With rugged mountain ranges looming over the gorgeous beaches along the Adriatic coastline and charming medieval walled towns; Montenegro is a small yet extraordinary country with a dramatic landscape. Montenegro, or “Black Mountain”, is an amazing holiday destination where you can spend your days taking in the rich cultural history which is visible through the ornate churches, Roman villas and imposing fortresses. After a day of exploring, the beaches are perfect for unwinding on and taking in the astonishing views of this stunning country.
Montenegro also boasts beautiful natural surroundings, with hiking, mountain biking and kayaking all great ways to explore this country and escape the busier areas.
What to Do
Although a very small Balkan country, there is plenty to see and do during your time in Montenegro.
The capital of Podgorica is found in central Montenegro and is the cultural hub, home to many excellent historic landmarks, art galleries and a thriving nightlife. Many travellers flock to Montenegro for the wonderful beaches, but the Bay of Kotor is one of the greatest sights in the Mediterranean and comparable to a Fjord. Spending time here allows you to hike, mountain bike and kayak, or simply explore the jaw-droppingly beautiful area. The walled city of Kotor is also an enchanting and fascinating area to explore at a leisurely pace.
Montenegro is also home to many more small and charming cities, with these being the perfect places to escape to if the beaches are filled with sun seekers. There are also a handful of glorious national parks for nature lovers to explore, as well thick woodlands which are delightful to walk through on a summer’s day.
The country has a slow and relaxed pace to life, and many people enjoy nothing more than relaxing with fine food, having a drink and soaking up the mesmerising views.
Local Cuisine
The traditional cuisine of Montenegro is typical of the Mediterranean, with a heavy focus on seafood with the Adriatic ocean at the country’s edge. Fish air-and-sunshine drying is considered a delicacy, where fish is scaled, gilled and then laid to rest under the scorching summer sun. It is dipped daily in seawater and then smoked over the fire once the drying process is complete. Chicken, pork, beef, tripe and mutton are also commonly used in classic Montenegrin dishes, with unique ways of preparing the meat that allows for a distinctive taste.
Montenegro is also big on sweet dishes. Small doughnuts served with chocolate sauce and large pancakes filled with cream, jam or chocolate are national favourites and are perfectly accompanied with a strong coffee.
Climate
Montenegro has very warm summers – reaching the upper thirties – which make anytime between April and September the best time to visit (although the beaches are often crammed during July and August).
During the winter, the coast remains warm but the interior of the country features a sub-alpine climate. This can make it bitterly cold with heavy rainfall and snow during the middle of winter.
How to Get There
The largest airport in Montenegro, Podgorica, is just south of the capital and everywhere is within 100km of this airport. This makes onward journeys to popular destinations like Kotor quick and easy, although Tivat is Montenegro’s second international airport which is slightly closer to Kotor and Budva. This could make this airport the better choice for those heading to these areas instead of the capital first.
Travelling to Montenegro? Don’t Miss…
- Kotor attracts tourists from all over the world and you will quickly understand why once you take in the breathtaking views of the bay. The fortified town features winding streets lined with churches, cafes, bars and restaurants which are perfect for meandering along and soaking up the atmosphere. Kotor comes to life at night when the walls are lit up and reflected in the water. This gives the town an incredible golden halo, all surrounded by spectacular and dramatic mountains.
- Just a short drive from Budva is Sveti Stefan; a spectacular and stunning coastal village resort which is connected to the mainland only by a narrow trail. In the small town, you will find elegant courtyards, cobbled streets and red-tiled rooftops which give the resort a unique and secluded charm. It is also home to a gorgeous park and pristine beaches which are great spaces for relaxing and taking in the views.
- Away from the hustle and bustle of the major cities, Lake Skadar National Park is home to the largest lake in the Balkans and it is an important habitat for many birds, plants and other wildlife. In addition to the magnificent natural beauty, there are also monasteries, churches and other archaeological sites to explore. In particular, a lake cruise is an incredible way to take in everything that this beautiful national park has to offer.
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