Montenegro – The Pearl of the Mediterranean
Blessed with majestic mountains, postcard-perfect lakes and beaches, heritage sites, rich cultural history, long days of sunshine and warm people, Montenegro promises a perfect multicultural European vacation that you have been dreaming for
By H.E. Ms. Isidora Dabovic, Charge d’ Affaires of Montenegro to United Arab Emirates
Located on the Balkan Peninsula, this is a country that has long been a melting pot of cultures, civilisations and religions. Surrounded by natural beauty, Montenegro offers big experiences in a small and accessible environment. From the Montenegrin hills to the beauty of the Adriatic Coast; nature reserves and five national parks; caves and canyons to 117 beaches along a coastline over 180 miles long, all embraced by the caring faces of locals and traditional hospitality.
Hidden Mediterranean Gems
Along the 293 km coastline, numerous jewels of the Mediterranean are located. Cruising the Bay of Kotor, above which majestic mountain ranges rise, allows enjoying the enchanting colour. The Old Town of Kotor looks like an open-air museum. Near the Kotor Old Town, you will find the picturesque town of Perast and two stunning islands – St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks.
Along the Montenegrin coast, the old towns of Budva, Herceg Novi, Bar and Ulcinj are lined up, where one can feel the magical combination of numerous cultures and hear interesting stories from centuries ago.
Sveti Stefan, a small peninsula near Budva, was on the list of destinations of many stars, such as Sophia Loren, Sylvester Stallone and others. The smell of salt, picturesque landscapes, perfect climate and coastal cuisine will make you feel the spirit of the Mediterranean in all the cities on the coast.
UNESCO World Heritage sites
Home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – three cultural and one natural, Montenegro is a heaven for those that appreciate history and heritage. The sites include Kotor, Durmitor National Park, the Stećci Medieval Graveyards and Venetian World of Defence in Stato de Mar.
Magic of the Nature
Montenegro has five national parks to offer travellers looking for fresh mountain air and wide open spaces. Covering approximately 8% of the country, Durmitor is the jewel in the crown, closely followed by Lake Skadar, Lovćen, Biogradska gora and Prokletije which offer a pleasant stay in untouched nature with plenty of opportunities for active rest, and become magical during the winter months. Montenegro is a country rich in wonderful lakes, and most of them are located within five national parks. The best-known lakes are Black Lake, Biogradsko Lake and Skadar Lake. However, one lake that truly stands out is Trnovačko Lake, a heart-shaped lake with turquoise water, ideal for swimming. Mountain lakes such as Piva Lake, Kapetanovo, Hridsko, Riblje, or Vražje are just some of the many lakes that have all shades of green and blue colours, as well as interesting legends about their origins.
Scenic Road Trips
There is no more spectacular introduction to Montenegro than the drive around the breathtakingly beautiful Bay of Kotor. Its fjord-like proportions get more dramatic the further you journey into the inner parts of the bay on a road wedged between brooding mountains and inky waters that remain a constant backdrop along the Adriatic Coast Road. At your disposal are authentic ethnic villages with their specific offer, you have on one of the many panoramic routes that connect the cultural, natural, and ethno-gastronomic attractions of the coast and the north. One of the most picturesque roads is the Durmitor Ring, an 85 km long paved road that winds through a splendid scenery, across vast mountain pastures and past several breathtaking viewpoints above the Tara and Sušica canyons.
A Perfect Rural Vacation
With over 200 registered rural households, located in idyllic untouched nature in the north, but also in other parts of the country, Montenegro is an ideal destination for tourists who want to enjoy nature, local (farm) products, and everything that rural tourism entails.
The natural characteristics of the continental part of the Montenegrin coast and the northern part attract many visitors and tourists, who, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, find peace and satisfaction in nature, the hospitality of rural households, healthy life, traditional cuisine, and preserved customs and traditions.
Our rural households and katuns in the coastal, continental and mountainous regions offer nature lovers a variety of tourist facilities, such as staying in authentic wooden huts and stone houses, numerous so-called village activities such as animal care, mowing, fruit and medicinal herb harvesting, as well as opportunities for active vacations, hiking and cycling.
In most villages and katuns, home-made food is served from their own production, and guests can choose to independently prepare dishes from local products. They can actively participate in the production of cheese, wine, olives, teas and other products for which Montenegro is recognised.
Best Wild Adventures
Montenegro is not only about enjoying the sun and the sea; it is also a place where you can find plenty of possibilities for active vacation. If you love untouched nature, we recommend hiking, rafting, kayaking, zip line, paragliding, and canyoning.
Not to be missed experiences include rafting across the Tara Canyon – the deepest canyon in Europe, biking in Durmitor National Park and kayaking around the Bay of Kotor. For adventure seekers, there is canyoning in the Nevidio Canyon, where the “Kamikaze Gate” awaits you. This gate is only 25 cm wide in places and represents the biggest challenge of this tour.
Between the mountains, lakes and rivers of Montenegro, there are plenty of memorable places to visit, stay and be surrounded by nature. For the bravest, there is a zip line on Durđevića Tara, which offers an impressive view of the turquoise river and canyon, as well as from village Njeguši to Kotor, which offers a wonderful view of the Bay of Kotor.
If you prefer a vacation at sea, diving in the Blue Cave, paragliding over Budva, rowing and kayaking await you. The large beach in Ulcinj and its sand, waves and wind mean only one thing – a perfect backdrop for kitesurfing. For those who prefer quieter options, we recommend unique experiences such as bird watching, hiking and numerous thematic routes.
Gourmet Delights
Montenegro is known for its rich and diverse gastronomic offer. In the south of the country, you will find a wide range of restaurants with excellent Mediterranean cuisine, as well as rural households, where people will welcome you to experience the spirit of the Mediterranean. Do not forget to visit Njeguši – a village in the south of the country with an incredible view – where you can enjoy Njeguši cheese.
Local specialties also await you in the north. One delicacy that you should not miss is kačamak, an authentic meal of Bjelasica, Sinjajevina and Durmitor. Tucked-away katuns in the region, where local people will warmly welcome you, are perfect places for you to enjoy the magic of nature and excellent local specialties.
