Montenegro Vacations

Montenegro is known for its warm hospitality and strong sense of community as part of its social fabric. The Eastern Orthodox Church has historically fostered a sense of community and has long played a strong role in Montenegrin society.

Across the country there are many churches and monasteries some of which are pristine, but also many abandoned to time and the elements. Serbian Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion, though there is a burgeoning Montenegrin Orthodox Church too, and there are sizable populations of adherents of both Islam and Roman Catholicism. Religious freedom is a constitutional right and different religious groups coexist peacefully.

The ancient city of Podgorica is the capital, built during Ottoman rule. It’s a good example of a city with various religious structures. There are two impressive mosques – King Nikola’s Mosque in the city centre features a characteristic green dome and minaret, and Husein-pasa’s Mosque built in the 18th century. Its distinct Ottoman architectural style includes a central dome, minaret, iwan (a vaulted portico), and minbar (a pulpit from where an imam delivers sermons). And the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection is a striking church with a large dome and colourful frescoes which depict General Tito, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Montenegrin traditional dances reflect the country's diverse regions. The Oro, Vranjanka, and Cetinje Kolo are danced at ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations. Dancers wear colourful costumes and the dances feature quick footwork and intricate choreography.

An epic poem from a Montenegrin prince-bishop Petar II Petrovic-Njegos, The Mountain Wreath, discusses the struggle against the Ottomans, among other themes. The work was published in 1864 and stands as a major record of literary and cultural life from its time.

Montenegro is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts in both cold and warm weather. And because it sees less traffic than some neighbouring nations, prices are competitive.

Budva is the country’s most popular tourist destination and boasts excellent pebble beaches along several of the nation’s 70 kilometre stretch of coastline. The beaches on the Adriatic Sea are sky blue and warm and inviting in the summer. The area is known as the ‘Riviera of Sandy Beaches’ with charming hamlets and a bunch of historic monuments like its old town, castle, churches, a Venetian Water Cistern, and museums.

Budva also features a lovely walled town on a small peninsula with narrow winding lanes, and many historic buildings like the 7th century St. John’s Church, 8th century Santa Marija of Punta Church, and 14th century Church of St. Sava with stunning frescoes. The medieval town’s fortress is known as Citedela and is 2500 years old, and well preserved. Many of its buildings are made from local grey stone.

Lake Skadar is a long snake-shaped lake, the largest in the Balkans and a hub of biodiversity. It’s a huge nesting ground for birds with 280 species including the Dalmatian pelican and the great crested grebe. The best times for birdwatching are between late spring and autumn.

The vast freshwater lake partly in Montenegro and partly in Albania was used by the Romans as a route for their network of roads and it also features several traditional fishing villages.

Durmitor National Park in the Dinaric Alps is a thickly forested natural wonder. Tara Canyon is home to the world’s second deepest gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich flora and fauna, and dense pine forests. The park features ice caves, 18 glacial lakes, wild boars, brown bears, wolves, the elusive wolverine, and the widest varieties of butterflies in Europe. Go for a wild white water rafting trip in the summer or experience one of several winter sports in the mild winter season.

The currency in Montenegro is the Euro. Montegegrin is the official language, while Serbian, Slovenian, Hungarian and Italian are also spoken by some citizens. The country is on the rise as a destination and tourism is a growing force in its growing economy.

Once the Roman province of Dalmatia, Montenegro was ruled over the years by various conquerors and finally gained its independence in 2006. There is a rich history to discover and the people are known for their warm hospitality.

Visit the Blue Grotto Cave, on the Lustica Peninsula, which separates the Bay of Kotor from the Adriatic Sea. Its name is derived from the fascinating effect of the light that dances through the clear blue water.

Kotor has a large population of cats, a symbol of the city with cat stores and cafes. 

A rafting tour down the Tara River takes you down 21 exhilarating rapids over 2-3 hours. 

The Ostrog Monastery is a Christian pilgrimage site. This unique structure was built high up on the side of a mountain in a huge cave, and was originally used as a 17th century refuge from the Ottomans.

Herceg Novi (translates to New Castle) is built on a steep hill (Mount Orjen) that dips into the sea at the entrance of Kotor Bay. Explore the small stairways and plazas, where the main square hosts about a hundred small cafes with tables serving good coffee, and delicious cakes and ice creams. Kanli Kula fortress dominates the old town, and is used as an open-air theatre in summer. It’s worth visiting for the amazing views, and if you’re adventurous enough, Spanjola fortress even higher up the mountain and dates to the 16th century.

Sveti Stefan is a small rocky island on the Adriatic Sea connected to the mainland by a short bridgeway isthmus. The former fishing village is now a 5-star resort, the Aman Sveti Stefan, with 50 rooms and cottages. Its bright red roofs on the buildings bounce in the sun and against the blue waters of the surrounding sea. Its tower, narrow streets, shops, and small churches are unchanged for centuries.

Shaped and influenced by Mediterranean, Slavic, and Balkan traditions, Montenegrin cuisine is hearty and rich and features local fresh fish, meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices. A spice mix usually includes salt and pepper, paprika, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and garlic. And the ubiquitous aromas of strong coffee and fruit brandy float in Montenegrin kitchens and dining rooms.

A famous centuries old Montenegrin dry-cured ham, similar to Italian prosciutto, is Njeguski Prsut. It’s hung to dry in special huts for several months to acquire optimal flavour and moisture levels. This revelation is delicious and perfect on its own, or with olives and Njeguski cheese made from dried milk and its fats. In fact, this is a popular local breakfast.

Montenegro is home to some of the world’s oldest olive trees, some are thought to be over 2000 years old. One of them, in the city of Bar, is its central symbol. Its trunk has a circumference of 10 metres. It has also been the site of diplomatic talks between feuding families.

Burek is a popular handheld savory snack – pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach – found in every bakery in the country. Several versions of warm meals include cereals and grains boiled in milk or water, and mixed, mushed, or served with potatoes, cheese and sour milk. Kacamak and cicvara are similar to this, and popara is made by mixing bread and milk, and oil and cheese – this dish is deeply rooted in Montenegrin cuisine.

The Montenegrin landscape is relatively dry, mountainous and definitively Mediterranean. – perfect conditions for the coarse and dark Vranac grape, which creates a bold and robust red wine.Niksic beer is a real trademark of Montenegro with a superior  taste , made of barley, hard mountain water and bitter and aromatic hops - the brewery makes their beer in both light and dark versions. Rakija is a tasty local brandy similar to Russian vodka but stronger and more aromatic.