Montenegro is about to have a moment. The tiny Balkan country — it is one of the smallest in Europe, and could fit inside Connecticut — boasts a stunning Adriatic coastline like its neighbor, Croatia, but has a fraction of the visitors. That makes it easier to explore and appreciate this beautiful place and its people.
Space to soak up the sun
Beaches in Montenegro are refreshing in more ways than one
The stunning coastline of Montenegro is intoxicating, with dramatic views of the mountains, bays, beaches and coves. During the summer, it is "not easy to find an uncrowded beach in Europe," Condé Nast Traveler said, but "quieter" Montenegro is "one of your best bets."
Plavi Horizonti beach, near the town of Tivat, has a "sandy shoreline dotted with craggy caves," Travel and Leisure said. Its "gin-clear waters" beckon swimmers, but those who prefer to set sail can book a boat tour. Tivat offers educational options too, like visiting the 14th-century home that houses the Buca-Lukovic Museum and Gallery, and fresh seafood meals. The "greatest charm" is being able to explore "without elbowing your way through a crowd" or "waiting in an endlessly long line."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Unspoiled land
Lovcen National Park's lookouts offer panoramic views
Montenegro is rightfully known for its coastline, but "even more treasures await you inland," Lonely Planet said. There are five "distinctly different" national parks to explore, with hikers and history buffs alike drawn to Lovcen National Park. It covers a black mountain (which gave Montenegro its name) above the Bay of Kotor, with the old royal capital, Cetinje, "nestled on the slopes." Here, you can explore palaces and museums before hitting the mountain biking and hiking trails. Be sure to trek to the "striking" Njegos Mausoleum that holds the tomb of philosopher and poet Petar II Petrovic-Njegos and "gargantuan statues" by sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.
The "extraordinary" Biogradska Gora National Park is home to glacial lakes and "one of the very last primeval forests in Europe," the Times of London said. It is "still truly wild" and "unspoilt," with bears and wolves roaming among trees dating back centuries. This is a temperate rainforest; for "thick pine forests," go to Durmitor National Park. There are also "steep-sided canyons and wind-swept valleys," and in the winter skiers make their way to the small town of Zabljak to hit the slopes.
Finding the 'true heart' of Montenegro
Sheep are some of the roadside attractions in Montenegro's countryside
One fun way to experience Montenegro is by renting a car and seeing where the road takes you. If you start in Kotor, a historic town by the Bay of Kotor, you might end up "corkscrewing up into the mountains" and stopping at Njegusi to "sample the Balkans' best smoked prosciutto," said Rick Steves on his travel site. This is the "true heart" of Montenegro, dotted with "humble villages" that have a "less 'Western' feeling than anywhere along the Adriatic." If you see a farmhouse selling honey brandy, smoked ham and mountain cheese, pull over. You will want to enjoy these local treats while taking in the views of this "rocky hinterland."
-
Homo Floresiensis: Earth’s real life ‘hobbits’Under the Radar New research suggests that ‘early human pioneers’ in Australia interbred with archaic species of hobbits at least 60,000 years ago
-
Homes by renowned architectsFeature Featuring a Leonard Willeke Tudor Revival in Detroit and modern John Storyk design in Woodstock
-
Looming drone ban has farmers and farm-state Republicans anxiousIN THE SPOTLIGHT As congressional China-hawks work to limit commercial drone sales from Beijing, a growing number of conservative lawmakers are sounding an agricultural alarm
-
May your loved ones eat, drink and be merry with these 9 edible Christmas giftsThe Week Recommends Let them eat babka (and cheese and licorice)
-
10 concert tours to see this winterThe Week Recommends Keep cozy this winter with a series of concerts from big-name artists
-
6 gripping museum exhibitions to view this winterThe Week Recommends Discover the real Grandma Moses and Frida Kahlo
-
Pull over for these one-of-a-kind gas stationsThe Week Recommends Fill ’er up next to highland cows and a giant soda bottle
-
The 8 best sci-fi series of all timethe week recommends Imagining — and fearing — the future continues to give us compelling and thoughtful television
-
The 8 best action movies of the 21st centurythe week recommends Thrills come in many forms, from assassins and spies to regular people fighting for justice
-
6 optimal digital nomad destinations: Pack your laptop, your visa and a sense of adventureThe Week Recommends See the world — but do it in a conscientious manner
-
The 9 best dark comedy TV shows of all timeThe Week Recommends From workplace satire to family dysfunction, nothing is sacred for these renowned, boundary-pushing comedies
