Montenegro

A nother piece of fractured Yugoslavia, Montenegro stretches from the Adriatic deep inland over the mountains. But it’s the beautiful beaches and historic old coastal towns, many showing a Venetian influence, that are the most popular areas of the country.

In the north, near the border with Croatia, the medieval walled town of Kotor sits in a spectacular setting on a bay of the same name. Travel south along the ribbon of road that clings to the coast and you’ll find interesting and historic walled cities such as Budva. Budva’s Old Town, painstakingly restored following an earthquake in 1979, is a charming warren of alleyways and squares lined with restaurants and shops.

Further south the island resort of Sveti Stefan rises up out of the azure waters, almost as if in a fairytale, and further along Bar, with another picturesque Old Town, is the transportation hub for ferries and the rail line from Belgrade.

Almost in the center of the country is the beautiful Ostrog Monastery, founded by St. Basil in the 17th century. Composed of two complexes – one in the valley along the Zeta River, the other hewn into a sheer cliff high above to protect it from the Ottomans – it attracts both Christian and Muslim pilgrims.

Further inland and northward, the mountainous Durmitor National Park is popular for hiking and skiing.

Top Experiences

Budva – star resort for the party set
Kotor – a beautiful bay
Durmitor National Park – outdoor adventure
Ostrog Monastery – a beautiful duo

Transportation

There are no flights from the USA or Canada, but the cities of Podgorica and Tivat, as well as the airport in nearby Dubronik,  have international airports with flights arriving daily from other European cities. There is also ferry service to Italy and Greece. A 10-hour trip by rail from Belgrade in neighboring Serbia will bring visitors through spectacular mountain scenery to Bar on the coast. Bus service is efficient and travel by car is popular.

Hotels

There is a wide range of hotels although the less expensive ones may not always conform to western standards.

Food

Due to its coastal location much of Montenegro’s cuisine is based on seafood. The Venetian influence also makes pasta and pizza popular. Further inland, traditional meat-based cooking is more popular.

Quality of Medical Care (Good/Fair/Poor)

Fair