The natural beauty of Montenegro with its picturesque coastal areas with golden-sand beaches by the Adriatic Sea bordered by towering mountains offers enjoyable settings for relaxing holidays. Home to green mountains with glacial lakes, crystal clear rivers, and deep canyons, Montenegro offers excellent possibilities for many kinds of outdoor activities such as skiing, trekking and rafting. For those interested in sightseeing there are numerous fascinating historical sites, cathedrals, and medieval monasteries to explore. In the picturesque mountain villages you can get in touch with the local culture of Montenegro.
The natural beauty of Montenegro can be admired in the four national parks in the country. The mountains, deep canyons, glacial lakes, fast-flowing rivers, and dense pine forests make the Durmitor National Park an ideal destination for nature lovers and for those interested in skiing and hiking. Durmitor National Park includes the Tara Canyon which is the deepest canyon in Europe, offering excellent possibilities for whitewater rafting and other extreme sports. Skadar Lake is the largest lake in Montenegro ideal for boat trips and birdwatching, while Ulcinj in the south coast hosts the longest sandy beach in Montenegro.
How to get there. The majority of the international flights to Montenegro arrive at the Podgorica Airport which serves flights from major European cities. There is another airport in Tivat by the coast, and the airport of Dubrovnik in Croatia is also located very close to Montenegro. There are cheap bus connections and some trains to Montenegro from the neighboring countries, and regular ferries to Montenegro can be found in Italy. The European highways connect the country with the rest of Europe.
Historic cities, beaches and national parks in Montenegro
The holiday destinations in Montenegro offer something for everybody: there are historic cities, peaceful villages, fine beach resorts, and nature destinations. Besides the capital and transportation hub of Montenegro, Podgorica, the historic city of Kotor and the old Royal capital Cetinje are interesting towns to visit in Montenegro. Kotor is home to a spectacular Old Town with cobblestone streets and Venetian buildings. Located on a beautiful blue Boka Bay and surrounded by magnificent high mountains, the sunny Kotor has excellent opportunities for diving and rock climbing. If you are looking for golden-sand beaches in Montenegro, head for the beautiful beach resorts along the Adriatic coast such as Budva and Becici. While there, don’t miss the picturesque resort island of Sveti Stefan.The natural beauty of Montenegro can be admired in the four national parks in the country. The mountains, deep canyons, glacial lakes, fast-flowing rivers, and dense pine forests make the Durmitor National Park an ideal destination for nature lovers and for those interested in skiing and hiking. Durmitor National Park includes the Tara Canyon which is the deepest canyon in Europe, offering excellent possibilities for whitewater rafting and other extreme sports. Skadar Lake is the largest lake in Montenegro ideal for boat trips and birdwatching, while Ulcinj in the south coast hosts the longest sandy beach in Montenegro.
Practical information for your trip to Montenegro
Montenegro is located in the Balkan region of Southeast Europe between Serbia and the Adriatic Sea. The landscape here is varied with narrow coastline, rugged mountains, and plateaus. Montenegro enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters with some snowfall inland. The best time to visit Montenegro is in summer from May to September. The ski season in Montenegro lasts from December to March.How to get there. The majority of the international flights to Montenegro arrive at the Podgorica Airport which serves flights from major European cities. There is another airport in Tivat by the coast, and the airport of Dubrovnik in Croatia is also located very close to Montenegro. There are cheap bus connections and some trains to Montenegro from the neighboring countries, and regular ferries to Montenegro can be found in Italy. The European highways connect the country with the rest of Europe.
Photo: stuartpinfold, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
Local transport. The public transportation in Montenegro is handled by relatively old and slow buses. Some train connections also exist. Taxis are easy to find in Montenegro. Before entering a taxi make sure that it uses a meter. The narrow and curvy roads in the Montenegrin mountain areas are often covered with snow and ice in winter. Traffic jams are common during the holiday season from July to August.
Services & safety. Montenegro has good basic facilities for visitors. The biggest cities in Montenegro, such as Podgorica and Kotor have a lively nightlife with numerous bars, cafés and restaurants. Montenegro is a safe travel destination where street crime is rare. However, be careful when traveling in the big cities and on the border regions especially after dark.
History and culture of Montenegro
The area of Montenegro has been ruled by many powerful empires throughout the history. The area gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. During and after the World Wars the area was part of Yugoslavia. Montenegro declared independence from Serbia and Montenegro in 2006. Today, newly independent Montenegro is a rising tourism destination.The Montenegrin culture is a fascinating melting pot of the Serbian, Croatian, and Montenegrin traditions and the traditions of the cultures which have ruled the area throughout the history. There are many fascinating historical sites in Montenegro from the pre-Romanescue, Gothic, and Baroque periods. The people in Montenegro are generally hospitable and friendly, although many do not speak English.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Kotor, Durmitor National Park, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Durres, Sarajevo, Tirana
