Take a chance on Montenegro! Medieval cities and sparkling marinas - this Balkan beauty is becoming increasingly popular.

On a Mediterranean morning

Waking up to a mesmerizing view of yacht masts. Elegant metal-painted super-ships are tightly packed, their hulls reflecting the sunny ripples of the harbor waters as their owners step out and stroll through the local boutiques. But this isn't Monte Carlo, this is Montenegro, a small country nestled between Croatia and Albania, 350 miles east of Italy across the Adriatic.

To the north, the mountains slope down to green bays

reminiscent of New Zealand or Norway. Further south, the wide blonde beaches are reminiscent of Turkey. For sun-seekers, it's less than a three-hour flight from Gatwick or Manchester on the twice-weekly Jet2 route to the coast of Tivat, which will be launched next month.

The country is one of the best attractions for sun-seekers in Southern Europe

And Regent Porto Montenegro, where I'm staying, is part of a luxury apartment complex near Tivat owned by the Dubai Investment Corporation. Foreign capital is drawn to Montenegro like bees to honey - China has even provided a $1 billion loan to build a controversial new expressway that will connect to neighboring Serbia.

Peach facades and majestic colonnades of Regent Porto Montenegro

Mimic the magnificent palazzos of the Italian lakes. Rooms are not luxurious but very comfortable, and many have magnificent views from balconies over the beautiful Boca Bay. Breakfasts here are elegant and relaxed, and dining is superb at the hotel's Murano restaurant, which offers modern Mediterranean dishes including a memorable bonito tartare.

There is also no shortage of variety and affordable prices for food and beverages at the marina's restaurants

Where bottled local beers can be bought for €3.65, pizzas from €8 at the chic and lively Roberto's Mare restaurant and main courses of pasta and risotto for €10 at Navale Kitchen & Bar.

The next day, a 40-minute cab ride south to the town of Budva

A brief overview of all the beauty of Montenegro: the bright blue waters of the Adriatic and pebbly beaches on one side, mountain peaks on the other, still covered in snow.

North of Porto Montenegro, in the town of Kotor

Which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was formerly a naval base, sits between towering peaks and a deep bay. I have to remind myself that I'm not in Italy when walking here. Continuing along the coast to the west, the town of Perast provides the perfect place for a lunch break: the elegant Conti restaurant, where the menu offers dishes such as “The Sopranos” pasta with meat, porcini mushrooms and white truffles.

Our Lady Of The Rocks island hikes

Which seems to have been transported from Lake Garda, are also popular. Its blue-domed church is a true work of art, adorned with silver dedications left by storm-fearing sailors over the centuries. Savina Winery, a family-run business perched above Boka Bay, produces some of Montenegro's finest wines, and tasting here becomes a real treat when you can enjoy glasses of rose grenache on the terrace while snacking on white cheese. Views of cypress trees and the silvery Adriatic create a unique atmosphere. The sounds of a chardonnay barrel rhythmically sealing wine in a small machine behind the bar fill the entire space.

I inhale and swallow the magic of the Mediterranean Sea.