If it weren't for the glimmering sky-blue of the Adriatic Sea, or for the swaying palm trees that pepper the edge of its promenades, Perast would look positively Alpine beneath the snow-topped (at least by winter) summits of the Dinaric ranges. As it is, this sparkling town has the best of both worlds, flaunting handsome Venetian architecture and marble piazzas between both the pebble coves of Kotor Bay and the rugged peaks that carve through to the very top of Montenegro. That said, there's none of the summertime hustle and bustle found in nearby Kotor here. And while Perast remains enticingly off-the-beaten-track, so too do its enchanting churches and ageing piazzas. Two of the main draws are the islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and Saint George, which feature in many a postcard and come with intriguing stories of religious apparitions. Apart from that, Perast tour guides will usually recommend long and lazy days of sipping rakija and enjoying the local vibes.