BUDVA

Budva's origins trace back over 2,500 years to a native Illyrian settlement established by the Enchele tribe on the Adriatic coast. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of the Roman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian empires, though it's the Venetian centuries that left the deepest mark, with most of what still stands in the old town today built under their rule.

It's a compact maze of narrow stone alleys, defensive ramparts, residential palazzos built from local limestone, and an abundance of churches opening out onto piazzas. Walk in any direction long enough and you'll emerge suddenly from the imposing city walls to views of turquoise water.