Montenegro

Montenegro is still in its early stages of independence, and this charming nation has all the unspoiled beauty of the Balkans. Travelers are increasingly reaching points further east of Dubrovnik, Croatia to discover where the Adriatic Sea continues. Montenegro travel has resulted from this curiosity, and visitors are rewarded with small seaside villages, warm waters, and mountains for hiking. During the 1980s, a holiday in Montenegro was an exotic choice that many travelers found attractive, but the conflicts of the 1990s destroyed this image. Since independence in 2006, Montenegro has made tourism an important priority, and the country has already succeeded in bringing back tourists to their shores and mountains.

While the overall standards for Montenegro travel have improved, transportation is still in need of further development. An airport in the capital city, Podgorica Airport, is the only international airport in the country and receives flights from European hubs such as London and Vienna. Discount airlines have not yet expanded into Montenegro, but nearby airports that can be reached affordable include those in Dubrovnik and Split. The bus is the best option to travel along this coastline, as it is both affordable and offered frequently. Dubrovnik, Mostar, and Sarajevo are all connected to Montenegro by bus service.

Meaning "Black Mountain" in the local language of Montenegrin, Montenegro attracts tourists for two main reasons. A holiday in Montenegro can be a relaxing beach experience, or an active mountain adventure. The inland mountains are known both for their skiing in winter and opportunities for hiking in summer. A variety of seaside villages makes it possible to experience the Adriatic in an untainted sense; beaches are the main component of Montenegro tourism, and Budva is the center of the coastal beaches. This popular spot attracts tourists from around the world, and the lovely beaches, cafés, and hotels serves as a great introduction to the region.

The euro is the current currency, which simplifies Montenegro travel in regards to pricing structures and value. Whether visitors arrive to visit the historic walled cities of Kotor or explore the Durmitor National Park, the familiarity of the euro is a welcome component. The ski season lasts from December through March, while the coastline is most pleasant during May, June, and September. During the hot months of July and August, travelers may find exploring Montenegro more difficult as hotels may be harder to find and expensive. This is the time of year local people go on holidays, and travelers may find fewer options than they would like.

The capital city of Podgorica isn’t popular with travelers, and for good reason. Typically just a place of transport en route to the mountains or the coast, the capital city is also prohibitively expensive. Hotel rooms especially can coast four or five times the price of a similar hotel room along the coast. For this reason and others, most visitors move right through the capital city to the more desirable locations in Montenegro. Visas are not required to plan a holiday in Montenegro, also increasing the attraction of the country. If you’re looking for quiet seaside towns tucked into coves along the Adriatic, or a new place to try out the hiking boots, Montenegro is a thrilling—and unusual—choice.