Montenegro
Introduction Page:
Montenegro the country that has only been independant since 2006!
The country that has build a name for itself in such a short amount of time.
It is not as touristic as neighbouring Croatia but it certainly gets lots of visitors and for very good reasons.
With a stunning coastline, ancient cities, old castles and some amazing nature further in land, it get’s all too obvious why so many feel attracted to the place!
- Capital: Podgorica
- Population: 621.700
- Currency: Euro
- Independence Day: 21 May
- Country size rank: 161
It’s a great destination all year round, whether you go during summer and make it a relaxed holiday or visit in a completely different season and go for the landmarks it has to offer.
This country can be visited all year round and you will always be amazed!
Now what would I recommend you when you visit this breathtaking country?
I found Herceg Novi to be the best city to book your accommodation and to reside in, from here on you can easily explore the entire country!
Follow the coast and stop in the small town of Perast, climb it’s famous bell tower and admire the views over the bay!
Done with Perast? Then carry on and drive towards the biggest highlight Montenegro has to offer: Kotor!
A city surrounded by ancient castle walls and that has been an UNESCO site since 1979.
Small cosy streets, squares with dozens of restaurants, old historic buildings all around and perhaps the biggest attraction: San Giovanni castle situated on top of a cliff right above the city!
Kotor also features a very stunning hike called: Ladder of Kotor. It brings you through grass filled plains, forests, an abandoned town and last but not least the castle ruins I mentioned before!
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Or scroll down further to see my top 3 places in Montenegro⬇️
My top 3 places in Montenegro:
1: Kotor
Kotor a city that has left it’s mark on many generations.
If we look at the history of the city then we can find it dates back to hundreds of years ago!
Switching from 1 ruler to another back in time.
From the Roman era, the Middle Ages to the Venetian era.
Nowadays it belongs to Montenegro and the place has a significant impact on the country in a whole!
Slowly but steady the tourism is increasing here and the biggest cause of this is Kotor city.
Cruise ships come and go to witness Kotor and the Bay surrounding it.
But remember, while the city is beatiful on it’s own we shouldn’t ignore the area around it!
Montenegro has 1 of the most beatiful coastlines I’ve ever seen. Following the coastal road provides you with dozens of beatiful sights and small villages to explore.
So at last, as I said before The Ladder of Kotor hiking trail is something you just have to do.
An exhausting but totally worth it hike that provides you with incredible sights over the Bay of Kotor and the city itself.
Not dangerous in any way just very exhausting(especially when you walk there in summer while it is 38 degrees, good job Dave😅)
2: Durmitor National Park
The most famous national park in Montenegro and I think when you look at the picture above it get’s quite obvious why!
As soon as you drop off your car at the parking spot you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous mountain view in the background!
From there on you’ll have to walk for about 15mins through beatiful forests, passing make shift stalls where people sell their homemade products before finally arriving at the main attraction.
And there it is one of the most beatiful sights I’ve ever seen!
Fields of grass as green as you’ve never seen before(besides in games or movies maybe).
A beatiful pristine lake with on the backdrop a huge mountain ridge!
A true sight to behold!
Now there’s plenty to do here actually..
How about renting one of the boats , grab lunch at the restaurant by the lake or for the adventures among us, venture deeper into the park!
Huge amounts of trails are available in the national park slowly guiding you along the pristine lakes.
Trails lasts for either a few hours or all the way up to a few days, check the signs and choose what suits you best.
The longest trail takes you all the way to the top of the mountain!
Entrance fee is just 3eu so get in there and please your eyes inside Durmitor national park!
3: Herceg Novi
The place where our accommodation was located. Hotel Palmon Bay was the place and I’d highly suggest it in general.
*** You can read my Palmon Bay Review here ***
Great location right next to a long boulevard, decent sized swimming pool(in and outdoors), indoor sauna area and breathtaking views from the rooms!(depending on which floor you stay, top floor provides stunning views over the coast + mountains)
So in general I’d say Herceg Novi is a great place to make your base and start exploring the country from there.
There are plenty of car rentals to be found or else busses that drive towards the bigger destinations.
Now don’t think Herceg Novi is worthless though because it sure isn’t!
A huge boulevard awaits you with dozens of restaurants, 1 or 2 clubs and a long stretch of beaches to relax at.
Stroll across the boulevard and slowly walk your way towards Herceg Novi old town(or vice versa)
The Old town of Herceg Novi is easily recognized by it’s fortress along the coast.
Forte Mare it is called. There is another one a bit uphill that’s also worth visiting called: Kanli Kula but I’d say Forte Mare is the better one!
And then the old town itself, while it isn’t large it definitely has it’s charm. Small cosy streets filled with plenty of restaurants and a public square full of life.
Definitely worth the visit!
