Scenic, excellent cuisine, a cost-effective, friendly, safe, tourist paradise, restaurants with views, luxury hotels, and accommodation. Historical exploration!
“Keep your thoughts on where your happy place is and you will get in a calm and relaxed state, allowing you to return refreshed and renewed.”
Sayed Ahmed
Content
- one of the 12 Balkan countries
- tiny country
- stunning scenery
- magnificent bowl-shaped valleys
- Mediterranean climate
- Skiing adventure in winter
- Adriatic paradise
- isolated, narrow gorgeous beaches
- quaint, old-fashioned villages
- rebellious history, monuments, historical buildings and churches
- fabulous friendly people
- safe
- hikers utopia
- wonderful farmers market
- tourists delight
- great selection of cuisine
- so economical
Why you must Visit Montenegro
I went over to Montenegro with my son and daughter-in-law and they were so happy and delighted by Montenegro, that they moved there!
Who knew this small, fabulous Balkan country existed? On the one side is the Adriatic Sea; and Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, and Bosnia touch its borders.
Only 628 028 is the current population of the whole country! Small, un-spoilt, and wonderful!
Montenegro, wherever you go is so inexpensive in comparison to the rest of Europe.
Make sure you have your passport with you while out, in case it is checked.
When you fly into the capital, Podgorica, which is a small airport in comparison to other international airports, and leave going out to your destination, you will be surprised that you will travel on their “highway” which you cannot compare to anywhere else in the world. It is not a highway as we know it but a “wider road”. This was my first impression!
Best Coastal Towns to Stay At
Kotor
This is a tourist favorite! It is in the Bay of Kotor. The waters are clear and still. The narrow beaches are close to restaurants with excellent cuisine and helpful friendly staff. The whole city has only a population of 13,520.
Every morning, as I am an early riser, I would stroll with my laptop down the promenade to my “happy” place Chez Nova. Such comfortable seating, outstanding service, the best cappuccino, stunning view, wi-fi, and delicious grub! They also spoke English, so I learned a great deal about Kotor. I tried learning a bit of Serbian but did not have much success.
I could not believe my daily view! Crystal clear water, mountains so enormous, boats and cruise ships coming in daily! Sometimes up to 3 a day.
These incredibly large cruise ships glide down from the sea for an hour before they reach the Bay of Kotor. The passengers can have a crack of dawn tour encounter, viewing all the breathtaking towns, islands rugged mountains, forests, and historical buildings. What an introduction!
The Old Town (Stari Grad) close to the harbor where the tourists come in from the cruise ships, is a huge tourist attraction, and people from all over the world flock to Kotor, just to encounter this ancient civilization which has been preserved.
Explore every nook and cranny of this maze of unique history on foot. Narrow walkways next to huge ancient stone buildings let you meander to souvenir shops, the Cats Museum, primordial churches, St Ryphon Cathedral, restaurants, a variety of shops and boutiques, galleries, and numerous palaces and then meet up at the Square of Arms ( Trg od oruzja).
Cats are very predominant in Kotor. There are organizations that look after and care for them, but they do like you to share a bit of your lunch with them.
Perast
Not far from Kotor, 20 minutes away by road. It is not mentioned often on the best tourist destinations maps, due to the size, but as a senior traveling, you would really appreciate this aged town.
Squeezed between the coast and the mountains, your initial reaction is, what has this town got to offer? You will only be pleasantly surprised!
Although small, the town has 17 Venetian mansions and 16 churches. The one church, St Nicholas (Sveti Nikola) has a bell tower that offers a spectacular view of the bay and the two islets.
Walking down the alleys, which are narrow, you are overcome with the true spirit of the town. Pretty, ancient, but presents many surprises around every corner.
There are numerous hotels, unique in appeal, and wonderful restaurants. Grill Basta “Kod Mene” is one to definitely savor. Cafes are galore with delicious food, bars, and cappuccinos. I judge a restaurant or cafe by the quality of its coffee!
If you would like to swim, rather go to an uncrowded spot Bajova Kulu which is not far from Perast and has its own restaurant and bar.
Close and accessible only by boat are the two islets, St George and Our Lady of the Rocks. St George is a natural islet and is not open to the general tourist, only by special invitation as it is a working monastery.
Our Lady of the Rocks on the other hand is a huge tourist attraction and is quite an event and proficiency to visit. This island was hand-erected with stones and rocks from around the cliff where the symbol of the Virgin kept reappearing. The legend around this initiation of the islet is so fascinating!
I love the way itinary.com explains this story – “
| “Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island created in the XV century. According to the legend, on 22nd July 1452, two brothers from Perast, both fishermen, found an icon of the Virgin with Christ on the sea cliff. They brought it home but tomorrow morning it was gone. It appeared at the same sea cliff, so two brothers took it home one more time. The same thing happened – the icon disappeared again and reappeared on the sea cliff. They understood this as a Virgin’s wish to stay there forever. They vowed to build a church dedicated to this icon of the Virgin, the patron saint of seafarers and fishermen. A small island was made by people from Perast who were throwing rocks and stones around the cliff. In the center of the island, they built a little chapel. For centuries, in a traditional event called Fasinada, held every year on the 22nd of July, they were dropping stones and over time the surface of the island has grown. Now, in the center of the island is a Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks. Fasinada is still held annually. People in a procession of boats drop the stones at the site.” |
On the islet is a church with a museum inside. To me, the most fascinating piece is a 700 cm squared tapestry that was mastered over 25 years ago by a lady who was waiting for her love to return from the sea. She wove this gorgeous tapestry with her own hair, and silver and gold threads. She went blind eventually from all the incredible detail she put in.
There is so much more to view on this historical islet. Visitors also come over from Kotor by boat. Fascinating history!
Budva
Budva is regarded as the tourist “capital” of Montenegro. It must be fantastic for the younger generation, as the bars, clubs, half-naked go-go girls and crowded beaches do cater to the youth. For our generation, I would make sure you book your accommodation away from the nightclubs and busy streets!
It is still a wonderful city. What appeals to me is the historic aspect. The old town (Stari Grad) and stone walls surround it. Churches and museums, theatre and a vibe of ancient history! Appealing in every aspect, from upmarket boutique shops, narrow alleys and restaurants to suit every appetite. I did find the friendliness of staff not as wonderful as in other towns, but it was not all that relevant as the food was awesome!
Dukley Marina is a must-visit. Walk along the promenade and view ships, yachts, catamarans, and every conceivable floating boat you can find. Modern restaurants, spectacular views, and luxury hotels!
There are numerous beaches in Budva. The beach itself is stony with crystal clear waters. Even though there is more stone than sand, the stones are rounded and quite impressive in color.
Sveti Stefan Island is about 6km and stands on the cliff of a rocky island and is southeast of Budva. I adored the beach and view of the island from the shore but never had the privilege of visiting. Only guests of the notable luxurious hotel Aman Sveti Stefan or those with booked restaurant reservations may venture onto the island. The architecture harmonizes with the “feel” of the cobbled streets and surroundings.
We ventured up the winding roads and then stopped for lunch at the Adrovic Restaurant for lunch. Lovely decor, spectacular view, and super grub! I do recommend you pay it a visit.
Porto Montenegro
Porto – Billionaires paradise village and millionaire toys! Yachts that cost a fortune and upmarket luxury accommodation! Such class and luxury for the traveler who sails into the world-class marina! Don’t be scared, although Porto soaks in wealth, I was surprised at the cost. They were not as expensive as I thought they would be.
Superb location to stroll around. So clean and luxurious! Shopping is very modern, and expensive, with boutique shops to browse through and excellent restaurants with very pleasant staff. Murano Restaurant at the Hotel Regent. We just had ginormous chocolate croissants and cappuccinos were out of this world!
Other than the marine spectacular yachts, Porto has very interesting art around every corner.
When we strolled around on the promenade and village, we noticed numerous silver shiny dustbins and then we came across these sculptures! I have never seen anything like this before! I wish I had taken more time and read the plaques. Although in the restaurant Murano at the Regent, they had a red face mounted onto the wall in the dining hall. I wonder if the two are related.
Herceg Novi
Currently, we are staying in Herceg Novi. It is known as the “Sun City” of Montenegro as it receives so much more sunlight than any other town. I am very fond of Herceg Novi and you can read my article on Herceg Novi in Montenegro: living like a Local to give you an in-depth account.
Portonovi
Inland – a mountain, valley, and lake paradise
Durmitor National Park
The mountains are high and rugged, coated with forests. During winter in the northern regions the town of Zabljak, which is the gateway to the Durmitor National Park, is Montenegro’s main skiing resort. This national park is the most accessible, only two and a half hours from the coast.
The National Park is the largest protected area of Montenegro and was formed by glaciers. Rivers and lakes blend the blanket landscape. Gorges, some of the deepest in Europe. A very popular tourist attraction for skiing, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and just pure beauty!
There are many different animals and birds found in this national park. Discover what they are in my article Wildlife of Montenegro: who would guess
Do you love to chase waterfalls? Numerous waterfalls and lakes are found in this national park. Tara Canyon which is about 82 km long, please visit. It is often referred to as the “Grand Canon of Montenegro”. Here you will find thick pine forests and many lakes. If you love adventure, this is the place to go.
Boat tours and river cruises are a must when staying in Kotor. You must experience the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks.
Hotels throughout Montenegro cater to every need and personality! I have suggested some in Recommended Montenegro – Hotels & Accommodation
“Just as if I have returned to town from the most beautiful fairytale of my childhood.” – Sophia Loren