Montenegro gained independence from Serbia in 2006 and due to it’s natural beauty it is winning over tourists from every corner of the globe. With black mountains crashing into the sea this corner of the Adriatic delivers magnificent scenery uncontested anywhere else in the Balkans.
Arriving in Montenegro, I had few expectations. I had never seen this country featured in travel magazines or websites and knew little about it. However, this country has quickly become one of my favourites in Europe.
Montenegro has the Adriatic Sea, pristine beaches, a Mediterranean climate, mountainous landscapes (which offer some of Europe’s most amazing biking and hiking trails), ancient towns, stacks of history, and a café culture to please the classiest of coffee sippers.
Basically, it has it all. So check it out soon, before the crowds arrive.
Montenegro Travel Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Montenegro Tours
One of the most popular ways to see the highlights of Montenegro is to book a group tour. I recommend trips with G Adventures.
Top Things to See and Do in Montenegro
Montenegro is blessed with beautiful nature, spectacular mountains, scenic towns and cities. There are some places you shouldn’t miss.
Kotor
If you get your fill of seeing the fjords from a birds eye view, take time to explore the city of Kotor and the picturesque deserted fishing village – turned resort – called Sveti Stephan. This relatively unknown gem will blow you away, like it did for me!
Kotor has many beautiful beaches and vivid blue waters. A trip to Kotor wouldn’t be complete without wondering through the tiny cobbled alleys of Budva, the old town. You will immediately be transported back to the medieval times when you walk through the huge stone walls boarding town. On the other side of the town there are the beaches of Mogren One and Two.
You can also visit Perast and take a small boat to visit ‘our lady of the rocks’, a church built on a tiny artificial island. If hiking is more up your street then there are many untouched paths up Lovcen mountain, with incredible views over the port and town. You can take a drive up the Kotor Serpentine; a long, winding road scattered with multiple viewpoints of the port and Adriatic sea.
Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is one of the most unique towns in Europe and an unmissable destination of any trip to Montenegro. There is the option to stay on the island although prices are high. The beach here is open to the public. On the exclusive north side of Sveti Stefan beach loungers and chairs cost around €80 euros per day. If you are on a budget stick to the south side with prices starting at around €15 euros for two chairs and an umbrella.
Other
Keen to explore more of the country, add these places to your itinerary:
• Ulcinj
• Biogradska Gora National Park
• Sveti Stefan
• Mount Lovcen
• Cetinje
• Ostrog Monastery
• Perast
• Durmitor National Park
If you are keen to travel in Europe and go somewhere up and coming, Montenegro should be somewhere on your list. Think Greece and Croatia, without the crowds and high prices.