The first, unyielding fact to bear in mind is Montenegro's sheer beauty.

The UN designated the country, the world's first 'ecological state' in 1991. While the Balkan economy was shackled by decades of Titoism and crippled by the conflagration of the 1990's, Montenegro maintained, albeit a fragile multi-ethnic democracy, whilst peaceful relations ensured its magnificent scenery survived in tact. More than this, the lack of investment over the decades has had the perverse effect of avoiding all the pitfalls of unsympathetic tourism development. This has left the country well placed to generate 'ecotourism': skiing in its prodigious mountains, white-water rafting in its cavernous gorges, fishing, sailing and bird watching.

There are acres of UNESCO protected natural parks and lakes. Most of all, for those less inclined to exert themselves, bathing in a generous Mediterranean sun in any one of Montenegro's 117 beaches and caves along 190 miles of gorgeous coast.