BEST PLACES TO SEE IN MONTENEGRO

Montenegro is a country belonging to the Balkan region. Tourists are often surprised to find that such a small country packs so much beauty and diversity. If we summarize all that it has to offer, they are historical monuments, walled towns, lush mountains, and stunning coast lines. The enchanting beauty of Montenegro attracts heavy crowds especially during summer time. But really, not even the most chaotic crowds can stop you from enjoying every little piece of this country.

Crno Lake in Durmitor National Park

The best sceneries of Montenegro are along the Bay of Kotor. It is said to be one of the world’s most beautiful bays. Kotor, an equally stunning town, can be found on its deepest point. Kotor is a fortified medieval town with a long history. Its cobblestone streets are surreal and as you walk through them, you’ll encounter wide open piazzas and historic churches. Three of the most popular churches inside this old town are the Church of St. Luke, St. Nicholas Church, and St. Tryphon Cathedral. One side of Kotor is the blue sea and on the other side is a steep cliff. Climbing up Kotor proves to be a challenge but it’s definitely worthwhile once you see the fortifications and scenic views of Kotor Bay.

Yet another old town in Montenegro is Budva. It still has an array of historic buildings, churches, and squares. What set it apart are its beaches. Historical monuments dating from the 7th until 12th century can be spotted throughout the city including St. John’s Church, Santa Marija of Punta, and Church of St. Sava. Its fortress, called the Citadela, sits right next to the Church of the Holy Trinity built in 1804. Budva stretches 30 kilometers long and is often referred to as the “Riviera of Sandy Beaches”. Historic landmarks, hotels, and restaurants are all lined up neatly along its coastline.

Perast in Bay of Kotor

Architecture from the 17th and 18th century can be seen at the town of Perast, one of the top reasons to visit Montenegro. Buildings within Perast have Venetian-Baroque architecture. Montenegro owes this unique blend of architectural styles to Venetia which ruled the town for some time. The best examples of which are the palaces of Badovic, Bujovic, Smekja, and Zmajevic. South of Montenegro is Ulcinj, one of the oldest towns of the Adriatic.

As mentioned previously, the country has its fair share of natural attractions. The large freshwater lake of Skadar is one of them and offers bird watching, hiking, and wildlife sighting opportunities. The Tara River Canyon is a definite must-see and it was even declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The canyon is the known as the second longest in the world.