Welcome to the Mediterranean’s most in-demand destination: Montenegro.
This Balkan countr y is ver y much in vogue. Montenegro’s perfect blend of East and West sets it apar t from the rest of the world—as do its heavenly beaches, islands, medieval villages and breathtaking national parks. With the Meliá Budva Petrovac as you
What do the Beckhams, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and supermodel Adriana Lima have in common? Every summer, along with the international elite and countless other celebrities, they descend upon an increasingly popular holiday destination. Despite its size—barely 13,000 square kilometres— Montenegro boasts a plethora of medieval treasures. Its tiny villages, charming streets, peaceful spirit, glamorous boutiques and beautiful surrounding islets have turned this country into the place to see and be seen.
This season, the Balkan gem will welcome record numbers of visitors, all of them anxious to fill their Instagram pages with photos of its medieval nooks and crannies and over 300 kilometres of coastline.
If you join them, plan to stay for more than a week. Once you’ve reached the soul of Montenegro, it’ll only take a matter of days for you to appreciate this rich, varied country, and merely hours for you to fall in love. Here are our favourite highlights.
1. THE MEDIEVAL TOWNS
Most travellers would say that the country ’s most beautiful towns are found in the south. But in reality, all of Montenegro is strewn with jewels worth exploring. Following a chronological timeline of the country ’s history, Cetinje would be the first city on our list. This historic capital holds Montenegro’s roots, and is packed with incredibly interesting museums (and art students). Another must-see is Podgorica, the country ’s current capital, which is home to practically half of the population. Although it was bombed several times and has been left with few historical landmarks, it boasts one of Montenegro’s best nightlife scenes. Near these cities you’ll find the secluded town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and a firm tourist favourite. It was part of the former Republic of Venice, as evidenced
by its architecture, and its inhabitants have a distinct personality and accent. Visitors can enjoy Kotor ’s hidden hotspots and bask in the atmosphere of the magnificent Castle of San Giovanni (also known as St. John’s fortress) and its spectacular views over the bay of Kotor. On this very same bay, you’ll find another of the country ’s most popular towns: Perast, a fishing village dotted with baroque palaces and churches, each of them worthy of a leisurely wander.
Those who don’t want to leave the country without experiencing Montenegro’s characteristic contrasts should visit the city of Ulcinj, close to the border with Albania. Located on a small peninsula, this coastal city is home to many mosques (the majority of its population is Muslim) as well as a walled historical centre that dates back 2,000 years, where you can sample the local fish in some of the old town’s numerous restaurants. As an extra bonus, Velika Plaža beach is the country ’s best spot for kitesurfing.
2. THE CRYSTALLINE WATERS OF BUDVA’S BEACHES
The town and beaches of Budva (dubbed the Miami of the Balkans on account of its nightlife scene) have become one of the country ’s main attractions. The fortified old town is packed with boutiques, restaurants and people visiting from all over the world. Towards the south you’ll find one of the most popular beaches: Becici, which is sandy rather than pebbly like the rest. Jaz Beach is also well known; its concerts, which have included performances by the Rolling Stones, Madonna and Lenny Kravitz, have put it on the international map. Walk for another 15 minutes and you’ll come to another, smaller beach with a much calmer ambience and a picturesque beach bar. The views along the way to Mogren Beach might make it one of the most beautiful journeys in Montenegro. The road exits from the right of the old city, bordering the cliff, and passes the Ballet Dancer statue, one of Montenegro’s classic postcard images. Another of Budva’s iconic locations is Sveti Stefan, which is now a private island. Surrounded by cypress and olive trees, it boasts two beaches, one on each side, and is connected to Budva by a walkway.
3. THE DESIGN AND WARMTH OF THE MELIÁ BUDVA PETROVAC
Nestled in the small, pretty town of Petrovac, this hotel with sea and mountain views is surrounded by olive and pine trees, their aromas seeping in through its windows.
Here the atmosphere is much more relaxed than in Budva, which is about a 25-minute drive away. In classic Mediterranean style, everything exudes tranquillity. For a real treat, just walk out the hotel door and take a stroll through the beautiful fishing village. At night, the sound of the sea by the Castello Fortress—an 18th-century remnant of the town’s Venetian heritage—lulls you to sleep, while the beach is perfect for long daytime strolls. There are bars, restaurants, terraces and stone cottages aplenty in this charming, relaxed destination. Plus, the hotel is the perfect headquarters for trips around the country. ‘Its four restaurants are all absolute treasures’, says Gonzalo Hevia, from the regional marketing team. ‘From the Mosaic buffet and Casa Nostra Italian restaurant, to the pool’s snack bar and the Elyxir lounge bar, where you can sample cocktails to your heart's content’. If you’re looking for something more private, The Level has rooms with pool access, VIP services, free WiFi, unlimited cocktails and food—plus a view to make you feel even closer to the sea. ‘Another highlight is the Annina Spa, offering massages, a heated pool, aromatherapy, saunas and a Turkish bath to help you to unwind after a long day of sightseeing’.
4. THE MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
Montenegro’s Mediterranean roots and its Eastern side are equally evident in the regional cuisine. We recommend sampling staples like rice with seafood, octopus salad, all kinds of fish and other traditional fare. You won’t be able to walk down the street without seeing Montenegrin treats like sarma (cabbage leaves stuffed with mince and rice), cevapi (grilled sausages made of pork and beef mince), pasulj (a type of bean stew with meat) and, for dessert, frustula, a crunchy, diamond-shaped cookie so good you’ll wish it could last forever. We highly recommend Kotor ’s Sea Gate market if you’re looking to explore the products available, experience local life or sample pršut ham and sir smoked cheese. But if you’re on the market for a heavenly eating expedition, you should head for Lake Skadar. Its surrounding villages are renowned for their culinary offerings, with dishes that highlight the very best of Montenegrin cuisine, featuring fish, smoked meats, cheese and some of the country’s best wines.
5. THE NATIONAL PARKS
Its beaches may be the main draw, but Montenegro is actually a mountainous country. Four spectacular
national parks offer all kind of activities, like trekking and kayaking through the lakes—a unique opportunity to appreciate the landscape. This is the best way to discover the country ’s most authentic side. Durmitor, for example, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. To grasp the true majesty of the massif, teeming with mysterious forests, deep canyons, lakes, glaciers and eerie caves, you have to see it with your own eyes. Visit the park’s tourism office in the town of Žabljak, where you can explore the various options when it comes to hiking, water sports, paragliding, skiing, mountain biking and the famous Tara River rafting trip. You’ll also find several spring- and summertime discounts.
Another option is the Biogradska Gora, one of Europe’s last remaining virgin forests, with trees that can grow to 50 metres. This region has been a protected area since 1878, when it was gifted to King Nikola; he ordered it to be preserved, lending it the name of ‘King's Reserve’. Biogradska Gora was declared a National Park in 1952. Lake Biograd, one of several lakes scattered throughout it, is located in the middle of the forest. It’s one of the park’s main tourist attractions, with hiking trails that lead to areas with great restaurants, cabins to rent and even camping zones. Don’t leave without renting a boat and taking a trip around the lake; it’s truly awe-inspiring.
Located on the border with Albania, Lake Skadar is yet another beautiful spot, dotted with small islands and medieval monasteries that will take your breath away. Separated from the Adriatic Sea by a mountain range, it’s the largest concentration of fresh water in the Balkans, and a birdwatcher ’s paradise. Another must-see— especially for loved-up couples—is the Prokletije National Park, whose mountain range is known as the Albanian Alps or, more intriguingly, the Accursed Mountains. Here, you can expect endless hiking trails and a landscape plucked straight out of a fairy tale. On your next visit to Montenegro, why not immerse yourself in these unforgettable settings, and forget about the country ’s more mainstream beaches? You won’t regret it.