Sitting at an airport bar waiting for a flight, I struck up a conversation with a couple about their travels. I learned that they were just returning from a two-week cruise through Europe. When I asked them which destination had been their favorite, they replied in unison, “Montenegro”. After describing the beauty and tranquility of what they experienced in one day, I decided to do some research, myself.

Situated in the Southern Adriatic, Montenegro is dubbed “The Pearl of the Mediterranean”. It’s borders include Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the north and west, Kosovo to the east, Serbia to the northeast, and Albania to the south. The capital is Podgorica, located in the center of the country.
Once a popular tourist destination, the tourism industry suffered greatly during and following Yugoslavia’s civil war. Recently, however, travelers are returning to the country, and infrastructure is being rapidly rebuilt. Much like its celebrated neighbor Croatia, Montenegro enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. The topography ranges from high, rugged mountains (as tall as 7,000 feet) to coastal plains.

Tourism opportunities here include beach vacations and sailing as well as adventure travel such as horseback riding, trekking, rafting and paragliding. A combination of the two is an excellent way to enjoy the best the country has to offer.

The country is divided into five regions:

The Bay of Kotor, which features a UNESCO World heritage site of Perast and Kotor, is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful bays.

Budva Riviera, the top tourist spot with nice villages, nightlife and beaches.
Central Montenegro, the heart of the country, which includes the capital Podgorica. There are several National Parks in the Central area.

Montenegrin South Coast, which contains an Albanian majority, and
North Montenegrin Mountains, situated in the Dinaric Alps, an unspoiled natural region. This is also the location of the Tara River Canyon and the winter sports capital of Zabljac.

Most European citizens only need a passport to enter Montenegro. Most other tourists are required to fill out a visa for entrance. It is wise to check with the embassy or consul in your country of residence for updated information. The currency is the Euro, and Montenegro is a member of the United Nations. It is expected to become a member of the European Union in the near future.

Some highlights of a trip to Montenegro would include:

Ostrog Monastery, one of the three most-visited Christian destinations in the world. Built on a vertical mountain cliff, it is said to be a miracle of nature and human interaction combined. The monastery is easily accessed from the capital, only about 50km away.

Skadar Lake is the largest lake in the Balkans. It is noted for its bounty of indigenous flora and fauna. The lake has been declared a national park. Cultural and historical monuments are scattered throughout the islands that dot the lake.

The Bay of Kotor has been described as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The bay contains four straights and is ringed by rugged mountains in all sides. Seven islands decorate the Bay of Kotor, and on the islands are several interesting towns, the most important being Kotor, a city of World Cultural Heritage.

The Tara River Canyon is the second largest river canyon in the world after the Grand River Canyon. Lining this wild river’s banks are centuries-old black pine forests and lush vegetation. The Tara River challenges white water rafters from across the globe.

The Lovcen Mountain, a National Park, is the backdrop of the city of Lotor. Set atop the highest peaks of the mountain of Lovcern rests the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic Njegos, Montenegro’s most celebrated poet and philosopher.
Ada Bojana, an artificially created river island, developed after a ship sank between two small islands in the 19th century. Over the years, river sediment collected and connected the islands and the wreck, forming a triangular shaped island. Resting between the Adriatic Sea and the Bojana River, the island has a lovely 3-km sandy beach and is a haven for sailors. Seafood restaurants line the river’s edge.

Whether you are looking for mountainous adventure travel, a stay at a beachfront resort or any combination in between, Montenegro offers something for nearly everyone.
Check out these books about Montenegro HERE!