Montenegro Introduction

Montenegro is a small Balkan country located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The attractions on Montenegro vacations are the beach resorts along a dramatically beautiful coastline of which 72 kilometres/45 miles consist of beaches and well-preserved ancient towns. The Bay of Kotor resembles a fjord and is well-known for its medieval buildings including churches and fortifications. With its stunning natural setting at the very edge of the mountain-rimmed Kotor Bay, it is probably one of the prettiest bays in the world. Kotor is a beautifully-preserved fortified medieval town with a long history and is considered to be the best-preserved medieval urban district in the Mediterranean with its labyrinth of narrow and cobblestoned streets and lively squares, ancient churches and lots of pleasant bars and restaurants. The 12th Century St. Tryphon Cathedral, the Church of St. Luke and the Orthodox St Nicholas Church are not to be missed. If you climb up the Upper Town Walls, you will be rewarded with an excellent view of Kotor and the bay.

Not far away, is Herceg Novi, an old town located on a fairly steep hill that leads all the way down to the sea. Try wandering through the small stairways to the various plazas and fortresses. The Kanli Kula Fortress dominates the old town and is also an open-air theatre and is worth visiting mainly for the splendid views of the town and Kotor Bay. The Spanjola fortress, located higher up the mountain, dates back to 16th century.

Sveti Stefan, a town on the Adriatic coast, previously a fishing village, with its tower, narrow streets, shops and small churches, remains unchanged. It is an unusual and unique place not only in Montenegro but in the whole of the Mediterranean. It stands on the cliff of a rocky island with amazingly red roofs. A sand isthmus connects it with the land.

Budva is the country's most popular tourist destination on Montenegro vacations with some excellent beaches as well as a walled town centre which is picturesquely located on a small peninsula. Its narrow, winding lanes reveal many historic buildings, churches and small squares. Among the most interesting monuments here are the 7th Century St. John's Church, the 8th Century Santa Marija of Punta and the 12th Century Church of St. Sava. The medieval town fortress is referred to as Citadela. Budva's over 30 kilometre/18 mile long Riviera has been called "The Riviera of Sandy Beaches" and is dotted with lovely hamlets and a wealth of historic monuments.

Perast is an old town on the coast with wonderful old architecture including many old churches. The largest attraction is Our Lady of the Rock, a little island in Boka Bay with a church and a museum.

Inland, the capital, Podgorica is a mixture of the old and new and is known for its cafe culture and nightlife. The Old Turkish Town with its narrow curved streets makes for an interesting stroll. Other landmarks are the 10th Century St. George’s Church and King Nikola’s Castle.

Cetinje is the historic capital of Montenegro located in a small valley under the Lovcen Mountain. The city has enormous historical and spiritual value. During the siege of the Ottoman Empire, The Cetinje Monastery is the most famous Serbian Orthodox monastery in Montenegro.

The Durmitor National Park offers limestone peaks, glacial lakes, wildlife such as bears and wolves and the 1300 metre/4225 feet deep splendid Tara River Canyon. From December to March, Durmitor is a major ski resort while in summer, it is a popular place for hiking, rafting and other active pursuits. The Tara River Canyon is the second longest canyon in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich flora and fauna as well as snow-covered high peaks.

Lake Skadar is a vast freshwater lake, two thirds of which is in Montenegro and the remainder in Albania. It is surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and contains an array of wildlife with more than 260 species of birds, traditional fishing villages, islet monasteries and pristine beaches. Forty-eight peaks soar to over 2000 metres/6500 feet in altitude.

Montenegro Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Montenegro.

Learn about the history and culture of Montenegro, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Montenegro’s nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Montenegro for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Montenegro tours today!