House to a number of 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 saved secret. There are far fewer crowds right here in comparison with its northern neighbour Croatia, so that you’ll typically have most of the nation’s websites and points of interest totally to your self — notably out of season. So, with out additional ado, right here’s our roundup of 14 of the very best issues to do in Montenegro:
1. Cruise the attractive Bay of Kotor
In the event you’ve heard of Montenegro, then you definitely’ll possible have heard of the Bay of Kotor. It’s one of many Med’s most putting landmarks and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website again in 1979. Round 28km (17 mi) lengthy, it’s surrounded by two putting massifs of the mighty Dinaric Alps — one in every of Europe’s most spectacular mountain ranges stretching over 645km (401 mi) in size.
One of the simplest ways to see the bay itself is through a ship cruise that takes you throughout the cobalt waters to ‘Our Girl of the Rocks’ — a tiny islet house 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 at the present time at an occasion referred to as fašinada — when native folks 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 climbing boots and prepare to weave your method by way 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 climbing mates at guesthouse after mountain guesthouse together with in Montenegrin hamlets like Babino Polje. Within the Ropojana Valley, thought-about a pure marvel 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 far more than simply the stroll itself!
Scale alpine borderlines on: Climbing in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro
3. Pattern native eats on Luštica Peninsula
A incredible place to attach with nature, the Luštica Peninsula is about 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 true Montenegro, as native folks nonetheless reside as they’ve for hundreds of years, rising produce delicacies like olives, cheese, wine, prosciutto, and rakija — a fruit brandy thought-about the nationwide drink of many Balkan nations.
It’s an extremely picturesque place and greatest explored on foot, with a set of two wheels, or through a ship or kayak — notably 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 fascinating place well-known for its wonderful climate, historical fortresses, charming squares, and seafood eateries. It’s an incredible spot to spend a couple of days, notably should 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 method again to the thirteenth century. They present occasional open-air cinema screenings and maintain concert events right here now and again , so it’s price trying out what’s on.
It’s additionally price climbing up Mount Orjen, whose summit lies at 1893m (6210 ft). There tends to be snow up right here for half the 12 months, and it’s received world-class mountain biking trails too should you’re into one thing much more adventurous. Vineyards abound within the close by countryside, and also you must also make your technique 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 powerful 400 sq km (154 sq mi), that means it’s formally the Balkans’ largest lake. A serene spot, it’s surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and is famend for being among the finest locations in Europe to go birdwatching. Count on to see a complete 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 concerning the lake, then we’d advocate renting a bicycle. Don’t miss a go to to Vidikovac Godinje — an statement 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 all the Adriatic Coast, and residential to 17 Baroque church buildings and 19 church buildings. Not unhealthy for a spot that may be walked from finish to finish in a matter of minutes. It’s nicely price a go to for historical past buffs, as this UNESCO-listed spot has influences going all the way in which again to the Neolithic Interval — in any other case often known as the ultimate interval of the Stone Age.
Wander round right here and take in the surroundings — perhaps 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 among the finest in the entire of the Adriatic.
7. Hike by way 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 powerful peak 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-about to have introduced each modernity and centralization to Montenegro throughout his reign. The mausoleum set atop Lovćen — or ‘Black Mountain’ — is nicely price a go to and you’ll hike the paths right here to take in postcard-like views.
8. Admire yacht life in Porto Montenegro
Now should you’re in search of some glitz and glam, make your technique to Porto Montenegro in Tivat. Wanting extra like Monaco than Montenegro, it underwent a large refurb again in 2009 and 2010 and now attracts the wealthy and well-known — thus, an incredible place for folks watching.
You’ll be able to admire the superyachts because the cruise in from the Bay of Kotor, however should 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 a complete 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 sure to be sharing it with loads of different folks — together with many cruise holidaymakers through the summer time season — however should you’re trying to let your hair down, then that is the place to do it. There are many locations right here to bop till daybreak, however you too can tuck into world-class seafood and whereas away the hours on the seashore. Don’t miss a go to to the Stari Grad (Previous City), house to the ruins of a Roman-era Necropolis.
10. Get energetic in Durmitor Nationwide Park
Arguably one in every of 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 actual fact — shimmering glacial lakes, and intensive pine forests.
It’s a significant ski space come the winter months of December to March — and far more reasonably priced than its European counterparts — in addition to a significant area for mountain biking, climbing, 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 should 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 very 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 12 months they attain an adrenaline-inducing class 5. Notice to self — you’re going to 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 — that 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 incredible 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. One of the best time to come back is arguably spring when chamomile flowers start to blossom — it’s the rationale why the city takes its title ‘White Area’ in Serbo-Croatian.
Go to the distant north-east of the nation on: Montenegro & Albania Journey
13. Lounge on the Adriatic’s longest seashore
Beginning to shut out our listing of issues to do in Montenegro is a go to to Velika Plaža — which accurately interprets to ‘Lengthy Seaside’. Stretching 13km (8.07 mi) from Bojana to Port Milena, the longest seashore alongside the Adriatic is a beautiful place to sit back even when the water is a bit too shallow for swimming. Get energetic by attempting your hand at one of many many kiteboarding leases or simply sit back on the seashore 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 if you’re already within the space? For energetic adventurers, small however mighty Croatia is only a stone’s throw away and affords infinite climbing, kayaking, and snorkelling alternatives. Chart the beautiful shoreline of Koločep on foot, paddle out in a sea kayak for a novel 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.
Hold the Balkans love happening: Lively Croatia Discovery
