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Montenegro is a rustic that I like deeply. There are such a lot of cool issues to do in Montenegro, but most vacationers solely take a fast journey to the Bay of Kotor earlier than leaving the nation once more.
However in the event you select to remain in Montenegro for longer, I promise you that you just’ll be amazed. This nation is knock-you-over beautiful, with craggy gray-green mountains protecting the panorama all the best way to the coast’s beautiful seashores. Should you like vivid teal lakes, scintillating peaks, and beautiful fjords, Montenegro is for you.
And that’s why I maintain coming again. I’ve visited Montenegro thrice, I’ve traversed the whole Montenegrin coast between the Albanian and Croatian borders, and I’ve skilled the inland wonders in addition to the famed shoreline. This nation has a lot to supply!
Please don’t simply go to Kotor for the day from Croatia. Keep for longer. Check out these 30 greatest issues to do in Montenegro — as a result of I believe you’re going to adore it right here.
(Planning a visit to Montenegro? Make sure to try my final information to Montenegro journey!)
This put up was revealed in September 2023.
Get Misplaced within the Partitions of Outdated City Kotor
If there’s any vacation spot that brings vacationers to Montenegro, it’s Kotor. This city on the Bay of Kotor has dotted hundreds of postcards, however it’s greater than only a fairly place. The Pure and Culturo-Historic Area of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Website — certainly one of solely two in Montenegro.
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Kotor is solely wander round — stroll town partitions, stroll into the numerous church buildings, get misplaced within the twisted alleyways. You may go to the Kotor Cats Museum in the event you’d like, or take a fast swim from Kotor’s seashore (extra of a cement platform, as is widespread in Kotor Bay).
The perfect time of day to discover Kotor’s outdated city by far is very first thing within the morning. That is once you’ll get to expertise town freed from crowds, and see locations opening up for the day. Be the primary particular person to get breakfast at a restaurant on the sq., and make sure to take all of the images you possibly can. At the moment of day, Kotor is magical.
Additionally, do you know that I used to be haunted by a ghost for 3 days in Kotor? True story.
Hike to St. John’s Fortress for the View of a Lifetime
My absolute favourite factor to do in Montenegro is to absorb the view of the Bay of Kotor from St. John’s Fortress, very first thing within the morning. Climbing to St. John’s Fortress is an absolute should for anybody staying in Kotor, and also you’ll in all probability get your favourite images of your journey right here.
The hike begins at Kotor’s metropolis partitions and continues upwards. You need to enable about 90 minutes to 2 hours for this hike, not together with the time you spend on the high. Whereas it’s a reasonably straightforward hike, it’s largely stairs.
However what an unbelievable reward you get on the high, watching the dawn flip every thing from grey to gold. From right here, you’ll be sure that Montenegro is probably the most lovely nation on the earth.
I strongly suggest doing this early within the morning, particularly in the event you go to in the summertime months, as it is going to be a lot cooler and also you’ll get to see golden mild slowly spill into the beautiful bay. (Added bonus — go early sufficient and you’ll simply stroll in. No one shall be there to take your cash.)
Are you able to do the hike at different instances of day? After all. Simply know that mountain climbing noon shall be torturously sizzling mid-summer and by late afternoon, the bay is filled with shadows, making it a lower than perfect view from this angle.
Admission for the hike to the Fortress is 8 EUR ($8.50 USD) and the doorway is by North Gate — search for the indicators. There’s an alternate route known as the Ladder of Kotor that’s obtainable within the low season and has free entry.
Go rafting in Tara Canyon
I’m satisfied that Tara Canyon is among the most spectacular locations on the earth to raft. Situated in Durmitor Nationwide Park within the northwest of the nation, the great thing about this canyon — the deepest canyon in Europe, and second deepest canyon on the earth after the Grand Canyon — is nearly otherworldly. The canyon is rocky and grey, inexperienced tufts of timber spouting up all through. The river floats alongside in clear, jewel-toned teal.
Be part of a gaggle, get suited up and helmeted, and also you’re prepared for an epic river run!
Know that in the event you’re on the lookout for whitewater circumstances on the River Tara, aiming for late spring or early summer time is your greatest wager. I went in early June and there was plenty of enjoyable whitewater motion. Later within the yr, it’s extra of a enjoyable and energetic float, however it’s no much less beautiful.
You may ebook a Tara Canyon day journey from Kotor right here. Should you’re already in Durmitor and desire a extra intense journey, you possibly can ebook this 5-6 hour rafting journey from Žabljak.
And if that’s not sufficient journey for you, how about some zip-lining? Loads of firms provide zip-lining throughout Tara Canyon, making it one more method to get pleasure from the great thing about the canyon. (Should you can handle to maintain your eyes open, that’s!)
Marvel at Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is the island that dots a thousand Pinterest boards — a tiny islet of densely packed stone properties topped with orange roofs, linked to the beach-lined mainland by causeway. What even occurs there?
Through the Golden Age of Hollywood, stars flocked to this resort in Yugoslavia. Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Marilyn Monroe have been among the many tiny island’s guests. Submit-Yugoslavia, the resort fell into disrepair till it was revived as soon as once more.
As we speak this island is dwelling to the Aman Sveti Stefan resort, which is at present beneath reworking. You may’t go to the island until you’re a lodge visitor. (Imagine me, I attempted to speak my approach in in 2012. It didn’t work.)
Sveti Stefan is definitely the title of the city, not simply the island. And its a pleasant little place with a stunning stretch of golden sand (simply ignore the costly seashores proper by the island). There’s not a ton to do right here, however you possibly can chill out on the seashore with a view of the island, have lunch overlooking the island, or take images of the island at a number of angles.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to be at Sveti Stefan for sundown as soon as. A few of my favourite Montenegro images EVER have been taken that night time.
Should you’d quite go to Sveti Stefan on a day tour, this tour from Kotor or Budva consists of Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Stari Bar, and Outdated City Budva.
Take out a Boat on Lake Skadar
Head south to Lake Skadar, certainly one of Montenegro’s pure gems. This immense lake — the biggest lake within the Balkans, the truth is — is split between Montenegro and Albania. The lake is beautiful to have a look at, surrounded by karst mountains and edged with wetlands.
Taking a ship out right here is among the greatest methods to expertise the lake. Should you’re driving to Lake Skadar your self, cease in the primary city of Virpazar and ebook a ship tour. From right here you’ll have an up shut and private have a look at what makes this lake an essential habitat within the Balkans.
Skadar Lake Nationwide Park is particularly recognized for its wildlife. It’s a haven for birders, with greater than 260 species of chicken life right here, together with the endangered Dalmatian pelican. There are additionally tortoises, snakes, quite a lot of aquatic animals, and even wolves in winter!
Lake Skadar is a well-liked day journey all through Montenegro and is most simply accessible from Podgorica, although it’s also possible to discover day journeys from Kotor and different standard locations. Lots of these excursions will embrace a cease at a neighborhood vineyard for wine, rakija, goat cheese, pršut (prosciutto), and no matter implausible Montenegrin fruits are in season!
You may ebook a two-hour boat journey on Lake Skadar right here, or be a part of The Nice Montenegro tour from Kotor, which has a cease in Skadar.
Get pleasure from quiet tranquility in Perast
Kotor would possibly get all the eye for being a surprising walled metropolis on the Bay of Kotor — however the tiny metropolis of Perast (inhabitants: 300) could be even higher. In reality, I think about it one of the vital beautiful cities on the Adriatic Sea, but with out the crowds that swamp so most of the others.
Most vacationers come to Perast to go to Our Girl of the Rocks, a church on a tiny island near the city. Regardless of this main attraction, most Perast vacationers are inclined to get out and in with out lingering for lengthy, and by night, it’s splendidly quiet.
Right here in Perast you possibly can go to a small native historical past museum, swim within the Bay of Kotor on concrete Perast “seashores,” pattern native Montenegrin wines and produce, and dine with an unforgettable view on the waterfront.
I used to at all times keep in Kotor, however on my most up-to-date journey, I stayed in Perast as a substitute. 4 nights right here wasn’t too lengthy in any respect — it made a implausible base for exploring the bay, and made a splendidly tranquil place to come back again to every day.
And if it begins to really feel a bit of too quiet for you in Perast, there’s a beachfront bar known as PIRATES that events all day lengthy!
Hike the Trails of Durmitor Nationwide Park
Durmitor Nationwide Park is certainly one of Montenegro’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites, and as quickly as you see its unbelievable mountains and glacial lakes, you’ll perceive why. This a part of the north of Montenegro is lauded for its biodiversity, and it manages to remain at nice temperatures even when it’s roasting on the coast.
Whereas most Durmitor hikers stick with the hourlong hike round Black Lake, there’s plenty of alternative for extra intense mountain climbing. The park has greater than 200 kilometers of mountain climbing trails, with choices for novices to superior hikers.
Should you actually wish to conquer Montenegro, think about mountain climbing Bobotov Kuk, the best peak within the northern a part of the nation at 2,523 meters. This 11.4-km hike takes six to seven hours and finishes with views of Montenegro and past, all the best way to the ocean.
For one thing much less intense however nonetheless a strong problem, think about mountain climbing Mount Prutaš. This mountain is a 4-5 hour, 9 km hike, and has fabulous views all through, together with Bobotov Kuk and the Skrka Lakes. Not dangerous in any respect for a day hike!
Discover Stari Bar
You will have heard of Bar, the favored seashore city in southern Montenegro — however what about Stari Bar, or Outdated Bar? This was the unique settlement, three kilometers from the place Bar is positioned at this time.
Stari Bar was initially a Roman settlement, and was fought over bitterly for hundreds of years. As soon as conquered by the Venetians, then the Serbians, Hungarians, and the Ottoman Empire, the city was destroyed within the Montenegrin-Ottoman warfare in 1877. In 1979, an earthquake shattered the aqueduct, resulting in the development of the brand new Bar city on the coast.
All that being stated — no, Stari Bar shouldn’t be a ghost city! Montenegrins have moved again to the environment in recent times, in newly constructed buildings. However the enjoyable right here is strolling across the historic ruins and seeing this city because it was once.
You may go to the stays of the aqueduct, a fortress, a number of church buildings, and even a Turkish bathtub (because of the years of Ottoman rule). It’s a outstanding place to go to, tucked into the mountains.
Stari Bar is about an hourlong uphill stroll from Bar. Too sizzling for that? You may seize a taxi for round 5 EUR ($5 USD).
Should you’d quite go to Stari Bar on a day tour, this tour from Kotor or Budva consists of Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Stari Bar, and Outdated City Budva.
Discover Your Excellent Seaside in Budva
Should you’re on the lookout for a seashore city with one thing for everybody, head to Budva. This resort city has lengthy been a tourism mainstay in Montenegro, particularly for Russians. For good and dangerous, Budva has all of it — a cute little outdated city, tons of high-rise buildings (by Montenegrin requirements, not less than), pulsating nightlife, and loads of gentle sand and seashore actions.
Should you like your Montenegro seashore with plenty of facilities, head to Greco Seaside, proper in central Budva, or Bečići Seaside, additional south in Zavala. These seashores have your chairs, your eating places, and your high-rise resorts shut by.
Personally, I’m a fan of Jaz Seaside, which is a little more faraway from the insanity of central Budva, however nonetheless with sufficient eating places, bars, and lodging choices. It’s surrounded by beautiful cliffs and feels extra remoted.
And in the event you like your seashore with a view of an ideal little Adriatic outdated city, head to Mogren Seaside, which has a pleasant view of the Budva Outdated City (typically known as a “child Dubrovnik” because of its orange roofs, beachside location, and small dimension).
Need extra seashore choices? The Budva Riviera stretches southward and will get a bit extra reasonably priced the additional you go.
Breathe within the Air at Biogradska Gora Nationwide Park
Biogradska Gora Nationwide Park is fairly off the crushed path so far as issues to do in Montenegro go — the smallest of Montenegro’s nationwide parks, it’s positioned close to Kolašin in Jap Montenegro. And it occurs to be one of many final remaining virgin rainforests in all of Europe.
Right here you possibly can go to Biograd Lake, a glacial lake casting excellent reflections of the encompassing forest, and hike the peaks of Zekova and Crna Glava. A shorter, 3.5-kilometer hike across the lake is an effective possibility for individuals who don’t wish to decide to a complete mountain!
However for an actual journey, think about staying in a katun — a standard Montenegrin shepherd’s hut — for the night time. There are many them in Biogradska Gora, and at this time they function lodging for tenting hikers.
You may get tickets to Biogradska Gora right here, or be a part of a tour that features each Biogradska Gorda and Lake Skadar in a single day.
Go to the Outdated Royal Capital of Cetinje
Podgorica could be the capital of Montenegro as of late, however the fairly capital of Montenegrin yesteryear is value a go to. And a a lot nicer place, to be sincere. And extra photogenic. With extra issues to do.
Cetinje was based within the fifteenth century and have become the capital of Montenegro in 1878, till it was moved to Podgorica (then known as Titograd) in 1946. However to this present day, it’s full of lovely structure in-built its heyday.
If there’s anybody place it is best to go to in Cetinje, it’s Cetinje Monastery. Constructed to honor St. Peter of Cetinje, it’s one of the vital essential monuments within the nation. The church is devoted to the Blessed Virgin, and it even holds the precise hand of St. John the Baptist (besides the final two fingers, that are purportedly in numerous church buildings all over the world).
The Nationwide Museum of Montenegro can also be positioned right here. It’s a fancy of 5 points of interest altogether, and one ticket offers you admission to all: the Historic Museum of Montenegro, Ethnographic Museum of Montenegro (particularly good for conventional Montenegrin costume!), Inventive Museum of Montenegro, King Nikola’s Palace, and Biljarda, Museum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš.
Cetinje’s major drag has a lot of cute cafes — a pleasant spot to chill out and gasoline up in your subsequent cease.
Cetinje is definitely accessible from Podgorica and Bar — or you possibly can be a part of the Nice Montenegro Tour from Kotor, a preferred day tour that features a cease in Cetinje.
Go to Our Girl of the Rocks
As you drive across the Bay of Kotor, two little islands will seem within the nook of your eye. These islands are tiny, set within the nonetheless teal bay — but every is simply giant sufficient to carry a chapel.
These artifical islands are Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Girl of the Rocks) and Sveti Đorđe (St. George), and each are a part of the city of Perast. Legend has it that centuries in the past, native fishermen discovered a picture of Madonna and Little one right here and thus constructed these islands, one stone at a time. Each July 22 at sundown, Perast locals throw stones into the ocean, an occasion known as fašinada.
Whereas Sveti Đorđe isn’t open to the general public, Our Girl of the Rocks welcomes guests. The church comprises 68 work by native Perast artist Tripo Kokolja, and also you get unbelievable views of Perast and the opposite island.
Boats depart constantly from the Perast waterfront to Our Girl of the Rocks; most excursions are round 5 EUR ($5.50 USD) and embrace free parking. If coming from Kotor, you possibly can mix your go to with a visit to the Blue Cave and the submarine tunnel on this boat tour.
Stand Tall at Lovćen Nationwide Park
Should you’re on the lookout for lovely views, nature, historical past, and a respite from the warmth all in a single day, check out Lovćen Nationwide Park! This pure wonderland within the Dinaric Alps is a fabulous escape a stone’s throw from the coastal resorts.
Mount Lovćen really gave Montenegro its title (Crna Gora, or Black Mountain) — this mountain appeared within the mist, darkened by dense evergreen forests.
On the summit you possibly can get pleasure from probably the greatest views of the nation, overlooking the Bay of Kotor from excessive above. There are many mountain climbing trails to get pleasure from, in addition to biking trails, quad-bike journeys, zip-lining, and you’ll even ski right here within the winter.
Additionally on the summit is Njegoš Mausoleum: the tomb of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, Prince-Bishop of Montenegro who dominated the nation from 1830-1851, till his dying at age 37. Njegoš was a poet and thinker who led the nation with bravery, fought the Turks, and introduced Montenegro into the trendy age.
Njegoš’s dwelling village, now known as Njeguši, is on the sting of the park and is value a go to for its njeguški pršut — smoky prosciutto dried and hung to age from ceilings. It’s value a cease on the best way again!
You may go to Lovćen Nationwide Park by yourself, or ebook a tour. The Nice Montenegro Day Tour from Kotor features a cease in Lovćen.
Dance all night time at Sea Dance Competition
EXIT Competition is among the best-known music festivals in Europe, rocking Belgrade till daybreak every summer time. However you understand what EXIT additionally places on? Sea Dance, a multi-day music pageant on the seashore in Budva, Montenegro!
Sea Dance encompasses a enjoyable and attention-grabbing mixture of acts, each big worldwide stars and many area of interest artists, all at totally different levels on Jaz Seaside in Budva.
I attended Sea Dance in 2015 and it was probably the greatest events I’ve ever been to! There’s nothing like dancing to unbelievable music beside the Adriatic Sea, free to leap in and take a dip everytime you need.
The 2023 Sea Dance pageant passed off in Krk, Croatia, however it ought to be returning to Budva in 2024.
Test Out Ostrog Monastery
Should you’re making the lengthy drive between the Montenegrin coast and Durmitor Nationwide Park, Ostrog Monastery is a cease nicely value making. This seventeenth century Serbian Orthodox monastery is constructed into the encompassing cliffs and makes for implausible images.
This monastery consists of two totally different buildings: the Higher Monastery and the Decrease Monastery. The Higher Monastery is dwelling to lovely frescoes, the stays of St. Basil of Ostrog and a vine that miraculously grows from rock; the Decrease Monastery largely serves as lodging for monks.
I like to recommend avoiding Ostrog Monastery on summer time weekends if attainable. My husband and I occurred to be there on an August Sunday and it was stuffed with locals making a pilgrimage. It was extremely crowded and features have been lengthy. I’d goal for a weekday in the event you’re visiting in the summertime.
Know that the street right here has a LOT of switchbacks, and there could also be standstill site visitors nearer to the highest. Modest costume is required, so seize your giant scarf and canopy out of your shoulders to your knees. Girls are inspired to cowl their heads, however this isn’t required.
You are able to do an Ostrog Monastery tour, or do a Durmitor Nationwide Park and Ostrog Monastery mixture our from Kotor.
See the Mosaics of Risan
The city of Risan, simply north of Perast, is among the underdogs of the Bay of Kotor. It doesn’t get almost the eye of Kotor or its neighbors. That stated, Risan has one thing particular to supply — the remnants of historic Roman villas, the place the unique mosaics stay at this time.
In Risan there was a villa urbana, a kind of Roman villa that was in the course of town, courting again to the second century. Risan was then known as Rhisinium and was a part of Illyricum within the Roman Empire. The villa was found in Risan in 1930, when Cetinje Museum director Dusan Vuksan got here throughout the stays.
As you stroll by the villa, you possibly can go to seven rooms that also comprise immaculately preserved mosaics. The mosaics listed here are largely black, white, and grey in geometric formations, although there are additionally some extra colourful shows, together with a vibrant mosaic of Hypnos, the Roman god of sleep.
These mosaics alone are cause to cease in Risan — which has potential to turn out to be an excellent greater journey vacation spot sooner or later. As for now, it’s a cease on the hop-on-hop-off bus in Montenegro, and I’ll be watching what occurs right here over the following few years.
Take the In a single day Prepare from Bar to Belgrade
The Balkans usually are not recognized for his or her epic prepare rides — on this a part of Europe, trains are typically inefficient, in the event that they exist in any respect. However one particular prepare journey takes within the beautiful corners of Montenegro, from the coast all the best way as much as Serbia.
By now you’ve heard me extolling the great thing about Montenegro almost nonstop, and also you expertise it right here as nicely. The Montenegrin portion of the journey between Bar and Bijelo Polje is breathtaking. That is the type of prepare journey the place you lean out the window along with your digital camera the entire time (maintain on tight!).
You may take the prepare from Bar to Belgrade or vice versa, and every course has each a morning departure and a night departure. However the very best surroundings by far is in Montenegro.
The journey between Bar and Belgrade prices round 24 EUR ($26 USD) one-way. On high of that, you pay 3 EUR for a daytime seat, 6 EUR ($6.50 USD) for an evening couchette, 15 EUR ($16 USD) for a mattress in a three-bed sleeper, and 20 EUR ($21) for a mattress in a two-bed sleeper.
This prepare additionally stops within the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica en route. Should you’re not up for the total in a single day journey, why not benefit from the hourlong journey between Bar and Podgorica?
Word that tickets for this prepare have to be booked in particular person on the prepare station — you possibly can’t ebook on-line.
Discover the Outdated City of Herceg Novi
Once you drive into Montenegro from Croatia, Herceg Novi is the primary main city you see — a golden horn of seashore surrounded by condo buildings internet hosting company from overseas. However along with its standing as a contemporary seashore hub, Herceg Novi additionally has a beautiful outdated city value exploring.
Herceg Novi, whose outdated metropolis dates again to 1382, has a multicultural historical past, having been conquered by the Venetians, the Spaniards, the French, the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire, and extra.
Don’t miss the clock tower on Nikola Dzhurkovic Sq.. In Ottoman instances, this clock confirmed the Muslim name to prayer. Herceg Stefan Vukic Sq. is an attractive a part of the outdated city with a lot of cafes, excellent for grabbing your mid-afternoon caffeine repair. And there are many slender streets full of stone homes, embellished with inexperienced shutters.
No matter you do, put on good strolling sneakers. Herceg Novi is usually known as the “metropolis of a thousand steps,” and super-tall staircases adorn the outdated city.
Eat Oysters and Mussels Pulled from the Sea
As you drive alongside the Bay of Kotor, you’ll see a lot of mussel and oyster farms, their nets within the water. And guess what? Lots of these seafood farms have tiny eating places the place they dish up freshly ready dishes that have been swimming once you arrived.
Don’t count on a flowery menu at these locations — it is going to be fundamental. Oysters and mussels. Bread. Perhaps fried fish or French fries. Water, wine, and beer. However the freshness of the seafood, mixed with the idyllic setting on the bay, is what makes this memorable.
You’ll discover these farms positioned everywhere in the Bay of Kotor — if they’ve a restaurant, they are going to have an indication. One which I loved not too long ago was a couple of 10-minute stroll north of the city of Perast, merely known as “Oysters mussels farm” on Google Maps.
Keep in a River Home in Ulcinj
The seashore city of Ulcinj is about as south as you possibly can go in Montenegro. Consequently, Ulcinj has a distinct taste than most of Montenegro — you’ll discover mosques among the many church buildings and the Albanian language on indicators.
Ulcinj is a well-liked seashore getaway for each Albanians and Montenegrins — a bit scruffier and less expensive than the Budva Riviera, but nonetheless a lot of enjoyable.
However Ulcinj additionally has the Buna River along with the Adriatic Sea — and this river is lined with spectacular trendy properties that you would be able to lease for a fraction of the value you’d pay on the Bay of Kotor.
Take a look at Sundown 1&2 Bojana, Hakuna Matata Flats, and Kucica Na Adi Bojani simply to see what Ulcinj has on provide.
Discover Black Lake
Black Lake (Crno Jezero) is dwelling to one of the vital well-known spots in Durmitor Nationwide Park — a clean lake surrounded by forest, tall mountains overhead. Situated a brief distance from the city of Žabljak, this can be a good spot to spend just a few hours.
I like to recommend heading to Black Lake very first thing within the morning — the sunshine shall be excellent for images, and it is going to be quiet and nonetheless. That, and also you’ll have a significantly better likelihood of getting a ship rental.
Climbing across the lake is a should. The hike is about 3.5 kilometers and goes round each of the lakes that make up black lake: Veliko Jezero (Huge Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake). I’d classify the hike as average for probably the most half, however there are just a few spots that require a little bit of scrambling! Altogether it ought to take 60-90 minutes.
Should you’re up for extra of a hike, a number of longer hikes hook up with Black Lake.
Apart from the mountain climbing, Black Lake is a nice place to spend the day. There’s a restaurant on website, and there are kayaks and rowboats can be found for lease. You may even stroll right here in the event you’d like — it’s simply three kilometers from Žabljak.
Should you’d quite see Black Lake on a day journey from Kotor or Budva, you possibly can ebook this Durmitor day journey right here.
Have a Enjoyable Day in Petrovac
If any vacation spot in Montenegro goes to turn out to be extra well-known over the following few years, I predict it’s Petrovac. This seashore city is east of Sveti Stefan — technically a part of the Budva Riviera, however so removed from Budva’s music-blasting golf equipment that it feels worlds away.
Petrovac’s seashore is small however good, hemmed in by lush forest on either side. Whereas most individuals come right here for seashore time, the outdated city has some good sights, together with church buildings and fairly stone buildings. Don’t miss the sundown from Kastio Fortress.
Should you’re trying to discover nature, there’s a good hike from Petrovac to the close by city of Reževići. The path begins behind the Danica Lodge and ends on a quiet seashore.
And in the event you’re up for a spa day, Annina Wellness on the Lodge Ami Budva Petrovac is a splendidly luxe spot, providing massages and physique remedies, plus entry to a sauna and each indoor and outside swimming pools.
Should you’d quite go to Petrovac on a day tour, this tour from Kotor or Budva consists of Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Stari Bar, and Outdated City Budva.
Spend a Day at Sveti Nikola
Montenegro doesn’t have plenty of islands — that’s fairly totally different from its northern neighbor, Croatia — however one island that refuses to be ignored is Sveti Nikola. A part of the Budva Riviera, Sveti Nikola is the biggest island in Montenegro and a preferred day journey from close by Budva.
The island is simply two kilometers lengthy, however it’s bought a stunning quantity to discover. Seashores dominate the northwest nook of the island, whereas wild deer and different animals populate the inside. There are mountain climbing trails, and the southern fringe of the island is a well-liked spot for sundown.
You may rent a day mattress for the day, or hit up one of many few cafes on the island for some eats. Personal boat drivers can take you to quieter seashores alongside the island’s southern coast.
Most individuals go to Sveti Nikola (also referred to as Školj, or St. Nicholas’s Island) for the day from Budva, taking a taxi boat there and again. Return tickets value 5 EUR ($5 USD).
Discover Podgorica
I’ll be sincere: Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, gained’t be on the listing of greatest European capitals anytime quickly. It gained’t even be on the listing of greatest Balkan capitals anytime quickly. (I’ve bought plenty of love for Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Tirana particularly.)
However in the event you’ve bought a while to spend within the capital of Montenegro, there are locations to see! The Millennium Bridge is a feat of engineering that makes for good images. The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a Serbian Orthodox Church with lovely mosaics on the within. Take a look at the Outdated Bridge on the Ribnica River, and there are many cafes, in true Balkan fashion.
In any other case, Podgorica makes base for visiting Lake Skadar and Cetinje, in the event you don’t really feel like staying within the metropolis. Altogether, you could have my blessing to skip Podgorica in the event you’re not likely feeling it.
Go to the Blue Cave
Italy has its Blue Grotto on Capri; Croatia has its Blue Cave on the island of Vis — isn’t there one thing for Montenegro? Properly, you’re in luck! The Blue Cave of Montenegro is positioned on the Luštica Peninsula on the Bay of Kotor.
The Blue Cave (Plava Splija) is full of reflective blue mild at sure instances of day when the solar shines in on the proper angle. Remember the fact that the Blue Cave can’t be visited if it’s too windy; sadly, I missed out on lacking the Blue Cave resulting from climate.
This boat tour from Kotor features a go to to the Blue Cave with time to swim and snorkel, in addition to a submarine tunnel, and a cease on the island of Our Girl of the Rocks earlier than returning dwelling.
Go Snowboarding within the Winter
Sure, you possibly can go snowboarding in Montenegro! It’s simply probably the greatest issues to do in Montenegro within the winter!
The preferred ski resort in Montenegro is Kolasin 1450, positioned close to Kolasin and Biogradska Gora Nationwide Park in northeast Montenegro. Right here the slopes are mild sufficient for inexperienced persons, with some wilder choices for extra skilled skiers. One other close by resort is Kolasin 1600.
Durmitor Nationwide Park can also be standard for snowboarding. Savin Kuk is a resort close to the nationwide park, and the city of Žabljak makes a comfy place to stick with a lot of eating choices. One other close by resort is Javorovača.
And snowboarding in Montenegro generally is a cut price. Right here it’s going to value you a fraction of what you’d pay for the same expertise in, say, Austria or Italy.
Schmooze with Yachties at Porto Montenegro
Should you’re on the lookout for the luxurious facet of Montenegro journey, head to Porto Montenegro in Tivat. This waterfront space is the place the most important yachts dock in the course of the summer time months, and also you’ll discover loads of eating places and nightlife spots catering to those moneyed guests.
Hit up the eating places for some Mexican or Chinese language meals (arduous to search out in Montenegro!), window-shop at Dior or Bulgari, or head to the health club for Zumba or yoga courses. You by no means know — you might end up in savasana subsequent to one of many Actual Housewives.
And for the last word Instagram images, head to Buddha-Bar Seaside. Lounge by their fancy palm tree-lined pool by day, main straight as much as Kotor Bay, or get together all night time because the DJs and performers arrive.
Oh, and for all my fellow Under Deck followers — they’ve by no means filmed a Med or Crusing season in Montenegro. However isn’t it time they did?!
Drive or Bike the Kotor Serpentine
Simply exterior Kotor on the best way up Lovćen Mountain, you’ll discover what I consult with as a “squiggly” — a super-curvy street. This steep, curvy street climbs the mountain for 8.3 kilometers, and has 16 switchback turns.
Should you’ve ever pushed down Lombard Avenue in San Francisco, and want it have been on an precise mountain, that is the place for you! Loads of folks make the drive up the serpentine, and you’re feeling so achieved when you get to the highest and take your images.
However for much more of an adrenaline rush, you possibly can bike the Kotor Serpentine. This biking tour features a stint on the serpentine — fortunately solely downhill! — and in addition consists of time to do a zipline in the event you’re up for it.
Regardless of wanting intimidating, the biking journey is lots smoother than it appears to be like (although it’s greatest for knowledgeable cyclists).
See all of it in a day on the Nice Montenegro Tour
Quick on time? That’s okay. Not everybody has the time to do a protracted Montenegro street journey. However what in the event you might knock a number of of this stuff off the listing directly?
In this standard day tour from Kotor, you possibly can cowl a number of of the very best issues to do in Montenegro in a single day. Drive the Kotor Serpentine as much as Lovćen Nationwide Park, Njegusi village and Njegoš Mausoleum. Cease by the monuments of Cetinje and head to Lake Skadar for a ship journey by the water lilies. End with a photograph cease at Sveti Stefan.
Should you’re the type of traveler who enjoys having a whistle-stop tour of locations (maybe so you possibly can return and discover your favourite locations in additional depth?), this can be a smart way to absorb some locations in Montenegro that you just wouldn’t go to in any other case.
Extra on Montenegro:
Extra on the Balkans:
Have you ever been to Montenegro? What are your ideas? Share away!
