5 Things You Can’t Miss in Montenegro
"At the birth of our planet, the most beautiful encounter between land and sea must have been on the Montenegrin coast" Lord Byron
With a unique Adriatic coast, beautiful lakes, 5 national parks and mountain areas, this small but very beautiful country has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists. It is a fascinating fact that if you come in May you can be on the snowy Durmitor and swim on the Adriatic coast in the same day. If you prefer an active vacation, Montenegro is an ideal location because it offers a large number of different types of activities. From breathtaking adrenaline activities, to pleasant walks, cycling and the like. You will surely find what suits you best.
There is so much in uniquely beautiful places in Montenegro that every tourist simply must visit. Natural resources, through historical monuments, old castles, modern and luxurious resort. If your motives for travel are anthropogenic factors, get to know new culture, tradition, folklore, gastronomy, then Montenegro is again an excellent choice for you. Montenegro is very proud of its rich history and tradition, first and foremost offering an unforgettable experience and a warm welcome. Montenegro is hidden as pearls, right in the heart of Europe, ready to surprise you, to transmit to all your senses, to offer you at your national table the things you see for the first time. One thing could never be confused with Montenegrins - they are excellent hosts.
Fun fact - Italian, Turkish and Hungarian are very deeply rooted in Montenegrin cuisine. The influence of Turkish cuisine is most evident in the preparation of pastries, burek, cakes, cevap. Preparation of, gulas, paprika, origin from Hungarians. On the coast there is the influence of Mediterranean cuisine, which is very similar to Italian cuisine. The meals in the central and eastern parts are very different from those on the coast. Below we give you some suggestions of some dishes to try, the choice that makes you the most receptive. Whatever you choose, we assure you that you will not make a mistake.
The fish is usually prepared in Montenegro - on a grill with aromatic additives, inexhaustible rosemary and olive oil or fried with potato salad ... Fish dish with homemade lemon, bay leaf, garlic and parsley. Like most Mediterranean cuisines, the Montenegrin offers a salad made from octopus, food, squid, and shrimp.
1. Gulf of Kotor
Boka Kotorska is a region surrounding one of the grandest natural features of east Adriatic- the Gulf of Kotor, a series of four bays penetrating 25 km of inland. No matter whether you enter Boka by land or by sea - your experience will be the same - Boka will fascinate you! It looks as if the mountains have cracked and let the sea in. This is the southernmost fjord in Europe. The high mountains bend over the thin coastline thus protecting it from the severe climate from the north. That is why Boka is an oasis of Mediterranean vegetation: agave, palm, mimosa, oleander, kiwi, pomegranate, medicinal herbs. When its peaks are covered with snow, the roses bloom in the foothills. The small towns, as treasuries of history, art and beauty, are strung like pearls on its coastline.
Boka is a place where various differences meet up and mix up by creating an entirely special ambiance. Contrasts are seen in nature where in one part of the bay one can see steep rocky mountains rising upon the calm sea surface, while on the other part flourish real botanical gardens.
Contrasts are also emphasized in the cultural-historic heritage where two civilizations of east and of west meet upon each other in a special harmony. Prehistoric age, Iliric age, Roman - Byzantine age, renaissance, baroque, gothic styles all that is melted together and blended with the modern life, showing that the real valuables last forever, together in harmony.
Kotor is the old coastal and cultural centre. For centuries, it has been a crossroads of commercial roads under the strong influence of Venice. It is protected by mountains with a strong defense structure built during the time of Byzantine Empire.
The old town of Kotor has a great number of monuments of the medieval architecture: churches, cathedrals, palaces, and museums. Its beauty is complemented with the multitude of narrow streets, squares, and markets. The old town of Kotor stands out also by the great number of stylishly made gates, palaces of the wealthy families, and a great number of stairs.
Kotor has many historic buildings, the largest and most beautiful of which is St. Tryphon Cathedral, which was built in 1166 and contains many frescoes and a treasury of jewels.
2. Perast
Perast is a part of the Gulf of Kotor. This medieval town boasts nine defensive towers, each built by the Venetians, during the XV and XVI centuries..
Perast is easily distinguished by its 16 palaces and 17 churches, built vertically against the mountainside, as well as two islets positioned in the Gulf. Perast is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. You will feel like you are in the backcountry of a past century ... narrow streets right by the sea, stone houses on the street, views of two small islands, you will hold your breath. Prehistoric remains found in the Spila cave above Perast attest to the very early settlement of this area, and this is a perfect place for those interested in history and dreaming of great archaeological discoveries. On the opposite side of Perast there are two stunning islands - the natural island of St. George and the island of Our Lady of Rocks.
Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island created in XV century. According to the legend, two brothers from Perast, fishermen, found an icon of the Virgin with Christ on the sea-cliff. They brought it home but tomorrow morning it was gone. It appeared at the same sea-cliff, so two brothers took it home one more time. The same thing happened - the icon disappeared again and reappeared on the sea-cliff.They understood this as a Virgin's wish to stay there forever. They vowed to build a church dedicated to this icon of the Virgin, the patron saint of seafarers and fishermen.
3. Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is a village near Budva. It is connected to the country by a narrow landing. This island is the most luxurious resort in Montenegro. Sveti Stefan is a unique place in the whole world: "3u1" - at the same time the island, the city and the hotel!
Sv. Stefan has also a unique and unrepeatable ambience, rich in history and luxury, and this connection has not yet been seen. The island dates back to the 15th century and was built by the locals to protect it from external attacks. The resort was visited by many celebrities, including Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Margaret, Carlo Ponti and Kirk Douglas. Nobu restaurant located at Sv. Stefan, owned by famous actor Robert De Niro, confirms how special this place is.
#InterestingFact
"As if I were returning to the city from the most beautiful fairy tale of my childhood," said the famous Italian actress Sofia Loren about Sv. Stefan.
4. Porto Montenegro
Porto Montenegro is a yacht marina and nautical settlement in Tivat. It is one of the most luxurious marinas on the Adriatic. In the complex there is a marina (450 berths for yachts from 12 to 180 meters long), apartments, business premises, 5-star Regent Hotel, a collection of maritime heritage with valuable museum exhibits, in a reconstructed building of the former Austro-Hungarian Sawmill, Club, Knightsbridge School International Montenegro.
The marina has berths for 650 yachts, 150 of them super yachts, up to 150m long. These is a part of a full-service community of luxury apartments, shops, restaurants and other sports and entertainment amenities. The largest and the most beautiful yachts, sailing under flags from all over the world would come and stay in Tivat in Porto Montenegro – the most luxurious yachting resort in the Mediterranean Sea. Tivat’s small airport is only 3 km south of the town.
5. Velika Plaza Ulcinj
Long Beach is one of the Montenegro’s great natural assets. It’s located in Ulcinj and it’s the country’s longest contiguous beach. The bach is covered with the finest sand with such a fine quality that it is reputed to have medicinal and therapeutic qualities. It is rich with minerals, good for those suffering from rheumatism. The beach is distinctive for a long shallow belt of the sea. Nudist village is next to the beach.
Besides the beach, you can swim in the river part, amid which fish restaurants are standing on piles. Those who love sea view can practice surfing, yachting sport, water ski and even horse riding on the shore. When you get tired and hungry, you should definitely visit one of the many restaurants on Ada Bojana, you will enjoy the charms and delicious rich Mediterranean cuisine.