Montenegro: a small treasure chest

Bay of Kotor

We entered Montenegro from the Croatian border at Plocice, we crossed the town of Herceg Novi at the entrance to the bay and continued straight on to Kotor. The road runs the entire length of the fjord and right away you're immersed in a truly picture-postcard setting. Once in Kotor we settled in at the Bogdanovic apartments, truly to be recommended, located along the sea in the hamlet of Dobrota. It's a family-run villa, divided into very comfortable studio flats all with a balcony overlooking the fjord. The owner is extremely kind, the rooms new, clean and tastefully furnished, free parking and wifi...excellent price. Considering the heat and a bit of tiredness, after an excellent Montenegrin lunch, we spent the afternoon in total relaxation, fully enjoying the view offered by our balcony.

In the evening we went to Kotor, where two hours are more than enough to visit the entire old town. The signs of the earthquake that destroyed it are still tangible, but you only need to lose yourself in its narrow streets to fall in love with it.

Bay of Kotor.

Today an entire day dedicated to the area of the Bay of Kotor. Unforgettable the breakfast on the pier at Dobrota, punctuated only by the rustle of the sea. First visit to Perast, perhaps even more beautiful than Kotor, but in reality made up of just one road running through the town. Here we boarded a boat to go and visit the sanctuary of the Virgin on the nearby island of Skarpel. There's a company with small ferries that runs the transport, but it's much faster and cheaper to go with someone local who makes his small boat available. There's no waiting, it's cheaper, and for a paltry tip they gave us a nice tour that also included the island of Saint George. The island is tiny, needless to say the view is splendid. The Sanctuary is small but rich, for just one euro you can also visit the Museum, very characteristic more than interesting. Absolutely a must-see.

Back in Perast, and having completed the tour of the fjord, we chose a stretch of beach where we spent the day at the seaside. The water is crystal clear, but you still get the feeling of swimming in a lake! Late in the evening back to Kotor to enjoy its atmosphere once more.

Transfer to Budva via Lovcen & Cetinje

This morning we set off again and tackle the winding road that climbs from Kotor to the Lovcen National Park. It really is rather spectacular, it's wise to be a little careful. As you climb the view is unique, over the Bay of Kotor until you can make out the entire fjord from Herceg Novi to Tivat. Breathtaking panorama. Once at the top you come to the little village of Njegusi, so renowned for the production of prosciutto and cheese. Both are delicious: the cheese is served dressed with olive oil and the prosciutto is very flavourful and smoked. Here in Njegusi you get the impression of being catapulted back in time. Continuing further into the park, the road descends until it reaches the town of Cetinje, the old capital of Montenegro. All there is to see is the central street, frozen in times gone by. I wouldn't recommend going there on purpose, but the whole walk is worth it.

Continuing still further you reach the Budva riviera. The city that has grown up near the old town is in reality large, chaotic and certainly not beautiful. To give you an idea, very similar to the Turkish Antalya. Together with the nearby Becici and Milocer, they actually create a large, crowded seafront. The first impression wasn't the best. We immediately moved south, towards Sveti Stefan where we spent the afternoon on the beach. Sveti Stefan is certainly striking, the true postcard of Montenegro. Late in the evening and after a bit of relaxation in the Hotel pool, we went to the old town of Budva, which only now begins to please us. Inside the walls things change and you start breathing peace and serenity again. Very beautiful the venues near the citadel and overlooking the sea, the restaurant Novi Stari Grad highly recommended.

They say Budva is the queen of the coast, it certainly is of nightlife. Its seafront comes alive in the evening and, besides the countless stalls, bars and beach clubs follow one after another. It almost seems as though Moscow's nightlife soul moves here...... Overnight stay at Hotel Admiral, convenient for services and quite clean.

Montenegrin Coast

Today a day dedicated entirely to the sea... We decide to leave behind the umbrellas and sunbeds of Budva and head south, in search of some beach or cove a little more secluded. Indeed the coast is all rather crowded, but those who seek will find...so after the visit to the Praskvika monastery, we manage to find Plaza Beach, south of Rijeka Rezevici. The sea is very clean, similar to Croatia, with many beaches equipped with bars and facilities... We spend the evening again in Budva, where we visit the citadel and its churches. Tomorrow awaits the toughest day of the trip...so early to bed

Heading SOUTH....

This morning we set off early heading south, travelling the entire coast of Montenegro as far as Bar. Here we leave the coast and the sea and head inland towards the Albanian border at Sukobin..........Goodbye Montenegro, we leave enthusiastic about everything this small country has given us.