex for making sacrifices, with 92 buildings set in a pine forest. Chinese like to come here to fly kites today because of the large open areas.

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The Stone Forest, or Shilin in Chinese, is a set of karst formations in southwest China. The stones jut from the earth similar to the way a stalagmite does in a cave. These stones are thought to be 270 million years old. The area was an ocean floor and the flow of water created the majestic pinnacles. The stone forest receives over 2 million visitors a year.

Lijiang Old Town is one of Yunnan Province’s top tourist magnets, drawing visitors who want to sample life in a minority area. Kublai Khan was the first emperor to live in this 800-year-old town that is affiliated with the Naxi minority culture. Almost 350 bridges cross canals that meander through the city, which is a good place to see colorful Naxi architecture and residents wearing native costumes.

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Travelers who’ve seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon already know how scenic the Wudang Mountains, located in northwestern Hubei Province, are. Besides being scenic, the Wudang Mountains is the most sacred Taoist mountain range in China. There travelers will find temple complexes, including the palatial Nanyan Temple, considered the most spectacular of the 36 temples on Wudangshan because it’s built of rock from the cliff behind it.

Zhouzhuang is one of the most famous water towns in China. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” the town is criss-crossed with rivers and streams lined with ancient houses. Located less than 32 km (20 miles) from Suzhou, Zhouzhuang is famous for its twin bridges, Shide and Yongan that are symbols of the town. A boat ride is a good way to see the city.

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Mount Tai, in Shandong Province, is one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains. Climbing Taishan (“shan” is mountain in Mandarin) was one of the first things a new emperor did; it’s said that 72 emperors made the climb. They left behind great temples, inscribed tablets and other cultural relics. Travelers with imperial leanings will want to climb the 6,000-step east route as that’s what the emperors did.

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Tiger Leaping Gorge is situated on the Yangtze River in southwestern China. About 15 km (9 miles) in length, the canyon passes through a series of rapids surrounded by mountains on both sides that sharply rise 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above the river. It is believed to be the deepest canyon in the world – depending on the criteria applied. The hiking trail through the gorge is one of the most accessible and satisfying in China, with dramatic scenery. The hike is not to be taken lightly though. Even for those in good physical shape, it’s a workout and can certainly wreck the knees. Accommodation along the way is in guesthouses, so hikers won’t need a tent.

Suzhou is a picturesque city located on the Grand Canal about 65 km (40 miles) from Shanghai. It is famous for its silks, the canals that run through the city, and for its classical gardens with their fish ponds and rockeries. Suzhou has about 80 classical gardens; the Humble Administrator’s Garden is among the most famous. A canal boat ride is a good way to experience the exquisiteness of Suzhou.

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Travelers along the ancient Silk Road will definitely want to stop at Dunhuang for a visit to the Mogao Caves, which are representative of early Buddhist cave art. Unlike the Yungang Caves, which featured Buddhas carved into hillsides, the Mogao Grottoes mostly feature murals painted on cave walls. Some of the paintings date back to the fourth century. At one time, there were more than 1,000 cave temples.

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The Longji or Dragon’s Backbone rice terraces were built over 500 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. The terrace fields are found in Longsheng about a two hours drive from Guilin. From a distance, during the growing season, these winding terraces appear as if they were green woven cables laid out over the hillsides, starting at the riverbank and ending near the mountaintop. Visitors can meander through the paddies and villages, greeting and being greeted by horses, pigs, chickens and hard working locals.

Located in northwest Beijing, the Summer Palace was once a playground for China’s imperial families who wanted to escape Beijing’s summer heat. It was constructed in 1750, but was destroyed a hundred years later when the French and British invaded Beijing. Its restoration was not without controversy as the Empress Cixi embezzled funds from the Navy to build the Marble Boat, which really isn’t marble but wood painted to look like marble.

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The Yangtze River runs along some of China’s most interesting and famous sites, including the stunning Three Gorges. On a Yangtze River cruise, travelers will travel through some of this immense country’s most gorgeous landscapes and may also have the option of taking shore excursions to various interesting sites. The Yangtze River is also home for a number of this country’s endangered species, including the Chinese alligator and river dolphin.

Perched precariously halfway up a cliff some 75 meters (246 feet) above the ground, the Hanging Monastery is one of the most remarkable sights in China. Consisting of a complex of 40 rooms linked together by mid-air corridors and walkways, this remarkable monastery appears to be glued to the side of a sheer precipice. The original monastery was built in the 5th century and has been repaired and extended many times during its long history.

Reed Flute Cave known as “the Palace of Natural Arts” is located in the northwest of Guilin in southern China. According to a legend, Reed Flute Cave got its name because people believed that the reed by the cave’s mouth could be made into flutes. The limestone cave offers a majestic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, birds, plants and animals in fantastic shapes and colors.

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The Yungang Caves or Grottoes at Datong is one of the great examples of early Buddhist cave art. Here, monks carved more than 51,000 statues, ranging in size from several inches to tens of feet high into the hillside. Work on the carvings in the 252 grottoes took place in the fifth and sixth centuries. If possible, visitors recommend coming here in off-season when it is less crowded.

One of the main reasons to visit Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, is to see West Lake, a large freshwater lake that is the symbol of this East China city. Forested man-made islands with temples and pagodas dot the lake, which is rarely deeper than five feet. West Lake, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in China, is divided into smaller lakes. It was once an imperial retreat.

See Also: Where to Stay in Hangzhou

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Located in southwestern China, Jiuzhaigou is a nature reserve officially known as Jiuzhai Valley in English. The national park has been described as a fairyland because of its many waterfalls; snow-covered karst mountains, and its 108 blue, turquoise and green colored lakes that are so crystal clear one can see the bottoms. It is also the habitat of giant pandas, though the chances of seeing them are slim due to the park’s size and the number of tourists.

The Longmen Grottoes are densely dotted along the Xiangshan and Longmenshan mountains in the eastern central part of China. Construction of the grottoes began in 493 AD. There are over 2100 niches, more than 100,000 Buddhist statues, some 40 pagodas and 30 tablets and steles in the caves. The 17 meter (56 foot) high statue of Vairocana in Fengxian Temple is the most representative of the trove.

People travel for many reasons: some to experience nature, others to experience a different culture and some to relive the past. These are just three reasons to visit Peru. But, wait. There’s more. Peru is Pacific Ocean beaches. It is the deserts of the south. It is the Andes Mountains, some of the highest in the world. It is the Amazon River jungles.

Peru definitely is a different culture. It is populated by indigenous tribes who have lived in this South American country for centuries, such as the Uros who still live in floating houses on Lake Titicaca. In many small cities colorful markets can be found where shoppers bargain and haggle over produce and tourists come to buy locally made handicrafts. It is a photographer’s paradise.

In a previous article we’ve covered Peru’s top attractions. Here’s a look at some more amazing attractions that are perhaps not as well known but are well worth a visit.

Kuelap combines ancient ruins with a cloud forest and the Amazon River. Kuelap is an ancient walled city built by the Chachapoyans, also known as the Cloud People, who lived where the Amazon carved a valley deeper than the Grand Canyon in the Andes. The fortress at Kuelap is the largest one in South America and pre-dates the Incas. Orchids and bromeliads grow inside the fortress.

Cordillera Blanca is a mountain adventurer’s dream, offering hiking, climbing and mountain biking. Located in northern Peru, it has 16 peaks more than 6,000 meters (19,000 feet) high, earning it the nickname of “the highest tropical mountain range in the world.” Part of the Andes, Peru’s highest mountain, Huascaran, is located here. Cordillera Blanca also is a good place to see ruins of pre-Inca cultures.

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Sacsayhuaman is an ancient walled complex overlooking Cusco. The Incas built Cusco in the shape of a puma, which was one of their symbols, with Sacsayhuaman as its head. Sacsayhuaman is considered one of man’s greatest building feats. The fortress walls were built with huge boulders that dwarf humans; pieces were cut to fit so mortar wasn’t needed. The foundations can be seen today.

The Lord of Sipan, who reigned around 100 AD, has been called the King Tut of the Americas because of the richness of his tomb. It is considered one of the richest archaeological discoveries in recent times. Sipan was king of the Moche who ruled along Peru’s northern coast centuries before the Incas. They were the best metallurgists of ancient times; their treasures can be seen in the Bruning Museum a few miles away.

Salinas de Maras is located along the slopes of Qaqawiñay mountain in the Urumbamba Valley. This salt mine is a complex network of nearly 3,000 salt pans, shallow pools that are filled by highly salty water from an underground spring. The salt pans are believed to have been developed in pre-Inca times and today are still actively hand-harvested by local families during the dry season, May through November.

This vast national park in the Amazon Basin is one of the best places in South America to see a stunning variety of tropical wildlife. With patience, wildlife is seen in most areas. During a one-week trip, visitors can reasonably expect to see many different bird species, several kinds of monkey and a few other mammals. The best time to visit Manu National Park is during the dry season, between June and November.

Remote, spectacular, and still not entirely cleared, Choquequirau is the sister city of Machu Picchu. Built in a completely different style than Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is much larger in area but not quite as spectacular. The hike to Choquequirao can be made with a trekking tour of three to four days and has become an increasingly popular alternative to the Inca Trail. Tours leave Cusco on demand and pretty much daily during tourist season.

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Pisac Market is a great place to experience the flavor of a picturesque Andean town market. The biggest market of the week is on Sunday, with smaller markets on Tuesday and Thursday. Travelers can see locals bargain over produce in the main market. A special “tourism” market offers locally made handicrafts. Good buys are local ceramics, including hand-painted beads. Pisac is about an hour’s bus ride from Cusco.

Paracas National Reserve, on Peru’s southern coast, is a desert reserve that occupies most of the Península de Paracas. Nature Conservancy says it’s a great example of Pacific subtropical coastal desert, with desert extending right to the beach. The area produces food for a wide variety of animals, including sea-lions, dolphins and 215 types of birds. The reserve also contains dozens of ruins of the Paracas people who lived there in ancient times.

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Ollantaytambo is an ancient Inca temple and fortress as well as a village located at the northwestern end of the Sacred Valley. This is where the Incas retreated after the Spanish took Cuzco. Below the ruins is the old town of Ollantaytambo. The town lies on top of Inca foundations and is one of the best examples of Inca town planning. Much of the town is laid out in the same way as it was in Inca times. Nowadays Ollantaytambo is a popular tourist destination and one of the most common starting points for the Inca Trail.

Miraflores is THE beach resort and entertainment center in Lima. Tourists and expats flock there to eat in fine restaurants, shop for local handcrafts and antiques, relax, party in a club, gamble at a casino, and just enjoy themselves. This Pacific Ocean beach also is popular with surfers and paragliders. The district is home to the Huaca Pucilana, an on-going archeological dig of pre-Inca culture.

The vast adobe city of Chan Chan in Peru was once the largest city in pre-Columbian America. It is estimated that around 60,000 people lived in the city. The city was built by the Chimu around 850 AD and lasted until its conquest by the Inca Empire in 1470 AD. Although Chan Chan must have been a dazzling sight at the time, devastating floods and heavy rainfall have severely eroded the mud walls of the city. Today the most impressive aspect of the site is its sheer size.

Argentina is a large country in South America famous for its tango, the pampas and beef consumption. Less well known is the fact that the highest peak in the Americas, Aconcagua, lies on its western border and that the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, is located on its lower shore.

In a previous article we’ve covered Argentina’s top attractions. Here’s a look at some more amazing attractions that are perhaps not as well known but are well worth a visit.

Dating back to the 17th century, the Iglesia San Francisco is one of the most impressive colonial structures in the beautiful city of Salta. This Italianate church is known for its exquisite white pillars and an elaborate multi-tiered tower that is illuminated at night. With its domed ceiling and archival library, the church’s interior is equally noteworthy. This architectural landmark is worth the trip alone to the provincial capital of Salta.

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Located in the Lake District near San Carlos de Bariloche, Cerro Catedral is South America’s most famous and well-developed ski resort. Challenging terrain, off-piste access and snowboarding facilities make it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and ski festivals. In the offseason, the resort welcomes hikers, climbers and cyclists who want to tame the terrain and take in the breathtaking mountain views.

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Once a retreat for Argentina’s aristocracy, Mar del Plata today is the country’s top beach resort city. Located on the Atlantic Coast, the city attracts millions of tourists every year to its sandy beaches and lively culture. During the summer weekends it can get very crowded here but outside the summer months, the city takes on a much more relaxed feel.

See Also: Where to Stay in Mar del Plata

This archeological site is an essential destination for anyone who appreciates art or history. The Cueva de las Manos includes a magnificent collection of prehistoric cave paintings that were completed 9,000 years ago by ancestors of the Tehuelche people who inhabit Patagonia and the Pinturas River Canyon. The cave is known for its iconic stenciled outlines of overlapping hands, but it also includes painted hunting scenes and symbolic pictographs.

Climbing Aconcagua is an activity for true adventurers. Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Andes and one of the world’s Seven Summits. It’s an exceptionally appealing destination due to its immense height and accessible climb. Using certain routes, climbers can reach the summit without ropes or technical equipment. Visitors may also explore the surrounding glaciers and many other natural sites located within Mendoza’s Aconcagua Provincial Park.

Located in northwest Argentina between the Andes and the fertile Valles Templados, Quebrada de Humahuaca is an unearthly valley with a desert-like atmosphere that’s defined by cacti, lamas, rugged mountains and colorful sandstone escarpments. Visitors today travel on ancient Incan trade routes past settlements that have been populated for approximately 10,000 years. Humahuaca is the largest town, but Purmamarca, Tilcara and Iruya also have spectacular scenery.

Everywhere you go in Buenos Aires there is someone performing Tango on the street. Crowds gather, the music play, the dancers put on their show in full dance regalia. There are many Tango dancers and some are very good and some just put on a good show for the viewing public and have more dash than talent. In any event it gives the city a unique atmosphere and many tourists find it fascinating.

Situated on the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is commonly regarded as the southernmost city in the world. In the past, Ushuaia has been a missionary base, penal colony and naval base but is now a major tourist attraction in Argentina, complete with casinos, hotels and restaurants. The town is commonly used as a base for hiking, skiing and cruises to Antarctica.

See Also: Where to Stay in Ushuaia

After you’ve seen Madrid, this 5-day trip to Spain’s Andalusian region is a logical extension of your travel plans. It’s a good place to immerse yourself in Spanish history. You’ll see Roman ruins and graceful Muslim architecture as well as learn more about the Spanish Inquisition. Andalusia is known for its flamenco dancing and bullfighting, not to mention tasty cuisine. This 5 days in Spain tour takes care of all your hotel accommodations, coach transport, daily breakfasts and some dinners. Enjoy!

Cordoba

Inhabited since 35,000 BC, Cordoba was the most populous city in the world in the 10th century. Today, it has about 300,000 people. Located on the Guadalquivir River, Cordoba was ruled by Romans and later by Muslims, who left their stamp on the city. You’ll want to visit the Mezquita, a 10th century mosque that was converted to a cathedral. If you’re here in early February, the carnival, ruled over by a sultan and sultana, is a must. Other key attractions include the Jewish quarter, the alcazar, city walls and the Callejon de las Flores, the city’s most photographed street.

Seville

Seville has a lot of things going for it: the only river port in Spain; the fourth largest Old Town in Europe; St. Mary of the Sea Cathedral, one of the largest medieval cathedrals in Europe, and great food – it’s the self-proclaimed tapas capital of the world. The cathedral is built over the site of a former mosque. If you’re energetic, you can climb to the top of the tower. You may recognize the 12th century Alcazar, which has been featured on Game of Thrones. After the included guided city tour you can spend some time wandering through the picturesque Old Town in the afternoon and take in a museum or two.

Ronda

Like many Andalusian cities, Ronda dates back to prehistoric times. This means you’ll want to visit the rock paintings at the Cueva de la Pieta. Ruled over the centuries by the Phoenicians, Romans, Berbers and Muslims, Ronda brings a unique culture to the table. The noted Romero family modernized Spanish bullfighting, including using a cape, in the 19th century. Ronda has the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain that is used for the annual Corrida Goyesca. Top sights include three bridges that span the canyon over the Guadalquivir River, and the Old Town, described in books by Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles.

Torremolinos (Costa del Sol)

After touring the many historic delights that Andalusia offers, it’s time for a sun break at Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol. The resort city is known for its clean sandy beaches, making it perfect for you sunbathers and beachcombers. Stroll along the Mediterranean Sea on the Promenade Maritimo; if you walk long enough you’ll arrive at La Canhuela, a picturesque old fishing village. Enjoy a seafood meal at a seaside restaurant. Perhaps you’ll have time to enjoy Torremolinos’ public parks and gardens – the city has planted more than a thousand species of trees.

Granada

Ah, the glories of Granada! People come here from all over the world to visit the Alhambra, a magnificent Moorish castle complex that is even more beautiful when lit up at night. Spend time wandering through the Generalife, a garden that has been called a “paradise on earth.” Just wandering through Old Granada is a treat for the eyes – be sure you have a supply of memory cards with you. Then soak your weary body in the Arab baths and end the day at a Gypsy Zambra flamenco show.

Toledo

Toledo is the perfect place to end your whirlwind tour of Andalusia. This medieval walled city sits atop a mountain overlooking the Tagus River. The Old Town is spectacular; if you don’t do anything more than wander through it, your visit will be successful. As long as you’re here, however, do take time to visit the outstanding Cathedral of Toledo and the Church of Santo Tomé, which houses a painting by El Greco. Another Toledo landmark is the Synagogue of St. Mary the White, which also served as a mosque and Christian church – Old Toledo was a place where Muslims, Christians and Jews co-existed in peace. After Toledo its back to Madrid where your five-day tour of Spain ends.

Italy has too many incredible sights and activities to experience in a single week, but a 5-day tour traveling from Rome through the central and northeastern regions provides you with an exciting introduction to some of the country’s top destinations. Seven different cities offer a perfect mix of historic sites, artistic masterpieces, delicious cuisine and gorgeous landscapes. Round-trip transportation by coach has you zipping from one location to another quickly and comfortably, so you can spend most of your time exploring places of interest. From pilgrimage sights like Assisi to culturally rich Florence and romantic Venice, these 5 days in Italy with four nights of hotel accommodation highlights key towns and cities in northern half of the country.

Assisi

Departing from Rome, your 5-days in Italy begins with a trip by luxury coach to the well-preserved medieval town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Located in the heart of Italy, this small historic city is best explored on foot. Your tour of Assisi includes a visit to the town’s most distinctive landmark, the hilltop Basilica di San Francesco built to honor St. Francis after his canonization in 1228. The wall frescoes here represent the best of the Tuscan school of art during the Middle Ages. From the basilica, your tour guide will lead you to Santa Maria degli Angli Church where the much-revered saint is believed to have worshipped.

Siena

From Assisi, you’ll travel west into Tuscany to Siena, home to the Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most beautiful plazas and the site of the famous Palio horse races held here twice each year. Enjoy a meal at one of the square’s open-air eateries or wander about at your leisure before exploring the nearby sights. The walled city’s most famous attractions include the Siena Cathedral and the stunning Palazzo Comunale where medieval frescoes painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Simone Martini are on display. The first day of your Italy tour ends with your arrival Florence in time to enjoy a scrumptious dinner at your hotel.

Florence

An art-lover’s wonderland, Florence is the repository for works by Renaissance masters, and your guided morning tour includes highlights such as the Piazza della Signoria where a copy of Michelangelo’s “David” stands at the entrance to the majestic Palazzo Vecchio. Also included is a stop at Piazza della Duomo to see the city’s famous cathedral with its iconic dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. The morning tour ends at your hotel where you can relax or head out to explore more city sights on your own, such as the Uffizi Gallery art museum where you can view paintings by artists like Leonardo da Vinci. Return to your hotel to enjoy a complimentary dinner.

Bologna

On the third day of your Italy tour, you’ll travel from Florence north to Bologna, the culinary capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Many of the country’s most famous dishes originated here, including the pasta sauce and cold cut that bear the city’s name. Landmarks like the Palazzo Re Enzo and Palazzo del Podestà are as famous as the city’s food, and your tour includes stops at these lavish palaces. You’ll also visit the Piazza Nettuno with its towering Fountain of Neptune. Finish your visit to Bologna with a lunch at your own expense sampling specialties like tortellini, tagliatelle or ragù alla bolognese.

Padua

The afternoon of day three of your tour takes you into the Veneto region to Padua, the setting for Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Home to Italy’s second-oldest university founded in 1222, Padua not only attracted intellectuals from Copernicus to Galileo but some of the world’s best artists as well. Explore the city’s art treasures at your leisure. View frescoes detailing the life of the Virgin Mary by Giotto at the Scrovegni Chapel or see the six statues of saints by Donatello at the breathtaking St. Anthony’s Basilica. Return to your waiting coach at the arranged time to travel to Venice where you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Venice

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a day of sightseeing. Your walking tours takes you to the Piazza San Marco where your skip-the-line reservation gives you fast access to St. Mark’s Basilica for a look at the wealth Venice accumulated during its heyday. You’ll also visit the nearby Doge’s Palace and make a stop at the iconic Rialto Bridge. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own. Board a gondola for a leisurely ride down the Grand Canal or shop for great deals on Murano glass. Return to your hotel to enjoy dinner and spend the evening as you please.

Montepulciano

Finish your tour after taking breakfast at your hotel by returning to Tuscany to explore the hilltop town of Montepulciano. Perched on a limestone ridge surrounded by rolling green hills, this charming Renaissance city offers postcard-perfect views from every corner. Montepulciano is best known for its wine, which includes the highly regarded Vino Noble. Walk the cobblestone streets to Piazza Grande where you can sample local varietals from market stalls. It’s the perfect place to stock up on Tuscan wines before you return to your coach and travel back to Rome to complete your 5-day Italy tour.

Established as independent country in 06, the small Balkan nation of Montenegro is quickly becoming a popular travel destination. Gorgeous beaches, verdant mountains and postcard-perfect historic towns draw an increasing number of visitors every year. Add a mild Mediterranean climate into the mix, toss in opportunities for active pursuits ranging from mountain biking to whitewater rafting, and it’s no wonder that tourism is now the driving force behind Montenegro’s growing economy.

The chance to enjoy everything Montenegro has to offer in a country that’s smaller than Wales makes a vacation here all the more appealing. Savvy travelers will want to add all the best places to visit in Montenegro to their list of must-see destinations before the rest of the world discovers the country’s many charms.

Located at the southern tip of Montenegro near the Albanian border, Ulcinj is an ancient seaport once known as the pirate capital of the Adriatic Sea. Today, the city is most famous for its many beautiful beaches, of which the sandy stretch of Plazhe e Mahed, or Long Beach, is one of the most popular. The offshore island of Ad Bojana features several scenic beaches as well. Minarets rising from mosques in this largely Muslim city add to Ulcinj’s unique appeal, and a stroll along the seaside promenade to enjoy a tasty kebab or rich cup of coffee is just one of the experiences that makes a visit to Ulcinj so memorable.

Wedged between the Tara and Lim rivers in central Montenegro, the Biogradska Gora National Park features shimmering lakes, swift-running streams, lush green meadows and one of the few remaining primeval forests in Europe. Although it’s one of the smallest of Montenegro’s national parks, Biogradska Gora offers the greatest diversity when it comes to flora and fauna, including 500-year-old trees. Most visitors head to Lake Biograd, a large glacial located in the heart of the park. The recent development of the nearby town of Kolašin makes it a popular base for tours of the park.

Incredible picturesque, Sveti Stefan is a unique place along the Budva Riviera. It stands on a rocky island crammed full of terracotta-roofed houses. A narrow isthmus connects it with the mainland. From the 15th century Sveti Stefan housed a simply fishing community. In the 1950s someone had the idea to nationalize the tiny village. The residents were evicted and Sveti Stefan was transformed into a luxury town-hotel. Among its guests were Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Kirk Douglas. It fell into decline during the breakup of the former Yugoslav federation. In 2010, Sveti Stefan Hotel reopened its doors once again as a member of the Aman Resorts. As beautiful and unique as Stevi Stefan is, there’s one major drawback: You can’t actually go into the village unless you stay there as a hotel guest. Luckily visitors and guest alike can enjoy the two pebble beaches on either side of the isthmus.

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One of the most striking natural features in Montenegro, soaring Mount Lovcen is capped by two mammoth peaks of granite. Part of the Mount Loven National Park, the mountain inspired Montenegro’s name and is a symbol of national pride. Climbs to the top of Mount Lovcen offer panoramic vistas of the fortified city of Kotor, the surrounding hills and the Bay of Kotor. With its circular viewing platform, the nearby Njegoš Mausoleum is a destination for sightseers as well as for those who want to pay their respects to the poet and philosopher buried there. Petar II Petrović-Njegoš is beloved for writing “The Mountain Wreath,” Montenegro’s national epic poem.

Founded in the 15th century, Cetinje is best known for the many European embassies built when the city served as Montenegro’s capital. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town’s inland valley location at the edge of Ottoman Empire made it a strategic spot for diplomacy. Today, the elegant mansions constructed in the Continental architectural style have been converted into to museums, academies and administrative buildings. Other interesting sights include the 15th century Vlah Church with its fence made from Ottoman rifles and the Cetinje Monastery with its collection of Early Christian Era relics.

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Situated high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda, the Ostrog Monastery is the country’s most unusual architectural site and a major Christian pilgrimage destination. The entire monastery was carved out of a cave in a nearly vertical mountain cliff with only the whitewashed façade left visible. Built in the 17th century as a refuge against the Ottoman Empire, it houses the remains of its founder, Sveti Vasilje, who was sainted after his death in 1671. The monastery includes two inner cave churches ornamented by frescoes, some of which were painted directly on the rock walls.

Located to the northwest of Kotor and sharing the same gorgeous fjord-like bay, pretty Perast is a small town notable for it stone-crafted villas and historic churches. Two of the city’s picturesque chapels are situated on tiny islets, Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Back onshore, the Church of St. Nikola is worth a visit for the pleasant views that a climb up to the belfry offers of the town and bay. While there’s no beach in this bay-front city, the stone jetties along the waterfront are popular places for sunbathing and relaxing.

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Centered around the mountain village of Žabljak, the thickly forested Durmitor National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the Dinaric Alps, the park includes the high-altitude peaks of the Durmitor Massif, 18 glacial lakes and the Tara River, home to the world’s second deepest gorge. Skiing and snowboarding are the main activities in winter while whitewater rafting, camping and hiking attract visitors in the warm-weather season. The park’s wildlife includes 163 bird species, mammals ranging from wild boars to brown bears, and the most varieties of butterflies found anywhere in Europe.

Located in the center point of Montenegro’s coastline, Budva boasts a picturesque Old Town, an abundance of beaches and several important cultural institutions, including the childhood home of Serbian writer and politician Stefan Mitrov Ljubiša. It’s the city’s vibrant nightlife, however, that makes Budva the most popular place to visit in Montenegro. By night, revelers crowd the city’s many bars, clubs and restaurants, and then spend the day relaxing at one of the region’s 35 beaches. Those looking for a more relaxed place on the Budva Riviera head to nearby Bečići, which offers a laid back location and a beautiful sandy beach.

Considered one of the best preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic coast, the fortified town of Kotor is tucked against the steep mountains surrounding the deep channels of the Bay of Kotor. While Kotor’s architecture reflects the various empires that ruled over the region, it is best known for its Venetian-flavored Old Town, which is dominated by the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. The cathedral’s carved stone altar is an exquisite example of the stonemasonry skills Kotor was known for in the Middle Ages. Treks up the upper town walls to Kotor’s hilltop fortress reward hardy hikers with breathtaking views of the city and deep-water bay.