Nestled between the mountains by the Adriatic Sea is Montenegro. The country offers everything, from picturesque coastal cities to steep mountains, where dark forests and wild karst landscape await. Read these travel tips and get ready to explore deep canyons and fortresses that are remnants of the country’s tumultuous history. Friendly locals wait for you and they really know how to make delicious dishes.
The capital of Montenegro is Podgorica and it’s home to the international airport. The city is located in the central part of the country, making it an excellent opportunity for exploring the whole of Montenegro. One of the city’s major landmarks is the Old Bridge over the Ribnica, which was built by the Romans when the city was founded. Nearby are the ruins of an old fortress. Head to the Plantaže Winery, Europe’s largest single vineyard. Not far from the city, you can find a waterfall on the Cijevna river, which are undoubtedly worth a visit. But it’s worth pointing out that the waterfall’s water flow might not be as strong in the summer and autumn. Lake Skadar can be found nearby, encouraging travellers to explore it. Why not do some exploring of your own on a boat trip where you can observe birds flying above you. You might also spot a pelican. But you’ll definitely get to explore the charming fishing villages. The most popular view of the lake can be enjoyed from the Pavlova Strana viewpoint, from where the Crnojevića river can be seen emptying into the lake. North of Podgorica, the Monastery of Ostrog sits high up in the wall of a cave. It’s one of the most important religious monuments in the Balkans. More than 100,000 worshippers of various religions visit it each year and it’s not unusual if you spot pilgrims climbing up to the monastery barefoot.
Boka Kotorska is one of the world’s most beautiful bay, which is evidenced by the fact that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. It’s composed of numerous small and wide bays that are joined by narrow straits. The contrast between the mountains and the sea is clear and it’s complemented by picturesque villages with palaces and churches. Boka Kotorska is naturally divided into four bays – Herceg Novi, Kotor, Tivat and Risan – all of which are home to eponymous towns. These towns are historical, art and beauty gems and are definitely worth visiting. The centre is the medieval Venetian town of Kotor, which you can visit as part of a guided tour. Get ready to explore numerous squares, churches and fountains. The old San Giovanni Fortress is hidden behind the old town and to reach it, you have to climb up the 1,335 steps. There’s a wonderful view of the surroundings from the top. For a full town experience, I recommend an evening cruise across the bay that includes good food and drinks. Another special adventure is the underwater tour of the bay, which you can experience on a submarine voyage. There are even more options for exploring the surroundings if you opt for a speedboat tour. It includes swimming in a blue cave and a visit to one of the major landmarks in the vicinity – a church standing on an artificial rock islet. Travel tips also include a visit to Perast, a wonderful town full of palaces that once belonged to wealthy sailors. Now they’re home to interesting museums. Among the less touristy towns is Herceg Novi. It’s located at the mouth of the bay and boasts the best beaches. The market, which offers fresh produce from Monday to Saturday, is especially interesting for travellers. To all outdoor enthusiasts I recommend exploring Vrmac, which is abundant in hiking and cycling trails.
Budva is full of attractions. It’s a lively city that has been inhabited for 2,500 years. It’s also famous for its beaches and great nightlife. The little island village is called Sveti Stefan and is connected to the mainland only by a narrow path. The whole village is surrounded by walls and mighty gates that are locked during the night, so be careful not to get locked in.
The most famous Montenegrin mountain, Lovčen, a real national symbol, rises above the Bay of Kotor. It’s part of the eponymous national park. The highest peak reaches 1,657 metres. The slopes are full of karst features, from limestone pavements to caves, which include many of the still undiscovered ones. There are lots of different plant and animal species. The cultural heritage is also very rich, which is evidenced by numerous chapels and churches. Especially famous is the mausoleum of the most renowned Montenegrin ruler and poet, Peter II Petrović-Njegoš, who’s the pride of his people. The 1970s mausoleum is an architectural story in itself. But before you get to the top you need to climb the 461 steps.
The Tara River Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world. For travellers, I recommend whitewater rafting on the numerous rapids and the calmer parts of the river. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the surroundings. You’ll also get to swim in the river whose water has a refreshing temperature of ten degrees Celsius. But if you want to enjoy the best view of this natural attraction, you should visit the concrete Đurđevića Tara Bridge. It rises 172 metres above the river and offers a great opportunity for a drop down the zipline.
The Tara river flows through the Durmitor National Park. The former consists of glacial lakes, limestone mountains and numerous caves. The largest of the lakes is the Black Lake, which is surrounded by tall pine trees and a beautiful hiking trail. A perfect starting point for hiking, cycling or skiing is the town of Žabljak.
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