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I’ve been regretting for some time now that I haven’t written more about Montenegro. It’s a spectacular place… but so many people are transfixed by Croatia’s undeniable charms that they often forget this little country with the short coastline just south of Dubrovnik. For travelers who are a little more adventurous, though, and who want to hit the next hot Mediterranean destination before everybody else gets there, Montenegro should be at the top of the itinerary. In fact, Lonely Planet has put Montenegro on its Blue List of the world’s best destinations for 2008.

While I work up some good Adriatic Fanatic-style posts exploring the history and culture of this little gem, I thought I’d point the way to some useful websites so you can start exploring on your own. Your first stop should be the best, most recent magazine overview of Montenegro, from Travel & Leisure magazine’s April 2008 issue. Author Charles MacLean surveys the coast, which is where most visitors will want to go, but also heads inland to attractions like the Tara Gorge, Europe’s deepest. His conclusion? Yep, you really do need to go now, before it’s too late.

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The best kitchen-sink site is visit-montenegro.com. It’s a helpful compendium of all kinds of information, with everything from best beaches to railroad schedules.

My tip for a “feast your eyes” website is photo-montenegro.com. If you have no idea what the fuss over Montenegro is about, and somehow the pictures I’ve included in this post don’t appetize you, then peruse the photos at this site and I guarantee you’ll want to go.

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There are a couple other places you can surf to for more information, though none of them are quite as worthwhile as the three I’ve just mentioned. The New York Times’ travel guide has a couple articles on Montenegro; the first, “An Adriatic Stretch is Awaiting its Riviera Moment,” is worthwhile reading. Likewise, the Washington Post offers an article which is a little dated, but forms part of a decent series on Balkan destinations. Finally, for a budget travel perspective, here’s a brief blurb I like most of all for its slide show.

So though Montenegro’s stretch of the Adriatic coastline is fairly short–certainly compared to Croatia’s–it has a lot to offer, and if the scene in Dalmatia seems too hopping, just head south to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, which should still be quieter… though not for long!

Thanks to Cliff for his contributions!