There’s a Certain Glow to Montenegro

From the top of a mountain to an underground river, Montenegro is filled with exciting geography. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach or zipline over canyons, this is the place to go!

The Adriatic Sea is as blue as the sky

Located in South-eastern Europe, Montenegro is a small country with a population of just 630,000. It has 293km of coastline along the Adriatic Sea, 73km of which are beaches. Even though there are around 120 beautiful beaches, Montenegro is named after its fiercely rugged mountains. In Italian. “Montenegro” means “Dark Mountains”.

Montenegro history is incredibly eventful. The region was part of the Roman Empire but, as a country its history dates back to the Middle Ages. However, the country didn’t gain its independence from Serbia until 2006, making it one of the youngest countries in the world. Mostly known today for its rich historical sites, relaxing beaches and exciting mountain hikes, all of these beauties combined will give you the ultimate Montenegro experience.

Although the country is relatively small, there are many sites to explore. Here are some of my “must-sees”:

• Kotor Old Town – Built between the 12^th and 14^th centuries, this charming town has plenty to see, such as the San Giovanni Fortress, Saint Tryphon’s Cathedral and Maritime Museum, just to name a few.
• Tara Canyon – Located in the Beautiful Durmitor National Park, this canyon is the second deepest in the world. Enjoy white-water rafting or cliff jumping!

Here’s a Pro-Tip: The Djurdjevica Tara Bridge is one of the best ways to see the canyon. The bridge stands 172 metres above the riverbed.

The Ostrog Monastery hiding in the cliff

• Ostrog Monastery – This popular 17^th Century Monastery is built into the vertical face of a cliff. It is one of the most important religious and pilgrimage sites in Southeast Europe.

• Perast – This pleasant little town is peppered with churches and mystifying ruins. From here, you can take a boat to the beautiful 15^th Century island church Our Lady of the Rocks.
• Skader Lake – Spending a day here includes a bit of history, wildlife and wineries, like the lovely local Winery Mašanović.

This view is your hike’s reward!

Here’s another Pro-Tip: While in the area, take a trip to Doclea or Duklja . This ancient Roman city is now an archaeological site.

• Hikes – Montenegro is known for its unique and beautiful landscape. Some of the most astonishing locations to hike are Lovcen National Park, Mrtvica Canyon and The Moraca Mountains.

There are two airports in Montenegro; Podgorica Airport is near the heart of the country while Tivat Airport is closer to the coast. Additionally, Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia is only 15 minutes away from the Croatia – Montenegro border, so this could be the best choice for you depending on your travel plans. When you arrive, the public bus or a taxi are your best transport options to make your way to the city centre. I would, however, recommend renting a car for your stay. Car rental will allow you the freedom to explore multiple different cities and National Parks on your own time.

My favourite beachy places to stay in Montenegro are the brand new Chedi Lustica Bay, the traditional Hotel Adrovic and Boutique Hotel Casa del Mare. If you would like to have more of a cityscape, I recommend either Hotel Aurel in the capital city of Podgorica or Hotel Villa Duomo in Kortor Old Town. Also located in Kortor is the Astoria Hotel and Hotel Hippocampus, each offering their take on historical glamour. For all of the James Bond fans, perhaps a stay at Merit Casino Royale would suit your fancy! Your stay is complete with an exciting 10^th floor casino visit where you order a Vespa at the bar!

Montenegro is well known for its seafood and cured meats. Konoba Kolibab, Catovica Mlini and Konoba Feral are my top recommendations to try this traditional cuisine. In Kotor, Galion has some of the best seafood and the nearby Che Nova is my go-to for fresh Italian. The festive city of Budva is known for its fabulous dining experiences. Olive, Perla and Langust are among my favourite places to dine in the area.

Montenegro is largely influenced by Italian cuisine

The perfect end to a perfect day

However, food isn’t the only attraction in Budva, in fact, far from it! Budva is known for its bars, cafes and nightlife in general. While in the area, check out Top Hill Club or Trocadero for a night of dancing and delicious cocktails. The Old Fisherman’s Pub and Casper Bar offer a more chilled aesthetic. Other great bars around Montenegro include Green Mill for live music, Sindikat for a classic pub vibe and Pub Galerija for classic rock.

Here’s a Final Pro-Tip: While in the country, make your way to a winery or two to try Montenegro’s fabulous red wine made with Vranac grape.

There is a lot to do and see in The Land of the Black Mountain. Exploring highlands and lowlands never gets old, even the rich history is refreshing!

Love,

Isabella