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Montenegro - the Adriatic coast
What are the highlights of Montenegro?
Published on August 10, 2024
The Montenegro coastline features lengthy pebble beaches, flanked by the sea and grand mountains that appear poised to plunge into the Adriatic Sea.
Montenegro often gets overlooked by tourists, but it's starting to catch the eye of travelers seeking an affordable destination that offers a unique experience compared to the busy tourist spots in Croatia, Albania, or Greece.
Montenegro offers unique and unforgettable experiences with its unspoiled charm and breathtaking landscapes.
Montenegro is a hidden gem with stunning fjords, UNESCO-listed old towns, and coastal towns featuring cobbled streets and ancient churches, perfect for those wanting an authentic Balkan experience.
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Sight of Budva's tourist center
Visit the COUNTRIES
1 - HERCEG NOVI
Right after you cross the border with Croatia in the northern part, you'll come across Castelnuovo, also known as Herceg Novi in the local language. It's a city situated at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor where culture and landscapes blend together.
It's a city with a variety of options: you can relax on the city beach by the charming Forte Mare Fortress or on the nearby pebble and stone beaches like Boka, Žaba (equipped), or Raffaello (equipped) and savor the delights of a pristine sea. Alternatively, you can wander around in quest of historical spots, each with its own tale to share.
Strolling through its streets, you'll find ancient fortifications, historic churches, and palaces that narrate a rich and diverse history.
The old town, with its cobblestone streets, quaint squares, and many staircases, invites you to wander among the craft shops, coffee shops, and open-air spaces sheltered by tall lime trees and adorned with bougainvillea flowers.
Seafront and town beach view
Near the center, you can discover the Kanli Kula Fortress, a grand stronghold that provides a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea and is a popular location for photography lovers.
Nature enthusiasts can explore various hiking trails in the surrounding area that lead up the mountains behind the city, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
The city is well-known for its many cultural events that bring life to summer evenings with concerts, plays, and festivals.
Among these is the Mimosa Festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring with a series of colorful and joyful events.
The happiness and natural cheer that caught my attention as soon as I arrived at this wonderful place.
2 - KOTOR BAY
View of the Bay of Kotor's fjords
The Bay of Kotor, recognized as one of the finest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, was designated as a UNESCO cultural and natural heritage site in 1979.
These river valleys flooded by the sea have the form of stunningly beautiful deep fjords.
This type of tourism is discreet and quiet, attracting visitors from around the globe who discover a stunning landscape in a region with a unique structure and a history spanning a thousand years.
The charming towns along the Bay of Kotor, with their cobblestone streets and historic churches, provide a captivating glimpse into the past.
The port of Kotor features a charming UNESCO-protected pedestrianized historic center where you should take a leisurely walk and visit the Trg od oružja (Arms Square), a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists.
Explore the Sveti Tripun Cathedral, constructed in the 12th century on top of a 9th-century church, and appreciate its remarkable interior.
Head to the must-see destination of the Fortress of Sveti Ivan and ascend the grand medieval walls encircling the city.
Climb 1300 steps to the nearby mountains, providing stunning panoramic views.
The heart of Kotor with the view on the mountains and the walls
The Bay of Kotor isn't just a natural marvel; it's also a blend of cultures and traditions.
Take a moment to visit the Maritime Museum, where you can journey through time and explore the history of the Bay of Kotor.
Visit the Cat Museum, a place where cats have been keeping mice and rats away for years, and is quite popular among the locals.
Here, you can discover various themed souvenirs to bring back a memory that will bring a smile to your face whenever you see it.
Visit the City Market, located near the walls next to the Porta del Mare, where you can discover a wide range of locally produced goods, particularly on Saturdays when the market offers even more variety.
If you're keen on exploring more, head up to the mountainous region of Lovćen National Park, known as Montenegro's panoramic terrace.
You can drive along a road with different viewpoints up to 1600 meters above sea level where you'll find the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic Njegos, a philosopher, poet, ruler, and spiritual figure of Montenegro.
Head over to the village of Perast, just a short distance from Kotor, and you'll come across two charming islets right in front of you.
Legend has it that the Virgin Mary icon was discovered on the rocks, and sailors started leaving stones there with each visit until they constructed the islet. On this islet, you can find the Byzantine-style church of Our Lady of the Rocks, which was constructed in the 17th century.
Hanging indoors are the gifts left by travelers seeking good luck over the past five centuries: primarily silver items with nautical themes, along with simpler offerings from those unable to purchase precious materials.
You will also find an image of the Virgin Mary embroidered in 25 years of work by a local lady with silk, threads and her increasingly gray hair as she waited for her husband to return from the sea. Unfortunately, he never did.
Keep going and keep exploring because this is a spot that encourages exploration and reflection, a gem of the Mediterranean that keeps captivating anyone fortunate enough to experience it.
3 - BUDVA
The view of Budva center from Ričardova Glava beach
Situated in the heart of Montenegro's coast, Budva is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches spanning over 38 km along the Adriatic Sea, vibrant nightlife, and charming scenery.
The historic town, situated on a peninsula, features narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and ancient walls that recount tales of the past, while the Ethnographic Museum conserves remnants of the various peoples who have inhabited the area throughout its 2,500-year history.
In Budva, you can spend your days sunbathing on lovely beaches like Mogren (accessible via a scenic path along the rocky ridge), Jaz (with facilities), the extensive and equipped Bečići, and Slovenska beach, where the clear waters tempt you for a refreshing swim.
Adventure enthusiasts can explore the nearby mountains located right on the village's outskirts, providing hiking paths with stunning views of the sea and the city.
During the evenings, street artists entertain people passing by, and nearby pubs offer delicious Montenegrin dishes along with local wines.
Make sure not to skip the evening aperitif; it's a tradition that should be respected around here!
Move on to the contemporary restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs that are now at the forefront of an evening that can extend into the early hours of the morning if preferred.
The beach in the charming fishing village of Pržno
Near Budva, you can explore other spots like the lovely island of Sveti Nikola, situated just off the coast of Budva. It is known for its small beaches near the rocky shoreline and the charming fishing village of Pržno.
Budva has become a trendy spot, not just for its lively nightlife but also for its beauty, history, and surroundings that attract visitors of all ages.
4 - Sveti Stefan
From Budva, drive along the coastal road that gently curves south towards Albania. After a few kilometers, you won't be able to resist stopping to admire the stunning panorama from the Viewpoint.
The isthmus and Santo Stefano village are hard to miss, and I, like many others before me, chose to stop for a day in this beautiful place.
"Don't worry," the owner comforted me, "with this territory, all the lodgings in this town have an amazing view of the star of the place!"
That's how, after sweating on the uphill paths of the town that ascends the ridge behind, I occupied, regrettably just for one night, a humble apartment but positioned directly in front of the unique island linked to the mainland by an isthmus.
Santo Stefano, which was once a small fishing village on a tiny rocky island, has transformed into a luxurious tourist spot that was popular among royalty, artists, and celebrities in the 1960s.
Back in the days of the former Yugoslavia, the whole village got turned into a fancy resort, keeping its originality and the defensive structures constructed in the 15th century to protect against pirates and Ottomans.
Today, the island is managed by the Aman resort, offering access to both its guests and paying visitors.
On both sides of the isthmus, there are two beautifully equipped beaches with crystal clear waters.
The beach at Sveti Stefan is incredibly stunning, making it one of Lonely Planet's top 100 beaches in the world.
It's a highly sought-after spot, and remember that the price for sunbeds and umbrellas here is approximately €50 per day.
The town's new section has emerged on the mainland, with winding streets ascending the mountain lined with different types of lodging, white stone structures, olive trees, and vibrant bougainvilleas set against a picturesque background.
Sveti Stefan as seen from the sea
The beach located north of Sveti Stefan
5 - PETROVAZ
Essential for this journey
Petrovac Bay tip view
Around thirty minutes away from Lake Scutari, which Montenegro shares with Albania, Petrovaz is a delightful village that appears to be frozen in time.
The cobblestone streets, flanked by stone houses adorned with balconies overflowing with flowers, beckon you to take a leisurely walk, savoring the tranquility and loveliness of the area.
The heart of the village is centered around a cozy square, where locals gather to socialize and enjoy coffee at the quaint outdoor cafes in a charming setting.
The village restaurants serve dishes made with fresh, local ingredients like freshly caught fish from Lake Scutari, along with seasonal vegetables and wines from nearby vineyards.
The Church of Sveta Nedelja is situated on rocks in the center of the bay
Visit the COUNTRIES
The beach is very long and equipped, with a crescent shape and golden sand, overlooking a rocky outcrop where the church of Santa Nedelja stands.
The clear, warm waters (averaging 25°C in summer) and shallow depth make it perfect for families with kids and those who enjoy a peaceful beach life.
The bay concludes at the picturesque Venetian Fortress Kastio on the northern edge, where a shaded trail begins leading to certain distinctive red rocks.
The extensive shoreline of Petrovaz
Close by, you should check out the Serbian Orthodox monastery of Reževići.
It's a great place to explore, where you can enjoy the local products like oil, cheese, and honey made by the monks.
I suggest adding Petrovaz to your travel plans along the Montenegrin coast. It's a peaceful and rejuvenating hideaway where you can truly enjoy every moment by immersing yourself in the genuine aroma of the Balkans.
Montenegro - Practical Info and Helpful Tips
Population: 633,000 individuals
Religion: Orthodox Christian
Safety: Feeling safe is widespread
Currency: Euro
Entry requirements: ID card for Europeans. No required vaccinations
Best time to visit: June to October
Climate: Mediterranean, featuring hot summers and mild winters
What to wear: light and comfortable clothes, sunglasses, and a hat in the summer.
It's recommended to wear rock shoes when going to the beach
Road conditions: well maintained everywhere
How to get there: you can take direct flights from Milan/Rome to Podgorica (the capital), which is about a 1-hour drive from the coast. You can also consider direct flights from Ljubljana (SLO) if you are in the Northeast of Italy.
To get to the coast, you can take buses from the bus station in Podgorica (10 km from the airport - ticket €5) or opt for one of the numerous taxis (around €50).
Direct flights from UK to Tivat internationa airport
Adria Ferries operate from the italian cities of Brindisi, Bari, and Ancona
Electrical outlets: similar to european’s
Internet: wifi is widely spread
Traditional dishes: Kačamak (the national dish), burek (rolled cake), Cicvara (cream), Ćevapi (meat), Njeguški pršut (ham), rakia (local brandy)
Souvenir: plum brandy (slivovitz), round hat Cap, Gusli (traditional bowed musical instrument), a jewel made of silver and semi-precious stones, black honeydew honey.