Despite its bite-size constitution to the right of a larger-than-life Western European counterpart, Montenegro holds its own: with breathtaking beaches, loquacious locals and magnificent mountains, it proves that size really doesn’t matter. Here are a few reasons to visit Montenegro.
Get Off the Beaten Track
Those intrepid in nature, particularly during the peak summer months, are advised to head north or east: it’s where the mountains of Durmitor and forests of Biogradska Gora await, a world away from the sun seeker-filled beaches of Western Montenegro. Bucolic at the core, there are plenty of ‘ordinary’ towns and villages in which every day Montenegrins go about daily business. Step inside their world and become a voyeuristic fly on the wall, or fully engaged trailblazer. Alternatively, don hiking gear, hire a kayak or step on a horse. You never know what wonders might be hiding in an obscure, hidden corner of tiny little Montenegro.
Embrace Life by the Sea
For a petite nation with a limited coastline, Montenegro boasts some of Europe’s most lust-worthy beaches. With the likes of ancient walled pantiled villages (such as Sveti Stefan) clinging to rocks that plunge into turquoise Adriatic waters, the requisite for a semi-naked speedo-clad Daniel Craig to enhance the panorama disappears. From Kotor Bay to Kotor, Budva, Bar and Ulcinj, there are many opportunities to claim a piece of paradise on an uncrowded beach, followed by an afternoon in a nearby konoba. The entire coastline is simply a showpiece of Montenegrin tranquillity, guaranteed to induce summertime loving.
Discover the Divide
For history aficionados curious about a nation divided - at various intervals throughout ancient and modern times - between Europe’s East and West, then stepping foot within Montenegro is sure to set minds ablaze. It began with the division of the Roman Empire and transpired most recently when the country-on-the-cusp sat as a non-aligned entity, neither with the West nor Yugoslavia under Soviet control. Evidence of its multi-cultural history is evident in mosques, Catholic churches, Roman villas and ancient fortresses.
Be Seduced by Warm Locals
It’s the endearing smiles that’ll win you over. Despite the country’s rise to fame as a world-class tourist destination, Montenegrins remain unchanged: sincere, gregarious and amiable. They cannot be blamed for their kindness, you see, as it stems from the country’s origins. Coined by predecessors, Čojstvo i Junaštvo – translated humanity and bravery – has been indelibly integrated into the country’s moral and ethical code. Stoic by nature, Montenegrins are hospitable and generous, more likely to hug you than scam you as can be the norm in other emerging nations. If you expect kindness and acceptance at every turn, then you’ll be perfectly placed in Montenegro, whether at the sunny coast or high in the mountains.
Other Reasons to Visit Montenegro?
Are there other reasons to visit Montenegro, ones I've overlooked? If so, leave a comment below.
