Restaurant Municipium This hidden gem not only offers quality food but also provides a filtered view of the harbour, impeccable service, and a robust wine list, ensuring a memorable dining experience. We were pleasantly surprised and felt truly valued when they had our favourite sparkling Tomac ready for us. Complimentary grappa at the end of the dinner was a perfect way to finish a great meal. This is one of the best places to eat in Rijeka.

Three Monkeys - Two Visits Delicious quality cocktails are served with a smile at reasonable prices. Nothing is better than a perfectly mixed negroni, a simple but challenging-to-master cocktail. Immerse yourself in the unique experience of people watching, while enjoying a summer afternoon in the vibrant city of Rijeka. They have a great gin collection, as my Monkey 47 martini shows. Make sure you arrive for happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Saint Vitus Apartments with balcony 2 - Three Nights This is the perfect location to explore Rijeka on foot. You are in the heart of the city, with all the hotspots on your doorstep. The apartment is spotless and modern, with air conditioning. The bedroom has complete dark-out blinds (yeah!). The balcony has no chairs or table, so we paid for a feature we could not use. The kitchen was small but well-equipped; we could cook most nights and had everything we needed. There is a SPA supermarket 10 minutes walk away. We drank at Three Monkeys twice. It's a very cool bar that is perfect for people-watching and serves great cocktails. We ate at Restaurant Municipium, which was great. My only concern (and it appears to be a common issue in Croatia) is that they supply no cleaning products. So, the dishwasher didn't have salt, rinse aid, etc. I advise you to bring your own cleaning products and take them to each Airbnb as you travel.

Hotel Fantasy - Three nights This is the place you need to pinch yourself to know you are not dreaming. The view is truly spectacular. It is a beautiful luxury hotel that ticks all the boxes. After dining there on our arrival to Gjirokaster and feeling the warmth from the staff during lunch, we knew we couldn't leave without enjoying a stay in this beautiful hotel. We changed our booking and booked into Hotel Fantasy for three nights, and were not disappointed. From the restaurant and our rooms, we have truly remarkable views of Gjirokaster, the castle, and the mountain terrain. We were fortunate to enjoy the suite for our first night. It was beautifully furnished with gorgeous artwork, and the bathtub/spa was an added bonus. You were also blessed with a peaceful sleep in heavenly beds. The team, from reception to restaurant and bar to housekeeping, was always full of smiles; it was infectious. I give them gold stars for service. The restaurant's food was mouthwatering, including an array of traditional Albanian food. There was also a great wine selection and great value. The bar is opposite the restaurant, with a large outdoor seating area for breathtaking views. The cocktails were made with love, and we enjoyed working through them. The breakfasts were fresh and varied, and there was excellent coffee. You could also order a la carte, which was a bonus for us who travel. The bar was also buzzing with people and was social, a great place to meet new friends. We were lucky enough to meet some wonderful new friends, too. Our dear friends Miha and Elena. We felt like family in the most magical hotel, Hotel Fantasy. The team was an absolute delight, and we are going to miss everyone.

Restoran Paparaci 2 - Three visits Restoran Paparaci 2 is a hidden oasis in Bitola; lush green trees and nature surround you in the garden dining area. It is a great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. We enjoyed the peaceful nature and being tucked away in the garden, although you are minutes from Shirok Sokak Street. The staff was amiable. When language was a barrier, they would call a friend to chat with so they could translate for us; it was lovely. There was a slight translation hiccup when we ordered fried eggs and received five fried eggs. We also received a special little treat after breakfast; lovely Macedonians always want to treat you and make you feel special. Restoran Paparaci 2 offers excellent value for food and drinks. The menu is not only extensive, but also offers great quality and a variety of traditional Macedonian food. We also had the pleasure of enjoying a delicious wiener schnitzel. The restaurant was located beneath our Airbnb, with the most incredible view of Bitola. It quickly became a local spot for us to enjoy afternoon wine and late lunch.

Carpe Diem - Two visits Upon arrival in Niš, Serbia, our first find was Carpe Diem, a wonderful gastro restaurant tucked away in a beautiful tree-lined street. It was nearing 40 degrees, so we looked for a place to enjoy our new surroundings outdoors, and Carpe Diem was perfect. We were also blessed with a pleasant breeze for outdoor dining. First up was mojitos to quench our thirst, and they hit the spot, followed by some stunning plated dishes. The food is incredible. The lasagne was delicious, and the desserts were also mouthwatering. The staff is extremely welcoming and friendly. We returned for drinks the following day because we loved it so much. They also have a garden bar just a short walk from the restaurant. Due to its popularity and live music events, we would have visited if we had more time.

C'era una volta - Two visits The perfect night spot for drinks and a local crowd, listening to live music in Korce in the heart of the Old Pazar. Excellent value drinks and service, great vibes, positive energy and tunes. The decor is quirky and fun, and there is lots of space for seating and dancing—there is also a lovely, cosy fireplace upstairs. Friday & Saturday nights are best to dance the night away with the fantastic band and live DJ.

Mandarine Restaurant - One visit A friend in Durres recommended this restaurant. The service started rocky, but once we found the Sommelier, it all turned around. We started lunch with a lovely bottle of French champagne (we also have half bottles), followed by a recommended Italian white, and he was spot on with our palette. The restaurant is part of Marina Bay Luxury Resort & Spa, but the views are magical. It is another perfect place to enjoy Albania's sunsets. The food was exceptional; we thoroughly enjoyed trying new dishes and were incredibly impressed by every dish being delicious. You must try the Tiramisu; it was a heavenly experience. There is also a great cocktail bar called Lime Lounge Cocktail Bar upstairs, where you can continue your long, lazy lunch and take in the sunset.

Lime Lounge Cocktail Bar - One visit Nestled within the Marina Bay Luxury Resort and Spa, Lime Lounge is a hidden gem in Vlore that offers an unforgettable experience. Perched above the Mandarine Restaurant, this cocktail bar boasts stunning views of the pristine surroundings, inviting you to indulge in post-lunch cocktails while soaking in magnificent sunsets. The panoramic vistas from Lime Lounge are breathtaking, setting the stage for a truly memorable visit. As you relax with a carefully crafted cocktail in hand, the beauty of the scenery enhances every sip. Moreover, Lime Lounge's extensive selection of spirits worldwide ensures that something suits every palate, catering to connoisseurs and adventurous drinkers alike. Overall, Lime Lounge excels in its picturesque setting and delectable cocktails, providing a sophisticated ambience that elevates the entire experience. Whether you're unwinding with loved ones or celebrating a special occasion, Lime Lounge is a haven of tranquillity and indulgence amidst the charm of Vlore's Marina Bay.

Nadagora - Ten Nights Magical luxury log cabins in the forest. We were incredibly overwhelmed when we arrived, and excited by the snow and a white Christmas, we extended our stay to ten nights. The cozy cabins are very well-designed and spacious. A log fire creates a beautiful atmosphere to relax and enjoy the stunning views of snow-capped mountains and the forest. They are fully equipped with everything you need to stay for as long as you like. We were able to cook all the meals. It would be best if you also experienced the dinner the hosts can prepare for you: ample delicious home-cooked food. We opted for the roast lamb, complemented by soup and a tasty dessert. The rooms are very comfortable, and the peaceful surroundings provide a solid night's sleep. The water pressure is excellent, and you enjoy a long, hot shower. Located deep in the Durmitor National Park, it gives a feeling of remoteness, but it is only a 10-minute drive to Zabljak, where you can be sure to find everything you need. We experienced some excellent nature walks and loved trekking through the snow. On your doorstep, you have Taras River Canyon, the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon. The hosts, Vukasin and Luka, are delightful to deal with. Nothing is too much, and they respond quickly. The perfect getaway or a more extended stay, you won't be disappointed in choosing Nadgora!