Summer has just begun, and you're eager to head to the seaside for a vacation?** Consider the resorts of Montenegro — cozy and picturesque spots along the Adriatic coast. Montenegro is far more enchanting than you might imagine. Despite its small size, the country offers a variety of attractions for travelers, from mountain canyons, beaches, and ancient streets to unique local features and friendly residents. Monasteries and medieval landmarks, lakes and national parks, the charming capital Podgorica, and the resort town of Budva await you.

In this article, we will explore Montenegro's highlights to help you discover more about this amazing country and enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

 

Interesting Facts

1. Currency: Montenegro uses the euro as its official currency despite not being a member of the EU and thus not having the right to print its own money.

2. Deepest Canyon: The Tara River Canyon in Montenegro is the deepest in Europe and second in the world after the Grand Canyon. The water is so pure it’s safe to drink.

3. Rainiest Spot: Mount Orjen and the village of Crkvice on its slope are the rainiest places in Europe, with up to 5 meters of rainfall annually.

4. Unique River Flow: The Bojana (Buna) River flows both ways. Located below sea level, strong winds can push seawater back into the river, temporarily reversing its flow.

5. Film Location: Montenegro has served as a filming location for movies featuring stars like Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, and Gerard Butler.

6. Safety: In Montenegro, bag storage areas in supermarkets are left unlocked due to the low rate of theft.

7. No McDonald’s: There are no McDonald’s restaurants in Montenegro.

8. Narrowest Street: Kotor boasts the world’s narrowest street, "Let Me Pass," where two average-sized people can barely squeeze past each other. Podgorica has the shortest street, just 30 meters long.

 

National Cuisine

  • Kajmak: A creamy dairy product similar to sour cream but with a mild buttery cheese flavor. Added to meat, fish dishes, and vegetable salads.
  • Fish and Seafood Chorba: A thick, hearty soup made from various types of fish without grains, distinguished by its spices and flour.
  • Popara or Masonica: A traditional rural breakfast consisting of stale black bread, butter, milk, and fresh cheese, served cold.
  • Lamb in Milk: Young lamb meat and potatoes stewed in milk with spices, resulting in a tender, aromatic dish.
  • Njeguški Steak: Made with young beef stuffed with kajmak and prosciutto, served with a special sauce.
  • Cicvara: A breakfast dish made from cornmeal and fresh cheese, served with potatoes and sour milk.
  • Ćevapi: Small sausages made from pork or beef, baked in an oven.
  • Pljeskavica: A large minced meat patty grilled and often served with greens, fresh or roasted vegetables, and sauces.
  • Njeguški Cheese: Served in cafes and restaurants, and available in stores and markets, Montenegrin cheeses have a rich flavor palette. Njeguški cheese, made from goat or sheep milk, is a source of national pride. It can be young (aged 2 to 3 months) or preserved in olive oil. This cheese is similar to feta but less salty.
  • Prosciutto: Traditional dried meat, usually pork, prepared according to an ancient recipe.

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  • Popular Desserts: tulumba - a dessert with Turkish origins, similar to choux pastries but soaked in a honey-based syrup and palačinke - large pancakes with various fillings, both sweet and savory.

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  • Montenegrin Wines: Renowned for their rich flavors and sophisticated aromas. The most popular varieties are vranac - a deep ruby-colored wine with a tart taste, typically served with meat dishes and desserts and krstac - a light yellow wine with a gentle taste and soft aftertaste, best paired with fish, cheese, and fruits.
  • Rakija: The most popular strong drink in the Balkans, with an alcohol content of up to 60%. Montenegrin grape brandy is called Lozovača, while plum brandy is known as Šljivovica. Variants with added nuts, herbs, or spices exist, and fruit brandies are named after the type of fruit used (pears, apples, apricots).

NB!: In Montenegro, tea is typically consumed only by those who are ill. Ordering tea in a restaurant usually means receiving a tea bag with a slice of lemon. In contrast, coffee is served as an aromatic drink made from real beans, as locals do not generally consume instant coffee.

 

Budva Riviera

The Budva Riviera is a 35-kilometer stretch along the Adriatic Sea known for its resorts and tourist spots, with 12.5 kilometers of sandy beaches. Remarkably, you can walk the entire beach line of the Budva Riviera. Even where the beach is interrupted by mountain masses, tunnels provide a continuous path. A walk from Petrovac to Budva takes about 4 hours.

 

Budva

Budva is the main tourist center of Montenegro, and it can confidently be called the "Montenegrin Miami". Fans of active entertainment will find plenty of opportunities here! Active recreation, luxurious beaches, numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, casinos, and picturesque places – all characterize leisure in Budva. However, this wonderful place is not only for beach lovers but also for enthusiasts of active entertainment and lively nightlife.

In the old town of Budva, you can still see traces of the influence of various historical epochs - Roman, ancient Greek, Venetian, Austrian, French, and so on.

There are 35 beaches along the coast of Budva, most of which have fine pebbles and convenient entry into the sea. Most of them are free. Slovenska Beach is the main beach of the resort. It's a great place for active and lively leisure, where music plays around, there are many people, plenty of cafes and restaurants, children's playgrounds, and water attractions. If you're looking for a quieter place with crystal clear water, head to Mogren Beach.

 

Becici

Unlike Budva, the resort of Becici is less crowded but cheaper and, at the same time, does not compromise on comfort. This place is suitable for family vacations with children. Here, you can combine peaceful beach relaxation on clean beaches with developed infrastructure (local beaches with fine pebbles) with active leisure in the mountains. There are almost no significant landmarks in the town itself (except for the old olive tree and the Church of St. Thomas), but it's convenient to go on excursions from here both throughout Montenegro and to neighboring countries. Some of the nearest interesting places for excursions are Tara and Morača - river canyons with magnificent nature and beautiful landscapes.

 

Rafailovici

Adjacent to Bečići is the small resort village of Rafailovici. It is a modern tourist center with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, where conditions are created for both peaceful relaxation and active sports activities. Moreover, Rafailovići is considered one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Montenegro. Scenic landscapes, active leisure, and excellent ecology attract tourists from many countries around the world. The village is located directly on the coast, on a beautiful golden beach. If you enjoy delicious food, this place is perfect for you - there are many restaurants here. It's especially worth paying attention to fish dishes, typical for any seaside resort.

 

Saint Stefan Island

Saint Stefan Island is a unique and picturesque place. Although it may not be suitable for a long vacation for everyone, it's perfect for visiting and capturing cool photos!

Once a small fishing village, Saint Stefan Island was reportedly built in 1442 as a fortress where locals sought refuge from pirate attacks and during the Ottoman invasion of the Balkans.

Today, Saint Stefan Island is considered the most elite destination on the Montenegrin Adriatic coast. And rightly so, as it is a globally renowned tourist attraction. For example, it boasts real estate owned by the famous supermodel Claudia Schiffer. Often, other superstars from the world of showbiz arrive at the island on yachts.

For tourists, the resort offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past without sacrificing the luxury of the modern world. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of the island allows you to feel the spirit of bygone eras. Every visitor can enjoy relaxation in one of the many establishments. Some are quite affordable, but of course, there are also expensive ones, as only the wealthiest guests stay here.

The island's cultural program is available to all visitors. In the evening and at night, the resort transforms into an open-air theater where you can enjoy various performances and artistic events. Entertainment in the nightclubs lasts until the early hours of the morning.

All of this compensates for the certain inconveniences of the beaches around Saint Stefan, most of which are quite rocky but incredibly picturesque at the same time.

 

Petrovac

Petrovac is another resort on the Budva Riviera, surrounded by olive groves and dense pine forests. Its location and local nature create a very mild microclimate. Resting at this resort is ideal for rejuvenation.

Petrovac has two beaches: the main beach, which stretches along the entire resort, and Lučice, which is a 5-10 minute walk away. Both beaches are covered with fine pebbles, and just 3-5 meters from the shore, the depth can reach one and a half to two meters. This feature may not be very suitable for vacationing with young children. The beaches are clean and equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.

A peaceful atmosphere of relaxation prevails here. Petrovac is known for its incredibly beautiful bay. Opposite it are two rocky islands, one of which houses a miniature chapel. During walks along the coast, you can find rocky grottoes or deserted spots for swimming not far from the main beach.

 

What else is worth visiting in this fantastic country?

Kotor

The city of Kotor is one of the oldest in Montenegro. It has remained almost the same as it was centuries ago, except for souvenir shops and cafes, of course. The city has many winding cobblestone streets and dramatic medieval buildings, and incredible views open up from the hillsides. Terracotta roofs, poppies of churches, and cathedral bell towers rise against the backdrop of the "southernmost fjord in Europe." The perfect shapes and rich dark azure color of Kotor Bay attract attention. Behind the fortress walls of the old town, palaces of past centuries' rich, towers, and fountains have been preserved. And among them, cozy restaurants have appeared. You can view the city from above from the fortress of St. John, also known as the Illyrian Fort.

 

Porto Montenegro

Porto Montenegro is the most prestigious marina in Montenegro, which was the first in the world to receive the status of 5 Gold Anchor Platinum (5 gold anchors from the Marina Industry Association). This is the highest level of recognition for marinas, highly valuing customer service quality.

Located in Tivat, Porto Montenegro shines as a separate elite town with boutiques, cafes, luxurious residences, and an incredibly attractive promenade with palm trees and fountains. Everything here is meticulously designed and looks luxurious.

You can enjoy this aesthetic from the shore or take a yacht ride along the Bay of Kotor. It is one of the 10 most beautiful fjords in Europe!

 

Lovcen National Park

Lovcen is the closest national park to the coast of Montenegro, where you can relax wonderfully after hot days on the beach. Due to its altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level, it's always about 10°C cooler here, and dense forests provide desired shade. A walk through the park allows you to enjoy endemic plants and more than 200 species of birds. During the ascent, you can notice the difference in flora - palms, magnolias, and acacias grow at the bottom, while spruces, firs, and beeches dominate at the top. From the height, breathtaking views of mountain ranges with gorges and crevices open up, resembling fossilized sea waves.

A visit to Montenegro without a hike to Mount Lovćen is almost like not visiting the country at all. It's the iconic Black Mountain! At the summit, in the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, there is the highest observation deck from which you can see 70% of the country's territory, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea. Another advantage is that most of the way can be covered by car.

The mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, who ruled in the 19th century, is also located here. He was an inspired reformer who united state and church authority, initiating numerous initiatives for a better future for Montenegro.

 

Lake Skadar

Lake Skadar is the largest in South Europe. It is located near Budva. The surface of the lake is surrounded by reeds, where curly pelicans, cormorants, and herons live. And on the surface of the water, water lilies bloom.

The lake sparkles in the frame of mountains on the Montenegro-Albanian border. On its sloping southern shores are medieval monasteries, family vineyards, and small fishing villages.

 

Durmitor national park and Tara canyon

Durmitor National Park and Tara Canyon are the most famous reserves in Montenegro, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here you will find glacial lakes, waterfalls, caves, and mountain peaks, creating many exciting hiking trails. Located in the north of Montenegro, the park ensures coolness even on hot summer days.

In Durmitor Park, it's worth starting with a visit to the Tara River Canyon. As mentioned above, it is the deepest natural canyon in Europe. The water of the Tara River has an emerald hue in the shade and rushes past steep rocky walls and lush forests.

Also, visit the peak of Čurevac. The ascent to the summit takes about an hour and a half and can be done with minimal physical preparation. From a height of 1,600 meters, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon and its picturesque surroundings.

 

Mydutyfree and Join UP!: Start your vacation on your way to the dream resort

Interested in Montenegro and want to spend your summer vacation here? To make the thousands of kilometers of road to your long-awaited seaside destination pass by unnoticed and as comfortably as possible, choose bus tours from Join UP!

Advantages of bus tours from Join UP!:

  • Attentive, courteous drivers with extensive experience in passenger transportation
  • Experienced guides with certificates in first aid training who will consult on any questions that arise during the trip
  • New buses with air conditioning
  • Comfortable seats
  • USB outlets near each passenger's seat for gadget charging
  • Wi-Fi
  • The opportunity to pre-order food during the trip
  • The opportunity to make purchases at the Duty-Free shop at the Dyakovo checkpoint (while passing through customs between Ukraine and Romania)
  • The opportunity to reserve the most comfortable seat in the cabin
  • Bottled water for each passenger
  • Availability of toilets on buses, as well as stops every 3-4 hours
  • Care for young passengers KIDS FRIENDLY: soft blankets (upon request), snacks from Bob Snail, and colorful scratch drawings or coloring from Dodo Toys and sticker packs from Join UP!™, seats with attachments for child seats.

Join UP! offers tours to the Budva Riviera: Petrovac, St. Stefan, Rafailovici, Becici, and Budva.

Departure from Kyiv: with possible boarding in Zhytomyr and Rivne.

Departure from Lviv: with possible boarding in Stryi, Mukachevo, and Berehove.

When: on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 1.06.2024 to 28.09.2024;

From 4.07 to 26.09 additional flights every Thursday (fifth frequency).

You can familiarize yourself with all the details and book a tour here. 

When crossing the border at the Dyakovo checkpoint, take the opportunity to make purchases at the Duty-Free shop with a 5% discount.

How to make your pre-order:

1. Select goods from the catalog of the Dyakovo location on the website or in the Mydutyfree app. For quick access to the site, scan the QR code on the brochure you will find in your tourist documents from Join UP!

2. Complete your preliminary selection in the cart.

3. When completing the cart, indicate the date and approximate time of crossing the border.

4. After passing through Ukrainian customs control, you will be able to pick up and pay for the selected goods at the Duty-Free shop with a 5% discount.

* The Duty-Free shop collects orders 1 hour before the specified time and keeps the assembled order for 24 hours.

** The 5% discount is available only after pre-ordering on mydutyfree.net.

 

Enjoy your journey with Mydutyfree and Join UP!