As long as I can remember I’ve been hearing amazing stories about Montenegro and finally in early 2016 I got the chance to visit this fantastic Balkan country myself. Montenegro has rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. It’s the pearl of the Mediterranean and unique in many ways. Of all the countries I visited in this Balkan trip (Kosovo, Macedonia & Albania) I can truly say that Montenegro is marked number 1 on my personal Balkan list! Find out below why I fell in love with this nation.
Facts
- Capital: Podgorica
- Language: Montenegrin
- Currency: Euro
- Part of EU: No
- Population: 630.000
- Size: 13.812 km² (1/3 of Holland)
- Daylight saving time: Yes
- Visas: Not required for most nationalities; others can enter with multi – entry Schengen visa
- Best time to visit: May – Sep (European summer)
- Visited: 2016 (part of Balkan trip)
Podgorica
If I can avoid flying I will certainly do. I love to travel by bus, train or boat to reach my destination. You’re so much more flexible, you can see much more of a country’s beauty which you won’t see if you fly and it’s a perfect way to interact with the locals. I would only use a plane if I have to go to the other side of the world or if my time is limited. This was also the case for my first stop in the Balkans; Montenegro. I flew from Rome, Italy into the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica. If I had a few extra days I would much rather had taken the boat from Italy to Montenegro. Podgorica doesn’t have a lot of sights to tick off, but the people and food make it a very pleasant stay. I stayed at Hostel Podgorica which is just a short stroll from the bus station. The hostel was more like an apartment where 1 spare room was used as a dorm. It’s a super cozy place with a very friendly owner. Recommended! My favorite place to eat is a traditional restaurant just under the clock tower. Pod Volat has everything the Montenegrin cuisine has to offer at a cheap price.
Budva
The buses in Montenegro are quite convenient and within 1.5 hours you can reach the Adriatic coastline from Podgorica. I heard some mixed stories about Budva; some love it, others hate it. Budva has a lovely harbor with mountainous backdrop, but for me the best part is the fairly small old town. It felt like I went back in time, back to Medieval times.
The old town of Budva.
Left: Lovely harbor of Budva – Right: The brilliant back alleys of Budva.
The architecture is great, but the old town wasn’t very lively. Well, Budva in genereal wasn’t really lively at all. Maybe also because it wasn’t high season yet when I visited Montenegro. I’m sure summer time brings heaps of sun seekers and all the bars / restaurants along the coast will be filled with holidaymakers.
Left: The compact old town – Right: The citadel of Budva
The architecture feels Medieval.
After a few hours I left Budva and continued my journey towards the Bay of Kotor which is just 30 minutes by bus away. The journey by bus from Podgorica to Kotor via Budva is absolutely stunning! The road leads you through a number of mountains with some breathtaking views towards the Adriatic coastline.
Kotor
As soon as I got of the bus and walked towards the historical part of Kotor I knew that this is my kind of place. Kotor has everything which Montenegro makes so special; it has a medieval old town with fabulous architecture, a stunning mountainous background which is great for hiking and the world famous Kotor fjord.
Left: The historic old town – Right Old town hostel
Lovely square in the old town of Kotor.
I stayed at the Old Town Hostel, which is right in the center of the old town. The historical buildings and city walls are impressive and very well preserved.
The old part of Kotor is just stunning!
Left: I love these old towns build up from stones – Right: The cathedral of Kotor
You can take the 1350-step treacherous climb up the mountain behind the city to a fortress overlooking the town.
Left: The start of the climb to the fortress – Right: The church of our lady of health
On my way to the fortress!
It’s a tough climb, but you will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views of the Kotor fjord. Kotor is also an important stop for the cruise ships, so expect a lot of tourists during the summer time.
The amazing Kotor fjord.
Such a breathtaking view!
Kotor is spectacular and it has a lot character. Definitely the highlight of any Balkan trip.
Left: Almost there! – Right: The fortress
Yeah! I reached the top of the fortress of Kotor!
I wish I had more time to spend in Montenegro, because this fascinating country has so much more to offer like the Durmitor National Park which is the home to bears and wolves, picturesque Sveti Stefan and the city of Cetinje. Montenegro is one of the countries to which I want to return the most! To be continued…..
I backtracked to Podgorica and continued by Balkan trip into Kosovo!
Wanna see more travel pics? Check out my Photo Gallery
Amazing pics!! I’m heading to Montenegro this September and your article has got me pumped!
Thanks Annie! I hope you will have a blast in Montenegro! I loved it.