7 reasons to travel to Montenegro

A complete change of scenery that's close to home

Being only a short flight from the UK, Montenegro is great for both long and short stays. With two international airports, a port close to the Italian coast, a railway network linked to Serbia and a well-developed, country-wide road system, Montenegro is easy to explore.

What's more, it's only one hour ahead of GMT, uses the Euro as its official currency and the only form of ID required is a valid passport. So the time is ripe for a trip to Montenegro!

An authentic destination, free from mass tourism

Unlike Croatia, Montenegro has not yet suffered from an influx of mass tourism. The most touristy area is the Adriatic coast, where you'll find a range of accommodation, restaurants, shops and cultural sites. It's hinterland is also worth its weight in gold, with beautifully preserved natural sites, bespoke sightseeing tours and top quality services on offer.

Plus English is widely spoken by tourist operators, who'll be more than happy to use their bilingual skills to make your visit run smoothly.

Enjoy some wonderful company

Some visitors may feel that Montenegrins are reticent when it comes to foreigners. If the people you meet don't speak English, breaking down the language barrier can go along way when it comes to chatting with the locals. Learning a few words of the local language and being cheerful will go down a treat with Montenegrins, who are friendly and social. Montenegrins wear their hearts on their sleeves - you'll be warmly welcomed without any questions being asked. It's certainly a lesson in humanity!  

A rich, diverse landscape with something for everyone

Whether you're hiking across its national parks, enjoying some adrenaline-pumping extreme sports, delving into its history or archaeology, doing a bit of wildlife spotting, hitting the shops or simply unwinding on a beach, Montenegro has all you need for a dream holiday.

With both mountainous and coastal regions, this Adriatic pearl offers a host of activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Winter sports fans can head to a number of resorts in the north of the country.

A religious melting pot that's culturally and architecturally diverse

Home to Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity and Islam, Montenegro boasts an incredible wealth of cultural and architectural styles. The varied architectural features of its religious monuments bear witness to this enchanting diversity. Chapels, monasteries, churches, temples and mosques litter the landscape.

Then there are the charming fortified coastal towns, in contrast with the sprawling capital of Podgorica, lined with buildings dating from the Tito era. The latter may lack aesthetic appeal, but they offer a fascinating insight into Yugoslavian history.

Tickle your tastebuds

Montenegrin cuisine is delicious blend of Mediterranean, Italian and local highland dishes. Hearty mountain meals comprising of red meat, cheeses and hams versus seafood platters at the coast - whatever you choose, Montenegrin food will feed your body and soul! Pile your plates high with fresh fruit and veg - seasoned with olive oil, sampling the local produce is a must.

The Balkan's star attraction

You won't run out of ideas during a trip to Montenegro! Head up to the crest of the Mediterranean's largest fjord - the Bay of Kotor - from where you can admire a serpentine landscape that winds its way out to sea and beyond. Then there's the white sandy beach at Velika Plaža, the longest in the Adriatic and only a stone's throw from the Ada Bojana Delta. If you're not afraid of heights, take a stroll across the Durdvica Tara Bridge; at 170m high you'll be blown away by its lofty view across Europe's deepest canyon. And to wrap up your trip, explore the lush landscape of the migratory bird sanctuary at Lake Skadar, the largest in Europe!