Uvala Maslina

Olive Bay — a small cove on the Montenegrin Adriatic, named for the olive groves that come down to its shore. It is the kind of indent in the coastline that the road above passes without announcing: a curve of pebble, a rim of grey-green trees, and water that turns deep blue a few metres out.

Short and pebbly, the sort that holds a few dozen people comfortably and feels crowded beyond that. Shade comes from the trees rather than from rented umbrellas, which is much of the appeal.

Yes. Because the bay is sheltered on both sides, the sea stays calm when the open coast is choppy, and it is clean enough for snorkelling over rock and seagrass toward either headland.

Usually on foot, down a path or track from the road above, or else by boat. That is exactly why it stays quieter than beaches with parking at sea level.

Minimal by nature. This is a bay for swimming, reading and staying most of the day rather than a resort beach with services on tap, so arrive with water, food and something to sit on.

June and September are the best months, with warm sea, long light and space on the pebbles; midday in August is when even small coves fill up. Late afternoon, once the sun drops behind the ridge and the olives throw shade across the water, is the hour worth waiting for.