Montenegro

Montenegro Adventure Travel Guide: Ideas and Inspiration

PureTravel Says: “Montenegro is a country in the Balkans situated on the Adriatic Sea, often called “the newest country of the world.” It is a small country bestowed by natural beauty, beaches, lakes, rivers, and mountains. After Yugoslavia’s tragic civil war in the early 1990s, Montenegro gradually emerged victorious as a world holiday destination. Montenegro is popular for its world heritage sites like Budva and Kotor. It has a combination of huge mountains and seas, empowering and inspiring citizens and visitors alike.”

Holiday Highlights

Walking & Exploring - The Scadar Lake spreads across three-hundred square miles, proving safe paths for walkers and bikers and a beautiful panoramic view. You can also enjoy the many lakeside restaurants who serve specialty local dishes like eel risotto and grilled carp.

The Sveti Stefen is a historically rich resort, once a fishing village, located on the island. The a la carte restaurants and bars here offer good food, live entertainment, and piano bars.

An old and quaint town, Herceg Novi is traditional and talented; people like to visit the place known for viewing baroque Savina Monastery, town Topla, and Herceg Hovi Riviera beaches.

Another antiquated town, Ulcinj is located on the Adriatic Coast and proudly offers views of the Balsica Tower, the Renaissance Church Mosque, and the beautiful Velica Plaza beach.

Flora & Fauna - In the forests of Bjelasica and Sinjajevina, botanical gardens are major tourist attractions. Many rare mountainous and medicinal plants are found in this region. Those interested in researching and exploring rarest of rare fauna find these jungles great resources.

Consisting of four connected trails, the Bay of Kotor is a popular visitor attraction in Montenegro. You can enjoy the deep blue Adriatic sea here located in the cliff surrounded by high mountains. The seven islands situated around the Bay of Kotor include Saint Morco, Island of Mamula, the Island of Our Lady of the Rock, Saint George, the Island of Milosrdja, the Island of Flowers and the Mother of God Island.

Hiking & Biking - Montenegro’s Durmitor National Park is known for activities like hiking, biking, paragliding, kayaking, and rafting. The Durmitor Park is a major tourist attraction in Montenegro, especially since UNESCO awarded it as being a natural heritage attraction. The high peaks and dense forest area lure people from all over the world.

Beaches & Activities - Montenegro’s untouched beaches, such as the beaches that line the Ulcinjska Riviera, give visitors plenty of opportunity for sunshine and relaxation. On these locations, many complimentary cruise services are also available for spending quality time on water. There are beach volleyball courts at many places. Have fun or just relax and play with your kids on long stretches of beach.

The Ada Bojana is an artificial river island in a triangular shape. You can laze on the sandy beach marked on one side by the Adriatic Sea and on the other side by the River Bojana. You can also enjoy the local fish dishes prepared in restaurants on the riverbanks.

Birdwatching - In the Zetsco-Scadarsca Valley, many endangered species of birds can be found. For bird lovers, Scadar Lake, Biogradska Lake, Primeval, and Forest National Park are popular destinations. The Bjelasica Mountains are known for being eagle territory.

Nightlife - Though Montenegro is quite untouched as opposed to many other European travel destinations, nightlife is getting more and more active here. Along with other popular wine choices, do not forget to taste the local Vranac red wine (called Black) and Montenegro’s own beer, Niksic. A grape brandy called Rakija is also a renowned purchase.

When To Go

The summer months are May to September and are a good time to visit Montenegro. Those seeking skiing and winter sports will be in their element from December to March.

Top Tips

- Though on the coast, most tourism workers and other people speak good English, you may have to have a translation guidebook in Inland Montenegro.
- On beaches, you should protect yourself from sun’s harmful rays and have your hat, sunscreen and water ready to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid short pants especially in public institutions. Also be modest in your dress code in monasteries.

Suggested Itineraries

- Soak up the culture of Podgorica – Montenegro’s capital city, Podgorica, is lively yet laidback and quite unlike any other European city. The architecture is a curious blend of old and new: Montenegro was founded in the 15th century and the heritage is a diverse offering, with Ottoman, socialist and European influences in evidence.
- Explore UNESCO listed Kotor
- Chill out in Perast
- Hike to Krstac – Set off from Kotor’s Old Town north gate and follow the path which traverses the beautiful forested local landscape past soaring mountains and pretty little waterfalls.
- Admire Herceg Novi’s Old Town – This quaint town within the Bay of Kotor was founded in 1382.
- Swim, sunbathe and snorkel in Budva.
- Walk the UNESCO listed Durmitor National Park.
- Sample the wintersports on offer at Žabljak
- Sample Bečići Beach
- Discover Skadar Lake National Park — The Skadar is the largest lake within the Balkans and a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing.
- Admire the ancient capital Cetinje
- Explore Nikšić – Montenegro’s second largest city of Niksic lies in the heart of the country and is the economic powerhouse.
- Hike the Biogradska Gora National Park.
- Discover diverse Ulcinj.
- Chill out in Tivat – The small town of Tivat lies in the Bay of Kotor and fast becoming a firm favourite with travellers.
- Hike to Gornja Lastva.
- Soak up the culture of Bar.
- Get back to nature in Virpazar.
- Experience Rijeka Crnojevica first-hand.
- Lovćen National Park – enjoy the gentle climb up Mount Lovćen which is likened to Olympus and witness Petar II Petrović Njegoš’ Mausoleum.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Cultural Site - Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
Natural Site - Durmitor National Park

Public Holidays, Events and Festivals

January 1 - New Year's Day
January 2 - New Year's Day
January 6 - Christmas Eve
January 7 - Christmas Day
April - Easter
May 1 - Labour Day
May 21 - Independence Day
July 13 - Statehood Day