More and more tourists when choosing a place for summer holidays tend to the Adriatic coast. There are relatively close to other European countries. Most people come to Montenegro to the sea and do not even know that that’s over the hill there are real nature gems. The name of the country speaks for itself, and locals are mountaineers historically and not maritime nation like neighboring Croats. They got access to the sea only 100 years ago, therefore the heart of the country – is a mountain in the middle of the continent.
Budva is the main town on the coast. The Riviera of Budva is 25 km long and is in the center of Montenegrin coastline, covering 122 km². There are many coves, sandy beaches, capes and islets and picturesque settlements along the very coastline which is why it is called the “Riviera of sandy beaches”. It looks at open sea, abounding in Mediterranean flora. In the hinterland of the Riviera of Budva there is mountain Lovćen, which protects it from cold north winds and provide conditions for mild Mediterranean climate, which pleasantly impresses every visitor who comes to enjoy in the beauties of its climate.
The center of the Riviera is Budva, one of the oldest settlements in the Adriatic, with its old town with records from before the 5th century of our era.There are about forty beautiful settlements, villages in the Riviera among which is Bečići, whose beach was in 1935 in Paris proclaimed as the most beautiful beach in Europe, then Miločer – former royal residence, unique town – hotel, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac – Lastva, which is mentioned for the first time “Chronicle of Pope Dukljanin” in the 12th century.
The coast of Montenegro is 294 km (183 mi) long. Unlike its northern neighbour Croatia, Montenegro has no large inhabited islands along the coast. A notable feature of the Montenegrin coast is Bay of Kotor, a fjord-like gulf, which is in fact a submerged river canyon. The Bay of Kotor is surrounded by mountains up to 1,000 m high, which plunge almost vertically into the sea.
To the south of the Bay of Kotor, there is a narrow coastal plain, no more than 4 km wide, which is guarded from the north by high mountains. The plain provided space for numerous small coastal settlements.
Montenegro’s mountains can often provide you an entire panorama of vistas as you gaze down on Old Montenegro at your feet. These awe-inspiring natural monuments include the mountain Njeguši, the patron mount of the Petrović dynasty. From mount Njeguši you will see the city of Cetinje, one of the region’s ancient capitals.
The old capital of Cetinje is one such magical place, located high in the mountains above Kotor where it rests on a small plateau with breathtaking views.
Cetinje, especially the historical center of the city, is small enough, and everything is within walking distance. If you are looking for a genuine Montenegrin souvenir – Cetinje is perfect for this! Other than that, Cetinje is not really a shopping resort, leave that for coastal towns or Podgorica. Cetinje is the right town to try out traditional Montenegrin cuisine, e.g. veal filled with cheese and ham. Despite the name of the country, make sure you try the excellent Adriatic fish and seafood. Montenegrin quality wine is a must-try. The best known Montenegrin wines are the premium “Vranac”, “Pro Corde”, “Krstač”, “Cabernet”, “Chardonnay” and the famous homemade Crmničko red wine.
Grape brandy (rakija) “Montenegrin loza”, “Prvijenac”, “Kruna” or homemade grape brandy (lozova rakija, lozovaca) is also great.
And a piece of advice for you, friends: if you somewhere in Montenegro at sea, do not be lazy to rent a car and ride to mountains. This is a great relaxation during a beach holiday and seen all the above with your eyes you still have the impression to the end of life.