Country guides
Europe
Things to do in Montenegro
Located in the south region of the Adriatic sea, this unique Balkan country has breath-taking mountain terrain, and a spectacular strip of beach and shoreline. The Bay of Kotor is a particularly beautiful region to visit and explore. Resembling a fjord, it is home to some quaint coastal churches and towns, such as Kotor and Herceg Novi. Although the region can get incredibly busy during the summer months, Kotor somehow manages to hold on to its charm.
The Ostrog Monastery is a must-see sight. Set into a mountain face, it is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans. Visitors can receive a blessing there, and can experience the eerie atmosphere of the cliff-side holy place. The Durmitor National Park is worth a visit for those who enjoy outdoor activity; not only is it one of Montenegro's most spectacular national parks, it also offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, and hiking and kayaking in the summer, making it a versatile destination. Those still chasing open-air entertainment will enjoy Lake Skadar National Park, which is notable for its scenery and outstanding wildlife.
The Budva Riviera is another brilliant tourist spot, where a 22-mile (35km) strip of Adriatic coastline offers tourists more than 20 beaches and some lively restaurants and nightlife. A day trip to Dubrovnik in Croatia is also highly recommended. Often called the 'the pearl of the Adriatic', the medieval coastal city is a wonderland of limestone streets, centuries-old buildings and intimate beaches.
Stari Bar
Ideal for tourists who like their holidays off the beaten the track, the ruins of Stari Bar provide a dual-attraction of being a fascinating archaeological site as well as being lo…
Stari Bar
Ideal for tourists who like their holidays off the beaten the track, the ruins of Stari Bar provide a dual-attraction of being a fascinating archaeological site as well as being located in simply gorgeous natural surrounds. Situated at the top of Lundza Hill, in the shadow of the towering Mount Rumija, the ruins of Stari Bar fit seamlessly into this rugged terrain, giving visitors the rare sensation of having 'discovered' something when they arrive. The ruins themselves have an extraordinary history, having been inhabited by various civilisations since the year 800 BC. Turned into a Roman settlement, then invaded by the Turkish before being wrested back by the Montenegrins in 1878. The sheer scale of the ruined city and its fortifications is guaranteed to impress even the most jaded of travellers. Visitors should budget at least half a day to explore the area properly, and shouldn't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Budva Riviera
One of the European tourist scene's best-kept secrets is surely the Budva Riviera, a 22-mile (35km) strip of Adriatic coastline surrounding the town of Budva on Montenegro's west c…
Budva Riviera
One of the European tourist scene's best-kept secrets is surely the Budva Riviera, a 22-mile (35km) strip of Adriatic coastline surrounding the town of Budva on Montenegro's west coast. For most people, Montenegro does not immediately spring to mind when considering ideal destinations for a beach holiday in Europe but, for those in the know, it provides the perfect setting for a holiday filled with sun and surf. The Budva Riviera is the heartbeat of Montenegro's tourism industry thanks to its spectacular jagged coastline, which is home to bays, inlets, caves, small islands, and more than 20 beaches. It also has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of sophisticated restaurants, cafes and bistros. Tourists looking for a piece of sand to call their own will be spoilt for choice, but highlights include Jaz Beach, Mogren Beach, which gets the most sun, Milocer Beach, which is surrounded by woods filled with rare tree species, including Lebanese cedar, and Becici Beach, the most famous of Montenegro's beaches, and winner of the 1935 Grand Prix prize for most beautiful beach in Europe.
Ostrog Monastery
The Monastery of Ostrog, the Serbian Orthodox Church, dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, is the most-visited pilgrimage destination in Montenegro. Thousands of devotees travel her…
Ostrog Monastery
The Monastery of Ostrog, the Serbian Orthodox Church, dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, is the most-visited pilgrimage destination in Montenegro. Thousands of devotees travel here every year to pray by the remains of Saint Basil for good health and alleviation of their suffering. However, the Ostrog Monastery also happens to be a massively popular tourist attraction in Montenegro, drawing day-trippers to gape at its truly remarkable construction, and to savour the unforgettable views of the Bjelopavlici Plains that it affords from its balconies. Set within the huge rocks of Ostroska Greda, the monastery has a nearly vertical backdrop of sheer cliffs. The Ostrog Monastery is said to have been constructed in this way to fill approaching pilgrims with a sense of God's grace, but even non-religious visitors are sure to be spellbound by its unique beauty.
Website www.manastirostrog.com