Over the past few years travellers priorities have changed drastically with 2023 the year of the slow travel trend. As a society, we now look for trips where we can move at our own pace and find time to rejuvenate.
Home to five national parks, spectacular wild scenery and seemingly endless blue skies, Montenegro couldn’t be the more perfect destination to relax and slow down. Below are 7 places to visit in the beautiful Balakan destination.
Lovely landscapes
Durmitor National Park
Offering breathtaking views of surrounding nature Durmitor National park was formed by glaciers and is traversed by rivers and underground streams. Along the Tara river canyon, which includes the deepest gorge in Europe, the dense pine forests are teamed with clear lakes and a wide range of flora and fauna. The adventurous can hike the highest peak in Montenegro, Bobotov Kuk at 2,523m or find themselves rafting on the wild waters of The Tara River.
Black Lake
The peaks of Durmitor National Park make a stunning backdrop for the Black Lake. A short 4-kilometre track around the lake winds past momentous caves and grazing cattle. There are boats for hire and it’s an idyllic spot to spread a picnic blanket with some Montenegrin wine and prosciutto whilst enjoying the scenery.
Skadar Lake
The largest lake in the Balkans, Skadar Lake and National Park shares its waters with Albania and is an important destination for migratory birds including the great heron, kingfishers and cormorants. Take a guided boat tour and cruise the serene lake with mountains in every direction before heading to a local restaurant to enjoy a fresh morning catch from the lake.
Lovcen National Park
Insert some bits about the new cable car and the views to Bay of Kotor, Lustica Bay and on clear days – even as far as Croatia! You can do hiking, biking and a new mountain coast will launch in the new year for the brave. If visitors would prefer to sit back and take in the view, there’s a chic bar and restaurant to kick back with a local Montenegrin beer.
Quaint towns
Sveti Stefan
A favourite with both royalty and tourists alike since 1930, Sveti Stefan is a quaint 15th century village boasting pink pebble beaches and azure blue waters. Tourists can enjoy an afternoon swim in one of two beaches aptly named Kings Beach and Queens Beach, take a stroll through Milocer Park framing the historic monastery of Praskvitsa, followed by a dinner of fresh seafood whilst watching the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
Perast
A pretty coastal town calling to the luxury traveller, Perast recently welcomed the Grand Heritage by Rixos providing guests with uninterrupted views of the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks. A beautiful island sanctuary located off the coast of Perast in the heart of the Bay of Kotor. The island has become a beloved symbol of faith and folklore, with its rich history, captivating legends and natural landscapes. It is an artificial island created by sinking old and seized ships loaded with rocks.
Budva Old Town
Explore Budva’s 2,500 year old walls – a lively coastal town filled with restaurants to enjoy delicious delicacies, bars for a wine from closeby and boutiques for those hoping for some retail therapy. Rich in history, the town museum and citadel showcase Budva’s ancient artefacts, whilst a short seaside walk leads to idyllic Mogren Beach.
For further information on travel in Montenegro, visit https://see.montenegro.travel/en
