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Montenegro Travel Guide

7 reasons to travel to Montenegro

A far cry from the images we may have of the 'Bloody Balkans', Montenegro remains the pearl of the Adriatic. It's both environmentally and culturally fascinating. A trip to Montenegro will introduce you to a small country that boasts an incredible diversity, packed with activities suited to visitors from all walks of life. Here are 7 reasons why you should choose Montenegro for your next holiday.
  1. 1
    A complete change of scenery that's close to home
  2. 2
    An authentic destination, free from mass tourism
  3. 3
    Enjoy some wonderful company
  4. 4
    A rich, diverse landscape with something for everyone
  5. 5
    A religious melting pot that's culturally and architecturally diverse
  6. 6
    Tickle your tastebuds
  7. 7
    The Balkan's star attraction
1. 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!

2. 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.

3. 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!  
4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.
7. 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!
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Why travel to Montenegro?

So you like being able to get around easily without spending hours on motorways, and seeing both coastal and mountainous scenery? A trip to Montenegro is just the thing for you, then!

You should go if...
  • Do you want to enjoy both a Mediterranean climate at the coast and an Alpine climate in the Montenegrin Alps?
  • Do you like getting around easily and quickly? Montenegro could fit into the UK many times over!
  • If you like fjords, those in Kotor Bay are listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
  • Do you enjoy visiting little seaside villages?
  • Do you enjoy walking along rivers and beside Alpine lakes?
  • Do you like birdwatching? Lake Skadar is home to one of the largest avian reserves in Europe.
  • If you like religious Orthodox art, there are numerous monasteries and churches just waiting for you to visit.
You shouldn't go if
  • Although if you're scared of large insects, be aware they're everywhere, particularly in marshy areas.
  • If you enjoy city tourism, you won't get that much out of the Montenegrin towns.
  • If you're terrified by mountain roads, the ones here are vertigo-inducing and strewn with chicken nests!
  • Do you like refined, light cuisine?
  • Do you enjoy the lively ambiance of very touristy seaside resorts?

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When to go in Montenegro?

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The best time of year for a trip to Montenegro is the period from May to October. But do be aware that it gets very hot in July and August, and the beaches are packed. So at that point in the year, it's best to head to the mountains. As for skiers, they should travel between January and March.
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What to see in Montenegro?

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