Places in Montenegro. Montenegro is a beautiful place. Skadar Lake and the Crnojevica River

Montenegro is one of the most popular tourist countries in Europe. Thanks to the warm climate, clear Adriatic Sea, mountains, clean air, beautiful beaches, a large number of natural and historical attractions, you can relax in Montenegro all year round. The best months for a beach holiday at sea are July, August and September; the water temperature in these months reaches +28°C.

If you are going to Montenegro for the first time and don’t know which resort to relax at, which city to choose, then in this article we will look at tourist places suitable for relaxation.

Budva

The most popular resort among tourists is. This is a popular resort town with a well-developed infrastructure, a large number of hotels and apartments, restaurants and shops, a water park, historical and architectural attractions.

The city of Budva was founded inVIcentury. Since then, many historical attractions have remained here, such as the Old Town, churches and a monastery. There are several in the citypicturesque beaches. In the summer months there are many holidaymakers from all over the world, some live in , others come here on an excursion or to . Life in Budva is in full swing both day and night. During the day, tourists sunbathe onbeaches, swim in the sea, ride , walkingto historical sites, and at night nightclubs open and everyone can have fun until the morning.

Beaches of Budva: sand and pebble.

Becici

is a small picturesque village on the seashore that attracts tourists with its beaches and small streets. Becici is located 2 km from Budva; you can reach the resort along the embankment, where there are various restaurants and cafes. Holidays in Becici are chosen by couples with small children and people who prefer a relaxing holiday away from the bustle of the city. There are usually fewer tourists here than in Budva. You can relax on the sand and pebble beach for free with your own towel, or take a sunbed and umbrella and pay 8 euros. On Becici beach you can go diving, ride a jet ski or a banana boat.There are many in Becicihotelson the coast. Are in great demandSPAhotels:Splendid Conference & Spa Resort AndSpa Resort Bečići . It will be interesting to relax and have fun with children on water slides in the open airwater park, which is inhotelMediteran Hotel & Resort .

Becici Beach: sand and pebbles.

Rafailovichi

This is a small resort located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Holidays in Rafailovichi are preferred by families with small children and people who want to take a break from the bustle of the city. Here tourists can expect a relaxing holiday, but if they get bored, then four kilometers away is the popular resort of Budva, where there is a lot of entertainment, shops, restaurants, and a water park. Rafailovici has its own small beach, the length of which is about 500 m. On the beach you can rent an umbrella with two sun loungers for 10 euros, or come with your own towel and relax for free. Very close to the village (about 700 m) there is one of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro - Kamenovo. This beach can be reached through a pedestrian tunnel carved into the rock. From Rafailovici you can go on any group or individual tour of Montenegro with a guide. If you like to travel on your own, you can go to Budva or Tivat airport.

Rafailovici beaches: small pebbles with sand.

Petrovac

- a resort town on the Adriatic coast. This city has significantly fewer vacationers than Budva, so holidays in Petrovac are chosen by families with small children and people who want to relax away from crowds of tourists. Distance to Budva - 17 km. The most popular months for beach holidays are July, August and September. Sea water temperature reaches +26 ° C. The city is surrounded by picturesque olive groves and pine forests, so the air here is very healthy. The city is located on the shore of a bay, which provides a warm and calm sea. The main attraction of the city is the city's small-pebble beach, about 1 km long. If you wish, you can sail to the islands of Sveti Nedelya and Katic, which are located opposite Petrovac. 500 m from the city beach is the Lucice beach. This beach is very popular among tourists. Lucice beach has very small pebbles, similar to sand.

Beaches of Petrovac: pebble.

Pržno

ny Pržno located 7 km from Budva. Przno is well developed tourism infrastructure, there are several fish restaurants here that offer dishes. Near the resort there is beautiful park Milocer, where you can see many palm trees, cypresses and citrus plants.

Holidays in the village of Przno are not at all budgetary; it is a rather expensive resort in Montenegro. The beach in Przno is divided into two parts. One part belongs to a five-star hotel; hotel guests can relax for free; other visitors must pay 50 euros to enter the beach. The second part of the beach is free for everyone; here you can rent 2 sun loungers with an umbrella for 15 euros or sunbathe on your own towel. IN summer season(July, August) air temperature at the resort from +26 ° C to +31 ° C, and water temperature + 26 ° C.

Przno Beach: small pebbles mixed with sand.

Kotor

- this is one of the most amazing places in Montenegro, which every tourist should visit. This small town on the shores of the Bay of Kotor is famous for its beautiful ancient buildings and churches. Homeattraction in Kotoris the Old Town. Entrance there is free, so every tourist can wander through the ancient narrow streets and buy souvenirs. Various theatrical scenes are often staged here right on the street, and musicians play. The Old Town of Kotor has many restaurants, souvenir shops, museums andhotels. And if you have the strength, then climb Mount Shitrovnik, on which the Church of the Virgin Mary is located andFortress of St. John, from above there are stunning views of the city, bay and mountains. In summer, large boats arrive in Kotor cruise ships and for several hours the city is filled with tourists from all over the world.Kotor has a small pebble beach. Many holidaymakers usually go to nearby cities to swim in the sea and sunbathe.

Beaches of Kotor: pebble.

Tivat

- a resort town on the coast of the Bay of Kotor with well-developed infrastructure and services. The international one is located 4 km from the city center. In Tivat, the air temperature in June and September warms up to +26 - +28°C, in July and August - up to +32°C. The water heats up to +24 - +26°C. You can swim from June to mid-October. Most of the beaches within the city are concrete with stairs into the water. There are pebble beaches in the area. The advantage of Tivat is that the city is close to the main tourist sites: 15 minutes from the ancient city of Kotor, 30 minutes from the popular resort town of Budva and 15 minutes from the sandy beaches on the Lustica peninsula. Group and individual excursions around Montenegro depart from Tivat.

Beaches of Tivat: concrete and pebble.

Sveti Stefan

is a small resort village near the world-famous island of Sveti Stefan, the most expensive resort in Montenegro. The reason for the popularity of this place lies in the very picturesque area, where you feel like you are in a fairy tale. The resort village is an excellent place to relax; it is distinguished from other places by its sparse population, tranquility,good hotelsand comfortable beaches. There are two beaches in the village, one beach belongs to the hotel on the island; anyone can relax here for 100 euros. On the second free beach there are sun loungers and umbrellas for 10 euros, but you can relax with your own mat/towel. These two beaches are separated by an isthmus leading to the island.

The main attraction of the village of Sveti Stefan is the island of Sveti Stefan. Holidays on the island are popular among rich people, artists and politicians. The island is rarely visited, since the entrance to tourists is closed. You can get to the island if you live inthe fashionable hotel "Agora Sveti Stefan" or book a table in a restaurant.

Beaches of Sveti Stefan: small pebbles.

Herceg Novi

is a small but very green resort town with interesting sights. The sunniest months are July - September, the average air temperature is +27 - +30 ° C, sea water temperature rises to +27 ° C. Swimming season starts in mid-June and lasts until October. Herceg Novi is called the botanical garden of Montenegro, as many different relict trees, hundreds of tropical and subtropical plants and flowers grow here. The beaches in the city are mostly pebble and concrete. Herceg Novi is a fairly calm coastal town, ideal for a relaxing family vacation in Montenegro. Nearby is the health resort of Igalo, which can be reached on foot along the beautiful embankment. From Herceg Novi you can go to interesting places, although the city is located at a distance from other popular resorts.

Beaches of Herceg Novi: concrete and pebble.

Igalo Resort

- a very old and picturesque town with a good climate, 7 km from Herceg Novi. INsecond name medical resort— “Health”, many people come here to improve their healthhealing mud and radon springs.Igalo is home to one of the oldest medical institutes in Europe -Institute of Physiotherapy and Prevention named after. Simo Milosevic. Here it was discovered anda source of mineral water, now sodium chloride water from the source is used in balneological and water procedures in local sanatoriums.Also in Igalo you can improve your health thanks to the comfortable climate, healing mud, abundance of fruits and very clean air, as there is a lot of different exotic vegetation and pine trees in the surrounding area. There is not much entertainment in the city, so it is a good place to relax for those who want tranquility, or who have rented a car and are traveling around the country on their own. They are very popular in IgaloSPAhotels:Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa AndHotel and Health Center Igalo .

Igalo beaches: concrete and pebble.

Perast

On the shores of the Bay of Kotor at the foot of St. Elias Hill there is a picturesque, which is currently one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture on the shores of the Adriatic. Most tourists come to old City usually for a few hours just to see the beautiful embankment, palaces, churches, islands and beautiful nature. Near the city there are two small islands, one of which can be visited by all tourists. On the island of Gospa od Škrpela, the Church of the Mother of God was built back in 1667; now there is a small museum near the church. We recommend climbing the 55-meter bell tower of the Church of St. Nicholas, from here you will see Perast, the bay and the islands. Perast has hotels, villas with apartments, restaurants, and the beaches are located in an old area with beautiful architecture. Local beaches are made of concrete slabs.

Beaches of Perast: concrete.

Ulcinj

is the southernmost and hottest city in Montenegro. Ulcinj has 217 sunny days a year. The entrance to the Adriatic Sea is gentle and long, and the beaches are sandy. This resort town is a great destination for those looking for a beach holiday and nightlife without the crowds. Ulcinj is the city closest to the Albanian border, which is probably why most of the population is Albanian. Cheeky and noisy behavior of tourists is not welcome here; girls attract excessive attention from local men; on the beaches, Muslim women wear black clothes. Albanian dishes also predominate in the local cuisine. Near Ulcinj, near the walls of the Old Town, there is an olive grove where townspeople and tourists love to walk. The coast consists of beaches, private and public. In Ulcinj, all the beaches are worth visiting, they are kept clean, but three beaches are worth highlighting: Ada Boyana, Maly, Zhenskiy and Velikiy.

Ulcinj beaches: sand.

Bar

is a city in the south of Montenegro and is considered one of the sunniest in the country. This is big modern city, which was rebuilt after the earthquake in 1979. The main port of the country is located here, from here, if desired and with a Schengen visa, they go to the Italian city of Bari. There are also trains from Bar to Podgorica and Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The city has a large pebble beach, many shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Next to the Bar is the Old Bar, preserved fromXlcentury; now it's historical Museum complex that anyone can visit.

Beaches of Bar: pebble.

Sutomore

is a small resort town in the southern part of Montenegro. Terrainprotected from the winds by pine and cypress forests.Independent travelers prefer to relax here.families with children. Holidays in Sutomore are considered by many to be more budget-friendly than other resorts in Montenegro, which is why there are a lot of vacationers here in the summer season.GThe main advantage of Sutomore is a large number of inexpensive hotels and a good sand and pebble beach with a gentle entry into the sea. On the beach you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds for 5-10 euros. Tourists here can go diving, ride catamarans and banana boats, and go fishing. On the city embankment there are many restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, playgrounds and an amusement park. In Sutomore you can order an organized tour, or rent a car, or explore this beautiful country yourself using public transport.

Sutomore beaches: sand and pebbles.

TOP best excursions in Montenegro in 2019

Excursion "Canyons"

Adults (12+) – 40 euros

D children (0 - 11) with place - 20 euros

If you want to see Montenegro, you should gofor this unique and most popular excursion in the country. During the tour you will see the largest lake in Europe - Skadar Lake, ancient Moraca monastery, amazing beauty mountains of Montenegro, Europe's largest canyon Tara River Canyon, famous Djurdzhevich Bridge, and also visit national park Durmitor.

Excursion “Heart of Montenegro”

Adults (12+) – 50 euros

D children (0 - 11) with place - 25 euros

Children (0 - 3) without a seat - free

During the excursion you will visit the ancient the capital of Montenegro – Cetinje and the Cetinje Monastery. In the village of Njegusi you try the famous one Prosciutto and homemade cheese, Here you can buy yourself some delicious souvenirs. Love from above enjoy the panoramic view Boka Kotorsk y bay. During the sightseeing tour, visit the cities of Kotor and Perast. You will sail on a yacht along the Bay of Kotor.

Wine roads of Montenegro

100 euros (price for 1-4 people, regardless of the number of participants)

Transport costs are included in the price

One of the best souvenirs, which can be brought from Montenegro, is a local wine. You will learn about the features of local viticulture. On the way to the wineries, take in Lake Skadar and the coast of the Budva Riviera. You will visit two private wineries in different regions of the country. Meet the winery owners, admire the vineyards in the mountain valleys and learn the secrets of wine production in Montenegro. Enjoy tastings of several types of wine and brandy with traditional table snacks (prosciutto, cheese, olives). You can also buy quality wine here.

Excursion on kayaks and SUP boards

Route “Pigeon Cave” - 30 euros

Route “Sveti Nikola Island” - 30 euros

Daily

Kayak excursion and SUP boards a great way to have fun during your holiday in Montenegro. Both children and adults can conquer SUP surfing and kayaking without any special preparation or training. For this kayaking excursion, it is advisable to know how to swim, but even if you do not know how to swim at all, but are eager to try this active form of recreation, you will be given a life jacket. Try something new for yourself and not only new opportunities will open up for you, but also impressions with interesting landscapes of the Montenegrin coast, and enjoy the beauty of underwater reefs.

Excursion « Raftingaccording to Tara»

Adults (12+) – 65 euros

Children (7 - 11) - 32.5 euros

on Mondays, Thursdays

Rafting on the Tara River will be an unforgettable adventure in Montenegro.Rafting on Tara has category II difficulty, so it is safe and suitable for people without special training. Anyone from 7 to 60 years old can take part in rafting. The Tara River forms the most deep canyon in Europe. It is the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA.On the way to the starting point of the rafting you will seePiva Lake and the Piva River Canyon. The price includes breakfast and lunch in a restaurant with national dishes.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar, waterfalls)

Adults (12+) – 55 euros

Children (0 - 11) with a seat - 30 euros

Children (0 - 3) without a seat - free

Citizens of Russia and Ukraine do not require a visa to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first stop is the Kravice National Park, where you will see beautiful waterfalls. You will have 1.5 hours to swim. Here you can jump into the lake and stand under the falling streams of the waterfall. The city of Mostar is a beautiful and ancient city, which is under UNESCO protection. You will have a guided walk through the old part of the city and free time. The main attraction in Mostar is the bridge over the Neretva River, built in the 15th century.

Excursion "Grand Canyons"

Adults (12+) – 6 5 euros

D children (0 – 11) with space – 40 Euro

Children (0 - 3) without a seat - free

You will travel to the north of Montenegro. The bus will travel along the canyon of the Moraca River, making a stop from a platform with beautiful views of the mountains. Next you go to the canyon of the Tara River. You will see the Djurdjevic Bridge - one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. Here you will admire magnificent views of the grand canyon in Europe. After lunch, the bus will head to Durmitor National Park. You will take a walk through the park and, if desired, swim in the Black Lake. Next, the bus goes to the canyon of the Piva River and Lake Piva, and we will stop at the Orthodox monastery of Piva.

Ostrog and Cetinje monasteries

Adults (12+) – 25 euros

D children (0 - 11) with place - 12.5 euros

Children (0 - 3) without a seat - free

During this wonderful excursion you will see the two main shrines of Montenegro - the Ostrog Monastery and the Cetinje Monastery. Prisonis the third most visited monastery in the world after Jerusalem and Mount Athos in Greece. In the monastery xthe relics of the Great Basil of Ostrog the Wonderworker are wounded, this is the most revered saint in the Balkans.Cetinje Monastery is famous all over the world for storing The right hand of Saint John the Baptist, the man who baptized Jesus Christ. Anyone can venerate the relics.

Skadar Lake and the Crnojevica River

Adults (12+) – 40 euros

D children (0 - 11) with place - 20 euros

Children (0 - 3) without a seat - free

WITH Lake Kadar is part ofnational park. More than 200 species of birds live here. The lake is rich in fish, but a license is required for fishing. If you wish, you can separately order an organized. During excursions you will swim on a boat on the lake, also everyone can swim in Lake Skadar itself. From small village Virpazar the excursion group will go by boat to the Crnojevica River. The boat and lunch are included in the excursion price.

Excursion Maxi Montenegro

Adults (12+) – 35 euros

Children (0 - 3) without a seat - free

During the sightseeing tour you will get acquainted with the history and traditions of Montenegro. Visit former capital Cetinje and the Cetinje Monastery, where the Hand of St. John the Baptist is kept - the three fingers of the right hand with which he baptized Jesus Christ. In the village of Njeguši you will taste prosciutto (smoked pork ham), delicious Njeguši cheese and local mead, and, if desired, rakia. On the way to Lovcen you will see Boka Kotor Bay from above. In the Lovcen National Park, on the second highest mountain range in Montenegro (1650 m), there is the mausoleum of Peter II Petrovic Njegos, the ruler of Montenegro. From the observation deck near the mausoleum a beautiful panorama of Montenegro opens.

Boat trip “Fish Picnic”

Adults (12+) – 40 euros

Children (0 - 11) with a seat - 20 euros

Children (0 - 3) without a seat - free

If you want to rent a yacht to admire the beauty of Montenegro from the sea, then a boat trip along the coast of Montenegro is suitable for you. This walk is suitable for those who are planning a vacation with children, as there is no motion sickness on the boat. TOThe boat will sail along one of the most picturesque routes along the beautiful beaches of Becici, Kamenovo, Milocer, Korolevsky, past the island of St. Stefan, Katic, St. Nedelya and St. Nicholas. The boat will make a stop at the Blue Lagoon.A fish lunch awaits you from the captain.

This excursion is for those who love active recreation. The trip takes place in the Biogradska Gora National Park. You will enjoy the national park in a completely new way. You will see why Bjelasica is declared one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe. Excursionpasses through places where it is impossible to travel by bus or regular car. This is one of the most interesting sightseeing tours in Montenegro with active recreation.

Monastery Ostrog and Podgorica

Adults (12+) – 25 euros

Children (0 - 11) with a seat -12.50 euros

Children (0 - 3) without a seat - free

During this excursion you will see the main shrine of Montenegro - the Ostrog monastery, as well as Cathedral Church Resurrection of Christ in the capital of the country, Podgorica. Ostrog Monastery is the third most visited monastery in the world after Jerusalem and Mount Athos in Greece. The monastery houses the relics of the Great Basil of Ostrog, the Wonderworker, the most revered saint. The temple in Podgorica is one of the largest temples in the Balkans. Height 41.5 m, 7 gilded crosses, 17 bells. The largest bell weighs 11 tons. All the bells were cast in Russia, in Voronezh. The inside of the temple is decorated with different types of marble and granite.During this excursion you will visit the ancient city of Kotor. The guide will introduce you to history and culture this stunning city on the shores of the Bay of Kotor. Here you will see the Church of St. Tryphon (1166) - the oldest temple of the Adriatic, and you will visit the Church of St. Luke, which has been preserved since 1195 in its original appearance. Further in Kotor, all excursionists transfer to yacht and set sail throughout the Bay of Kotor. You see one of the oldest and most beautiful cities on the coast - Perast. If you wish, you can visit Blue Cave- one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro.

Citizens of the Russian Federation need an open Schengen visa to visit Croatia! An excursion to Dubrovnik (Croatia) is one of the best foreign excursions from Montenegro. Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans; it amazes tourists with its beauty and grandeur! The city is included in the World Heritage List and is protected by UNESCO. You will have a guided walk through the Old Town of Dubrovnik and 2 hours of free time to visit local attractions on your own.

Paragliding over Budva and Sveti Stefan

Adults and children (7+) – 65 euros

Daily

A paraglider is an ultra-light aircraft that launches with the help of human legs. The difference between a paraglider and a parachute is that a paraglider is designed for flight only. Paragliding in Montenegro takes place in tandem with experienced licensed instructors. The flight starts over the Budva Riviera on Mount Braichi, which is a 15-minute drive from Budva/Becici/Rafailovici. Within 30-45 minutes you will enjoy a free flight with beautiful views of Montenegro. Then head down to the beach in Becici.

Diving in Montenegro

One dive - 44 euros

Snorkeling – 12.5 euros

Daily

Diving in Montenegro is popular. Jacques If Cousteau once said that in his life he had never seen purer and more transparent water than the Adriatic from Montenegro and Croatia. The transparency of the water reaches 55 - 60 m. Diving in these places is known throughout Europe. In the coastal waters you can swim among reefs and corals, explore several interesting archaeological finds: sunken Austro-Hungarian and German ships, underwater caves, submarines, ships and various fish.

Delicacies of Montenegro: prosciutto, cheese and wine

Adults - 136 euros (for 1-3 people) or

36 euros per person (if there is more of you)

Everyone who has been to Montenegro has heard about the local grape variety Vranac and Njegush pršut. In Old Montenegro you will learn why local wines and delicacies have a unique taste. At the winery, the owner himself will give you a master class on growing grapes. He will explain how to plant, prune, and store grapes, and will take you to the cellar where the process of ripening the future wine takes place. You will not only get acquainted with the craft of a winemaker, but also try 4 varieties of local wines and liqueurs. In the village of Njegusi, in a private “sushara”, you will learn the history of the origin of prosciutto and see how it is prepared. And, of course, you will try prosciutto, Njegush sausage and Njegush cheese.

Individual excursion on a yacht with captain

Yacht rental with captain from 345 euros

Individual routes from 4 to 8 hours

Yachting is always a vivid experience that cannot be replaced by anything, and the memory of a boat trip remains for a long time. Fans of boat trips will be interested in the picturesque coastline of the Adriatic Sea and the Bay of Kotor, where you can see dolphins. The yachts provide everything for a comfortable stay. Each yacht has a toilet, shower, changing cabin, towels, dishes, swimwear, and fishing gear. A boat trip on a yacht is suitable for those who are planning a vacation with small children (does not cause motion sickness).

Many of the iconic sights of Montenegro can be seen in one day, but in this case you will not be able to fully enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of these places. It would be right to set aside a few days to explore the main attractions of Montenegro. If you are planning to come to this country for just a few days, but do not want to spend all these days traveling, then we advise you to decide for yourself the most interesting sights of Montenegro that are definitely worth seeing. This article will help you with this, which presents only the most interesting and most popular places that most deserve attention.
Montenegro can boast of its amazing nature: bright flowers, deep green pine forests, dark mountain peaks and blue sea. The country is also full of ancient walled towns and small houses with orange roofs, which are typical of the Adriatic. The rich cultural heritage includes Roman villas, Orthodox monasteries, Catholic churches, mosques and ancient defensive fortresses.

Sights of Montenegro on the map

How to see the sights of Montenegro

There are two most the best way see the most interesting sights of Montenegro: (group or individual) or visit the places that interest you most on your own.
I have already talked in detail about how to rent a car in Montenegro in another article.
I also talked about where it is best to buy excursions in Montenegro.

In this article, under the name of each attraction, there will be links to excursions during which you can see this attraction. You can immediately book the excursion you like. The process of booking an excursion is very simple, and I described it in a special guide.

1. Durmitor National Park

One of the five national parks in Montenegro, Durmitor attracts everyone who craves a dose of adrenaline. This beautiful and pristine park in the north of the country offers good opportunities for climbing, hiking, biking, bungee jumping, skiing, snowboarding, rafting and many other activities. No matter what the season is in Montenegro, Durmitor offers a lot of interesting things for adventurers. At any time of the year you can enjoy the incredible natural beauty of this national park.

2. Bay of Kotor

This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro. The Bay of Kotor and, in addition, the fortified city of Kotor, are highly desirable to visit during your visit to Montenegro. This area is subject to World Heritage UNESCO thanks to the picturesque old town. If you wish, you can climb up to the fortress, offering a wonderful view of the city of Kotor.
The Bay of Kotor is the southernmost fjord in Europe and happens to be the largest natural harbor in the Eastern Mediterranean.

3. Tivat and Porto Montenegro

Located in the Bay of Kotor, the harbor of Porto Montenegro is one of the most amazing places in Montenegro. This modern marina was built on the foundations of an old Yugoslav naval complex. Here you will find more than 600 berths for yachts and superyachts. A walk around Porto Montenegro will undoubtedly bring you great pleasure. The coastal community built around this area is ideal for recreation. Nice restaurants and hotels, excellent shopping and plenty of entertainment - all this awaits you in the city of Tivat near the harbor of Porto Montenegro. Due to the frequent mooring of luxury superyachts in this harbor, it is also often referred to as the "new Monaco".

4. Perast

Just a few kilometers from Kotor lies one of the most beautiful places in the entire Bay of Kotor: Perast. This is a lovely old town that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most popular attraction is the island of the Holy Virgin. This is a small island in the bay with a magnificent museum and church. You can get to this island either by boat taxi or by boat during one of the excursions. If you decide to visit Perast on your own, then remember that this city has many seafood restaurants where you can taste delicious dishes.

5. Lake Skadar

Lake Skadar is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula. Its area is approximately 400 square kilometers. This lake will appeal to both lovers of active recreation and those people looking for a quiet place to relax. For any visitor, the atmosphere here will be ideal. You can enjoy bird watching, cultural sites, festivals, lake cruises, water sports, etc. Lake Skadar is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro.

6. Sveti Stefan

A 15-minute drive from Budva is Sveti Stefan, an icon of Montenegrin tourism. This rich and famous little island was once a fishing village, and the old town on this island has remained virtually unchanged. Today you will see narrow streets, small churches and family-run shops. The population of Sveti Stefan largely declined in the 20th century, and in 1954 there were only 20 inhabitants recorded on the entire island. But in the 1960s, a group of visionaries transformed the city into one of the most attractive and luxurious destinations in the entire Mediterranean. To visit the island you need to book a room in an expensive hotel, but the beaches around Sveti Stefan are open to everyone throughout the year. From these beaches you can admire the island from the outside.

7. Budva

Budva is famous for its nightlife and sandy beaches located on the Adriatic Sea. If you are looking for a place to relax and party, then Budva should be considered first. This resort is the most popular in Montenegro, and most tourists from Russia and Ukraine choose this resort. Here you can stroll through the narrow streets, one of the most charming parts of Budva. In the historical area you will find the seaside citadel and the Church of Santa Maria. After exploring the Old Town, you can head to one of the many atmospheric restaurants or stroll along the promenade admiring the luxury yachts. It is worth noting that Budva is an excellent base for excursions to different places in Montenegro.

8. Cetinje

The former capital of Montenegro is now one of the most interesting areas of the country. Cetinje is located behind the mountain range, which is located directly behind Kotor and Perast. On the main square of Cetinje you will find former house King Nikola, which was converted into a museum. In fact, there are many other museums within walking distance of the square. But the main attraction here is the Cetinje Monastery, originally built in the 15th century. Although it was destroyed many times over the centuries, it was restored several times. The building you can see today was built in the 18th century. Here you can see a fragment of the True Cross and the mummified right hand of John the Baptist.

9. Lovcen National Park and Njegos Mausoleum

The attractions of Montenegro are very diverse, and in one place you can simultaneously see the famous mausoleum and admire the fantastic view of the Lovcen National Park. Despite the fact that the Njegos Mausoleum is one of the main attractions of Montenegro, many tourists go to it mainly to look at this country from a great height.
On Mount Jezerski Verkh, the second highest mountain in the national park, the tomb contains the remains of Montenegro's greatest hero, Peter II Petrov Njegos. The mausoleum itself was built into the mountain and covered with marble. To get to the mausoleum you have to climb about 500 steps, but it's worth it. On a clear day, you can see almost the entire country from the top of the mountain.

10. Ostrog Monastery

What to see first in Montenegro if you are interested in cultural or religious attractions? In my opinion, the best place for you will be the Ostrog Monastery, located 900 meters above the Zeta Valley. This is the most important religious site in Montenegro for Orthodox Christians. About a million visitors come here every year to see this unique structure. During the hot summer months, pilgrims are given free mats to sleep in front of the monastery. This impressive monastery is often called the "miracle of St. Basil" because no one knows exactly how it was built. Sometimes it seems that the Ostrov monastery simply grew out of a rock.

11. Haj-Nehai

Built in the 15th century by the Venetians who were trying to defend the country from the Ottoman Empire, Halj Nehaj is one of the most majestic fortresses in Montenegro. To get to it you have to hike up a steep slope through a pine forest. The stone path will lead you to the gate, behind which the fortress rises. This is another attraction that will make you wonder how it was built. Next to the fortress is the Church of St. Demetrius (13th century). Its construction preceded the construction of the fortress, and at one time it had separate Orthodox and Catholic altars.

12. Piva River Canyon

Part of the fun of visiting the Piva River Canyon is the path to get there. To reach the canyon, you must drive along beautiful mountain roads and cross 56 tunnels carved into the mountains after World War II. But once you finish the path, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of Lake Piva and the beautiful canyon. You can also visit the Piva Monastery, which has been moved to more high level within 11 years after the construction of the hydroelectric power station in Plužine. The Piva River Canyon is an ideal place for rafting and camping.

13. Old Town Bar

During the Roman Empire, Old Bar was the economic and political center for the Byzantines of the region. Now the area is mostly ruins, although there are some well-preserved structures. There is a small museum in Old Bar with exhibits dating back to 800 BC. This museum will also tell you about the history of the city, including the Turkish attack on Bar in the 19th century and the efforts to retake the city. In Stari Bar you can visit the Church of St. Nicholas with its Serbo-Byzantine frescoes, the 11th century fortress and the Cathedral of St. George, the city's patron saint. If you are interested in Ottoman architecture, then visit the Turkish bath, clock tower and the 17th century aqueduct that helped bring water from a spring located 3 km from the city.

14. Tara River and Canyon

The second largest canyon in the world after the Colorado River Canyon is also known as the “Tear of Europe”. The raw natural beauty of the Tara River Canyon was forged as the river carved its way through the mountains. Here you will see river paths, breathtaking gorges, waterfalls and even calm stretches of river. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tara Canyon reaches a depth of 1,300 meters. For comparison, the Grand Canyon in the United States is approximately 1,500 meters deep. One of the most popular entertainments in Montenegro is rafting on the Tara River. For those who prefer land-based activities, I recommend going on a hike in the city of Kurevac, which is located at an altitude of 1625 meters.

15. Biogradska Gora National Park

Located between the Tara and Lim rivers, the Biogradska Gora National Park consists mainly of old forests, clear lakes and beautiful pastures. But in the very center of the park there is something truly incredible. First - virgin forest. And in the heart of this incredible virgin forest lies Lake Biogradska, a truly remarkable lake of glacial origin. The park has six glacial lakes, Mountain peaks more than 2000 meters high, archaeological sites, sacred monuments and several buildings built in the style of traditional architecture. Nature lovers will love the fact that the national park has 200 species of plants, 150 species of birds and 10 species of mammals.

16. Sources of Ali Pasha

Situated in the foothills of the Prokletije Mountains near the town of Gusinje in the north-eastern part of Montenegro, the Ali Pasha Springs are about 25 natural springs that gush out of the rocks to form an impressive river. Prokletije National Park, where these springs are located, is an extremely scenic area where you can hike to see beautiful valleys, lakes and waterfalls. On Lake Plav you can rent a kayak and swim on it. There are also several campsites near the lake where you can pitch a tent to relax and fully enjoy the magnificent scenery. The small town of Plav is also worth a visit to see some ancient historical Buildings, including the Redzepagic Tower, Mosque and Holy Trinity Church.

17. Djurdjevic Bridge

The impressive Djurdjevic Bridge (aka Tara Bridge) runs 170 meters above the Tara River in northern Montenegro. This amazing feat of engineering was built between 1937 and 1940, and upon completion it was the largest concrete arch bridge in all of Europe. The bridge is set amidst magnificent natural scenery and is one of the country's most visited attractions. Those who want to get a huge dose of adrenaline can jump from the bridge, which is considered one of 10 best places for bungee jumping in the world. You can also enjoy beautiful views during a Zip-Line adventure or rafting on the Tara River.

18. Palace of King Nikola

The old summer residence of the Montenegrin kings, King Nikola's Palace, is located near the sea and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Palace of King Nikola is located in the municipality of Bar. Although the palace is not overly large, it is worth a visit to get an insight into the life of King Nikola and his family. Today the palace operates as a museum. Its first floor is dedicated to the life of the king, but there are rooms with exhibits showcasing national costumes and other memorabilia from the history of Montenegro.

19. Great Beach

Velika Beach, also called Long Beach and Velika Plaza, is a 12-kilometer stretch of fine sand located in the municipality of Ulcinj in southern Montenegro. It is not only the longest beach in the country, but also one of the longest beaches in Europe. During the summer, Great Beach receives a lot of wind, making it an ideal destination for kite surfers and windsurfers, who can take lessons from several surf schools on this beach. The lack of a rocky coastline means that Great Beach is an ideal place for beginners who want to learn to kite surf or windsurf.

20. Mamula

Mamula Island (aka Prison Island) may look familiar to you. Chances are you've seen it before, as this fortified island has been used as the backdrop for several horror and thriller films. Mamula Island was used as a prison camp during both world wars. Today you can visit the island during one of the excursions. You can explore the island and its preserved ruins, visit some of the spectacular underwater caves located along the coastline, and finally visit the famous Blue Cave, where you can swim in clear and clear waters.

21. Rezevici Monastery

Art and architecture lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit the Rezevici Monastery, located on a picturesque hillside overlooking the coastline near Petrovac. The monastery complex truly immerses you in history. It dates back to 1223, when one of the complex's churches was built. Over the centuries, the monastery has been repeatedly sacked by invading armies, but it remains remarkably preserved despite severe damage from the 1979 earthquake. The complex's three churches contain well-preserved frescoes and icons, many of which date back to the 16th century and are the reason why the monastery received UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

22. Ulcinj

23. Virpazar

Virpazar is a small town located near the shore of the picturesque Skadar Lake. The region where Virpazar is located has excellent conditions for hiking, cycling on different paths with the opportunity to see some of the best natural landscapes in Montenegro and sailing by boat or kayak. Lake Skadar is a paradise for bird lovers as it is home to over 260 species of birds, including many rare species. From Virpazar there are numerous walks around the lake, but if you are more interested in gastronomy, you will be pleased to find several wineries and many restaurants serving delicious dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.

Every year this hospitable country on the Adriatic coast is becoming an increasingly popular destination for a beach holiday. There are many reasons: visa-free entry for Ukrainians, beautiful nature, mild climate, abundance of historical attractions, delicious food, excellent service and reasonable prices. We decided to collect basic information about the five most popular resorts and analyze the pros and cons of each of them. We are sure that this article will help you make the right choice!

The most popular resort, which affects both the amount of entertainment and, of course, the price level.

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Pros:

• a large number of restaurants, cafes and bars, souvenir shops
• local travel agencies offer excursions to every corner of the country. If you don’t want to use their services, you can go on your own - bus service between and other cities of Montenegro is well developed
• wide selection of housing in any price category

Minuses:

• noisy (but for young people the abundance of discos and clubs is rather an advantage)
• prices are higher than in other cities

Beaches of Budva:

There are 5 public beaches within the city: Slavyansky, Richardova Head, Mogren-1 and Mogren-2 (free), Dukley beach club (paid).

The main beach of the city (and the busiest during the season) is Slavyansky. Those who like a relaxing holiday will not like it here - loud music is playing, it is crowded, and even dirty. But there are many cafes and restaurants around, there are playgrounds and water attractions. The cleanest water is in the area of ​​Mogren beaches (they are nearby, separated by a rock); you can walk here from the city center in 15-20 minutes. By the way, they are best suited for families with children - the entrance to the water is gentle, and the area is small, which allows you to keep the child in sight. On all beaches you can rent sun loungers (from €10 to €25 per day).

Sights of Budva and surrounding areas

1. Old city. It is very compact; a walk around the territory will take about half an hour. For €1.5 you can climb the fortress wall to photograph Budva from above. Inside there is a citadel with observation deck and a museum (entrance €2.5), 4 temples and traditional houses with colorful roofs. This part of the resort was damaged during the 1979 earthquake and was later rebuilt.
2. Monastery Podostrog. Former residence of the rulers of Montenegro. Two churches built in the 12th and 18th centuries have survived. The entrance is free.
3. St. Nicholas Island (locals call it Hawaii after the restaurant located here). You can buy a ticket for a boat trip with a visit to the island (€5) or come by boat (€3 round trip). This place is ideal for a beach holiday in cozy bays and snorkeling. There is a restaurant with fairly high prices, so it’s worth taking water and food with you. Entrance to the island is free; renting two sun loungers and an umbrella for the whole day will cost you €10-15.

How to get to Budva

A trip from Tivat airport to Budva is the case when you can choose one thing: either cheap, or fast and comfortable. If you vote for the first option, you will need to walk to the nearest stop and take a passing bus (about €2). If you decide to save time, order a transfer (from €20 per car). There are taxi drivers on duty at the airport, but their services can cost twice as much (make sure the driver turns on the meter).

Herceg Novi

This green town, located in the Bay of Kotor, is called the “botanical garden of Montenegro”. Once upon a time, sailors brought plants here from different parts of the planet, and most successfully took root in the new place. Walking along the streets, you will every now and then see giant cacti, palm trees, exotic fruits and flowers.

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Pros:

• beautiful Old Town
• green area
• housing is cheaper than in other resort towns (for example, in Budva)

Minuses:

• there are many stairs, which may be inconvenient for travelers with large strollers
• the beaches are mostly concrete
• Far from the main attractions of the country

Beaches of Herceg Novi

Within the city limits they predominate concrete beaches, but in the surrounding area there are many cozy places that can be reached by boat for €2-5. The best of them is considered to be Žanica - a beach that formerly belonged to Joseph Brod Tito, the President of Yugoslavia.

Pros: the water is so clear that sea urchins are found in it, known detectors of sea purity (in the center of the beach the likelihood of encountering them is minimal); From here boats depart to the fortress island of Mamula, where you can also sunbathe and swim.

Cons: pebble surface (chaise lounge can be rented right there); The water temperature is lower than off the coast of other resorts.

Sights of Herceg Novi and surrounding area

1. Old city. Here is the “calling card” of the resort - the Sakhat-Kula clock tower, built by the Turks in 1667, inside which the “Black Madonna” icon is kept. We also recommend visiting the Orthodox Church of the Archangel Michael and drinking water from the nearby Turkish fountain of Karacha, visiting the fortresses of Forte Mare (XIV century) and Kanli Kula (XV century).
2. Regional Museum. Located in a building built in the 17th century in Baroque style. In addition to an interesting botanical collection (more than 100 species of flowers and other plants), archaeological finds (amphoras, tools, household items) and a collection of icons made by Kotor craftsmen are stored here.
3. Mount Orjen. At its top (1895 meters) there is snow until the end of May, so you have a unique opportunity to swim in the warm Adriatic Sea, and a couple of hours later go skiing or snowboarding. In clear weather, from here you can see the whole of Montenegro, part of the territory of neighboring Herzegovina, Croatian Dubrovnik and several southern islands Dalmatia. You can climb Mount Orjen or Mount Subra by jeep.

How to get to Herceg Novi

Again, you have two options. If you want to get there quickly and comfortably, order a transfer in advance (about €45 for a passenger car). If you decide to take a taxi at the airport, insist that the driver turn on the meter, because... During the season, there are frequent cases of tourists being deceived. A bus ride will cost you about €2, but it will take disproportionately more time: you will need to walk to the stop and wait for passing transport.

Ulcinj

The resort is located on the border with Albania. It is famous for its sandy beaches (which is rare for Montenegro), kite surfing spots and the official nudist beach on the island of Ada Bojana.

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Pros:

• it is usually warmer here than in other regions of Montenegro
• there is sand at the bottom, so the water also warms up faster
• fewer vacationers than in popular resort towns
• prices for food, souvenirs, sun loungers are lower than in Budva

Minuses:

• due to the fact that the bottom is sandy, the water here is quite cloudy

There are also few tourists from the CIS countries, but there are many Albanians. The Russian language is not widespread (unlike Budva), but you can communicate in English without any problems.

Ulcinj beaches

The most popular beach is Velika Plazha, 12 kilometers long, located 5 kilometers from the Old Town. The nudist beach is 17 kilometers away. If you don’t want to sunbathe on small city beaches, where there are no crowds during the season, you’ll have to get a car or fork out for a taxi (from €10 one way).

Ulcinj attractions

1. Citadel. During his imprisonment here, Cervantes came up with the image of Dulcinea, the girl with whom Don Quixote was in love.
2. Skadar Lake. In its vicinity there are many rare birds, which are visited by ornithologists and bird lovers from different countries. A boat ride on the lake costs about €7.
3. Cetinje. The ancient capital of Montenegro. The most interesting sights: the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on Chipura, the Cetinje Monastery, the palace of King Nikola I, the royal theater "Zetskiy Dom" (the oldest in the country), the Blue Palace, which now houses the residence of the President of Montenegro.

How to get to Ulcinj

Transfer from Tivat airport will cost you from €60 per car. A budget option- walk to the nearest stop and board a passing bus heading in the desired direction. The problem is that there is only one such bus and it leaves in the morning. The ticket price is about €9. You can come to Budva and then transfer to a bus to Ulcinj.

Sveti Stefan

An ideal place for families with children and those who do not like noisy music and crowds of tourists around.

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Pros:

• It's quiet, clean and uncrowded here. If you want to have fun, you can arrive in Budva by bus (€2) or taxi (€10) in just 15-20 minutes. The highway runs above the village, so the noise of cars won’t bother you either.

Minuses:

• The resort is located on the slope of a mountain, you will have to walk a lot on the steps, so it will be inconvenient with a stroller. You can go around by road, but in this case the path to the beach will lengthen by about a kilometer
• the beach is covered with large pebbles
• housing prices are slightly higher than in neighboring Budva

Beaches of Sveti Stefan

The coastline of the resort is divided into two parts by an isthmus leading to private island Sveti Stefan. To the right of it is a private beach for guests of the Aman Sveti Stefan hotel, to the left is the municipal one, where everyone can relax for free.

Sights of the resort Sveti Stefan and the surrounding area

1. Island of Sveti Stefan. One of the most recognizable landmarks of Montenegro, where the former residence of the king is located, Villa Milocer (now part of the hotel complex). Only guests of the five-star Aman Sveti Stefan hotel or guests of a very expensive restaurant who have reserved a table in advance can enter the territory. The rest can only admire the views and take souvenir photos from the public beach.
2. Durmitor National Park. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On its territory are the Durmitor mountain range, the Tara River canyon (the deepest canyon in Europe and the second largest in the world), the Susica and Draga rivers, the Djurdzhevica Tara Bridge (the highest automobile arch bridge in Europe), as well as the popular ski resort Zabljak. The most convenient way to get here is by car, as public transport is rare. If possible, stay here for a few days to see all the interesting things. Travel agencies offer excursions, but they usually turn out to be crumpled and very tiring.
3. Bar. We recommend starting your walk from the Old Town, where modern cottages adjacent to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. George, the churches of St. Catherine and St. Veneranda. Other attractions include the Palace of King Nicola, which now houses a historical museum, the Church of St. Nicola, for many years the residence of the Catholic Archbishop, and Mount Valuica, from the top of which the Italian Guglielmo Marconi transmitted the first radio signal from Bar to Bari.

How to get to Sveti Stefan

The most convenient way is to pre-order a transfer from the airport (from €30 per car) or take a taxi. If you need to save money, use public transport- after leaving the airport, go to the nearest stop and wait for the bus heading towards Budva. Then you will need to transfer to a bus to the resort of Sveti Stefan. In total, you will spend about an hour and a half on the road, the cost of the trip is approximately €5.

Mount Lovcen © depositphotos.com

There are places in Montenegro that can be called the calling cards of the country. To visit them means to say: “I have been to Montenegro.” We will tell you what should be on the must-see list in this pearl of the Adriatic.

1. Sights of Montenegro - Tara Canyon

Tara Canyon © depositphotos.com

The Tara Canyon is rocky mountains, deep gorges, waterfalls, rapid rapids surrounded beautiful nature. The length of this natural miracle is 82 kilometers, in some places the depth reaches 1300 meters. Note to extreme sports enthusiasts and those who are chasing records. The Tara Canyon is the deepest canyon in all of Europe, and in the world it is surpassed only by the American Grand Canyon. The canyon is surrounded on one side by the mountains of Sinjaevina and Durmitor, and on the other by Lyubishnja and Zlatni Bor. Tara Canyon is part of Durmitor Park and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This place is a paradise for rafting lovers. Also don't forget to go through famous bridge Djurdzhevich, connecting the north and south of Montenegro. It is the highest in the entire country, just imagine the views from here.

1. Sights of Montenegro - Skadar Lake

Lake Skadar © depositphotos.com

The largest lake in the Balkans, which is located on the territory of Montenegro and Albania, welcomes you. 2/3 of the lake belongs to Montenegro. The area of ​​Lake Skadar is about 390 km². The natural body of water is not only outstanding for its size. This is one of the few places in Europe that is a natural habitat for pelicans and large nesting birds. Moreover, on the shores and islands of the lake there are many attractions - monasteries, fortresses, churches with tombs, monuments to those who lived and ruled here hundreds of years ago. And, of course, the surrounding natural landscapes deserve special attention.

1. Sights of Montenegro - Ostrog Monastery

Ostrog Monastery © depositphotos.com

The greatest shrine and landmark of Montenegro is the Ostrog Monastery. It is carved into a rock high in the mountains. The monastery was founded in the 17th century; the relics of St. Basil of Ostrog are kept here. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world walk from the Lower Monastery to the Upper Monastery with the hope of being cleansed of their sins. The old monk, who is also a tour guide, will tell you about the history of the monastery, miracles and happy events that happened here. The Montenegrins themselves say that Saint Basil watches them from the mountain all their lives and waits for them to return to their roots.

1. Sights of Montenegro - the city of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor

The city of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor © depositphotos.com

Kotor is a famous resort on the Montenegrin Adriatic coast. The city is a striking example of the architecture of medieval Mediterranean cities. Kotor has been preserved in very good condition to this day. In 1979, Kotor was included in the UNESCO list. The city is located at the foot of Mount Lovcen, on the shores of the Bay of Kotor in a fjord, which is unique in its beauty throughout the Mediterranean. Kotor was founded during the Roman Empire, then it was known as Acrivium and was part of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Today Kotor attracts with its beauty and atmosphere. The symbol of the city is the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, which contains frescoes from the 14th century and a sacristy with works by Venetian and Kotor jewelers. In the city it is also interesting to see the Napoleon Theater, the Church of St. Anne, St. Luke, and the Church of St. Mary. Those who want to see the Bay of Kotor in all its glory should visit the beautiful coastal cities - Herceg Novi, Perast, Risan.

1. Sights of Montenegro - Budva

Budva © depositphotos.com

Budva is the main seaside resort in the region. In this city, Montenegro appears in all its beauty and diversity. The old city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1979, but has now been successfully restored. There are three museums, churches and a fortress, whose high ramparts frame the central square of the Old Town. Full of beautiful beaches surrounded by high mountains - heaven on earth. The main beach of Budva is also called the kingdom of pebbles; it begins 500 meters north of Mogren beach. The city does not sleep at night. In the summer, numerous festivals are held here, most often in the fortress on an open-air stage. And this is only one hundredth of everything that you can do and see in this beautiful resort town.

1. Sights of Montenegro - Sveti Stefan and Petrovac

St. Stefan and Petrovac © depositphotos.com

Sveti Stefan is located on the Budva Riviera, on a small rocky island, connected to the mainland by a thin sandy isthmus. The resort is named after the patron saint of Montenegro - St. Stephen. This resort is one of the favorite destinations of royalty and celebrities. Sveti Stefan is famous for its 1,170 meters of pink sand beaches, narrow streets, elegant buildings and picturesque churches. If the activity of Sveti Stefan begins to tire you, you should go a few kilometers south to the town of Petrovac. It is located in a beautiful bay, surrounded by pine forests and olive groves, an ideal place for a romantic getaway surrounded by nature. There are many cafes, two sandy beaches - Petrovac and Lucice, a Venetian fortress and many churches with ancient icons.

1. Sights of Montenegro - the city of Cetinje and Mount Lovcen

City of Cetinje and Mount Lovcen © depositphotos.com

Cetinje - historical and cultural capital Montenegro. Located at the foot of Mount Lovcen. The city began to expand in 1482. For most Montenegrins, Cetinje is a symbol of the nation and the entire country, created during the heroic struggle for freedom. Many historical events took place in Cetinje. It was this city that was the center of organized resistance to the Turks and the seat of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church. The oldest building in the city is the Vlaška Church, dating back to 1450. The name comes from the word "shepherds" (Vlasi). Cetinje, a museum town, has the best preserved collection of weapons in the entire Balkans. Pilgrims should definitely go to the Cetinje Monastery, where the relics of St. Peter of Cetinje, the right hand of John the Baptist and a piece of the Holy Cross are kept. In order not to miss the opportunity to see the city from a bird's eye view, it is worth climbing Mount Lovcen. The mountain has two peaks - Štirovnik (1,749 m) and Jezerski vrch (1,657 m). On Štirovnik there is a mausoleum of the Montenegrin poet and ruler Peter II Petrovic Njegos and works by the famous sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.

Watch a video about the city of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor:

What should a traveler see in Montenegro? When planning your vacation, of course, you want to have time to get to know the country to the maximum. Montenegro is a country not only for beach holidays, national parks are hidden behind high mountains, the largest lake in the Balkans, high mountains with alpine meadows, historical capital with colorful architecture.

In this article I will tell you about the TOP 10 attractions that are a must-see in Montenegro.

Today it is Cetinje, and not Podgorica, that has the status of the capital of Montenegro. For several centuries, ecclesiastical and secular power was concentrated in this city in the hands of metropolitans. But the rulers, princes and kings are already in the past; all that remains from them are interesting palaces and a monastery in Cetinje.

The architectural appearance of the city is very unusual and bright; take a walk along the pedestrian st. Njegosha And Palace Square. Here you will be greeted by the blacksmith Bogdan, who makes bells and horseshoes to rock and roll. Find former foreign embassies, the Presidential Residence, the Money Museum, the old Pharmacy, visit the National Museum, the Billiard Palace and the Red Palace of King Nikola. Believers should definitely go to the Cetinje Monastery, where the relics of the Montenegrin ruler St. Peter, pieces of the Cross and the Hand of John the Baptist rest.

2. Lake Skadar

There are several dozen lakes in Montenegro, but the most vast, beautiful and historically important. It was a “bone of discord” between the Turks and Montenegrins for several centuries, so it is strewn with fortresses on islands and hills.

The first capital, the Zabljak fortress (15th century), still stands here. I advise you to take a ride along the lake from above, through its bays, and also rent a boat for an hour to plunge into harmony with the flora and fauna. This is a habitat for 200 species of birds and 40 species of fish; the rarest pelicans in Europe live here. From the end of May, yellow and white water lilies begin to bloom.

You can look at the ancient architecture and stone bridges in the towns of Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevic. And the region of Lake Skadar is famous for wine; at every turn there are vineyards with an offer to go for a tasting.

3. Durmitor National Park

Montenegro is not only the sea and beaches, it is also northern nature. You will enter the realm of wild animals, glacial lakes and dense forests. It is not for nothing that the Durmitor National Park was included in the UNESCO list.

Here it is worth seeing the canyons of the Tara and Bystritsa rivers, climbing to the panoramic point Churevac (1626 m), walking around the Black Lake, conquering the most high point– Bobotov Kuk (2523 m).

If you are traveling by car, be sure to turn off from Zabljak at the Trsa sign towards the town of Pluzine. This road winds like a serpentine through the highest peaks of the Durmitor National Park. You will see grazing sheep, herds of horses, lonely shepherds' houses among the mountains drowning in the clouds. Around every turn the landscapes will change, and somewhere in the summer there will be snow. This is real alpine nature, hidden from the eyes of ordinary tourists.

4. Biogradska Gora National Park

There are only a few pristine forests left in Europe, one in the Biogradska Gora National Park. It is located in the north of the country and covers an area of ​​5400 hectares. Many trees are several hundred or even a thousand years old. These forests, glacial lakes and mountain peaks are home to 70 species of animals and 200 species of birds.

Be sure to take a walk around Lake Biograd, the 3.3 km long route will bring a lot of positive emotions. If you wish, you can stay here with a tent or have a barbecue on the grill. The national park has everything for recreation and hiking. You can wander through beech, juniper and oak forests, enjoy rivers, unique plants and fresh healing air.

5. Bay of Kotor

This is the most beautiful place in Montenegro, it is included in the TOP 25 picturesque bays in the world, so it is a “must see”. The architecture that appeared during the reign of Venice will mentally take you to Italy. First of all, visit Old Kotor, it is under the protection of UNESCO. Climb its powerful fortress wall; entry costs 3 euros, but there is one free “goat” trail.

The unique and slightly toy town of Perast will make you fall in love at first sight. In it, take a boat (5 euros per person) and sail to the island of Goddess on the reef. In the town of Prcanj, look at the most mysterious Catholic church with a pompous staircase. In Stoliv, climb the stone path to the upper village, where only one family remains to live. In Herceg Novi, take a stroll through the central square where Pierce Brosnan filmed the film The November Man. And in Tivat you should enjoy sunsets and cakes at the Porto Montenegro yacht marina.

6. Ulcinj and Ada-Bojana

The city of Ulcinj will seem unique on the coast with its oriental flavor; it was once inhabited by pirates, and black slaves were traded in the central square. The museum behind the fortress walls of the old city will remind you of various conquerors.

If you want to visit the most unusual Montenegrin beach, go to Velika Plaza (one of the beaches), it is so named because of its size - 15 kilometers of volcanic sand stretches along the sea. There is a long, gentle entrance here, and there are always waves, so why Big beach kitesurfers love it.

If after sunbathing you are wondering what else to see in Montenegro, I recommend driving a couple more kilometers to the island of Ada Boyana. On the banks of the emerald river, through which Lake Skadar flows into the sea, you can dine on fresh fish and seafood. If you prefer to sunbathe naked, I recommend going to the island itself, this is a real paradise for nudists.

7. Canyon of the Moraca River

One of the most beautiful rivers in Montenegro is Moraca. Its emerald hue seems unreal. The speed reaches up to 100 km/h, but the river is not navigable. But it’s interesting to look at it from above; Moraci’s unbridled character makes rapids on rocks and turns. It flows into the Platje gorge, which Montenegrins previously called “between the nests of eagles.” Only half a century ago it was possible to build a road in this canyon, connecting Podgorica with the north of the country.

Along the way, it is worth stopping at the Moraca Monastery, a Serbian temple from the 13th century. It was repeatedly captured by the Turks, but the Orthodox stronghold still survived. The monastery is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and the church will surprise you with ancient frescoes and ivory carved doors.

8. Piva Lake Canyon

This lake is unusual in shape and origin - it is narrow and long (45 km), and it is also man-made. The Piva Lake canyon is located near the town of Pluzine in the north of the country. It appeared after the construction of the Mratinje dam during Yugoslav times in 1975. Since the river was flooded, the 16th century Piva Monastery had to be completely moved to another location. The best restorers worked on it, restoring ancient frescoes and masonry walls.

I advise you to take a ride on a motor boat on Lake Piva itself, so you can see beautiful corners and narrow passages with turquoise surface, ducks and hanging bridges. The water in the lake warms up to +25 in summer, you can swim, and there is a civilized beach in Pluzhine.

9. Mamula Fortress and Lustica Peninsula

Do you want privacy, lush greenery and clean water on vacation? Then go explore Lustica with its many fortresses, churches, olive groves and picturesque beaches. Interesting places - Forte Rose, the beaches of Miriste, Zanice, Plavi Horizonty, the fortresses of Arza and Lustica, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Radovichi. I advise you to rent a boat opposite Zhanitsa and sail to the island with the monastery Holy Mother of God, as well as to the island with the Mamula fortress. This is the most incredible fortification structure in Montenegro, inherited from Austria-Hungary, which ruled in the 19th century.

The diameter of Mamula is 200 m, previously it was a barrier to the enemy in the Bay of Kotor, during the Second World War the fortress became a concentration camp on the orders of Mussolini. Today, entry to Mamula is free, and its only inhabitants are wild rabbits.

10. Ostrog Monastery

The holiest place in Montenegro is the Ostrog monastery; people of different religions and even atheists strive to visit it, so much so does it arouse trust and interest. It was founded by Vasily Ostrozhsky in the mid-17th century. The Turks tried to burn the monastery a couple of times, and during World War II a bomb hit, but did not explode. This is how Ostrog stands, carved into the rock at an altitude of 900 m, to the delight of all pilgrims.

It is divided into the Upper and Lower Monasteries, as well as the Church of the Martyr Stanko. People go to the relics of St. Basil every day, sometimes staying overnight in sleeping bags near the monastery, asking for help and healing from serious illnesses or infertility. The greatest day is considered to be May 12 - the Saint’s birthday; tens of thousands of people from all over the Balkans travel a long way to Ostrog. You can visit Ostrog with organized excursion or catch a ride in Danilovgrad and on the highway.

I hope my tips on what to see in Montenegro as a traveler will make your vacation more active and eventful.