Montenegro...the Undiscovered Mediterranean

We checked-in to our hotel in the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica (the nice four star Centre Ville Hotel).

The nature is absolutely stunning with high green mountains, rivers, lakes and the blue water of the Adriatic ocean. While everyone talks about Croatia (Montenegro’s neighbor to the north) Montenegro really is the undiscovered Mediterranean paradise! The entire country feels like it is one big national park. On our first day we explored the countryside and visited the Shadar Lake and lunched at Sipcanik, a well-known vineyard.

We then went on to magnificent Bay of Kotor and were impressed with the beauty of Kotor’s Old Town and the dramatic Bay. We loved our hotel, The Hotel Cattaro inside of the old city. Protected by UNESCO, it was originally built as an opera house for Napoleon Bonaparte after his armies conquered the Balkans

I also found Budva – Montenegro’s coastal resort – absolutely delightful. We took a ride on a local small boat to explore the islands, and enjoyed meeting the friendly local people, all eager to practice their English with us. There, we stayed in the lovely Hotel Budva with ocean view. And the local food was excellent with so many options beyond the delicious seafood and ever-present smoked ham.

Besides the Budva and Kotor, tree “musts” to visit are Lustica Bay (for its stunning setting), Peraste (for its dream-like village setting on the Bay) and Tivat (for getting a glimpse of the country’s future development plans. Overall, so many options for touring and learning! Best of all for us was the easy access by air to the capital or to nearby Dubrovnik’s airport, and makes this destination just close enough to be convenient, but far enough so that mass tourism is still some time off.

Thinking about visiting the undiscovered Mediterranean?

Montenegro is the perfect place to organize groups focused on nature and outdoor activities as an emerging destination. One can enjoy boating Boka Bay Catamaran cruise, hiking, kayaking, zip line, swimming or simply relaxing.