Since Montenegro managed to separate itself completely from the former Yugoslavia, the country has developed rapidly in the tourist industry. Cities with a lot of history, such as Budva, Tivat, Cetinje, Kotor, Petrovac and Ulcinj, quickly became popular holiday destinations. The mix of beach, culture, nature and a wonderful climate are already good ingredients for a successful holiday. Montenegro is also very suitable for sporting holidays. The mountainous landscape with wooded hills, glacial lakes, raging rivers and a variety of flora and fauna is ideal for impressive cycling and walking tours. But also rafting, cross-country skiing, skiing and hiking are very popular sports to practice in Montenegro. In terms of winter sports, you are well off near the towns of Savin Kuk, Javorovaca, Turjak, Lokve and Vucje. Young people have now also found their way to Montenegro, which is still reasonably affordable. Fun musical festivities, extensive beaches and a lively entertainment center ensure that they will not be short of anything in versatile Montenegro. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Montenegro.
Top 10 sights of Montenegro
#1. Kotor
On the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro lies the pleasant old port city of Kotor. The city of Kotor on the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) is known as an old fortified town with several monumental sights. The medieval center is therefore now part of Unesco’s world heritage sites. You can take a look at one of the churches, the old city walls, the harbor and the cathedral of St. Tryphon, among other things. The city of Kotor is also frequently visited during annual events such as ‘the night of the Boka’ (Bokeljka noć) and the Kotor Summer Carnival (Kotorski ljetnji karneval). The center has played an important and cultural role for many centuries with regard to creative training in art, architecture and even as a goldsmith. An earthquake in 1979 damaged much of the old Venetian architecture. Fortunately, people have recognized the importance of restoration and today you can still enjoy a beautiful city with its own charm. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Montenegro.
#2. Durmitor and the Tara Gorge
The photogenic Durmitor National Parkis located in the northwest of Montenegro. With an area of about forty thousand hectometres, the park offers diverse protected areas of natural beauty. The landscape ranges from mountain slopes to green meadows, deep gorges and beautiful lakes such as Crno Jezero (the Black Lake). The water in the lakes is often crystal clear. The area within Durmitor National Park is often visited by hikers, cyclists and/or nature lovers. During the winter months you can also enjoy cross-country skiing. The Tara gorge, which is located in the vicinity of the Tara river, is definitely worth a visit. The enormously deep gorge attracts a lot of attention, especially during the summer months. Often there are many rafters in this area who continue their way on the Tara river. In the visitor center you can map out different routes that reveal all the secrets of this park.
#3. Cetinje
The Montenegrin town of Cetinjeis located at the foot of the impressive mountain Lovćen. Cetinje is the former capital of Montenegro. Around 1946 this honor was bestowed on the city of Podgorica. The center of Cetinje has a number of nice places that are more than worth a visit. Think of Vlaska church, which is also the oldest building in the city. Or the beautiful Orthodox monastery ‘Cetinjski manastir’ from the beginning of the eighteenth century. And you should not miss the mausoleum of Peter II of Montenegro, who died of tuberculosis. Are you looking for a little more adventure? Then visit Lipska pećina cave. You can go on a treasure hunt yourself.
#4. Gospa od Skrpjela
The island of Gospa od Škrpjela is located off the coast of Perast in the Bay of Kotor. According to legend, the island was created when returning sailors threw rocks into the bay where they saw an image of the Blessed Virgin on a rock. Rocks and stones are still traditionally thrown during the ‘fašinade’ festival in July. By throwing the stones they ensure that the foundation of the church on this island remains stable. You can visit the church ‘Crkva Gospa od Škrpjela’. Inside, numerous works of art from previous centuries can be admired. But the Venetian decorations by Trip Kokolja, among others, also deserve admiration. The other small islet near Gospa od Škrpjela is Sveti Đorđe. There is a Benedictine monastery on this island.
#5. Biogradska Gora National Park
Around 1952, the Biogradska Gora National Park was established as a protected area. The partly untouched nature is very popular with hikers and those seeking tranquility. At the main entrance of the park is a visitor center where maps can be purchased showing different routes. The Biogradska Gora National Park is an area with glacial lakes like Ursulovačko, more than two thousand plant species, religious monuments, butterflies, birds, wolves and even bears. A very nice route is the walk to the Dolovi Valley. During this five-hour tour you will pass admirable places. Of course you can also opt for shorter or longer and even multi-day walks, whether or not led by a guide.
#6. Ostrog Monastery
The Ostrog Monastery, partly built into the rocks, attracts a lot of attention every year. The Ostrog Monastery is located in the Bjelopavlici area, near the town of Nikšić. The monastery in the Ostroska mountain was founded by St. Basil Ostroje in the seventeenth century and is nowadays seen as a place of pilgrimage. The lower Serbian Orthodox church also receives a lot of interest. From this place you also have an amazing view over the region.
#7. The Black Lake
In the Durmitor National Park lies the famous Black Lake (crno jezero) of Montenegro. Especially during the summer months, the Zwarte Meer is a favorite destination to cool off. The glacial lake is divided into two lakes, namely ‘Veliko jezero and Malo jezero’, the big and small lake. From the town of Žabljak you can reach the Black Lake on foot. There are several places around the lake where you can relax and enjoy the view.
#8. Budva
The most famous seaside resort in Montenegro is undoubtedly Budva. This bustling city with a medieval center is located directly on the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to its fantastic climate, it has been popular with tourists for many years. The location by the sea, the many festivities, beautiful beaches, culture and nightlife also contribute to this. The most popular festivals in Budva are Sea Dance Festival, Pjesma Mediterana (music festival) and the annual Budva Carnival. The small island of Sveti Stefan also belongs to the seaside resort of Budva. On this island you will find a number of hotel resorts and other luxury accommodations. Guests like to stay on the pink beaches, such as Miločer Beach and Queen’s Beach.
#9. Mamula
The island of Mamula in the Adriatic Sea is a small but special island. Mamula or Lastavica as it is also called, has a circular shape with a diameter of about two hundred meters. It only shows a fortress from the nineteenth century in which all kinds of atrocities took place. During the Second World War, the fortress was turned into a notorious concentration camp. Today it is a lot quieter. The island of Mamula is mainly visited by day trippers who moor there by boat. The island of Mamula is located at the entrance to the Kotor bay between the peninsulas Prevlaka and Luštuca.
#10. Porto Montenegro
The most luxurious marina in Montenegro is located in the southwest in the city of Tivat. Porto Montenegro was created in a former naval port known as the Arsenal. The port was bought by the Canadian businessman Peter Munk around 2006 and since then it has worked hard to accommodate the most luxurious yachts that can be found around the Adriatic Sea. You can also enjoy a delicious meal in one of the restaurants, visit the Marine Museum or stroll along the small boutiques on the promenade of Porto Montenegro Village.
