This European Nation Is The Perfect Spot For Your Next Crowd-Free, Beach Vacation

The weather outside might be frightful, but summer is right around the corner. It's not too early to start planning your summer getaway, and in doing so, there's a good chance Europe will be on your radar. Who doesn't love a European summer? Well, turns out, that's part of the issue. Europe is extremely popular for globetrotters from June to August, making some of the most iconic destinations on the continent crowded. Sometimes, we just want a beach to relax at in peace, and when that's the case, there's one overlooked European destination that has a great coastline for a warm, sandy respite.

Montenegro, located within the Balkans, is an Eastern European nation with a plethora of stunning beaches. This natural paradise of a country often gets overlooked for nearby Greece, Albania, and Italy when it comes to a European beach getaway, but those who want to experience summer in Europe crowd-free know that Montenegro is one of the continent's best-kept secrets.

The Bay of Kotor can be thanked for the majority of Montenegro's bucket list-worthy beaches. The country is home to more than 100 beaches, all beautiful within their own right.

Mogren Beach is a fan favorite in Budva, a small town on the Adriatic Sea. However, despite Montenegro not being as sought-after as Positano and Santorini, Mogren Beach can get crowded in high season due to its popularity.

For some truly hidden beaches to achieve your goal of a crowd-free vacation, Crystal Beach, located between Bar and Ulcinj, is one of the most exclusive beaches in the country. To reach the sandy shores of Crystal Beach, you have to trek through a forest for about 15 minutes before reaching its natural serene crystal clear waters.

You've probably heard of the black sand beaches of Iceland, and the pristine white sands of the Seychelles, but have you ever heard of a red sand beach? Red Beach in Montenegro will give you insight to this rare phenomenon. The best way to get there is by boat, giving you the perfect excuse to get out on those vivid blue waters.

One of the best parts about being in Europe in general is that it's easy to go from country A to country B swiftly, thanks to the boundless transportation options. Country hopping through Eastern Europe is a great way to really amplify your vacation, and to get a better feel for the differences between each country.

Montenegro is close to Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia. Combining the four of these destinations will give you great insight to the region, an opportunity to check out other beach-worthy destinations in Eastern Europe, and bragging rights that you saw four countries in one vacation. While you could take a plane or train, an Eastern European road trip will allow you to take your time exploring and to hit off-the-beaten-path small towns along the way. For an ideal trip, start in Montenegro and end in majestic Slovenia. In total, it's only about nine hours of driving, so we recommend taking two weeks to properly spend at least a few days in each country.