WHY VISIT MONTENEGRO IN 2024? FOR THESE AMAZING REASONS

 

With so many places in Europe to choose from, why visit Montenegro? It may be small in size, but this Balkan gem packs a punch when it comes to stunning scenery, sandy beaches and historic towns.

Renowned for its incredible landscapes and lofty mountains, Montenegro is a unique, and extraordinarily diverse country.

Whether you enjoy learning about culture, sampling fresh seafood, driving along panoramic roads, or simply gazing at unforgettable scenery, Montenegro will delight at every corner.

We are certain that visiting Montenegro will live up to your expectations. It certainly has for us.

Why is Montenegro slowly emerging as a hot spot on the tourist trail? Is Montenegro a good holiday destination?

Read on and discover the reasons that will have you falling in love with this history-rich country.

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10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MONTENEGRO

 

• Part of the Balkans, Montenegro is bordered by five other countries, namely Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo and Albania, plus the Adriatic Sea.
• The country’s name means “Black Mountain”.
• There are 117 beaches along the Adriatic coast.
• Montenegro’s wine culture is one of the oldest in the region, and the wines surprisingly good.
• Despite the region’s recent political history, Montenegro is safe for tourists.
• The country may be bordered by the Adriatic Sea, but it rains here a lot!
• Locals are exceedingly welcoming and friendly.
• Kotor is home to many stray cats, which are lovingly fed by locals and tourists alike.
• The population of Dalmatian Pelicans on Lake Skadar, once near distinction, are increasing in numbers.
• Tara River Canyon, at 1,333m, is the deepest in Europe.

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WHY VISIT MONTENEGRO – 10 REASONS TO LOVE THE COUNTRY

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1. WHY VISIT MONTENEGRO? FOR PICTURESQUE OLD TOWNS

 

Brimming with history, Montenegro towns are living witnesses of the past, and ripe for exploring.

The UNESCO-listed old town of Kotor is a photographer’s dream. Nestled in Kotor Bay, enjoy the city’s unique architecture, wander the narrow winding streets, and discover the numerous palaces and churches.

Tread each of the 1,400 steps trampled by Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians, and Austrians, along the old walls, one of the most unique things to do in Kotor. While most visitors visit Kotor on a day trip, stay overnight and have the streets to yourself.

The former capital city of Cetinje, founded in the 15th century, is a treasure of Montenegrin cultural and historical heritage. For a charming coastal town, head along Kotor Bay, to picturesque Perast, to see enigmatic ruins and churches.

Then hop on a water taxi, to nearby Gospa od Skrpjela, a beautiful island with a magnificent church. If you are looking for a modern take on Montenegrin architecture, head to Porto Montenegro, just one of the many things to do in Tivat.

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2. GLORIOUS BEACHES

 

Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, is blessed with 73 km of natural sandy beaches. Crystal-clear waters, green hills and sand between your toes make a perfect combination.

Whether you are looking for a quiet secluded cove, a base for windsurfing and paragliding, or simply somewhere to lounge on, there’s a beach for everyone.

With a Mediterranean climate offering long days of sunshine, lounging by its warm and calm lakes and beaches, is one of the most popular things to do in Montenegro.

Budva Riviera’s sandy and pebble beaches, stretch for 38 glorious kilometers. Choose from Jaz, Mogren, Bečići and Pržno. Nearby, the beach on Sveti Stefan was declared one of the most beautiful in Europe.

For a more upmarket experience, saunter around Aman Sveti Stefan Resort, one of the best hotels in Montenegro. Access to Sveti Stefan and Milocer beaches do come at a premium, as they are part of the resort itself.

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3. WHY VISIT MONTENEGRO? FOR ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES

 

Religion has always played an important role in Montenegro, and it still does. Numerous monasteries, cathedrals, and mosques stand showcasing their architectural beauty, ancient works of art, and timeless permanent value.

Montenegro’s rich spiritual life is a proud religious coexistence between the country’s three main faiths, Orthodox, Catholic and Islam.

Dotted around towns, mountains and remote areas, are over 600 Orthodox buildings, over 100 Catholic places of worship, and over 100 mosques.

Up on the cliffs, clinging to a mountain face, is Ostrog Monastery, with its beautifully frescoed cave churches, where people of all faiths come to pray to Saint Vasilije.

Podgorica’s magnificent Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection gathers the best of the Orthodox traditions from around the world in one place. The massive religious structure over 5,000 m2 in size, contains vibrant frescoes on a gold background, and an underground crypt.

Kotor has its own masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, St Tryphon’s Cathedral.

It maybe scarred by earthquakes, but inside are priceless works of art, and the immensely treasured relics of saints and patrons of the city.

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4. EPIC NATIONAL PARKS

 

If you are visiting Montenegro for outdoor adventures in mother nature, you have some great spots to choose from. Montenegro is home to five national parks, each vastly different, but all offering a great playground for visitors.

Protecting and preserving everything from rugged mountains, deep gorges, tranquil lakes and rivers, each have their own wild, unspoilt beauty.

The largest, Durmitor National Park, is home to lush forests, deep gorges, pristine lakes and jagged peaks. There are fifty peaks higher than 2,000 metres above sea level including Bobotov Peak.

Hike around striking Black Lake, one of 18 glacial lakes known as mountain eyes.

Rising steeply from the Bay of Kotor, in the rocky region of Dinara Alps, is Lovćen National Park. Take a step back in time amongst the palaces of Cetinje, before visiting striking Njegoš Mausoleum, located atop the second-highest peak.

A more serene scene can be found on Lake Skadar, the largest in the Balkans, and the only national park dominated by aquatic and wetland ecosystems. kayak among fortresses, monasteries and peaceful villages.

Biogradska Gora, protects 1600 hectares of green virgin forest, one of the last three virgin forests in Europe. With glacial lakes to kayak, peaks to tackle and plenty of walking trails, you won’t be bored.

For those who want to get away from it all, the mountains of Prokletije National Park offer a vast expanse of wilderness, forming a border with Albania and Kosovo.

Whichever park you choose to explore, you will be surrounding yourself in stunning scenery.

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5. WHY VISIT MONTENEGRO? FOR EXCELLENT HIKING TRAILS

 

Due to its amazing geographic diversity, Montenegro is the perfect place to don your walking boots and go on a hike. Whatever your preferences and skill level may be, there’s a hike and walking route with your name on it.

One of the most popular things to do in Kotor, is hike the Ladder of Kotor, which zigzags up the mountain and gives amazing views across the Bay of Kotor.

For a more unique hike, head to Crno Jezero, or Black Lake in Durmitor National Park. Finally, the 1930km Via Dinarica trail in the Dinaric Alps, connects the countries of the Western Balkans, if you are looking for a dramatic, off-the-beaten track adventure.

With approx. 1,480 km of arranged and marked trails at your disposal, prominent mountains, hidden lakes and forests to traverse, you will be rewarded with dramatic views and panoramas.

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6. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

 

Any Montenegro visit will introduce you to it’s diverse landscapes of mountains, glacial lakes, canyons and national parks.

If you are adventurous at heart or a lover of nature and the great outdoors, you will never get bored in Montenegro.

There are so many ways that you can enjoy the country’s natural playground. From canyoning, rafting and kayaking, to paragliding, kitesurfing and climbing.

In Durmitor National Park, admire the stunning scenery from the 1050 m zipwire, as you are whisked across Europe’s deepest canyon. Or take to the water on an exhilerating rafting expedition for an alternative view along the Tara River.

For something more relaxing, both Lake Skadar and the Bay of Kotor, are great places for kayaking or paddle boarding. Cyclists are well catered for, with carefully planned routes, linking bike trails to countless natural wonders.

Ride through dense forest, across meadows, valleys and canyon ridges enjoying the fantastic scenery along the way.

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7. WHY VISIT MONTENEGRO? FOR PANORAMIC ROAD TRIPS

 

One of the best ways to explore Montenegro’s wild beauty of peaks, canyons, lakes and stunning landscapes, is to travel its scenic roads on a road trip.

Panoramic routes include the incredible serpentine road between Kotor and Lovćen, which provides sheer drops and jaw-dropping views of the Bay of Kotor.

If you would prefer a flatter drive, the loop around Kotor Bay is dotted with charming waterfront towns such as Perast, brooding mountains and fabulous coastal views.

For those short on time, but still wanting to experience scenic vantage points and postcard-perfect landmarks, you can follow four different designated routes.  

Simply follow the brown signposts with the numbers of the route you want to follow. Download free detailed route descriptions with directions and route information, as well as GPS data. Choose from the following:

• Krug oko Korita (Circle around Korita) – 65 km
• Durmitorski prsten (Durmitor Ring) – 76 km
• More i Visine (Sea and Heights) – 283 km
• Kruna Crne Gore (Crown of Montenegro) – 800 km

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8. FOOD AND DRINK

 

If you are a lover of local, fresh, seasonal and often organic food, prepare to be wowed by Montenegrin cuisine.

Every region has its own specialities. Coastal cuisine includes fresh fish, grilled seafood, lots of garlic and oil, and risotto dishes. Freshwater fish such as eel, carp and trout are popular.

Mountain food has historically been more stodgy, including stews, lamb, beef, pork, and vegetables cooked by a traditional method, called under the sač (special iron lid.)

Locals serve their traditional foods with pride. Try authentic local cuisine at a konabas, where you can feast on rustic delights, such as:

• Njeguski Steak – veal or pork schnitzel filled with Njegusi prosciutto and cheese.
• Njegusi Proscuitto – sliced thinly and served with local cheeses.
• Burek – filo pastry filled with cheese, meat, spinach or potato.
• Risotto – black risotto and seafood risotto are both good.
• Cheese – Pljevlja, Njeguški, and lisnati – or layered – cheese, as well as prljo cheese and skorup are ones to try.
• Riblja Čorba – delicious fish soup.

Montenegro is home to Europe’s largest vineyard, with the most important grape varieties being Vranac (red) and Krstač (white). Both are enjoyable and very cheap.

The local beer is Niksicko and if you want something stronger, say from 40-60% alcohol, try Rakija. (akin to strong brandy or schnapps)

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9. WHY VISIT MONTENEGRO? FOR HISTORIC RUINS

 

For such a small, modest country, Montenegro has a fascinating history which dates back thousands of years. From state boundary changes, to having gone through seven occupations, the country has been left with numerous ruined fortresses, cities and towns.

See Roman mosaics in Risan, the oldest town in Kotor Bay and once a fortified Illyrian town. For romantic ruins of an Illyrian-founded city, head to Stari Bar (Old Bar), at the foot at Mount Rumija. Though overtaken by nature, the ruins tell a story of another age.

Herceg Novi’s Old Town (Stari Grad), offers a journey through the past, with Kani Kula, a 16^th-century prison, and the collapsed ruins of the Venetian-built Citadela.

Every part of Montenegro tells an interesting story from different periods in time – from the grand Roman Empire to the modern times. These broken battlements, ruins, and archaeological sites, are ripe for exploring.

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10. AFFORDABILITY

 

Like other Balkan countries, Montenegro is very affordable compared to other European countries. Still considered a hidden gem, compared to Croatia, prices for food, transport and accommodation are still relatively cheap.

Choose to stay in self-catering accommodation and villas, which will make your budget spread further than the newly built hotels.

If you eat at local restaurants, you can still enjoy a great risotto, for as little as 4 euros. Unlike Western Europe, Montenegro is still growing in popularity and as such, still remains an affordable destination.

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Montenegro may be small in size, but it’s packed to the seams with towering mountains, top beaches, clear lakes and stunning landscapes. Why visit Montenegro? For its incredible attractions, whether modern, historic, or blissfully natural.

Is Montenegro worth visiting? Absolutely!

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