An Introduction to Montenegro....

...miles of pristine shores

Travel the length of the lovely coast and every vista seems more stunning than the last ...a pretty little offshore island, southern Europe's most spectacular fjord, sunlight sparkling on sea and shore. Explore the amazing interior and amid the mountain greenery are glacial lakes and deep gouged canyons. Sapphire seas, crystal rivers and golden ribbons of sand ... Montenegro is a gem.

Formerly the smallest province of Yugoslavia, this gorgeous region now forms the coastal corner of the Republic of Montenegro. Its coastline stretches just 175 miles, but they are miles of pristine shores, washed by the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and sweeping from the Venetian port of Kotor to the border with Albania. Between the two are 117 beaches, some in sheltered inlets, bays and coves, others, like famous Sveti Stefan, reaching out to rocky outcrops, many backed by aromatic pines, and the longest among them, south of Bar, hemming a full eight miles of the brilliant blue sea. Dramatically shaped and forested hills form a fabulous backdrop and lead to Montenegro's mountainous interior. Luxuriant with shady groves of olives and holm oak, criss-crossed with cooling rivers and dotted with glacial lakes, the mountains' sun-trap south-facing slopes are a fruit feast of fig and kiwi, orange and lemon orchards. The annual average of 240 sunny days is a bonus too for the botanical gardens and for the colourful flora of four National Parks.

For those whose interests are more closely focused on history, atmosphere and architecture, Montenegro has more than its fair share of intriguing sights and cities. The imposing fortress and labyrinthine streets of Kotor's old quarter are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Medieval Budva was built by the ruins of an ancient Greek settlement - its history dating back 2,000 years. Museums and monasteries, ramparts and Romanesque cathedrals open a window on the past in several towns and cities while, in the mountains, tiny villages perch precariously on the peaks, as high as eagles' eyries.

Modern Montenegro is a multi-cultural mix of Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Muslim religions, of Serb, Croat and Montenegrin traditions. The locals cherish their kaleidoscope heritage and are renowned for their welcoming nature and friendly hospitality.  

Byron described Montenegro as "the most beautiful encounter between the land and the sea". Some things never change.         

Location

Montenegro has a coastline on the Adriatic and borders with Albania to the south, Bosnia & Herzegovina to the northwest, and a few brief miles of Croatia running inland from the coast. Montenegro's short shoreline is home to the port of Bar, beautiful Budva and the Gulf of Kotor.  

Beaches

The gentle Montenegrin coast incorporates a blend of expansive beaches, some of small, sea-smoothed pebbles, others of fine golden sand. There's a choice of beaches either side of Budva, and Milocer - once a royal summer residence - is home to the magnificent Queens Beach. A water's edge stroll from here will take you to the rock-mounted resort of Sveti Stefan, from where a sandy promontory leads to two beautiful beaches. Popular Petrovac has a series of bays hemmed with a mix of pebbles and coarse sand.    

Food & Wine

Stuffed vine or cabbage leaves, raznjici meat kebabs and cevapcici charcoal grilled minced meat bring a Greek influence to the menu. Njeguski smoked ham adds a touch of Italian style cuisine. The sweet called lokum is Turkish Delight, and you may recognise alva as a southern Med / North African dessert of honey and nuts. There's more of the Mediterranean theme in the pastas, pizzas and pasticadas, seafood risottos and squid in its ink, so while pronouncing the names may be hard to master, the dishes themselves are often familiar. Speciality restaurants in the coastal region have access to a feast of fresh fish, so the catch of the day may be sea bream or sea bass, mussels or red mullet, oysters, prawns, crab or lobster. Try the mussels in bouzzara sauce - a tastebud-tickling blend of oil-fried onions and tomatoes, seasoned with salt and herbs, and also the  excellent Vranac (red) and Krstac (white) regional wines. Or raise the spirits in a toast with Loza, the national brandy, or maraskino, made with morello cherries.

Shopping

Lace, leatherwork and embroidered linens, Pec filigree work and Turkish-coffee sets are among the locally hand-crafted souvenirs. There are plenty of gift shops in Petrovac around the port area. For something arty and individual, tour the boutiques and galleries tucked away in Budva's old town.

Entertainment

Generally entertainment in Montenegro is neither extensive nor sophisticated but, especially in the larger towns and resorts, bars stay open late, restaurants close around midnight. Throughout the summer months many towns and villages hold festivals of music and/or folklore - held in open-air venues. 

Getting Around

Coaches connect most towns and cities and are efficient if infrequent. A hire car is a good way to explore independently, though you may be well advised to avoid the minor roads at night, as some are in poor condition. 

Essentials

Language

Serbian, although English is widely spoken in hotels and restaurants.

Money

The currency is denominated in euro.

Vaccinations

None are compulsory.

Water

Safe to drink, but it may contain different minerals to those you may be used to. Bottled water is cheap and plentiful.

Visas

None required by holders of British or other EU passports, USA, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passports.

Time Difference

BST + 1

GMT + 2

Electricity

240v

Flight Time

2hrs 35min - 2hrs 50min

Local Costs - Montenegro

The prices shown are approximate and are based on popular locations in the main touristseason. Variations will apply according to location, season and style of establishment.

Large draft beer £1.40

Glass of wine £1.80

Litre bottle of restaurant house wine  £13.50

Litre Bottle of restaurant branded wine £27

Gin & tonic £2.25 (local gin)

Coca cola £1.50

Half litre of restaurant bottled water £1.40

Espresso coffee £1.10

Tea £1.10

Cappuccino £1.40

Snack lunch £9

Large pizza  £5.50

Pasta dish £7

Salad £2.70

3 course dinner menu £16 per person

Ice cream £1.30p

Bus Petrovac-Budva or vice versa or Budva- Sveti Stefan or vice versa £1.40

NB local buses are frequent (approx every 15 minutes) and well used by tourists.

Taxi Budva-Becici £4.50; Budva-Sveti Stefan £7; Budva-Petrovac £13.50

Bicycle hire £11 per day

Pedalo £5.50 per hour

Water-skiing £27 per hour

Excursions from Montenegro

This is a selection of the most popular excursions available from Montenegro. The information given below is intended as a guide only. Transportation, guides and entrance fees are normally included. Meals are not included unless specified. Some tours may operate in the peak season and others may depend upon the weather.

Albania - Full day by bus to Europe's best kept secret

Morning departure driving south along the spectacular Riviera until you turn inland and reach the border in approximately 1½ hours. Continue through villages and visit the town of Scodra. This is the city of clock towers, churches and mosques and where Orthodox, Catholic and Muslim live in perfect harmony. Time is spent for sightseeing (Archaeological museum and Rosafa Fortress) before lunch at a restaurant on the riverbank (included).

Cost approximately £52.

Dubrovnik - Full day by bus

Travel along the beautiful Bay of Kotor to the ancient city of Dubrovnik, a World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval Mediterranean towns. Tour the Old City with a local guide then have some time at leisure soaking up the atmosphere of this inspiring town.

Cost approximately £43.

Fish Picnic by boat - Full day by boat

Take a panoramic boat trip along the most beautiful part of the coast passing by the old town of Budva, the island St. Nicola, the hotel-island Sveti Stefan and some hidden exotic beaches. Enjoy a fish lunch with drinks (included) on the beach then relax or swim in the clear warm sea.

Cost approximately £35.

Tour of Montenegro  - Full day by bus

Learn about the rich cultural and historical heritage of Montenegro. Travel over the mountains enjoying beautiful views and spectacular scenery to the old capital of Montenegro, Cetinje, and the palace of King Nikola 1. Continue to Mount Lovćen National Park and visit a village for a snack of smoked ham and cheese and a glass of wine or honey wine. Finally, visit the Bay of Kotor and the ancient town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cost approximately £36.

The Wild Beauty of Montenegro - Full day by bus for nature lovers

Travel to inland Montenegro with its beautiful green mountains, rivers and canyons. Continue over the picturesque mountains reaching the Tara River, whose canyon is the 2^nd deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon. Lunch at a restaurant near the river (included), then a panoramic ride through Durmitor National Park to the famous bridge Đurđevića Tara for photos and a short walk. Cost approximately £44.

Skadar Lake - Full day by boat and bus

Set within a National Park, Skadar Lake is the largest lake on the Balkan peninsula, known for its beauty and rich flora and fauna. Travel over the mountains and board a boat for a cruise on the lake's clear water. The lush lake vegetation, the birds and the fish that you may see will make this a very enjoyable day. Stop at a local restaurant for a fresh fish lunch (Included).

Cost approximately £43.