This small Balkan nation has a lot to
offer. A relatively new nation formed in
2006 with a population of less than 700,000 it feels like there is plenty of
space to go around. Located on the Adriatic
coast the biggest draws to this less explored nation are the rugged mountains,
narrow strips of beaches and medieval villages and fortified towns, that reach
all along the coast.
Unfortunately the pristine landscape and unspoilt beaches are slowly being revealed as some of the best kept secrets of this part of the world. As Croatia becomes over run with tourists and cruise ships stopping along the Adriatic, more and more people are searching further south for a quieter alternative which is no less beautiful.
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to get to Montenegro is to fly into Dubrovnik and take a bus along the coast, jumping off where ever takes your fancy. As we only had a week, we headed for one of the more famous stops along the Adriatic, the beautiful fortified town of Budva. Getting off the bus we found our hotel right on the beach, a 10 minute drive from the centre. Mountains behind and clear tempting sea in front. The location couldn't have been better, and what's more it's possible to walk all along the beach into the old town of Budva. The wide sweeping bay is lined with small bars and restaurants which were mainly filled with local tourists, a much tempting offer than those further north, filled with cheap package holiday sun seekers.
The medieval town of Budva is small and very walkable. Small narrow alleys offer shade from the heat of the day, interesting buildings, craft shops and cafes, and views over the harbour. Plenty to do for a couple of hours if relaxing on the beach gets too much.
Not being people to lie about we got a bus to Kotor. Another fortified medieval town, this is slightly bigger than Budva and has a little more to offer. Its location is stunning, a natural harbour protected by the remains of a hill fort looking down town below. It's also more expensive here which may have something to do with the ability for clipper ships to pull in here and disgorge tourists every so often. Despite this the boat just added to the feel of the place, and it was easy to disappear and find back streets and alleys, steps cut into rock between buildings led to places where it felt only locals might go.
The architecture here is also a draw, indeed we saw several groups of artists, set up their easels tempted by the carvings, balconies and slightly weathered exteriors that the buildings had to offer. Very picturesque and all very lovely.
If I had had more energy I should have gone to Sveti Stefan an island attached by a sand bar to the mainland, complete with churches and red roofed houses and narrow streets, one of the most photographed places in Montenegro. I also should have gone into the mountains and done some walking through native forest and wild countryside, seen the National park of Lake Skadar and the monastery of Ostrog, but I didn't. Next time huh, and quickly before the crowds catch on.
Unfortunately the pristine landscape and unspoilt beaches are slowly being revealed as some of the best kept secrets of this part of the world. As Croatia becomes over run with tourists and cruise ships stopping along the Adriatic, more and more people are searching further south for a quieter alternative which is no less beautiful.
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to get to Montenegro is to fly into Dubrovnik and take a bus along the coast, jumping off where ever takes your fancy. As we only had a week, we headed for one of the more famous stops along the Adriatic, the beautiful fortified town of Budva. Getting off the bus we found our hotel right on the beach, a 10 minute drive from the centre. Mountains behind and clear tempting sea in front. The location couldn't have been better, and what's more it's possible to walk all along the beach into the old town of Budva. The wide sweeping bay is lined with small bars and restaurants which were mainly filled with local tourists, a much tempting offer than those further north, filled with cheap package holiday sun seekers.
The medieval town of Budva is small and very walkable. Small narrow alleys offer shade from the heat of the day, interesting buildings, craft shops and cafes, and views over the harbour. Plenty to do for a couple of hours if relaxing on the beach gets too much.
Not being people to lie about we got a bus to Kotor. Another fortified medieval town, this is slightly bigger than Budva and has a little more to offer. Its location is stunning, a natural harbour protected by the remains of a hill fort looking down town below. It's also more expensive here which may have something to do with the ability for clipper ships to pull in here and disgorge tourists every so often. Despite this the boat just added to the feel of the place, and it was easy to disappear and find back streets and alleys, steps cut into rock between buildings led to places where it felt only locals might go.
The architecture here is also a draw, indeed we saw several groups of artists, set up their easels tempted by the carvings, balconies and slightly weathered exteriors that the buildings had to offer. Very picturesque and all very lovely.
If I had had more energy I should have gone to Sveti Stefan an island attached by a sand bar to the mainland, complete with churches and red roofed houses and narrow streets, one of the most photographed places in Montenegro. I also should have gone into the mountains and done some walking through native forest and wild countryside, seen the National park of Lake Skadar and the monastery of Ostrog, but I didn't. Next time huh, and quickly before the crowds catch on.
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