Montenegro is climbing ever higher up the list of Europe's most beautiful destinations. If you want to experience a holiday away from the crowds and tourist hotspots, the small republic on the southern Balkan island is the place to be. Because the country has something to offer for every type of traveler. Whether cultural experiences, in which one walks on the traces of different peoples, a bath vacation in dreamlike bays or the sporty exploration of the domestic mountain worlds and national parks. According to a survey of Falstaff TRAVEL readers, Montenegro is ranked sixth in the top ten places to be.

Entry is allowed to those who can show a negative PCR test, which is not older than 48 hours or in the best case even already vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The undiscovered Mediterranean country

There are numerous reasons why you must have seen Montenegro once. Because the small country on the Mediterranean Sea is in no way inferior to its neighbor Croatia. Fantastic beaches, crystal clear, blue shimmering water, quaint old towns and culinary highlights. This is what you can expect during a visit to Montenegro. Holidaymakers particularly appreciate the diverse landscape, which ranges from snow-capped mountains to amazing national parks and Mediterranean coastal resorts. Kotor is particularly popular. A small town particularly known for its beautiful bay and one of the best natural harbours in Europe. The medieval old town, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, is also a highlight and delights with its narrow, cobbled streets and medieval architecture. No wonder the place is also a UNESCO World Natural and Historic Heritage Site. By the way, the best view of Kotor and the butterfly-shaped bay is from San Giovanni Castle.

The small coastal town of Perast is also located in the Bay of Kotor. It is one of the most beautiful baroque towns in the whole of Montenegro and was once known as a seafaring centre. Even today, the magnificent buildings, magnificent churches and the playful promenade impress. Travellers like to explore the town from the water. A short boat trip is an excellent way to discover the most important sights: two offshore church islands that extend out of the water.

Montenegro has numerous resorts, right on the Adriatic coast. In total, there are 117 beaches where locals and holidaymakers can relax and sunbathe. Budva is also one of them. The soft sand and crystal clear sea invite you to linger. But Budva is not only one of the most popular seaside resorts in the country, it is also the oldest town in the whole of Montenegro. Once the city was located in the middle of the water on an island. But now it is connected to the mainland by a sandbank. Some of the historic buildings, which take you right back into the past, are protected monuments.

One of the most popular photo motifs in Montenegro is the small island of Sveti Stefan, which is only connected to the mainland by a short causeway. The picturesque fishing village exudes a special charm that reminds you of the old days and gives you pause.

But besides culture and beach holidays, Montenegro is also known for its breathtaking natural scenery, which you can explore in the numerous national parks. For example, the Tara Gorge, the deepest gorge in Europe, is located in Montenegro. Amidst the imposing Durmitor National Park (see below), this natural wonder stretches 1300 metres deep. The gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA, which is around 1800 metres deep. The Tara River - the longest river in the country - meanders through the imposing cliffs over a length of about 140 kilometres. Adventurous people can discover rapids, 60-meter-high waterfalls and a dreamlike mountain scenery there.

Top addresses in Montenegro

Even though Montenegro is one of the smallest countries in Europe, there is a lot to explore. Especially these three addresses should be on your list.

National Park Durmitor

durmitornp.com

Durmitor National Park is an extremely popular and worth seeing destination in Montenegro. Besides the spectacular Tara Gorge, you will also find impressive mountain lakes hiking trails and adventurous routes for mountaineers.

Lake Skadar

Lake Skadar is located between Montenegro and Albania and is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula. The gorgeous waters, rocky shores and wetlands are home to numerous wild animals and plants. And traditional fishing villages, island monasteries and pristine beaches also line the lake. Holidaymakers take advantage of this paradise for kayaking, hiking, swimming, boating and also wine tasting as the region is a popular wine growing area in Montenegro.

Konoba Stari Grad, Budva

Njegoševa, Budva, Montenegro
konobastarigrad.me

In addition to Montenegro's home-style cuisine, which places great emphasis on grilled meat, the country on the Adriatic Sea is also known for its fish dishes. Those who want to enjoy the exclusive delicacies of the sea should visit the restaurant Konoba Stari Grad.

3 of the most beautiful hotels in Montenegro

If your next holiday destination is Montenegro, then you should take a closer look at the following three hotels, all located around the large and central Boka Bay.

One & Only Resort Portonovi

Portonovi, Herceg Novi 85340, Montenegro
Tel: +382 31 691 000
oneandonlyresorts.com

Montenegro is one luxury hotel richer. Because the One & Only Resorts have expanded their portfolio with an exclusive accommodation. Directly on the beach, in the bay of Boka, the resort opens on May 1 and wants to inspire its guests with exceptional design and sensational beauty treatments. A pool landscape with a view of the sea and mountains including a private beach make the resort an oasis of relaxation. The ideal location on the Adriatic coast lends itself to excursions to Kotor or Tivat or to explore the old town of Boka.

Regend Porto Montenegro

Obala bb, Porto Montenegro, 85320, Montenegro
Tel: +382 32 660 660
ihg.com

If you've always wanted to spend the night in the style of a Venetian palazzo, then the Regend Porto Montenegro is just the place for you. The luxurious domicile in Tivat, not far from the picturesque towns of Budva and Perast, convinces with a view of majestic mountain ranges and luxury yachts in the harbour of Boka Bay. As the hotel is located by the sea but has no direct swimming facilities, guests can relax in three different exclusive pool areas, which exude a colourful beach club feeling. And the hotel's unique wellness area also has a soothing effect.
 

Palazzo Radomiri Heritage Boutique Hotel

bb, Kriva, Dobrota 85331, Montenegro
Tel: +382 32 333 172
palazzoradomiri.com

Guests of Palazzo Radomiri stay in an imposing 18th-century baroque palace, which is located directly on the coast of the Adriatic Sea and has its own jetty. The boutique hotel in the eastern part of Boka Bay is also not far from the famous Lovcén National Park and offers a perfect starting point to explore the coastal region of Montenegro due to its own jetty. The rooms convince with a combination of original-historical elements and modern design.

Picture Credits: One & Only Resorts, Regend Porto Montenegro, Palazzo Radomiri Heritage Boutique Hotel, Falco / Pixabay, Pixel Raw / Pixabay, Web Donut / Pixabay, Kenneth Sonntag / Unsplash, Mika Korhonen / Unsplash, Nemanja Vlaovic / Unsplash, Boudewijn Boer / Unsplash