Established as an independent country in 2006,
the small Balkan nation of Montenegro is quickly becoming a popular travel destination. Gorgeous beaches, verdant mountains and postcard-perfect
historic towns draw an increasing number of visitors every year. Add a mild Mediterranean climate into the
mix, toss in opportunities for active pursuits ranging from mountain biking to whitewater
rafting, and it’s no wonder that tourism is now the driving force behind Montenegro’s
growing economy. Here’s a look at the best places to visit
in Montenegro: Number 10. Herceg Novi. At the entrance of Kotor Bay is Herceg Novi,
which translates as New Castle. Herceg Novi is located right at the foot of
Mount Orjen, and it is a scenic, historic but pristine alternative to some of the larger
coastal cities in the region. The city dates back to the 14th century, and
in that time several empires and cultures have inundated and left reminders of their
presence. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the area
was known as Castelnuovo, and it was passed through the hands of the Ottoman Empire, the
Albania Veneta and even the Republic of Venice. Number 9. Lake Skadar. As the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar
sprawls across both the Montenegrin and Albanian borders. This long, snake-shaped lake flows through
lush valleys, steep mountains, and even around floating islands. It’s also one of the country’s biggest
nesting grounds for birds. There are over 280 different species that
call Lake Skadar home, including the Dalmatian pelican and the great crested grebe. The best time for bird watching is from late
spring to autumn; however, you’ll still be able to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities
at any time of the year. Number 8. Sveti Stefan. You’ve probably seen photos of Sveti Stefan
plastered all over your Instagram feed. This charming islet is actually a five-star
resort, situated in the Adriatic coast along the Budva Riviera. A narrow isthmus connects it with the mainland. Even if you don’t have the cash to splurge
on one of their 50 rooms or cottages, you can still marvel at Sveti Stefan from the
two pebble beaches on either side of the isthmus. The bright orange rooves of the resort surrounded
by the shimmering blue waters are arguably some of the most iconic symbols of Montenegro. Number 7. Mount Lovcen. One of the most striking natural features
in Montenegro, soaring Mount Lovcen is capped by two mammoth peaks of granite. Part of a national park, Mount Lovcen inspired
Montenegro’s name and is a symbol of national pride. Climbs to the top of the mountain offer panoramic
vistas of the fortified city of Kotor, the surrounding hills and the Bay of Kotor. With its circular viewing platform, the nearby
Njegoš Mausoleum is a destination for sightseers as well as for those who want to pay their
respects to the poet and philosopher buried there. Number 6. Cetinje. Founded in the 15th century, Cetinje is best
known for the many European embassies built when the city served as Montenegro’s capital. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries,
the town’s inland valley location at the edge of the Ottoman Empire made it a strategic
spot for diplomacy. Today, the elegant mansions constructed in
the Continental architectural style have been converted into to museums, academies and administrative
buildings. Other interesting sights include the 15th
century Vlah Church with its fence made from Ottoman rifles and the Cetinje Monastery with
its collection of Early Christian Era relics. Number 5. Ostrog Monastery. Situated high up in a giant rock, the Ostrog
Monastery is the country’s most unusual architectural site and a major Christian pilgrimage
destination. The entire monastery was carved out of a cave
in a nearly vertical mountain cliff with only the whitewashed façade left visible. Built in the 17th century as a refuge against
the Ottoman Empire, it houses the remains of its founder, who was sainted after his
death in 1671. The monastery includes two inner cave churches
ornamented by frescoes, some of which were painted directly on the rock walls. Number 4. Perast. Located to the northwest of Kotor and sharing
the same gorgeous fjord-like bay, pretty Perast is a small town notable for it stone-crafted
villas and historic churches. Two of the city’s picturesque chapels are
situated on tiny islets, Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Back onshore, the Church of St. Nikola is
worth a visit for the pleasant views that a climb up to the belfry offers of the town
and bay. While there’s no beach in this bay-front
city, the stone jetties along the waterfront are popular places for sunbathing and relaxing. Number 3. Durmitor National Park. Situated in the Dinaric Alps, the thickly
forested Durmitor National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park includes the high-altitude peaks
of the Durmitor Massif, 18 glacial lakes and the Tara River, home to the world’s second
deepest gorge. Skiing and snowboarding are the main activities
in winter while whitewater rafting, camping and hiking attract visitors in the warm-weather
season. The park’s wildlife includes wild boars,
brown bears, and the most varieties of butterflies found anywhere in Europe. Number 2. Budva. Located in the center point of Montenegro’s
coastline, Budva boasts a picturesque Old Town, an abundance of beaches and several
important cultural institutions. Dating back over 2,500 years, it’s one of
the oldest preserved villages in the country. It’s the city’s vibrant nightlife, however,
that makes Budva the most popular place to visit in Montenegro. By night, revelers crowd the city’s many
bars, clubs and restaurants, and then spend the day relaxing at one of the many beaches
in the region. Number 1. Kotor. Considered one of the best preserved medieval
towns on the Adriatic coast, the fortified town of Kotor is tucked against the steep
mountains surrounding the deep channels of the Bay of Kotor. While Kotor’s architecture reflects the
various empires that ruled over the region, it is best known for its Venetian-flavored
Old Town, which is dominated by the 12th-century cathedral. The church’s carved stone altar is an exquisite
example of the stonemasonry skills Kotor was known for in the Middle Ages. Treks up the upper town walls to Kotor’s
hilltop fortress reward hardy hikers with breathtaking views of the city and deep-water
bay.
