Montenegro

Montenegro is a relatively young country that came into existence in 2006. The small Balkan nation is renowned for its picturesque beaches, resorts and quaint old towns.

To one side of the country lies the Adriatic sea glimmering like a blue/green jewel. But moving away from the Adriatic coast, there lie the high mountains with dense forests giving Montenegro the name “The Black Mountains”.

Montenegro is famous for its 294 km long coast, with over 117 beaches! The idyllic beaches and turquoise waters attract tourists from all over the world.

Ensure you spend time on Montenegrin beaches and coastal towns when planning your sailing holidays. The best way to enjoy Montenegro is via the sea route. From sailing yacht charter to catamaran yacht charter and motor boat charter, there are many options for veterans and beginners alike.

What’s the Weather like in Montenegro?

For a country as small as Montenegro, the climate is diverse. This is because the Dinaric Mountains act as a natural barrier between the coastal region and the mountainous region of the east. Montenegro has two climates: The Mediterranean climate in the coastal region and the Alpine climate in the mountains.

Montenegrin coast has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winter. The temperatures can reach an average of 25℃ to 30℃ in summer and 4℃ to 11℃ in winter.

However, strong cold winds can blow from the Dinaric Mountains in winter and sometimes last for days.

Weather in the mountains, on the other hand, is highly pivotal. The region experiences large amounts of precipitation thanks to the winds loaded with moisture from the Mediterranean sea.

What's the Best Time to Visit Montenegro?

The best time to visit Montenegro is between April and September, especially July and August. However, July and August are also when School vacation starts, so it can get uncomfortably crowded during these months. Everything, including accommodation, is expensive, with the rates doubling in some places.

In saying that, the optimum time to visit Montenegro would be the shoulder months of June and September. Not only will you get sunshine, but the rates will also be back to normal.

Remember that many hotels will close between October and early April, but those that remain open will offer heavy discounts.

Bays and Coves in Montenegro

The Adriatic coast of Montenegro is one of the most beautiful in the Balkans. Montenegrin beaches vary from pebbles (Bay of Kotor) to sand (Budva and Bar) and long ocean-like rugged beaches (Ulcinj). Interestingly Budva is also famous for its beach parties.

While most bays are accessible by land, others can be accessed only by sea. So, Hire a yacht charter Montenegro and enjoy the small, rugged country.

Bay of Kotor

There’s nothing more beautiful than the Bay of Kotor in all of Montenegro. While Kotor has no long beaches, the ones present are small, intimate and often secluded. But Bar, on the other hand, has close to 20 beaches that are long/small and sandy/pebbly.

Take your yacht charter Montenegro to any of its many beaches for a glimpse of unspoilt beauty and a whiff of the healing air.

Plaža Valdanos

No visit to Ulcinj is complete without a trip to Plaža Valdanos. The pebbly beach is on a rocky terrain lined by olive trees with crystal clear waters.

Dock your boat in the bay and swim in the turquoise waters for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. While there, visit the olive groves nearby for a glimpse of the 1000-year-old olive tree.

Utjeha

Not very far from the town of Bar is Oliva Bay, a unique bay lined by thousand-year-old olive trees. Situated in Oliva Bay is the Utjeha beach, a pebbly beach with a gradually increasing coastline. This makes it ideal for families and small kids.

Drop anchor, swim, or snorkel for a while, enjoying the picturesque bay!

Tourist Destinations in Montenegro

Tivat

Tivat is a small quaint town situated in the Bay of Kotor. While many tend to skip Tivat for Kotor, the small coastal town has a lot to offer in terms of luxury, beauty, and history. The scenic locations and secluded nature make Tivat a must-see tourist destination in Montenegro.

It is said that the Tivat was the summer residence of the Illyrian queen, Teuta. However, people did not start living here in the town until the earthquake of 1979. The quake brought down several areas in the Bay of Kotor. The then Yugoslavian government built apartments for people to live here in Tivat.

Even then, it did not flourish until the construction of Porto Montenegro, after which it became a destination for super yachts. Now it is one of the popular attractions in the bay of Kotor.

Tivat doesn't offer much beach or swimming except for the Town beach, Plaza Ponta and Belani. However, the waters in this region are calm thanks to the shape of the bay, which protects the area from the swells of the Adriatic sea.

Konoba Bacchus is one of Tivat’s best restaurants offering Montenegrin fare and affordable drinks. Theodorus cafe is another popular local joint whose menu stretches from cooked breakfasts to sandwiches, pizza, steaks, etc.

For a fine dining experience, head on to One. Their menu is varied with influences from French, Indian, Russian, Italian and American cuisine.

Kotor

Nestled between the grey mountains and the Sea is Kotor, a seaside town with a rich history that rivals Dubrovnik. Kotor may be much smaller than Dubrovnik, but its maze of tiny streets and towering mountains makes you fall in love with this fairy-tale land.

Between Illyrians, Romans, Venetians, Byzantines, and Austro-Hungarians, Kotor has changed hands many times. Each of its conquerors has left behind many fortunes from palaces, churches, cathedrals and pillars. Considering its history, it is no doubt that Kotor is on the list of UNESCO Heritage sites.

The main draw about Kotor is how the present blends in with its many historical buildings. Old courtyards with modern cafes and restaurants are common in the town.

Situated on its namesake bay, the Bay of Kotor, Kotor has the best panoramic views in the Balkans. Being a fortress city, Kotor is not known for its beaches. There are a few here and there, but they are small and intimate. Here are a few beaches in and around Kotor:

• Virtu Beach
• Bajova Kula Beach
• Orahovac Beach

Located in front of the Huma Kotor Bay hotel, Virtu Beach is the place to be if you fancy day parties.

Situated in Kotor’s Old Town, Bocalibre is a charming little Italian restaurant well known for its stone-baked pizza and pasta. Another restaurant worth a mention is Galion, an upscale affair serving Montenegrin cuisine. Galion is known for its fresh seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes.

Budva

Budva is one of the most popular attractions in Montenegro and is home to one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast.

Budva has a rich history dating back to the 5th century BC. Historically, it is considered one of the most important towns on the Adriatic coast. In addition, its 21 km long coast is home to no less than 17 beaches.

However, the highlight of the town isn’t its beaches. Instead, it is the stunning architecture that stands out. Between the Romans, Byzantines, Serbians, Venetians and Habsburgs, the city has changed hands quite a few times, and every conqueror has left a trace.

Budva is also famous for its beach festivals and parties. Top Hill, the largest nightclub in the Balkans, is also in Budva.

Ricardova Glava Beach, located by Budva’s Old Town, is a popular spot during summer and wintertime. Home to numerous beach bars, the beach is famous for its beach parties. If you want a more relaxed beach time, head to Mogren Beach. Other beaches include:

• Pizana Beach
• Jaz Beach
• Ploče Beach

Tucked in Budva’s tiny lanes is Konoba Portun, one of the few restaurants that serve a Montenegrin fare the traditional way. Their hobotnica ispod sača and grilled squid are to die for.

Another restaurant that serves Montenegrin cuisine is Jadran Kod Krsta. But, again, the main draw is the candle-lit tables set directly above the water.

Bar

Situated to the south of Montenegro is the town of Bar, forming a resort area called Bar Riviera. With its mild climate, diverse culture and history, the city of Bar remains a favourite among history buffs.

The town of Bar holds some of the most extensive medieval archaeological remains in the Balkans and is currently an open-air museum.

Bar, Montenegro, is also home to some of the most picturesque beaches on the Adriatic coast. The beaches here are primarily pebbly and rocky, with a few sandy ones. Being Montenegro’s fifth largest city, Bar has some of the best restaurants offering traditional Montenegrin cuisine and a few Mediterranean options.

Konoba Bedem is hands down the best restaurant in town with its traditional Montenegrin fare and contemporary Mediterranean dishes.

Kaldrma is another must-visit restaurant serving Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine with a contemporary touch.

And finally, Pulena Pizza Pub has simply the best pizza in town.

Ulcinj

With the Suka peninsula on one side and a tall cliff on the other, the city of Ulcinj has always attracted fishermen, merchant seafarers, and pirates alike.

Ulcinj is considered to be the oldest settlement in Montenegro, with its origin in the Bronze Age. However, the town itself was founded in the 5th century B.C and was occupied by the Illyrian tribes at one point. Since then, it has been under Montenegrins, Venetians, and Turks, all of whom have left a trace in Ulcinj’s old town.

Ulcinj was reportedly the favourite among many historians, namely Apollonius of Rhodes. The main draw of Ulcinj is its old town, an open-air architectural museum inside the walls of a fortress.

Located in the southern part of Montenegro, Ulcinj is also famous for its rocky, pebbly and sandy beaches. Some of the famous are:

• Sapore di Mare
• Ladies' Beach
• Mala Plaža
• Hotel Albatros Beach
• Aquarius Beach

Being a coastal city, Ulcinj is famous for its fresh seafood and fish. Misko is a well-known restaurant favourite among the locals for its traditional Montenegrin fare.

Another famous seafood restaurant is Cickova Carda, situated near Bojana Rivermouth.