“The part of the Adriatic Coast belonging to Montenegro is the purest part of the Mediterranean.” - Jacques Cousteau
Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Montenegro can appeal to travelers with many different interests. Barely known as a nation by many Americans, visitors are captivated by the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscape. Whether seeking adventure, historical education, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the diverse array of experiences available in Montenegro can satisfy each desire and more. There are ancient fortresses to explore, pristine national parks to hike, elegant beach resorts to rent rooms in, and delicious traditional cuisine to taste.
Montenegro’s capital city is Podgorica. Covering more than 10% of the national territory, Podgorica is the largest city by land and population. The vast majority of 186,000 metro residents identify as Orthodox Christians. Followers of Islam and Catholics amount to around 10% each and provide the city with the much-needed diversity. With a truly unique culture, an unforgettable journey to Montenegro awaits…
During a visit, make sure to see and do the following:
Podgorica is an easily walkable small city and offers nice opportunities to view local architecture and visit some museums. The historic Petrovic Castle has been converted to a fabulous art gallery that is worth seeing. Other must-see museums include Podgorica Museum and Gallery, and the Natural History Museum of Montenegro.
Djurdevica Tara Bridge deserves a crossing. This iconic bridge was built in 1940 and offers spectacular views.
Durmitor National Park delivers multiple opportunities to experience a wide variety of outdoor activities. Here visitors will find hiking trails, canoe rentals, and some of the most beautiful scenery to be found on the continent. With a glacier-formed setting, the park is dotted with lakes, forests, and gorges.
Budva Riviera surrounds the town of Budva and encompasses a roughly 22-mile strip of land along the Adriatic coast. Seeking a beach? If so, this is the place to be. Popular among locals and tourists alike,13 miles of beautiful sandy beach can be found here.
Skadar Lake National Park delivers birdwatching opportunities galore, along with other native wildlife such as Balkan lynx, brown bears, wolves and red deer. Exploring this stunning park, near Podgorica, will lead to island monasteries and floating meadows.
Centinje, once home to their royal family, is known to be the cultural capital of Montenegro. A town of fewer than 15,000 inhabitants, Centinje offers an authentic glimpse into the country’s history by simply strolling the streets.
Ostrog Monastery was built in the 1600’s, inside the rock of a mountain. Known to be the destination of a pilgrimage, this interesting historical site deserves a look!
Kotor Old City Walls have been beautifully preserved and offer tourists a nice opportunity to learn about the city’s fortifications.
Bay of Kotor is an iconic bay that bears a striking resemblance to a fjord, with rugged cliffs and cute towns to explore, including the historic town of Kotor. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, see how the high mountains surround the water in a distinctive fashion.
Porto Montenegro is a wonderful place to experience the best of what Montenegro has to offer. From trendy upscale restaurants to high-end boutiques and superyacht berths, this is where the nation’s elite congregate. Consider visiting in the evening to catch a beautiful sunset over the water.
Taste the national dish, offered at many restaurants. Njegusi prosciutto is a smoked meat containing various types of sausages and ham.
By Lisa Osborne Blalock
Footloose Travel & Tours