Enchanting landscapes that blend mountain and sea, well-preserved medieval towns, picturesque harbors and lace-like shores on the Adriatic. Montenegro is a small country of great beauty.
Montenegro is a small Balkan country bordering Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the east and Albania to the south. It became an independent state only in 2006 and has an area almost 10 times smaller than that of Greece.
With rare natural riches and gorgeous landscapes that blend mountain and sea, charming medieval towns, luxurious resorts, vibrant nightlife, cosmopolitan marinas, and restaurants where you can savor superb local food and wine, Montenegro has evolved in recent years into an alluring travel destination. Its no coincidence they call it the Monte Carlo of the Balkans.
Kotor: At Europes southernmost «fjord»
The capital and largest city is Podgorica, built at the confluence of the Moraca and Ribnica rivers. However, the most famous - perhaps even the most beautiful - town in Montenegro is Kotor, a picturesque seaside city with a harbor encircled by walls and Venetian influences in its architecture, listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Bay of Kotor, known as Europes southernmost «fjord», is one of the most intricately indented stretches of the Adriatic coastline.
Your attention will be drawn to the Baroque and Renaissance churches, the stone mansions, and the only Cat Museum in Europe! After wandering the enchanting maze of the Old Town, you can climb to Sveti Ivan Castle, which rises above the city offering breathtaking views.
Perast: A postcard-perfect town
A few kilometers from Kotor lies Perast, a small, picture-perfect town that is also well worth a visit. It is nicknamed the "Venice of Kotor" due to its sixteen Baroque palaces and churches. Make a stop at the towns small museum before taking the boat to visit Sveti Dorde (Island of St. George) and the man-made islet Gospa od Skrpjela with the Baroque church of Our Lady of the Rocks.
Budva: The cosmopolitan one
The countrys most cosmopolitan resort is Budva, with a beautiful Old Town, white sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife. On the main square of the Old Town stands the Church of St. John, while as you stroll the narrow lanes youll discover small squares, most with a little church. The stone-built houses mostly host shops, inviting cafés,restaurantsand guesthouses. Budva has some of the most beautiful beaches on the southern Adriatic. The uninhabited islet of St. Nicholas, located opposite Budvas Old Town, also boasts lovely sandy beaches.
At a distance of 5 km from Budva lies the islet of Sveti Stefan, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. Once a fishing village, it was later transformed into a luxurious resort of the Aman chain and today welcomes crowds of visitors.
Herceg Novi: The little gem
Close to the border with Croatia, Herceg Novi is a small seaside town that will charm you. Among its most important sights are the Forte Mare castle built by Bosnian King Tvrtko I in 1382, a clock tower built by the Austrians in the 19th century, the Serbian Church of the Archangel Michael on the central square, and the 16th-century Ottoman Kanli Kula fortress, which in summer hosts various engaging festivals in its open-air amphitheater. Drop down to the bustling little harbor by the sea to enjoy your meal, visit the Blue Cave on the nearby Luštica peninsula, and climb up to the ancient village of Žlijebi, perched 700 meters above the sea and offering views across the entire Montenegrin coast.
Lake Skadar: At the largest lake in the Balkans
Among the countrys top attractions is Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, which lies on the border of Montenegro and Albania, a short distance from the eastern Adriatic coast. Its southern shores are home to many Orthodox monasteries and small family vineyards, while the lake itself hosts an astonishing variety of birds and wildlife. The best way to explore the lake is to rent a kayak from the picturesque lakeside town of Virpazar. For a lovely day trip, drive along the southern shore through small fishing villages before stopping for a swim at the sandy Murići beach.
