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Montenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. The country is very compact and you can drive from one end of the country to the other in less than a day. Don't let it fool you though, Montenegro has a lot to offer with beautiful beaches on the Adriatic, Orthodox monasteries, medieval sites, lakes and national parks.
The climate in the country is perfect for a visit during any season. In the seaside region the summers are usually long, hot and rather dry, whilst the winters are short and humid. The swimming season starts at the end of April and lasts until the end of October.
Fun fact: Montenegro proclaimed war with the Japanese empire in 1904. The peace agreement between Montenegro and Japan was only signe in 2006.
THESE ARE MY "THINGS TO DO" FOR AN AWESOME TWO-WEEK MONTENEGRO ITINERARY
Pluzine
Pluzine is a miniature young town where the population is approximately 1,500. It's located in a picturesque setting on the banks of the Piva reservoir and is surrounded by mountain peaks. The history of this city or, rather a village, began with the construction of a hydroelectric power station on the Piva River and Pluzine was intended for the families of the workers at the station. Pluzine has a warm climate, is in a spot of natural beauty with an artificial reservoir of emerald-colored warm water. Being away from the noise and in unity with nature has made this place popular with tourists. Pluzine makes a great base if you want to visit the Durmitor National Park - the main pearl in the shell of natural attractions in Montenegro - there are breathtaking views of the canyons, the Piva and Sushitsa rivers, as well as the numerous other lakes in the region. Popular activities like fishing, hiking, kayaking, white-water also on offer in and around Pluzine.
Pluzine will definitely charm nature lovers. People come here first of all, to breathe deeply, relax in body and soul and to enjoy the natural beauty, harmony and tranquility on offer.
My Top 10 things to do in Pluzine
1. White-water rafting
I love rafting and is one of the best ways to see Montenegro's 'wild beauty'. Rafting takes place in the Tara Canyon and there are a several companies that offer the tours. The canyon stretches over 82 kilometers from Montenegro to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Tara River Canyon is one of the deepest river canyons in Europe at around 1,300 meters and is the second-deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the United States. It is also a part of Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO Heritage site. In August the river is very quiet and rafting is extremely safe, even for small children. It may not be challenging enough to tickle the nerves of some, but it’s an opportunity to also take in the stunning wilderness and another reason I recommend it. If you are an adrenaline junky then the best time for rafting is Spring when the waters are fast and quite dangerous.
To book more activities in Montenegro, check www.getyourguide.com
2. Piva Lake and Park Prirode "Piva"
Although artificially created due to a dam, Piva Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. The maximum depth is 188m and the total length is 42 km so the air here is fresh and comfortable in summer and perfect for swiming, fishing, taking a boat tour or kayaking. If you have a car then just drive like we did as it's the most scenic car journey where you will pass numerous bridges, canyons and stunning tunnels the the local authorities have cut through the mountains. I also recommend that you find a wooden bridge on the Piva River leading to Bosnia and Herzegovina, unfortunately we couldn't do so as border was closed due to Covid 19.
3. Ostrog Monastery
One hour and 20 minutes drive from Pluzine will take you to a magical place high in the mountains. The beauty of the drive is worth mentioning however it's not for faint-hearted or height sensitive and the roads can get extremely narrow and steep with sharp bends twisting up the mountain side. The Monastery of Ostrog is a Serbian Orthodox Church situated against an almost vertical background high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda. It's not the oldest monastery in Montenegro but certainly one of the most famous.
There are a couple of free parking spots on different levels of the mountain but you can drive almost right up to the monastery itself. By Be mindful that by doing this you will miss some beautiful views of the church. When you look our from above you find it hard to believe that something like this was built by humans. The monastery was built in the 17th Century and still operate today. Twelve monks permanently live here and keep the place open for tourists. Saint Basil of Ostrog was buried here and an ancient prayer book of 1732 also kept on-site. Once inside, looking outwards opens up a superb view of the Bjelopavlići plain.
4. Driving through Durmitor National Park
The dramatic Durmitor National Park is one of Montenegro’s showpieces with a unique landscape, dizzying canyons, glacial lakes and nearly 48 peaks soaring to over 2000m high. The highest, Bobotov Kuk, hits 2523m. There are more than 300 species of animals, 170 representatives of birds and about 150 types of butterflies that can call it their home. Untouched forests of unique black pine stretch along the Tara River. There are places in the territory of the Durmitor National Park where you could imagine nobody has gone before, however we didn't want to tempt the fate and stayed along well-trodden paths. There are plenty of beautiful stops here with breath-taking views.
5. Zabljak
In the highlands of Durmitor you'll find the cozy and picturesque town of Zabljak, the highest situated Balkan town. In Montenegrin the name means a place where many frogs and toads are found. Years ago there really was countless creatures here, but since the area became a tourist gem the toad population has practically disappeared. Zabljak is a very popular winter destination with some nice and cheap ski resorts. Due to it being a popular winter destination, summer is considered low season here and it never gets crowded in the way the coastal towns do. So if you're looking for a quiet mountain retreat, this could be the perfect place for you! We certainly loved it.
6. Crno Jezero or Black Lake
Durmitor National Park is famous for its unique lakes. The black glacial lake is one of the most striking symbols of the reserve even though the water is not actually black but bright emerald. It is formed from two lakes which partially dry out in thee Summer and refill again in the spring. The Montenegrins call them “Mountain Eyes” because from above they look like two big eyes. The water is so clean and transparent that you can see to a depth of 10 meters. You will have to pay €3 per adults for the entrance, children are free. A paved path leads from the parking lot to the natural wonder with some stalls selling local produce such as homemade wine and honey and of course, magnets.
Black Lake is a very popular tourist attraction visited by many tourists from all over the world and locals alike. Due to the fact that it's surrounded completely by forest and there's a 3 km long walking path around the lake, the place never feels overcrowded. There are also some water sports available such as kayaking. You can also rent a boat to enjoy peace and tranquility on the water.
7. Đurđevića Tara Bridge
Any tourist who travels to Montenegro must visit the Djurdjevic Bridge. This is the most beautiful in the country, a statement that nobody has doubted for a long time. The large architectural structure has a rich history and attracts many tourists, especially photography enthusiasts. Surprisingly, ordinary concrete structures can look so airy and weightless and for many years the Djurdjevic Bridge held the title of the highest arched bridge in Europe.
Despite the fact that this is one of the most famous sights of Montenegro, it is not so easy to get here so the best way is to drive yourself. If you are staying by the coast for your whole visit then the easiest way to see the bridge is to book an organised trip and it will take about 3 hours to get there.
Devote some time to admiring the surrounding views: they are worth it and they'll take your breath away! Who knows, maybe the beauty of these places will stick in your memory for many years. You can have a drink or meal as there are lots of cafesand restaurants nearby as well as souvenir stalls.
FUN FACT: The length of the entire bridge is 365 meters - by an amazing coincidence, like days in a year.
A little history:
The author of the bridge project is Miyato Troyanovich. When World War II reached the remote mountainous regions, the territories along the Tara River were relegated to the Italian zone of occupation. The partisan movement was actively developing here and in 1942 it was decided to blow up the bridge in order to destroy the communications of the Italian army. The engineer Lazar Yaukovich, one of the builders of the bridge, was involved in a difficult task. He calculated the force of the charge and the place of laying the explosives in such a way that as a result of the detonation, only the central arch was destroyed. This made it possible to quickly restore the bridge after defeating the Nazis. As for the engineer, he was caught and shot by nazis. The bravery of this man is immortalized in a modest monument that stands at the entrance to the bridge.
8. Tara River Canyon Zipline
If you are an adrenalin junky and love to tickle the nerves then there are three types of zip-line by the Tara Bridge: 350, 824 and 1050 meters. These are totally with recorded accidents or incidents since they began.. I took the yellow optiion - The Adrenaline Zip Line - a little over 800 meters long. The maximum speed is up to 80 km/h, the duration is about a minute and the cost is €20 to €30 for two crossings. I loved it and took advantage of the offer and went twice.
9. Shop for local produce
Montenegrin honey
is not even one product, but a whole family of goodies. In Montenegro the nature in the valleys is very different from the highlands, therefore the honey turns out to be very different. Black honey which is obtained high in the mountains with a strong smell of herbs, may seem especially unusual. The local honey is produced in almost every household and is sold in small stalls or just by the road from the car. In my opinion, honey from the North of Montenegro was the tastiest. Honey is a great souvenir and it is convenient to transport.
Montenegrin prosciutto
is the under protection in Montenegro since 17 December 2018. Montenegrin prosciutto, also known as the Njegusi ham, is the durable, dried meat product, processed from leg of pork, dryly salted and coldly smoked before going through the process of drying. This entire process lasts at least one year. Prosciutto has been a part of the Montenegrin tradition for generations and is an unbreakable part of their lives. This is a kind of treat that is offered in every home as a sign of ultimate hospitality and respect.
10. Take a day trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina
From Pluzine is only under an hour to the Bosnian border. Bosnia is another beautiful country you can add to your countries count. The Tara River flows through Montenegro to Bosnia and Herzegovina, explore Tara canyon from Bosnian side, but make sure you let your renting company know that you would like to cross the border, otherwise your insurance will be invalid.
Dobra Voda and Adriatic Riviera
The word Riviera evokes the most pleasant associations for any person: sun, warm sand, crystal clear blue sea and mysterious sound of waves. This is how I would describe the Montenegro Adriatic Riviera.
Just under 3 hours drive from Pluzine and you are in the stunning seaside of Montenegro. Drive itself is a treat: road very good and the views are stunning. There is a paid ( €2.50 ) long tunnel on the way.
Dobra Voda is a small village located in the Bar area and it famous for a relaxing holiday away from busy resorts. The only drawback is that much of the resort rises above the motorway and some beach areas need to go down steep roads, but it's going up the most challenging.
Dobra Voda located smack bang in the middle of all the must visit locations and an ideal base for travellers looking to explore Montenegro Adriatic Coast.
To book activities in Montenegro check www.getyourguide.com
My Top 10 things to do in Adriatic Coast
1. Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar is one of the "calling cards" of Montenegro and is roughly 44km long, 10km wide and 8 metres deep. The lake is surrounded by the picturesque mountains of the Dinaric Highlands and it lies on the border of Albania and Montenegro with two thirds located in Montenegrin territory but you will see stunning views from either side and especially from above. Last year we visited the Albanian side and I was very keen to see the Montenegrin side this time around. The best and most exciting way to see the lake is
by boat trip and it costs €30 or you can take a swim - don't forget your swimwear! Skadar Lake is a birdwatching paradise with more than 260 different species including the rare Dalmatian Pelican and Pygmy Cormorant. The water is literally full of water lilies and yellow water lilies making the landscape of Lake Skadar even more romantic.
After an amazing day on the lake you can take our lead and stop for lunch or dinner in the Restaurant Jezero
and sit on the terrace and take in the views.
2. Stari Bar
Stari Bar, meaning "Old Bar", is a small town a few miles from the new city of Bar. The newer city of Bar was built on the the Adriatic coast and has become an important port and tourist centre for Montenegro. The old town is about a one hour walk up a hill into the bass of the mountain or a 20 minute drive. Unfortunately in 1979 the town was destroyed by a major earthquake and the community was abandoned and most of the historical parts were left in ruins. The rich history and charm of the place attracted the tourists and the town came back to life. A fair amount of restoration work is taking place to try to bring back some of the glory days with shops and cafes to follow. This is a trully beautiful place to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. In the summer it's get very crowded but due to Covid, we were lucky to see it when it was totally quiet, not for good for the locals of course!
3. Budva
Tourists are attracted to the popular Montenegrin resort Budva because it's full of fun and anyone can find something to do. The city has many bars, restaurants and night clubs and for those who cannot imagine their holiday without excursions there is an historical center with museums, old buildings and Christian churches. There is also an island nearby that you can visit by boat. Tourists with children will be pleased with the water park and a mini-zoo.
Popularity has made this city one of the most expensive resorts in Montenegro after Sveti Stefan and the process of urbanization is evident. You can clearly see that in order to attract tourists and create facilities for them, a lot of modern buildings and hotels were being built or extended en-mass which made this place less attractive to me. New Budva looks more like Benidorm or any other over developed holiday resort although there are plenty of points of interest in Budva:
4. Budva Old Town
Budva old town is a small picturesque citadel with a church, narrow streets , cozy houses, plenty of cute shops and full of history and legend. It goes back to Roman times. The city walls length is about 450 meters and you can take a walk around them whilst enjoying the wonderful views. Usually the bars and restaurants are full and offer you loud music of all kinds but during the 2020 Covid period it was empty and we could enjoy the place without crowds and selfie sticks poking into our faces.
- "Dancer from Budva"-
is a beautiful bronze sculpture of a girl frozen in a graceful pose. If you look closer you can see that the dancer does not have clothes at all and this is why some call the sculpture "The Girl Who Lost the Swimsuit". There are many different legends for why this statue is here. Some say that this is a sculpture of a famous Montenegrin gymnast who crashed, falling from the rock somewhere near this place, although none can name her. Some argue that the statue is dedicated to the daughter of local wealthy spouses who went to swim in the sea and did not return.
I love this more romantic version. A long time ago a young couple in love lived in Budva, a girl-dancer and a young sailorman. The sailor often went to sea whilst the young girl waited for her lover in the city, each time he returned she met him from the voyage by the shore. The young man went on a very long voyage and the girl came every morning to the rock. She danced and peered into the distance hoping that a ship with her fiance would soon appear. Years passed but her lover never returned to Budva. Despite this, day after day, month after month, she continued waiting, and visiting the shore of the sea. Soon the girl died having remained faithful to her fiance and this story became a symbol of eternal love. Of course, like any other statue in the world with a back story, if you rub certain parts of her body it will certainly bring good luck!
5. Boat trip to Sveti Nikola Island
The attractive Island Sveti Nikola, popularly named Hawaii, is one of the top attractions of Budva. A Hop- On-Hop- Off boat first takes you around Sveti Stefan and then drops you off on the island. You can spend all day on the island or hop on the next boat back which leaves every 2 hours and costs only €4 p/p for a return trip. There is a bar and restaurant on the island but most importantly it has very clear warm gorgeous seawater with a decent rocky beach.
6. Budva Market
Zelena Pijaca, is a small indoor market set-up right next to the MegaMarket supermarket and is the place to go if you want to stock up on fresh produce including domestic cheese, meats and fish. There ars also many funky stalls with homemade wine and vodka in a wide variety of flavours. I am a big fan of their pomegranate wine, fresh fruit and their fantastic local prosciutto which is all on offer as samples to taste for free. This place is very popular for locals and tourists alike.
7. Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is a small island and 5-star hotel resort approximately 6 kilometres southeast of Budva. The Communist Yugoslav authorities converted a fortified village dating back to the 15th century into a luxury hotel and the island village became an exclusive resort for high-profile elites of the world.
This is one of the most stunning spots on the whole of the beautiful Budvar Riviera. Hollywood stars like Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren were frequent visitors in the 1960s and 1980s as were Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in the noughties. Tennis player Novak Djokovic got married here, hiring out the entire island for his wedding party. The island is gated for hotel guests only, but you can get a glimpse of luxury lifestyle by booking a table in one of the hotel's restaurants. Interesting enough the restaurant is surprisingly not ridiculously expensive with prices higher than a city restaurant but affordable for a special occasion or very memorable holiday lunch or dinner.
I recommend having a walk through Milocer Park. The whole area used to be the summer residence of the Karadjordjevic family, the relatively short-lived dynasty of Serbia in the early 1800s. It's extremely beautiful and has a road that winds through Milocer park which is filled with olive groves and exotic trees with stunning views all around. It takes you past Villa Milocer and King’s Beach which are also part of the Aman resort.
The beach north of the island is also part of Aman Resort and costs €100 to hire a lounger. The south beach is free for the public and you can hire loungers here starting from €20 and up but we just threw our towels on the pebbles and ran into the cristal clear, warm sea. We loved this beach so much that we came back more than once. There is a large car park next to the beach which costs €6 for a half a day. If you are prepared to walk you can find free parking down the road.
8. Perast
Perast is an old town on the Bay of Kotor which is popular due to its proximity to the islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks. Perast is not just famous forislands. Despite having only one main street, this tiny town boasts 16 churches and 17 formerly grand palaces.
The first mentions of Perast date back to 1336 when it was a small fishing village, but the Venetian period brought prosperity to the area. There once lived 12 noble families in Perast and it was they who erected the very Baroque mansions and churches that the city is proud of and famous for to this day.
9. Island of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks
Opposite Perast there are two amazingly beautiful islands. One of them is Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island that was built in 1452 after (according to legend), two sailors of Perast discovered an icon of the Mother of God on the reef which healed one of them from an illness. After that a Byzantine-style church in honor of the Mother of God was built reaching 11 meters in height.
If you visit Perast by car there is a small car park which charges 3€ per hour to park or it's free if you take a taxi to the island with the same business. You can't go to Perast without visiting the island. €7 per per adult to see this magnificant peace of history is a small price to pay.
Fun fact:
Every year in Perast there is a festival called Fashinada. On July 22, all the locals sail in boats to the island and throw stones from the surrounding mountains around the island as a sign of the origin of this island.
10. Kotor
If Lake Skadar is a " Calling Card " of Montenegro, Kotor is a definitely a heart of the country. Located in the Gulf of Kotor this medieval old town undeniably beautiful. Normally Crowded with Cruise Ships, in August 2020 it's was very empty and lovely to walk around. Maybe, a little sad without wondering toursts, but we could enjoy every coner of it and Kotor just stunnng. Cute souvenir shops with many locally made jewellery, magnets and teeshirts are verywhere if you are after a retail therapy. When you wonder around the cobbled old streets, you will see hundrets of cats, Cats of Kotor as everyone called them, and it's a little paradise for them, you can spot bowls of food and water left by shop owners and restaurant staff, and you can find the most confident cats lounging on the laps of tourists, purring for affection. There is an interesting leggend, that cats saved Kotor and became a symbol of the town. It is reported that in 1918, during the revolt from the Austro-Hungarian navy, the Slav sailors would bring their ships into The Bay of Kotor, and with that their cats. Because Kotor is a town between sea and mountains, there were also lots of mice and rats and snakes, and it was necessary to have the cats in the town to protect it.
Old Town Kotor
is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. When you walk around the Old Town you can't help thinking that you are in Venice or some other Italian town, however this should not be surprising as the Venetian empire ruled over Kotor for nearly 400 years. After exploring the magic of The Old Town you can climb the fortress of San Giovanni where the spectacular view of The Old Town and Boka bay will take your breath away.
The project “Youth for a Clean Adriatic” has already attracted much public attention through art, various facilities and actions to clean up coastal areas. The problem of plastic pollution at sea is shown in modern art displayed around Kotor.
Montenegro is chosen by tourists not only because of nice weather and beautiful beaches - it's also full of culture, historical sights and magnificent nature.
This small country has a warm climate, turquoise sea, mountains with great views and a picturesque landscape. The narrow serpentine roads and the charm of river canyons cutting through the mountains stole our hearts and I will definitely put this country to the top of our 10 best holiday destinations.
To book activities in Montenegro check www.getyourguide.com
Where we stayed
B&B Konak
Rosulje bb, 81435 Pluzine
This was our first post-lockdown holiday, the place was very quiet and we got a free upgrade to a beautiful lake view cabin. Cabins are very clean and comfortable, plenty of space for three people and the fridge was convenient but most importantly the views are just breathtaking. The owners are extremely friendly, and they couldn't do enough for us, delicious freshly cooked breakfast with local produce was a lovely bonus. Bungalow for 3 people with private bathroom and fridge £36 per night, bargain in my opinion.
Nautilus Apartments & Restaurant
Nisice BB, Dobra Voda 85000
Amazing location, fantastic views, great staff and a lovely apartment. The rocky inlet of the sea at this resort is outstanding and we had endless fun jumping in the sea here. Everyone from the owner to the restaurant staff and reception was very friendly and helpful, they even assisted us beyond expectations when we needed to get a new tyre for our hire car. The food in the restaurant is fresh and very good and even though the Covid situation left them with fewer customers, the menu was available in full! Very clean, great aircon, no-nonsense and we would go back in a heartbeat.
Places to eat
Montenegrin cuisine is rich in meat and fresh seafood. The most popular dishes are chevapchichi (sausages), pleskavitsa (a large grilled cutlet) and chorba (a rich local fish or meat soup). Montenegrin fast food is represented by bureki - a puff pastry cake with various fillings that are sweet, meat or vegetable. Pecaras or local bakeries, sell the most wondeful pastry and pizza slices for about £1 each. Here are some of the restaurants we tried.
Restoran Sočica
Pluzine, Montenegro
If you like fantastic food in beautiful surroudings and at low prices then this place is for you.
The waiter spoke enough English to undestand what we wanted and wine list had a good choice of Montenegrin varieties starting at €9 per bottle. The atmosphere is fantastic but because of the lake proximity you will possibly need mosquito spray with you if you don't to be added to a menu!! :)
Serdar Small Hotel & Restaurant
Polja Bb, Polja, Mojkovac Municipality 84205
We found this place by chance as we had been driving a long time and were very hungry. It's by the main road and is seemingly located in the middle of nowhere but it was a nice little find. We had freshly cooked and tasty seafood and everything on the menu was very resonably priced.
Restoran Jezero
E65, Vranjina, Podgorica Municipality
We drove to see Lake Skadar and pulled straight off the highway in to this restaurant on the left bank of the lake for lunch. We sat on the terrace overlooking the lake. td eat and given the fact that the restaurant is located on the coast of Lake Skadar, there are various fish specialties depending on the time of the year. The most popular being the fried carp or grilled eel from the lake. I had a carp and it was delicious.
Restaurant Armonia
Perast Village Kotor Bay, Perast, Kotor Municipality
We stopped here for lunch after visiting Our Lady of the Rock. The food was very good and very well presented but not cheap. The view is spectacular and you can relax your mind and enjoy the tranquility of the bay.
Cjenovnik, Sunset Beach Bar
Sveti Stefan Beach
This is a very cool bar which served very nice food. Beach bars in Montenegro have a bad habit of playing very loud cheesy music but not this one. The setting is stunning and the bar has a lovely atmosphere with great music. If you are after fresh seafood with a nice cold white wine spritzer on the beach then this is the place to be.
Restaurant Adrovic
Jadranski put bb, Sveti Stefan 85315
This place is a gem. The food, views, service - everything is top-notch. We loved this place so much that we visited once for lunch and twice for dinner. I need to mention that it's not a cheap place compared to other restaurants in Montengro but it's also not the most expensive. The prrices reflect the quality and a seafood platter for two was €30, which I think is very reasonable. Their wine is good and the sunset is just breathtaking. If you are in this area visit Androvic restaurant at least once .
XXL Riblji Restoran
Obala Veliki Pijesak, Dobra Voda
Ultra cosy and decorated in very traditional style, this restaurant in Dobra Voda was
without a doubt our favorite place. The food was fresh and very well cooked and even though it was very
quiet due to Covid they offered a full menu, and great wine. For a 1 litre carafe of wine they charge €12, but I wanted white and Garry wanted red wine so they just bought two halves of each even though the option wasn't on the menu. We loved the potato and spinach side dish and they told us how to cook it at home. We tried but it's not the same as we probably needed fresh Montenegrin ingredients. Try this place when you are in Dobra Voda, you won't be dissapointed.
Heading to Montenegro soon? Discover more
Did you enjoy this article. Been there, done that. Let us know what other places we should've tried.
