Date of publication 23/08/2019
Montenegro Why the Coast of Montenegro is Europe's Best-Kept Secret
A practical guide to the coast of Montenegro, Europe's best-kept secret.
Montenegro is still largely unknown. The discrete Balkan sibling prefers to maintain an air of mystery, allowing tourist attention to fall on some of its neighbors and their Hollywood-style attractions.
Travelers who look away from the spotlights and head a bit further south will find one of the last paradises of the Mediterranean. Fairytale medieval towns, postcard-worthy mountains, dreamlike beaches… Montenegro has it all and, for now, prefers to share it with only a few chosen ones. Do you want to be one of them?
THE BEACHES OF MONTENEGRO: THEIR GREAT SECRET
If you came to the Balkans looking for the dolce vita that only the Mediterranean can offer, Montenegro will pleasantly surprise you: here, the Adriatic Sea greets you around every bend of the road, behind the corners of every medieval alley, and especially from the shore of every beach.
Ah, the Montenegrin beaches! With nothing to envy of those in its northern Balkan neighbor, Croatia (which gets the fame, yes, but also the crowds), Montenegro’s beaches are the country’s main draw, although we will discover it is not the only one.
No matter which one you choose, any beach in Montenegro is a safe bet. The eternal Velika in Ulcinj, to begin listing them, will leave no one indifferent thanks to its 15 uninterrupted kilometers of beach in one of the most beautiful spots in the country. But if you are looking for something quieter, you can opt for Dobreč, accessible only by boat, an almost unknown cove that offers a piece of paradise. If you want something with more glamour: Miločer, in Sveti Stefan, was once the vacation setting for Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren, and today it can be yours.
On the other hand, families will appreciate the clean waters and tranquility of Plavi Horizonti, a spot nestled on the Luštica Peninsula. And adventurers will sing the praises of the beauty of Mogren, a beach split into two parts connected by a cave, just a stone's throw from the city's old town.
But if any beach in Montenegro takes the crown, and will likely give you the most special memories of your trip, it is the Bay of Kotor. In this place, the Adriatic merges with the mountain in the largest fjord in Southern Europe. The Bay of Kotor will leave you breathless. Unforgettable.
MORE THAN JUST PRETTY BEACHES
Do you dream of dancing under the moon by the edge of the sea? If so, Budva is your perfect destination. The favorite child of Montenegrin tourism overflows with joy at every sunset, and it’s hard to resist the temptation to join in and enjoy this paradise.
Furthermore, Budva is a fairytale town: the perfect combination of over 11 kilometers of Adriatic beach with the charm of a medieval city, a unique image you will want to explore thoroughly. Luckily, you will have the chance to discover its many attractions at your own pace and with all the comforts by booking your stay at two of the best hotels in the area: Iberostar Waves Bellevue or Iberostar Waves Slavija.
Oh, and if you have a festival soul, Montenegro also hosts one of Europe's best-kept festival secrets: Sea Dance. Taking place on Jaz Beach in Budva, this festival welcomes music enthusiasts every year, and despite Forbes naming it one of the top 10 festivals in Europe, it remains relatively intimate.
GEOGRAPHIC SURPRISES…
Beyond the coast of Montenegro, this country also holds surprises. Inland, the terrain rises, becomes greener, and although they are not hyped as much as Montenegro's beaches, once you discover the charms of the interior you will want to proclaim them from the highest peak (or, conversely, keep the secret to the few chosen ones who already know it).
National parks like Durmitor invite you to lace up your hiking boots and explore them from end to end, while the infinite forest of Biogradska Gora, one of Europe's last virgin green areas, will completely embrace you in a breath of fresh air.
If you have felt the spiritual call of the Montenegrin heart, it was no coincidence: the Ostrog Monastery, one of the country's Orthodox pilgrimage centers, hidden in the Zeta Valley, is a sight so incredible that it cannot be put into words. You have to see it.
… AND URBAN SURPRISES
Beautiful Kotor… What can be written about the Montenegrin pearl that hasn't been said already? Of Montenegro's secrets, Kotor is probably the worst kept, but one only needs to lay eyes on this small town in the bay to know why those who know it lose their minds.
Kotor defies any attempt at description. This medieval town, crowned by a spectacular 15th-century wall, lacks no attributes: from its old town to the labyrinthine streets full of secrets, to the viewpoint of the Fortress of Kotor and its privileged view over the fjord. It is impossible not to fall under Kotor's spell.
In the north of the country, almost on the border with Croatia, Kotor has found a worthy competitor: Herceg Novi. Situated on a hill overlooking the bay, the old town is all alleys, squares, and winding staircases, among which are hidden cafes, centuries-old churches, and fortresses, all with enviable views of the Adriatic. An experience that you can savor at your leisure in the wonderful facilities of Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi, one of our hotels in Montenegro.
AN UNEXPECTED CAPITAL
Montenegro makes you fall in love with it in many ways, but if you ask any traveler who has already been there what they thought of the capital, they will most likely give you a poker face. Podgorica (the aforementioned capital) is not the most beloved part of Montenegro, but if you give it a little time, it might just surprise you.
Podgorica's first impression is that here, as in other post-communist capitals, uncharitable apartment blocks predominate. But if you look a little further, you will see notes of color among the gray, such as King's Park, the capital's lung.
Podgorica is also one of the best places to see up close the mix of influences that is Montenegro. Its old town introduces you to the Ottoman era, while on the other side of the river proudly stands the country's largest Orthodox church, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ.
A NATURAL AMUSEMENT PARK
Between beaches, national parks, forests, and mountains, Montenegro is a complete natural amusement park. Durmitor is the setting for various adventures, such as rafting (especially in the months of April and May, when the snow melts and the water level rises) or canyoning in the nearby Nevidio canyon, over two kilometers deep. Did you go in winter? Skiing in the Durmitor and Kolašin mountains is top-notch.
Furthermore, extreme sports are also starting to become popular in Montenegro, especially around the spectacular Tara River. Its zip line, 865 meters long and 152 meters high, is, according to various sources, the longest in Europe.
And what Montenegro certainly doesn't lack is water sports. Kayaking is king, especially in the Bay of Kotor, where daily excursions are organized to nearby attractions such as the Blue Grotto cave and its extraordinary water reflections. For kitesurfing, Velika Plaza and its endless 15 kilometers of beach is your ideal destination.
THE BEST WINE IN SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE
That's right: there are vineyards in Montenegro, and they can rival in quality with their neighbors to the west of the continent. Although it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of this region of Europe, wine is a huge part of Balkan life, and it is essential to understanding the philosophy and daily routine of this part of the world.
The greatest charm of Montenegrin wine is that its grapes do not grow in any other terrain on the planet, and its quality will delight the most demanding palates. The great king of the harvest is Vranac, a red wine adored both at home and abroad, and the great jewel of the Crmnica wine region. Don't just stand there watching—dare to try a tasting: the vast majority of family-run wineries offer tastings and tours, and they will be more than happy to guide you in your introduction to Montenegrin oenology.
ITS MOMENT HAS COME
Travel rumors don't stay unconfirmed for long. Just as happened with other hidden Mediterranean paradises, Montenegro is set to become one of Europe's favorite destinations. Our advice? Visit it now: it won't stay a secret for much longer.
PATRICIA REY MELLEN
Images by Cordon Press
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