Montenegro - the Adriatic with countless faces
General information
Montenegro is a small country on the Adriatic coast, but it brings together sea, high mountains, medieval towns, canyons and national parks in a relatively small area. It borders Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the west and north-west, Serbia to the north-east, and Kosovo and Albania to the east and south-east. The capital is Podgorica, but for visitors the best-known places are on the coast.
The Adriatic coastline is relatively short but extremely varied. Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi, Bar and Ulcinj offer different holiday options, with small coves, beaches and historic villages in between.
Especially impressive is the Bay of Kotor - a sea inlet that cuts deep inland and is surrounded by high mountains. The landscape often gives the impression that the sea has been caught between the mountains, and the small towns along the shore complete the picture.
Climate
On the coast the climate is Mediterranean - summers are warm and dry and winters relatively mild. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, while June and September are often more comfortable for travellers who want to combine the sea with sightseeing.
In the mountains the climate is quite different. Winters are cold and snowy, and summer temperatures are more pleasant than on the coast. This makes Montenegro an interesting destination beyond the summer season too.
Culture and history
Montenegro's history brings together influences from different states and civilisations. On the coast strong Venetian influences can be felt, while the interior is linked to the history of the medieval Montenegrin principalities and the later development of the state.
Kotor is the best-known historic town in the country. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is surrounded by massive walls. Narrow stone lanes, small squares and medieval buildings have preserved the characteristic atmosphere of the old Adriatic world.
Above Kotor rises the Fortress of St John. Hundreds of steps lead up to it, but the effort is worth it for the view of the town and the whole Bay of Kotor.
Perast is a small historic village on the shore of the bay. Its stone houses and palaces recall the time when the town was linked to maritime trade. Opposite it are two small islands, the best known being Our Lady of the Rocks - an artificial island with a church, reached by boat.
Budva is the big tourist centre of the Montenegrin coast. The town combines an old historic centre with a modern resort area, many hotels, restaurants, beaches and places for evening entertainment.
Budva's old town sits on a small peninsula and is surrounded by walls. Inside are narrow lanes, stone buildings, churches and small squares. The beaches and seafront promenade begin right next to it.
Budva is especially suited to travellers who want a livelier beach holiday. In summer the town is full of visitors, and its nightlife is one of the reasons the resort is so popular.
Not far from Budva is one of Montenegro's most recognisable symbols - Sveti Stefan. The small fortified islet is linked to the mainland by a narrow isthmus and was turned into a luxury resort in the 20th century. Even if you don't visit the island itself, the view of it from the coastal road is one of the country's iconic images.
Herceg Novi lies near the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. The town is known for its many steps, fortresses, Mediterranean vegetation and seafront promenades. Its position makes it a good base for trips around the bay.
Bar has a different character. The modern town is an important port, but not far from it lies Old Bar - a historic complex at the foot of the mountain. Its ruins and surviving buildings show the turbulent history of the area.
The southern coast around Ulcinj has another distinctive feature - Albanian and Oriental cultural influences are felt more strongly here. The town is known for the long Velika Plaža, which stretches for kilometres and is one of the largest sandy beaches on the Montenegrin coast.
Nature is the other big reason to visit Montenegro. Durmitor National Park is one of the most impressive mountain areas in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its mountains, glacial lakes and deep valleys offer excellent opportunities for hiking.
The Tara River canyon is among the most impressive natural sights. In places its walls rise hundreds of metres above the river, and the area is popular for rafting and adventure tourism.
Lake Skadar National Park offers a completely different landscape. The largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula is known for its rich birdlife, wetlands and small lakeside villages. A boat trip is one of the best ways to see the area.
Montenegrin cuisine combines Mediterranean and Balkan influences. On the coast fish, seafood, olive oil and vegetables are popular, while inland meat dishes, cheeses and cured meats are more common.
Local specialities include Njeguši prosciutto, various cheeses and dishes slow-cooked under a sač (a metal bell). By the sea the menu naturally changes, with fresh fish and seafood taking a more important place.
Why and when to visit?
Montenegro is especially suitable for travellers who want to combine a beach holiday with short excursions and varied scenery. In a few days you can visit Budva and Kotor, and then continue to the mountains or Lake Skadar.
July and August are best for a classic beach holiday, but also the busiest. June and September are an excellent option for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere and want to spend more time exploring.
Budva is a good choice for a livelier holiday with many restaurants, bars and beaches. Kotor and Perast suit travellers looking for history and architecture, while the southern coast around Ulcinj offers longer sandy beaches.
One of Montenegro's great advantages is the short distance between its different sights. In a relatively short time you can go from the sea to the mountains, from a medieval town to a national park, or from a lively resort to a small lakeside village.
It is this combination that makes the country suitable both for a traditional summer holiday and for a touring trip. Montenegro is small, but it manages to bring together the Adriatic, high mountains, fortresses, medieval towns and some of the most impressive natural landscapes in the Balkans.
