Montenegro

Montenegro (Montenegrin: Crna Gora, Црна Гора) is a country in the Balkans, on the Adriatic Sea.

It is one of Europe's youngest countries, independent since 2006. Infrastructure greatly improved since independence as Montenegro became home to numerous five-star hotels, glamorous new settlements and investments in roads, energy, water and sanitary pipelines.

Montenegro is divided into 21 municipalities, which can be grouped into five regions:

• Podgorica. — the capital, and administrative centre as well as the biggest city in Montenegro, intensively developed since independence
• Bar. — the major port of the country
• Budva. — this fortified old town surrounded by high-rises, resorts and new developments is the most popular tourist spot with amazing beaches and wild nightlife
• Cetinje. — the old royal capital beneath Lovćen mountain and its national park features numerous museums, monasteries and former embassies.
• Kotor. — an ancient fortified town deep down the Boka Kotorska bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a regular spot for cruiser ships
• Nikšić. — the second largest city in Montenegro and economically important, home to famous Montenegrin beer Nikšićko
• Tivat. - a small town in the Bay of Kotor, quickly emerging into a major tourist, business and transport centre due to the 2nd international airport in the country
• Žabljak. — beneath Durmitor mountain and its national park is one of the key tourist destinations for both summer and winter activities
• Ulcinj. — an ancient fortified town, once the home of pirates, surrounded by a 12-km-long sandy beach which is a kite-surfing hotspot, and naturist haven

Podgorica. — the capital, and administrative centre as well as the biggest city in Montenegro, intensively developed since independence

Bar. — the major port of the country

Budva. — this fortified old town surrounded by high-rises, resorts and new developments is the most popular tourist spot with amazing beaches and wild nightlife

Cetinje. — the old royal capital beneath Lovćen mountain and its national park features numerous museums, monasteries and former embassies.

Kotor. — an ancient fortified town deep down the Boka Kotorska bay, [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]. It is a regular spot for cruiser ships

Nikšić. — the second largest city in Montenegro and economically important, home to famous Montenegrin beer Nikšićko

Tivat. - a small town in the Bay of Kotor, quickly emerging into a major tourist, business and transport centre due to the 2nd international airport in the country

Žabljak. — beneath Durmitor mountain and its national park is one of the key tourist destinations for both summer and winter activities

Ulcinj. — an ancient fortified town, once the home of pirates, surrounded by a 12-km-long sandy beach which is a kite-surfing hotspot, and naturist haven

• Bečići. — with a 2 km long fine sandy beach, it is home to many resorts and hotels
• Biogradska Gora National Park. — some of the last remaining untouched forests in Europe, and beautiful small lake where you can fish
• Durmitor National Park. — rafting through the Tara Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe, is one of the most popular activities in Montenegro
• Lovćen National Park. — beautiful mountain with natural, cultural and historical scenery
• Mount Ostrog. — the amazing monastery situated on the almost vertical cliff of Mount Ostrog
• Perast. — beautiful small village, a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site
• Prokletije National Park. - hiking and mountain climbing are this park's main attraction
• Skadar Lake National Park. — the largest lake on the Balkans and the natural habitat of the very diverse flora and fauna
• Sveti Stefan. — picturesque town-hotel, a former fishing town on the small peninsula near Budva

Bečići. — with a 2 km long fine sandy beach, it is home to many resorts and hotels

Biogradska Gora National Park. — some of the last remaining untouched forests in Europe, and beautiful small lake where you can fish

Durmitor National Park. — rafting through the Tara Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe, is one of the most popular activities in Montenegro

Lovćen National Park. — beautiful mountain with natural, cultural and historical scenery

Mount Ostrog. — the amazing monastery situated on the almost vertical cliff of Mount Ostrog

Perast. — beautiful small village, a [[UNESCO]] World Natural and Historical Heritage Site

Prokletije National Park. - hiking and mountain climbing are this park's main attraction

Skadar Lake National Park. — the largest lake on the Balkans and the natural habitat of the very diverse flora and fauna

Sveti Stefan. — picturesque town-hotel, a former fishing town on the small peninsula near Budva

Montenegro has been a political entity since at least the 11th century. It was founded as a state under its present name in 15th century, continuing the tradition of the Slavic state of Duklja. It was able to maintain its independence during the reign of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans, as its independence was recognized at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. In World War I, it fought on the side of the Allied powers. It was absorbed into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. Montenegro was part of various incarnations of Yugoslavia, until it regained its independence from the federation of Serbia-Montenegro after the May 2006 referendum. Montenegro was the only republic of the former Yugoslavia that supported Serbia during the wars of the 1990s.

Montenegro is home to 680,000 people.

Montenegro's lower areas along the coast enjoy a Mediterranean climate, having dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Central and northern regions have Continental climate, where temperature varies greatly with elevation. Podgorica, lying near sea level in the valley of the central region, is noted for having the warmest July temperatures in Montenegro, averaging 35-40°C (95-104°F).

Cetinje, in the Karst at an elevation of 670m (2,200 ft), has a temperature 5°C (10°F) lower. January temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) from Bar on the southern coast to -3°C (27°F) in the northern region.

Montenegro's mountainous regions receive some of the highest amounts of rainfall in Europe. In the northern mountains, snow is present throughout the spring.

The terrain of Montenegro ranges from high mountains through a segment of the Karst of the western Balkan Peninsula, to a narrow coastal plain that is only one to four miles wide. The coastal plain disappears completely in the north, where Mount Lovcen and other ranges plunge abruptly into the inlet of the Gulf of Kotor.

Montenegro's section of the Karst lies generally at elevations of just below 1,000 m (3,000 ft) above sea level-although some areas rise to 1800 m (6,000 ft). The lowest segment is in the valley of the Zeta River, which flows at an elevation of 460 m (1,500 ft).

The high mountains of Montenegro include some of the most rugged terrain in Europe. They average more than 2,100 m (7,000 ft) in elevation.

The official language is Montenegrin. It is essentially the same language as Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian. In some municipalities with an Albanian majority (Ulcinj) or large minority (Plav, Gusinje) and the Malesia district in Podgorica municipality, Albanian is commonly spoken. Slovenian and Macedonian are also understood. Even though their languages are virtually identical, people still distinguish between the Montenegrin, Serb, Croat and Bosniak ethnicities, Montenegrins forming a slight majority. Montenegrin is found written in both Cyrillic and Latin forms. Latin text is much more common in Montenegro than in neighboring Serbia and the Serbian portion of Bosnia.

In Podgorica and the coastal area, many people can speak some English, but that is not always the case in the north. Older people sometimes have a working knowledge of German. Italian also comes in very handy, especially along the coast. Russian, which also belongs to the same family of Slavic languages, is spoken by many older people as it was a compulsory second language during the communist era, though it has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generation. Russian speakers will, however, find themselves catered for by the tourist industry along the coast.

Montenegro may be small in terms of area, it boast stunning mountainous landscapes, dramatic coast lines, historic monuments and truly beautiful walled towns. The Montenegro coast is just as gorgeous as that of its better known neighbour, Croatia, and it is for good reason that its main tourist destinations can get crowded in summer. Nevertheless, if you can't visit at another time, don't let their popularity hold you back. Even the largest of cruise ship crowds will not stop you from enjoying this country's magnificent Riviera and Medieval coast towns, especially if you're willing to get up early and do your sightseeing ahead of the others.

Of the country's many churches and monasteries, the Serbian Orthodox Ostrog Monastery deserves special attention. It's spectacularly located against a practically vertical background, some 15 km from Nikšić. Founded in the 17th century, it's one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations on the Balkans and boasts a magnificent view over the Bjelopavlići plain.

The Bay of Kotor, is probably one of the prettiest bays in the world. On its deepest point lies the equally stunning town of Kotor, a beautifully preserved fortified, Medieval town with a vibrant history. Wandering through its labyrinth of narrow and cobblestoned streets, you'll come across lively piazzas, many ancient churches and lots of pleasant bars and restaurants. Don't miss the 12th-century St. Tryphon Cathedral, the Church of St. Luke and the Orthodox St Nicholas Church. Kotor is locked between the blue sea on one side, and a dramatically steep cliff on the other. It's a heavy walk uphill, but climbing the 1500 steps will allow you to see the old fortifications on the top and provide some amazing views over the bay.

Budva is the country's most popular tourist destination, and boasts some great beaches and a lovely, walled town centre. The old town centre is picturesquely located on a rather small peninsula, and its narrow, winding lanes hide a multitude of 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 and right next to it is the colourful Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1804. Budva's Riviera is over 30 km long, and has been called "The Riviera of Sandy Beaches". It is dotted with lovely hamlets and a wealth of historic monuments. A strip of hotels and restaurants separates it from the impressive mountain massifs of Lovcen. From Budva, it's an easy bus ride to the unique Sveti Stefan resort.

The small but gorgeous town of Perast saw some of its best architecture arise in the 17th and 18th century, when it belonged to the Republic of Venice. That typically Venetian, baroque architecture has been wonderfully preserved, with highlights including the Bujovic, Zmajevic, Badovic and Smekja Palaces which were once owned by wealthy maritime captains. All the way in the south, Ulcinj is one of the Adriatic's oldest towns, with a delightful centre and lots of natural beauty around. It also makes a good base from where to explore the old centre of nearby Bar, Lake Skadar or even a cross border visit to Albania. Although less spectacular than nearby Kotor, Herceg Novi (roughly translated as New Castle) is another charming Montenegrin town with a beautiful old centre and a good number of interesting churches, squares and fortresses.

Although Montenegro's magnificent sea side scenery is best known among travellers, its mountainous inland has some grand panoramic views to offer, too. The country shares the large freshwater Lake Skadar with neighbouring Albania. It has National Park status and offers great opportunities for hiking, bird watching and wildlife spotting. Of the many friendly fishermen's towns around it, Virpazar is the most convenient one for travellers. A real must-see is the splendid Tara River Canyon, with its steep banks rising up to 1300 meters above the River Tara waters. It's the second longest canyon in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canyon is in Durmitor National Park, which is a World Heritage Site of its own and boasts a rich flora and fauna as well as snow-covered high peaks, several canyons and many glacier lakes. The most visited one is Black Lake, at walking distance of the town of Žabljak, which serves as a traveller's hub for mountain and winter tourism.

Montenegro has a lot of local festivals that are worth going to and may range from typical music concerts to local festivities involving free food and drinks. Usually wine and seafood.

• Bokeška Noć (3rd week of August) - Celebrations under masks by the iconic fortifications of Kotor where each year a hateful figure is burned, and celebrations out in the open continues till early morning.
• Sea Dance Festival (end of July) - infamous Exit festival has found a new home for summer season and the biggest music happening in SE Europe is hosted on Jaz beach in Budva.
• Days of Wine and Fish in Virpazar - worth experiencing. Gathering of wine and fish lovers in a scenic local village on the Skadar Lake. Very crowded, and smokey from fish frying.
• Petrovačka noć (Petrovac ) - celebrating the local traditions it is great time to visit the city and enjoy the crowd, food and music.
• Spring Break - typical music festival with plenty of DJs on Kamenovo beach
• Blueberry Days - in Plav in northern Montenegro, this festival is attributed to blueberries which are famous is important gathering of Montenegrin diaspora and its relatives as well as many tourists.
• Pasticada Fest
• Sunčane Skale
• Dani Mimoze
• Southern Soul Festival

Bokeška Noć (3rd week of August) - Celebrations under masks by the iconic fortifications of Kotor where each year a hateful figure is burned, and celebrations out in the open continues till early morning.

Sea Dance Festival (end of July) - infamous Exit festival has found a new home for summer season and the biggest music happening in SE Europe is hosted on Jaz beach in [[Budva]].

Days of Wine and Fish in [[Virpazar]] - worth experiencing. Gathering of wine and fish lovers in a scenic local village on the Skadar Lake. Very crowded, and smokey from fish frying.

Petrovačka noć ([[Petrovac]] ) - celebrating the local traditions it is great time to visit the city and enjoy the crowd, food and music.

Spring Break - typical music festival with plenty of DJs on Kamenovo beach

Blueberry Days - in [[Plav]] in northern Montenegro, this festival is attributed to blueberries which are famous is important gathering of Montenegrin diaspora and its relatives as well as many tourists.

Pasticada Fest

Sunčane Skale

Dani Mimoze

Southern Soul Festival

• Rafting. Rafting on archaic wooden or rubber boats down the 100-km path of largest canyon in Europe is one-of-a-kind experience.
• Hiking/Trekking/Biking. Considering the size and very late development of infrastructure Montenegro has relied on various pathways interconnecting villages, roads, churches and mountains which is nowadays maintained and ideal for all outdoor activities. Maps of routs may be obtained by tourist offices located in towns.
• Cruise and dive in the Bay of Kotor. Iconic scenery of Boka Kotorska may be only appreciated fully from the sea-level and various small islands with tremendous history can only be reached that way. Diving may be interesting on several spots along Lustica.
• Paragliding over Budva Riviera. Scenery of Boka Bay may be only appreciated fully from the sea-level and various small islands with tremendous history can only be reached that way. Diving may be interesting on several spots along Lustica.
• Kite-surfing on the Ada Bojana. Experience winds on southern-most tip of Montenegros 12-km long sandy beach near Ulcinj
• (summer) Skiing/Snowboarding. While during winter downhill skiing and snowboarding is usual activities within resorts in Žabljak and Kolašin throughout summer on many mountains specific regions remain under snow and are ideal for wild summer skiing or snowboarding experience

Rafting. Rafting on archaic wooden or rubber boats down the 100-km path of largest canyon in Europe is one-of-a-kind experience.

Hiking/Trekking/Biking. Considering the size and very late development of infrastructure Montenegro has relied on various pathways interconnecting villages, roads, churches and mountains which is nowadays maintained and ideal for all outdoor activities. Maps of routs may be obtained by tourist offices located in towns.

Cruise and dive in the Bay of Kotor. Iconic scenery of Boka Kotorska may be only appreciated fully from the sea-level and various small islands with tremendous history can only be reached that way. Diving may be interesting on several spots along Lustica.

Paragliding over Budva Riviera. Scenery of [[Boka Bay]] may be only appreciated fully from the sea-level and various small islands with tremendous history can only be reached that way. Diving may be interesting on several spots along Lustica.

Kite-surfing on the Ada Bojana. Experience winds on southern-most tip of Montenegros 12-km long sandy beach near Ulcinj

(summer) Skiing/Snowboarding. While during winter downhill skiing and snowboarding is usual activities within resorts in [[Žabljak]] and [[Kolašin]] throughout summer on many mountains specific regions remain under snow and are ideal for wild summer skiing or snowboarding experience

• ATMs: Hundreds of ATMs are available in major cities. The ATMs accept most international Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards. If you are from the Balkans, Central or Eastern Europe, look for an ATM of your bank. It is quite possible that the bank operates in Montenegro and that there will be no fees.
• Credit cards: although they are accepted in supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and many shops, always keep some cash with you for open-air markets, souvenir stalls, small bakeries, museums and public transport.
• Exchange offices: Not very common, since nearly all tourists bring euros with them. In case you happen to arrive in Montenegro without any euros in cash, use an ATM (recommended) or find a bank to change US dollars, Swiss francs or British pounds.

ATMs: Hundreds of ATMs are available in major cities. The ATMs accept most international Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards. If you are from the Balkans, Central or Eastern Europe, look for an ATM of your bank. It is quite possible that the bank operates in Montenegro and that there will be no fees.

Credit cards: although they are accepted in supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and many shops, always keep some cash with you for open-air markets, souvenir stalls, small bakeries, museums and public transport.

Exchange offices: Not very common, since nearly all tourists bring euros with them. In case you happen to arrive in Montenegro without any euros in cash, use an ATM (recommended) or find a bank to change US dollars, Swiss francs or British pounds.

Regular businesses and governmental agencies work from 08:00-09:00 to 16:00-17:00, while convenience stores, pharmacies and shops usually work until 20:00-21:00. Bars, pubs and restaurants usually work until midnight or 01:00 while clubs may run until 03:00 or 04:00.

• Cheese
• Smoked ham
• Traditional clothes
• Souvenirs

• City centre and Bulevar Džordža Vašingtona in Podgorica
• Porto Montenegro
• many shops in Old Towns of Kotor and Budva

• Delta City in Podgorica
• TQ Centre in Budva
• Kamelija in Kotor

• Voli markets, HD Laković, Maxi Markets and Roda are main retail supermarket chains and are found in almost all cities. There are also other convenience stores that stuff various goods. The prices of basic local food (baked goods, dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables) are on the level of Bosnia and Serbia, i.e. generally cheaper than EU countries.

Apart from the hotels located in towns and summer resorts offering half-board and full-board accommodation, and those along the roads and communication lines such as restaurants, pizza places, taverns, fast food restaurants and cafes, there is a choice of national restaurants offering traditional Montenegrin cuisine.

In addition to the standard European and Mediterranean cuisine, Montenegro offers a variety of healthy food products and local specialities.

Cold hors-d'oeuvres include the famous njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and njeguški cheese, pljevaljski cheese, mushrooms, donuts and dried bleak. The main courses specific for the northern mountainous region are boiled lamb, lamb cooked in milk, cicvara in fresh milk cream (buttered corn porridge), boiled potatoes with cheese and fresh cream. A selection of traditional recipes of the central and coastal parts will include the kastradina (dried mutton), smoked and fresh carp (from Skadar lake) and a variety of fresh sea fish and seafood dishes. Donuts served with honey and dried figs are traditional desserts in these parts of Montenegro.

Products of animal origin are supervised and approved by veterinary and health authorities according to EU standards. The restaurant scene in Montenegro is rapidly evolving and has become increasingly international and continues to attract a new diverse variety of restaurants on the coast and in Podgorica.

Montenegrin vineyards and the production of quality wine is part of the tradition of southern and coastal wine makers.

The best known Montenegrin wines are the premium whites: "Krstač", "Cabernet", "Chardonnay" and reds: "Vranac", "Pro Corde". All of them are produced by the famous company "Plantaže", but there's also some home-made wines of high quality, like Crmničko wine.

1L bottle of "Vranac" red wine will cost you from €8 to €15 in the bar or restaurant and it is well worth it! Also, you can buy a bottle of "Plantaze"'s wine for about €2-4 in supermarkets.

Also, Montenegro has boutique wineries as Knezevic from Golubovci and famous brand "Monte Grande" became signature wine of the country.

The continental region and north are more oriented towards the production of aromatic fruit flavoured brandy (plum brandy - šljivovica, apple brandy - jabukovača). Grape brandy "Montenegrin loza", "Prvijenac", "Kruna" or home made grape brandy (lozova rakija, lozovača) is a must-try, and a good choice to "warm up" before going out in the evening.

"Nikšićko" beer is the best known beer in the Montenegro, and most common alcoholic beverage, which cost from €0.50 to €2.50. It is produced as a draught beer, or bottled, in both "Nik Gold" and lighter "Nik Cool" variant. The dark variant, "Nik tamno", is praised among beer lovers.

Other alcoholic drinks can cost anywhere between €1 and €10.

Montenegro is generally a safe country. There is, like all countries in the world, criminal activities, but police forces are generally fast in their duties. The number is 122, as well as the international distress call 112. When travelling in the areas bordering Kosovo, it is recommended you keep to the main roads. Unexploded landmines may remain along the Kosovo border. You should also avoid areas where there is military activity.

In the resort towns such as Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan and Herceg Novi, beggars and pickpockets are not uncommon. As in many other European locations, beggars are part of organized crime groups. Do not give them money. Doing so may also make you a target for more aggressive approaches. Always carry your bags in the safest way, slung around your shoulder with the pouch in front (with your money carried under your clothing) where you can keep your arm or hand across it.

Sea urchins are small, globular, spiny sea creatures that cover much of the sea floor off the coast of Montenegro. This isn't a bad thing being as they only gather in super clear water. It's a good idea to wear sea socks or something to cover your feet while walking through the water. Also, if you snorkel, be careful and ensure you don't brush up against the ones on the sides of the rocks.

Montenegrins are not safe drivers. You will often feel as though you are competing for road space with aggressive drivers who have little regard for your or their own safety. Many people also break the speed limits. Some roads are really narrow. Consequently, the country has one of the highest rates of traffic accident fatalities in Europe.

There are two species of viper snakes in Montenegro, sarka and poskok. Both are small but very venomous, so be careful when you hike around, watch your steps and remember that they never attack people if they are not disturbed.

Tap water is generally drinkable, though in some small towns it may be better to avoid it.

Short pants are usually not permitted inside public institutions (hospitals, etc.) Wear modest clothing when visiting monasteries and churches.

At beaches, taking off the bottom piece of a swimsuit will likely create a stir and is generally reserved for designated nude beaches.

When toasting and clinging glasses, look the opposite person in the eyes or else it may be taken as a sign of disrespect.

Being visibly drunk is a sign of bad taste and character in Montenegro: you may be invited to drink gallons but you're expected to be able to hold it. People also usually prefer to sip their liquor instead of emptying it "bottoms-up" style. Be careful: rakija, a plum spirit, is probably going to be stronger than you expect (usually about 53% alcohol content) and will make you drunk fast!

Wi-Fi points in bars and cafeterias are available to customers, and most hotels offer Wi-Fi connection in common areas for their guests. Some central tourist areas are also covered by Wi-Fi.

Be conscious of security when using a unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

You can buy mobile phone sim cards for €1; it'll be worth the small expense with the amount of credit you get and ability to make local calls, especially if you're on a longer stay in Montenegro. As of 2011, you will need to fill in a short form and show ID or a passport in order to activate the prepaid number at a local operator's store.

There are three major network operators on Montenegro (in order of quality, but the coverage should be pretty similar as of 2019):

• telenor
• m:tell
• T-Mobile

They all offer tourist sim cards that include a lot of data and are valid for 10 to 30 days. You can charge additional money to you sim card which you can use for calls and text messages if needed (around 20 Cents/min).

Offers as of 2019:

• telenor: 1000 GB valid for: 10d=5€, 20d=10€, 30d=15€
• m:tell
• T-Mobile

Bonus tip for Podgorica: If you are running late but desperately need a sim card, go to the mall "Delta City" east of the city center. All three providers are present there and it is open until 22:00.