Montenegro vacations

As if straight out of a fairy tale, the Adriatic town of Kotor sits between deep-blue sea and dramatic limestone peaks. Take in the whole historic city from a hilltop fortress.

Old-world charm breathes through the walls of Budva’s medieval core. But there’s more fun to be had on the city’s idyllic beaches and in its cobblestone streets filled with patio bars.

Montenegro’s glitziest stretch of coastline is best known for superyachts and sleek hotels. But don’t miss its Mediterranean cuisine, Venetian-inspired architecture and thought-provoking museums.

Because of Montenegro’s small size and central location, it’s been occupied by a variety of different civilizations, from Venetians and Romans to Slavs, going all the way back to the ancient Illyrians. Each one left its mark on the country’s architecture. Look no further than the 12th-century Church of Saint Luke — its architecture is a mix of Byzantine, Romanesque, Slavic and Gothic styles.

Montenegrin wines have started to catch the attention of the world, especially a local variety called Vranec. Literally translated as ‘strong black,’ the wine is potent and dark in color and makes up about 70% of Montenegro’s wine production. To taste it, head to the family-run wineries of Virpazar, a town in the Crmnica wine country overlooking Lake Skadar.

One of the best things to do in Montenegro is to visit the well-preserved medieval town of Kotor. To explore this UNESCO-listed site, take your cue from the hundreds of cats that are the city’s unofficial symbol. Lazily stroll the historical center’s warren of narrow, cobbled streets, nose around Venetian fortress, and relax in one of Kotor’s cafe-lined plazas as you watch the world go by.

Montenegro has one of the prettiest coastlines in all of Europe. It meanders through natural harbors and creates countless little coves and beaches, some sandy, some pebbled. The Budva Riviera has some of the best beaches in Montenegro, like the exclusive walled island of Sveti Stefan, surrounded by clear, bright blue water.

Montenegro, meaning ‘black mountain,’ is named for its dramatic peaks carpeted in lush dark forests. The tallest mountain is in Durmitor National Park, which is also home to 17 glacial lakes and Europe’s deepest canyon, the Tara River Gorge. Bird-watchers should head south to Lake Skadar, where Dalmatian pelicans, pygmy cormorants, falcons and more than 250 other species of birds can be found.

In Cetinje, King Nikola’s Palace is one of the best museums in Montenegro. You can visit the living quarters of the monarch once called the Father-in-Law of Europe. See artwork preserved from a 2nd-century Roman villa at the Roman Mosaics Museum in Risan. Or take in the impressive collection of feline art at the Cats Museum in Kotor.

Many of the most renowned restaurants in Montenegro can be found in the coastal resorts around the Bay of Kotor. You can also taste traditional Montenegrin cuisine at any of the country’s many ‘konobas’ (taverns). On the menu, you’ll usually come across dishes like ‘Njeguški pršut’ (a smoked ham that rivals Italian prosciutto) and ‘kačamak’ (a type of polenta).

The fall harvest season is a great time to experience Montenegro, especially for food and wine lovers who prefer milder weather and smaller crowds. If you’re looking for a beach vacation with lots of swimming and a lively nightlife, then summer is the best time to visit Montenegro. More and more skiers are arriving in winter to carve up Montenegro’s snowy slopes.

This tiny country offers plenty of ways to spend big, but it’s also possible to plan a cheap vacation to Montenegro. A typical short taxi ride is about five euros (€). A beer or coffee costs less than €3, and a cheap meal can be had for under €10.