The identify Montenegro – actually “black mountain” – turns into obvious as you descend the steep hills into the nation’s Bay of Kotor area. On this stunningly stunning inlet off the Adriatic Sea, the black mountains of Montenegro appear to rise instantly from the water.
Situated on the Adriatic coast of the Balkans, Montenegro is one in every of southern Europe’s absolute hidden gems. From its epic mountains to rugged shoreline to medieval cities, the nation is certain to offer vacationers a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
And, from a private perspective, I had the nice fortune to suggest to my spouse, bottle of champagne in hand, overlooking the Bay of Kotor – thankfully, she mentioned “yes!” So, this glorious nation will all the time maintain a spot close to and expensive to our hearts, and right here’s what we see as 15 of probably the most stunning locations to go to in Montenegro…
Herceg Novi – a medieval metropolis in Kotor which is among the most gorgeous locations to go to in Montenegro
Herceg Novi, a gorgeous medieval metropolis, stands guard over the doorway from the Adriatic Sea into Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor. Guests can wander by means of the winding, terraced streets of town’s outdated city for gorgeous views, scrumptious meals, and shaded cafes.
Seize a cup of espresso at one in every of these stunning cafes on the slopes of town for an excellent place to loosen up and watch the ships come out and in of the bay.
Perast – a beautiful coastal city recognized for its scrumptious meals and stone promenade
Additional inland on the shores of the Bay of Kotor, Perast is a beautiful village that would simply as simply seem on the banks of Lake Geneva. Anchored by a gorgeous stone church, guests can seize a snack and stroll alongside its waterside promenade.
I like to recommend going with an enormous urge for food, so you possibly can submit up at one in every of a number of eating places situated alongside the water for a glass of Montenegrin wine and a few scrumptious native mussels.
Kotor Fortress – simply the most effective locations to discover in Montenegro
Rising from outdated city Kotor, the remaining partitions of town’s medieval fortress ascend into the black mountains surrounding the bay.
When you’re searching for an impressive option to tour some ruins, see a surprising panorama, and get some train, that is for you. However, convey some water, because it’s a steep climb up the wall’s steps!
Stari Grad Kotor – a winding outdated city full of gorgeous markets and cafes
This advice really ties in instantly with the Kotor Fortress climb above. The traditional wall continues down into the outdated metropolis of Kotor – Stari Grad – itself. So, after you burn some energy climbing the wall, head again down into the maze-like streets of Stari Grad and seize a drink and chunk to eat in one of many tree-lined courtyards of this historic city.
There are far worse methods to spend the day – good climb adopted by some native seafood and an enormous, chilly glass of Montenegrin white wine!
Our Woman of the Rocks – a artifical island which is a must-see in Montenegro
This stunning, artifical island is situated within the coronary heart of the Bay of Kotor. Along with touring a gorgeous church – the eponymous Woman of the Rocks – this island offers you 360-degree views of the mountains towering above the bay.
To get there, you possibly can pay for a ship taxi from Perast or Kotor. Or, for those who’re feeling just a little extra adventurous, hire a kayak and get some train on the best way out!
Mountains above Risan – gorgeous hikes with panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor
This one undoubtedly gained’t be in any tour books, but it surely’s an excellent little secret for those who’re searching for a gorgeous day hike. Risan is a small city wedged between the mountains and shore within the far north of the Bay of Kotor.
Instantly behind the city, there’s a switch-back path main up into the mountains. It’s undoubtedly a day hike, however for those who’re up for packing a lunch and a few water, the views from the highest make it well worth the effort!
Ostrog Monastery – a Serbian Orthodox monastery which is among the greatest locations to go to in Montenegro
Situated roughly 40 kilometers northwest from the capital, this stunning monastery appears to nearly defy actuality. Constructed into a virtually vertical cliff face, the gorgeous Serbian Orthodox monastery – named after Saint Basil of Ostrog – ought to undoubtedly be in your record of “places to see” in Montenegro!
Whether or not you recognize the non secular, architectural, pure, or historic features of this website, there’s a purpose for everybody to go there. And, after winding up the switch-back roads to get to the monastery, you’ll be rewarded with a surprising view again west over the Bjelopavlići plain – much more purpose to make a day journey right here!
Lovcen Nationwide Park – towering mountains and the Mausoleum of Njegoš
When you like the outside, be sure to don’t skip this one! Mount Lovcen can really declare to be the mountain that gave Montenegro its identify, as its black partitions completely justify the “black mountain” moniker. Along with providing excellent hikes alongside steep mountain trails, true thrill-seekers can zipline by means of the mountains, as properly!
And, from a historic perspective, Montenegro’s most well-known ruler – Petar II Petrović-Njegoš – has his remaining resting place within the mountaintop Mausoleum of Njegoš throughout the park, making this a must-see for guests to Montenegro.
Njegusi – a tiny fairly mountain city recognized for stunning views and native wine
Whereas hardly ever talked about on lists of “touristy” issues to do, for those who’re going to Lovcen, cease off on the tiny mountain village of Njegusi on the park’s north aspect. Njegoš was born right here, and it’s an ideal halfway cease on the steep, switch-back drive up from the Adriatic coast over the mountains and again all the way down to the plains of inland Montenegro.
Pull your automotive over for gorgeous views, and stroll by means of the village to breathe in some recent mountain air and meet some splendidly hospitable locals. Remember to strive some selfmade wine and a number of the scrumptious native dried ham, njeguški pršut.
Sveti Nikola Island – probably the most gorgeous locations to discover in Montenegro
Whereas many individuals have heard of Budva – Montenegro’s playground metropolis for the wealthy and well-known – far fewer have heard of this stunning island only one kilometer from town. Sveti Nikola Island, which is just accessible by boat, is gorgeous in its contradictions.
Whereas so geographically near Budva, you are feeling such as you’re utterly remoted on one of many island’s three secluded seashores. In order for you a gorgeous escape from the hustle and bustle of life in Budva, catch a ship out right here for a day.
Skadar Lake Nationwide Park – a nature lover’s playground straddling two nations
The biggest lake in southern Europe, this attractive physique of water straddles Montenegro and its neighbor to the south, Albania. And, designated a nationwide park, this pristine lake is an ideal vacation spot for nature lovers. One of the simplest ways to see it’s a boat tour, which you’ll ebook at one of many coastal cities for anyplace from a pair hours to a whole day.
I extremely suggest packing some snacks (and perhaps a bottle of wine?) for a day on the water. These boat excursions will cease off at hidden seashores and remoted islands all through the day – an ideal option to take a dip, see some nature, and revel in a picnic!
Masanovic Vineyard – style scrumptious Montenegrin wines with a household contact
After masking some good nature actions, right here’s one for the wine lovers on the market! Situated in Virpazar – simply west of Skadar Lake – Masanovic Vineyard gives an outstanding expertise at a family-owned and operated vineyard. When you’d like to order a tour, drop an e-mail to the proprietors a few days upfront.
Or, simply present up for a day of culinary treats, as all the meals and drinks served there are selfmade. However, undoubtedly work out who’s driving, as a result of the wines, brandy, and liquor can hit your fairly quick, particularly for those who spent your morning swimming in Skadar Lake!
Crno Jezero – a beautiful, glacial lake which is a magnificence spot to go to in northern Montenegro
My remaining advice is extra remoted than the opposite ones on this record, but it surely’s completely well worth the drive. Situated in northern Montenegro, Crno Jezero – “black lake” in English – is a glacial lake and a particularly in style vacationer attraction in that a part of the nation. Within the shadow of gorgeous mountains, the streams and trails surrounding this attractive water make it a main vacation spot for a day of mountaineering.
And, from a sensible standpoint, you possibly can stroll to the lake from the middle of Zabljak, the closest city. So, after a day of mountaineering by means of gorgeous pine forests and alongside glacial streams, stroll again from the lake into city for some scrumptious Montenegrin meals and drinks!
Gorica Park – a pretty hillside backyard park of winding trails overlooking Podgorica
Some individuals say spending a while in Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, isn’t value it – I disagree. And, Gorica Park is one purpose why. On this stunning, hillside park, you possibly can stroll by means of nice backyard trails with a sweeping view out over town and the outlying plains.
After a pair hours exploring, you’re situated only a quick stroll from excellent bars, cafes, and eating places, so discover some stunning nature whereas working up an enormous urge for food!
Independence Sq. – a cultural hub within the capital and an excellent place for risotto
With that massive urge for food constructed up from strolling the paths of Gorica Park, head out for an evening in town in Podgorica’s social and cultural coronary heart – Independence Sq.. Full of stunning sculptures and lined with eating places, town library, and the artwork museum, this vibrant sq. is totally a spot to spend an evening.
Begin with some drinks at one of many many open-air cafes then transition to a scrumptious seafood dinner. That is an impressive place to strive a few of Montenegro’s well-known cuttlefish black risotto. Died black with squid ink and stuffed with lump squid meat, this dish could sound unusual, however its mouth-watering taste and texture may have you calling for extra!
Written by Chipp from They Travel & Work. Chipp and his spouse, Jenna, wish to journey – however must work – and so they’re documenting their adventures determining how to do both of their weblog. They hope their tales will encourage different individuals to provide the travel-and-work factor a strive, too!
