About Montenegro
Before exploring Montenegro, here’s a brief summary of the country’s history. Both Greeks and Celts are believed to have settled in the area; around the third century BC, it became the Illyrian Kingdom and then, in the first century AD, the area came under Roman and then Byzantine rule. In the 14th and 15th centuries, what is now Montenegro became the Principality of Zeta, which was a union of three earlier principalities, and part of the area was rule by the Venetian Republic. In the 17th century, the country gained its independence, which was recognized at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. After the First World War, the Kingdom of Montenegro joined the Yugoslav federation. Following the dissolution of the Yugoslav federation, Montenegro and Serbia formed a federation; in 2006, the majority of Montenegro’s voters chose to exit the federation and Montenegro declared its independence.
Where is Montenegro?
Montenegro is in southeastern Europe along the Adriatic coast of the Balkans. It has borders with Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Albania.
The capital and other cities of Montenegro
We begin our Montenegro journey in the capital, Podgorica…
Montenegro’s capital: Podgorica
Podgorica is considered the country’s cultural and commercial center. This multicultural city features a diverse population, notable restaurants, and lush greenery fed by the Moraca and Ribnica rivers passing through the middle of the city. Podgorica’s most prominent sites include Stari Varos (old Turkish city), the Millennium Bridge, the Ribnica Bridge, Hercegovacka Street, Petrovic Palace, and King’s Park.
The pearl of the Adriatic: Budva
Set on the Adriatic coastline and offering lovely beaches, Budva is an extremely popular tourist destination. The city is roughly divided into the new and old towns, the latter of which has structures dating from the medieval era. In addition to the citadels and narrow stone-paved streets of the Old Town (also known as Stari Grad), Budva is home to Sveti Stefan Island, connected to the city via a land bridge. The picturesque island has been a location scene for some of the James Bond films.
Other prominent sites in Budva include Santa Maria in Punta Church, the Archaeological Museum, and the Citadel.
Medieval city: Kotor
The medieval town of Kotor, one of the most attractive port cities in the world, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the Bay of Kotor, this jewel-like town has structures dating from the Illiyrian era as well as the Middle Ages. Among its most prominent sites and sights: the Kotor Old Town, where most of the historical buildings are located; the Maritime Museum and Gospa of Skrpjela Island.
A center of luxury: Tivat
Tivat, whose star shines bright when it comes to places to visit in Montenegro, is an extremely beautiful Mediterranean city set along the Bay of Kotor. Dynamic and colorful, Tivat is also known for its mega yacht marina, Porto Montenegro, built by Canadian billionaire Peter Munk. Other spots to visit in Tivat are the Tivat Botanical Garden, the Tivat City Park, Donja Lastva and St. Sava Church.
History and fun: Bar
On the Adriatic coast, Bar is an important tourism center as well as a town with deep historical roots and a notable maritime culture. Among the sites worth visiting to fully experience Bar’s heritage and unique atmosphere are the Stari Bar (Old Town), King Nikola’s Palace, Mirovica, St. John’s Church and the town’s beaches.
Dining in Montenegro
We’ve touched on places to visit in Montenegro, so now it’s time to discuss food. Montenegrin cuisine, centered on seafood, red meat and dairy products, is influenced by Mediterranean, Balkan and Italian traditions, while Ottoman-style pastries are also common. Some of the country’s specialties include:
- Kacamak (mashed potatoes, cornmeal and milk)
- Black risotto
- Gavice (fried fish with corn flour batter)
- Fish soup
- Burek
- Buzara (shellfish and sauce)
Useful information
- The capital of Montenegro is Podgorica
- The language spoken in Montenegro is Montenegrin.
- The currency used in Montenegro is the Euro.
- Podgorica Airport, in Podgorica, is the country’s largest and busiest airport
- Montenegro has a continental, oceanic and Mediterranean climate. Montenegrin cities such as Budva, Kotor and Bar have a Mediterranean climate, while Podgorica and its surrounding region are influenced by an oceanic climate. In the north and inland, the continental climate prevails.
- The best time to visit Montenegro is spring and summer.
Getting to Montenegro
You can reach Montenegro by sea, land, and air; you can fly to Montenegro with Turkish Airlines to Podgorica Airport. Montenegro’s other international airport is Tivat Airport, which is closer to Kotor.
