Dwelling to among the continent’s most stunning seashores, a number of UNESCO World Heritage Websites, and nationwide parks frequented by bears and wolves — Montenegro is arguably Europe’s greatest stored secret. There are far fewer crowds right here in comparison with its northern neighbour Croatia, so that you’ll usually have most of the nation’s websites and sights solely to your self — significantly out of season. So, with out additional ado, right here’s our roundup of 14 of the most effective issues to do in Montenegro:
1. Cruise the attractive Bay of Kotor
In the event you’ve heard of Montenegro, then you definately’ll doubtless have heard of the Bay of Kotor. It’s one of many Med’s most hanging landmarks and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website again in 1979. Round 28km (17 mi) lengthy, it’s surrounded by two hanging massifs of the mighty Dinaric Alps — one in all Europe’s most spectacular mountain ranges stretching over 645km (401 mi) in size.
The easiest way to see the bay itself is by way of a ship cruise that takes you throughout the cobalt waters to ‘Our Woman of the Rocks’ — a tiny islet residence to a big Catholic church and accompanying museum. Hearsay has it that the island was created over the centuries by seamen laying rocks right here after every profitable return voyage. The apply continues to this present day at an occasion referred to as fašinada — when native individuals head to the island each July 22 at sundown.
Cruise throughout the Bay of Kotor on: Highlights of Montenegro
2. Hike alongside alpine Balkan borderlines
Lace up your mountaineering boots and prepare to weave your approach by means of essentially the most beautiful alpine surroundings Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo has to supply. As you cross the passes between borders, tasty dinners await you and your mountaineering mates at guesthouse after mountain guesthouse together with in Montenegrin hamlets like Babino Polje. Within the Ropojana Valley, thought of a pure surprise in Montenegro, you’ll discover jagged peaks and pure waterfalls in a valley carved out by an historical glacier. Put together to really feel breathless at way more than simply the stroll itself!
Scale alpine borderlines on: Mountaineering in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro
3. Pattern native eats on Luštica Peninsula
A improbable place to attach with nature, the Luštica Peninsula is ready on the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and residential to secluded coves, medieval fortifications, and tranquil fishing villages. That is the place you’ll get to see the actual Montenegro, as native individuals nonetheless dwell as they’ve for hundreds of years, rising produce delicacies like olives, cheese, wine, prosciutto, and rakija — a fruit brandy thought of the nationwide drink of many Balkan international locations.
It’s an extremely picturesque place and greatest explored on foot, with a set of two wheels, or by way of a ship or kayak — significantly if you wish to see hidden gems just like the ‘Blue Grotto’ cave. If this sounds a bit secluded, you will get your bar and restaurant repair in Luštica Bay — an upmarket spot set round a yacht harbour.
4. Discover Herceg Novi’s historical buildings
Dubbed the ‘Metropolis of the Solar’, Herceg Novi is a charming place well-known for its wonderful climate, historical fortresses, charming squares, and seafood eateries. It’s an ideal spot to spend a couple of days, significantly when you’re a historical past buff. Whereas there’s lots to see and do, the star of the present is arguably Fort Mare — an impressive fortress courting approach again to the thirteenth century. They present occasional open-air cinema screenings and maintain live shows right here sometimes , so it’s value testing what’s on.
It’s additionally value mountaineering up Mount Orjen, whose summit lies at 1893m (6210 ft). There tends to be snow up right here for half the yr, and it’s obtained world-class mountain biking trails too when you’re into one thing much more adventurous. Vineyards abound within the close by countryside, and also you also needs to make your strategy to close by Igalo, with each scorching springs and therapeutic sea mud.
5. Birdwatch within the Balkan’s largest lake
The huge Lake Skadar measures a formidable 400 sq km (154 sq mi), which means it’s formally the Balkans’ largest lake. A serene spot, it’s surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and is famend for being probably the greatest locations in Europe to go birdwatching. Anticipate to see an entire host of water birds right here, together with pygmy cormorants, squacco herons, and endangered Dalmatian pelicans.
In the event you’re trying to discover the smattering of charming villages dotted in regards to the lake, then we’d suggest renting a bicycle. Don’t miss a go to to Vidikovac Godinje — an commentary deck with panoramic vistas over the glittering lake.
6. Wander the tiny city of Perast
The tiny city of Perast is without doubt one of the best-preserved cities on the whole Adriatic Coast, and residential to 17 Baroque church buildings and 19 church buildings. Not dangerous for a spot that may be walked from finish to finish in a matter of minutes. It’s nicely value a go to for historical past buffs, as this UNESCO-listed spot has influences going all the best way again to the Neolithic Interval — in any other case referred to as the ultimate interval of the Stone Age.
Wander round right here and take in the surroundings — possibly cease for a chilly glass of wine or an iced espresso to name off from the noon solar. Talking of the solar, get your self right here for sundown — it’s arguably probably the greatest in the entire of the Adriatic.
7. Hike by means of Lovćen Nationwide Park
Positioned only a stone’s throw from Kotor and a straightforward day journey, Lovćen Nationwide Park is a should on any go to to Montenegro. It holds a particular place within the coronary heart of all Montenegrins, and the towering mountain within the centre, Mount Lovćen, soars to a formidable top of 1,749m (5738 ft).
It’s additionally the ultimate resting place of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš — a PrinceBishop (or monarch), poet, and thinker thought of to have introduced each modernity and centralization to Montenegro throughout his reign. The mausoleum set atop Lovćen — or ‘Black Mountain’ — is nicely value a go to and you may hike the paths right here to take in postcard-like views.
8. Admire yacht life in Porto Montenegro
Now when you’re in search of some glitz and glam, make your strategy to Porto Montenegro in Tivat. Wanting extra like Monaco than Montenegro, it underwent an enormous refurb again in 2009 and 2010 and now attracts the wealthy and well-known — thus, an ideal place for individuals watching.
You may admire the superyachts because the cruise in from the Bay of Kotor, however when you’re in search of some leisure choices, then head to the close by ‘Way of life Village’. Right here you’ll discover a entire gamut of fancy boutiques, eating places, bars, and even a museum.
Discover Tivat and Porto Montenegro on: Montenegro Crusing — Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik
9. Get together til daybreak on the Budva Riviera
Talking of bars, there’s an entire lot of them on the Budva Riviera — a 35km (22 mi) lengthy strip of the glittering Adriatic Coast boasting stunning seashores, a heat local weather, and loads of leisure choices. The epicentre right here is arguably the city of Budva, which is well Montengro’s most-visited spot.
Sure, you’re certain to be sharing it with loads of different individuals — together with many cruise holidaymakers throughout the summer season season — however when you’re trying to let your hair down, then that is the place to do it. There are many locations right here to bounce till daybreak, however you can even tuck into world-class seafood and whereas away the hours on the seaside. Don’t miss a go to to the Stari Grad (Outdated City), residence to the ruins of a Roman-era Necropolis.
10. Get lively in Durmitor Nationwide Park
Arguably one in all Montenegro’s most spectacular areas, there’s lots to see and do on this scenic spot carved out by glaciers. Durmitor Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the final bastions of wilderness in Europe, and synonymous with towering limestone peaks — 48 in truth — shimmering glacial lakes, and intensive pine forests.
It’s a serious ski space come the winter months of December to March — and way more inexpensive than its European counterparts — in addition to a serious area for mountain biking, mountaineering, and wild swimming. There’s loads of wildlife right here too — maintain your eyes peeled for hovering golden eagles, wild boar, newts, chamois, and even brown bears and wolves when you’re fortunate!
Hike in Durmitor Nationwide Park on: Montenegro: Medieval Cities & Mountain Views
11. Tear down the Tara River on a raft
The mighty Tara Canyon is 1300m (4265 ft) at its deepest level, 82km (50.9 mi) lengthy, and billed as ‘The Tear of Europe’. It’s a really magnificent feat of nature, and one of the best ways to see it’s by leaping aboard a white water raft to deal with the rapids of the aquamarine Tara River. At some factors of the yr they attain an adrenaline-inducing class 5. Observe to self — you’ll get soaked!
12. Head off the map in Bijelo Polje
Located in a picturesque valley of the Lim River and surrounded by excessive mountains, the nice city of Bijelo Polje lies in a distant a part of the nation — which means you actually get away from all of it.
You’ll discover no five-star resorts or hordes of vacationers right here — that is the place you’ll discover the nation at its most conventional, so it’s an ideal place for perception into the native lifestyle. There are many caves situated simply outdoors of city, in addition to a number of thermal springs thought to have therapeutic properties. The very best time to come back is arguably spring when chamomile flowers start to blossom — it’s the explanation why the city takes its identify ‘White Subject’ in Serbo-Croatian.
Go to the distant north-east of the nation on: Montenegro & Albania Journey
13. Lounge on the Adriatic’s longest seaside
Beginning to shut out our record of issues to do in Montenegro is a go to to Velika Plaža — which accurately interprets to ‘Lengthy Seashore’. Stretching 13km (8.07 mi) from Bojana to Port Milena, the longest seaside alongside the Adriatic is a beautiful place to relax even when the water is a bit too shallow for swimming. Get lively by making an attempt your hand at one of many many kiteboarding leases or simply sit back on the seaside bars providing a tipple or two after working up a thirst.
14. Tack on a bonus journey to Croatia
Leaving Montenegro and its many charms behind is a tall order however who can resist going massive on the Balkans whenever you’re already within the space? For lively adventurers, small however mighty Croatia is only a stone’s throw away and presents infinite mountaineering, kayaking, and snorkelling alternatives. Chart the beautiful shoreline of Koločep on foot, paddle out in a sea kayak for a singular perspective on Dubrovnik’s iconic partitions, and dive into historical past on the UNESCO-listed websites of Šibenik and Diocletian’s Palace. It’ll get your coronary heart pumping as you fall much more in love with the Balkans than you probably did in Montenegro.
Maintain the Balkans love occurring: Lively Croatia Discovery
