Montenegro: the best country in Europe?
People often ask me which is my favourite country in Europe and without hesitation, I usually say Montenegro. It’s absolutely stunning. Although it’s a small country, one of the smallest in Europe in fact, it has so many beautiful places and a fascinating history too. Although, I’ve only been to Montenegro once, I have been longing to return every since.
It’s not as well-known as it’s neighbour, Croatia. But that’s one of it’s main selling points. Whereas the popularity of Croatia has exploded, leading to the old town’s of Split and Dubrovnik becoming swamped with tourists, Montenegro has not… yet. It has many of the same features as Croatia. It’s got it’s own stretch of Adriatic coastline, beautiful walled towns, mountains stretching to the sea, mystical islands and magnificent national parks. It’s even got the second deepest canyon in the world – after the Grand Canyon. It’s cheaper than Croatia too (and your budget will be helped by the fact that nature is free to enjoy). Honestly, what more could you want from a country?
While I plan to write a few blogs on Montenegro, because I honestly have so much to say and re-living the adventure will spur me onto buying a return flight, this post will feature some of the highlights of my trip, to provide a taste of exactly what you’re missing out on by not venturing into Montenegro. Enjoy.
Top 5 places to visit in Montenegro:
1. Kotor
An incredibly beautiful UNESCO town with a bustling old town and charming harbour located on the Gulf of Kotor. You can climb a few thousand steps up Kotor’s walls for an incredible view over the town. If you want to read more about Kotor, stay tuned for my upcoming blog!
2. Perast
Another UNESCO town – except this is one that you cannot take cars into. It’s only a few kilometers down the road from Kotor, but it’s got a very unique charm. While you can get proper boat tours out to the Our Lady of the Rock island, it’s much more fun (and much less money) to have some 15 year old local take you over in their barely seaworthy boat.
3. Cetinje
It’s just over the mountain from Kotor and is the former capital of the country. It’s a beautiful city, surrounded by mountains and a great place to spend a few hours. It’s also got one of the coolest characters I’ve met travelling – the singing, dancing, horseshoe and cattle-bell making blacksmith.
4. Lovćen National Park
This is a place that’ll take your breath away. Aside from the dramatic mountain landscape, dominated by Mount Lovćen, you need to climb the many, many steps to Njegos Mausoleum on the national parks second highest peak. The top affords you incredible views across the majority of the country – the restaurant at the bottom is not a bad place to stop for a beer either.
5. Durmitor National Park
Even for those who do make it to Montenegro, few people venture to the north of the country; to Durmitor National Park. This is a massive shame as it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in Europe. It was enhanced by our stay in the spare room of a local elderly women who spoke absolutely no English and her friendly son. You’ve not only got incredible views from the road, but you’ve also got the stunning Black Lake, breathtaking Tara Canyon (the second deepest canyon in the world) and the impressive Tara bridge too. I will return. I have to.
Source: You Bloody Tourist
https://youbloodytourist.blog/2017/01/22/montenegro-the-best-country-in-europe/
