Current Montenegro is one of the most widespread tourist places among European countries. The natural luxury of this delightful country, comfortable climate, many historical and architectural treasures and low prices attract more and more tourists to the country of black mountains and white beaches.
Montenegro is famous for its natural treasures, including the stunning azure-blue lakes of Sasi and Skadar, a national park containing the famous Black Lake and the colorful canyons of the Tara and Morač rivers,
Every corner of Montenegro is interesting in its own way, and all the exotic places defy description, so you should definitely visit this delightful country. The country most likely acquired its name (Black Mountain) thanks to the impenetrable black forests, which in the Middle Ages covered Mount Lovcen and the rest of the alpine hills of ancient Montenegro.
Tourist country
Montenegro today is a very popular Eastern European country in terms of tourism. Mountain landscapes, the clearest Adriatic Sea, optimal temperature - that’s why holidays here are so popular. Even when it is cloudy in most resorts, the weather in Montenegro always pleases vacationers with its mild Mediterranean climate. In summer, the air warms up to +40 °C, and the water temperature on the coast of Montenegro reaches +25 °C. What else do you need to have a great time? Meanwhile, winter in the mountains is snowy and moderately cold, which favors the development of ski tourism.
The number of those who dream of spending their holidays in Montenegro, relaxing or improving their health is constantly growing, many people from all over Europe even dream of purchasing real estate here for this purpose - after all, with wonderful natural conditions housing prices here are lower than in most other countries.
Geographical location
Montenegro is located in the south of Europe, on the southwestern side of the Balkans. Its southern border is with Albania, in the west with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and on the northern side its neighbors are Serbia and Croatia. The area of Montenegro is geographically divided into three regions: mountains in the northeastern part of the country, the shore of the Adriatic Sea, as well as the flat basin of Lake Skadar and the valley landscape around it. The length of the coast reaches 293.5 km. The state owns 14 sea islands.
In the north-west there is a large inlet - Boka Kotorska. The main beaches are located in Montenegro - a colorful country that is bathed in the waters of the Adriatic. The coastal line occupies approximately a third of the state's border. Rocky mountains, colorful architecture and generous nature - this is what Montenegro is famous for today. Mountain tourism no less fascinating than relaxing on the seashores. National Park Durmitor reveals to tourists the delightful colors of the Black Mountains. The path to them is more convenient and interesting through the town of Pluzine. On the way you can see the Piva artificial reservoir, with a natural emerald hue. You can go through tunnels carved into the rocks; they contain winding roads in the form of serpentines. Here you can find stunning views of the Black Lake, the canyon of the Tara River, and the Dzhurzhevich Bridge between two mountain shores.
The country is characterized by cozy towns with small houses and huge natural expanses. The most famous cities among travelers are Podgorica, Kotor, Budva, Perast, Petrovets, Cetinje.
Capital
The city of Podgorica is the largest settlement in Montenegro, representing the center of the economy and industry of the state. Tourists in the city are attracted by the narrow streets and unique ancient buildings of the ancient districts of Stara Varos and Drach. The most fascinating places to visit are: St. George's Church, Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Natural History Museum, National Theater, Njegusa Palace and Art Gallery. Among the modern structures is the Millennium Bridge, stretching across the Morač River. Not far from Podgorica you can see the ruins of the ancient fortress Medun, which existed in the 3rd century BC. e.
Population
It has about 627,000 inhabitants. The diversity of the population is distributed according to ethnic composition as follows:
- Montenegrins - 43%;
- Serbs - 32%;
- Bosnians - 8%;
- Albanians - 5%;
- other nationalities: Croats, Russians, gypsies.
The official language in the country is Montenegrin, which is a Slavic language and therefore very close to the Russian and Ukrainian languages. The most popular foreign languages are German and English.
The city of Tsetne, located in a colorful valley at the foot of the Lovcen mountain, is rightfully considered the historical and cultural capital. A complex of historical, cultural and architectural attractions create a true open-air museum. Among the most visited places by tourists, the following stand out: the Bilyard Palace, Royal Palace Nicholas I, Vlaška Church, art, ethnographic and many different museums. You should definitely get to the National Park and see the royal family estate of the Petrovichs in the picturesque village of Njegusi on the top of Mount Lovcen. Here you can also visit the Mausoleum of Peter II Njegos.
The total area of Montenegro is 13,812 km².
The largest resorts: Budva, Becici, Herceg, Petrovac, Novi, Bar. Airports: Podgorica and Tivat. The highest place in Montenegro: the peak of Bobotov Kuk in the Durmitor mountain range - 2522 m. Here is Lake Skadar - the deepest on the Balkan Peninsula, its depths reach up to 530 km. Here is the deepest European canyon along the Tara River, with a depth of up to 1300 m. Thanks to the favorable geography of Montenegro on the coast, the climate is subtropical: summers are long, hot and dry, the air warms up to +28-32 ˚С, sea water - up to +22-26 ˚С, and a short mild winter with temperatures up to +8 +10 ˚С. The beach season lasts six months a year, because Montenegro is second only to Cyprus in terms of the number of sunny days per year. In mountainous areas the climate is temperate continental, winters are snowy and long, which is favorable for the development ski holiday.
Kitchen
A feature of all Montenegrin cuisine is the high ecological purity of the products used. The land in Montenegro is so fertile that additional artificial fertilizers are not used here at all, and the local population has not even heard of GMOs. Natural food, clean ecology, mountain air and sea water - everything contributes to strengthening the health of the local population; it is not for nothing that life expectancy is high here. Typical Slavic cuisine with Mediterranean elements - a variety of meat dishes, seafood, fruits, vegetables. Don't forget to try the local wines “Vranac” and “Krstac”, as well as grape vodka - vine. Another distinctive feature of Montenegrin cuisine is large portions both in bars and restaurants, which is good news foreign guests countries.
First of all, in Montenegro, tourists buy local handicrafts: jewelry, haberdashery, honey, olive oil, wine. Shops are open daily, from morning until late evening. Both supermarkets and small shops are open every day from 6:00 to 20:00, and in tourist centers - until 23:00. You can also find shops everywhere that are open 24 hours a day. At local markets, purchases can be made in the first half of the day.
Holidays and leisure
Montenegro has many holidays a year, both state and religious: on January 1 and 2, the population of Montenegro celebrates New Year, January 6 and 7 - Christmas, April 27 - Statehood Day in Montenegro, people also celebrate Christian Easter in the spring with the entire Orthodox world, May 1 and 2 - Spring and Labor Day, May 9 - Victory Day, June 4 - Partisan Day, June 13 is Uprising Day, November 29 and 30 are Republic Days. If the celebration falls on a weekend, then the weekdays that follow are also considered weekends.
Political system of the country
According to the country's Constitution, adopted in 2007, Montenegro is a free democratic state. The President of Montenegro is elected for a five-year term by general secret ballot. Since 2003, the state has been led by Filip Vujanovic. During the reign of the current president, the independence of Montenegro was proclaimed in May 2006. The residence of the President of Montenegro is located in Cetinje.
Currency regulation
What is the currency in Montenegro? Monetary currency in Montenegro - euro. There are no special restrictions on import and export. Tourists are allowed to import and export any amount of foreign currency that was declared upon entering the country; without a declaration, the export of cash currency from the country is allowed no more than 500 euros. When exporting large amounts, they must be declared. In this case, it is necessary to present a declaration stating that the indicated amount of currency was previously imported into the Montenegro area. The State National Bank operates only on weekdays. Commercial banks accept clients on Thursdays and Fridays. On weekends, only currency exchange offices are open. It is better to use plastic cards, then the question of which currency is best to pay in Montenegro and where to change it will not arise.
Hotels
Over the past decades, a huge current has flowed into the economy of Montenegro - tourism, bringing significant profits to the state. Excellent ecological situation and comfortable spot Its location attracts more and more wealthy Europeans here. Recently, many comfortable hotels, inns, private villas and mini-hotels have been built in Montenegro, and money has been invested in the development of resort infrastructure. Many hotels have undergone renovations. Accommodation in private villas is very common. Typically, this is a 3-5-storey building with standard rooms and apartments, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Almost all of them provide tourists with breakfast. All private villas are located at a distance of 900 to 200 m from hotels in private villas: check-in to rooms after 12:00, check-out before 11:00. Population composition by ethnicity: Montenegrins (43%) and Serbs (32%), other nationalities - Bosnians, Albanians, Croats, Russians, Gypsies. The official language in the country is Montenegrin.
Religion in Montenegro
The majority of the Montenegrin population professes the Orthodox Christian faith (74%), with a minority of Islam (18%) and Catholicism (4%). The most popular attraction of the state is the Ostrog Monastery. It is located 15 km from Danilovgrad in a delightful natural place. This monastery is a famous Orthodox shrine in the world; hundreds of thousands of pilgrims of various faiths come to it every year to touch the miraculous power of the relics of St. Basil of Ostrog. The top of the monastery is carved into the rock at an altitude of 900 m and looks amazing.
The Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Montenegro is one of the most stunning Orthodox churches in the world. There is a special attitude towards religion in Montenegro. In the nineties of the 20th century, construction of the cathedral began in Podgorica. It was a grandiose project in its scale and beauty, the most majestic Orthodox church in the Balkans. The construction of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ began in 1993 by Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and Primorye. The cathedral can be visited by five thousand parishioners at the same time. The largest bell was made in Voronezh at the Anisimov plant and weighs 10 tons. Together, all 14 bells of the temple weigh close to 20 tons. The temple is still being painted and completed today.
Nature
The clearest sea of the Adriatic, captivating mountain ranges, a coast with many inlets, protected from strong winds and storms, excellent beaches, sun, magnificent nature - this is all Montenegro. Its description can be continued endlessly, but it is better to see everything with your own eyes.
In the early 90s, Montenegro was called a country of clean, untouched and protected nature. This is a land of sharp contrasts, located in a small area. Montenegro has both a sea with excellent beaches and mountains covered with snow. all year round, creating conditions for ski holidays. The beaches of Montenegro stretch along the Adriatic coast. 173 beaches with a total length of 73 km occupy a quarter of the entire 293 km coastline. A tourist can visit a beach with different preferences - with fine or coarse sand, pebbly or rocky, in calm creeks or on capes protruding into the sea, there are beaches with modern amenities or wild beaches with pristine nature. The water in the sea is dark blue, its transparency is amazing - 40-55 meters, salinity ranges from 28% in the Boka Kotorska inlet, and up to 38% in the south near Ulcinj. There are nudist beaches, and there is even a nudist village. At the level of mountain cliffs, the climate is typical subalpine - with cold snowy winters and moderate summers. IN northern mountains In Montenegro there is usually snow for many months, and sometimes even throughout the year.
Transport and communications
What kind of transport is developed in the country? Air transport. Montenegro has two airports of international importance - in the cities of Tivat and Podgorica. National cannot yet compete with the largest carriers, but its planes fly to Europe and neighboring countries Balkan countries. Regular flights here are also operated by the Russian Aeroflot and the Serbian airline JAT.
There is also a railway here that connects the following cities: Subotica - Novi - Sad - Belgrade - Bar. The railway runs from the port through Podgorica to Belgrade, and there is also a direction from Podgorica to Niksic. Water transport. Port - city of Bar. There is a constant ferry crossing to Italy (route Bar - Bari). Seaports: Kotor and Perast. Maritime transport connects everything beach resorts on the coast.
There are bus routes between all cities. The roads are quite good, for a mountainous country, and traffic is on the right.
Main highways: Adriatic Highway; routes from the coast through Podgorica to Sarajevo and Belgrade. In the country, the bus is the most common form of transportation, and in some places it is the only one. Stops on request along the way are allowed. Advice for tourists: it is better to buy a ticket at any kiosk, because a ticket purchased on the bus will be about 2 times more expensive.
Mobile operators in Montenegro are ProMonte and Monet.
Safety
For safety reasons, video and photography can only be done where there is no special sign - a crossed out camera. It is not allowed to photograph transport and energy facilities, port facilities and military facilities. By the way, in Montenegro today the crime rate is very low, so both residents and tourists of this country can feel safe and calmly enjoy the picturesque beauty of this unique region.
Montenegro is a small but very picturesque country located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula (South-East Europe). This is a young state with rich history: although Montenegro gained independence only in 2006, its mentions can be found in medieval chronicles.
In most countries of the world, Montenegro is known as Montenegro, although the local population calls their country “Crna Gora”. However, the meaning of these two variants of names is the same: “black mountain”. This is exactly what the Lovcen Massif, overlooking the famous Bay of Kotor, was once called. Several decades ago this place became a national park.
In recent years, Montenegro has become a favorite destination for tourists from many countries. People come here for an interesting, varied and eventful holiday on the Adriatic coast. The coastline of Montenegro stretches for 300 km, a significant part of which is occupied by the beautiful beaches of developed resort towns. In addition, the state has fourteen sea islands, on the beaches of which you can also swim.
Landscapes of Montenegro
But beach holidays are far from the only thing that attracts Montenegro. In its towns - Perast, Kotor, Cetinje and others - you can see the pearls of ancient architecture. Most large resort Budva will delight lovers of colorful nightlife, fans of natural beauty will be delighted by the beauty of Lake Skadar, the grandeur of the Tara River canyon and mountain landscapes national parks. Montenegrin cuisine and the hospitality of the local population deserve special attention. Of course, in Montenegro everyone can get an unforgettable experience.
Short story
The Slavs came to Dalmatia in the 6th century, when these lands belonged to Rome. In 1042, the Serbs managed to achieve the independence of their own country, which they called Duklja. The state was recognized by the Catholic Church, after which it received the status of a kingdom. However, in the 12th century, the Serbs gradually lost part of the conquered lands, and were soon completely absorbed by their stronger neighbors.
Montenegro According to Byzantine chronicles, the principality formed on the site of Dukla was named Zeta - in honor of the river flowing in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. Zeta did not retain its independence for long: due to the threat of capture by the Turks, the principality came under the protection of the Venetians.
However, the Ottoman Empire did take control of these territories, and in 1376 the former principality was named Montenegro in the official documentation of Dubrovnik. This was its first written mention.
In the period from the 16th to the mid-19th century, Montenegro was an ecclesiastical state led by bishops. Then government structure became secular again, and princes and kings began to rule the country.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, wars took place in the Balkans region, during which Montenegro managed to conquer new territories. In 1918, the country became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and after World War II - into socialist Yugoslavia. The collapse of this entity led to a tragic armed conflict, which is known to all residents of Europe. This is a rather sensitive topic for local residents, so it is better not to raise it.
The country was part of the federal Yugoslavia from 1992 to 2003. Then she was allied with Serbia for several years. In 2006, following a public referendum, the country gained independence. Now it is a member of NATO and is preparing to join the European Union.
Economy
Montenegro operates a market economy model. The country receives income from industrial production (21.2%), services (70.5%) and agriculture (8.3%). The vast majority of the working population is employed in the service sector (tourism).
Industrial activity in the state is related to metallurgy. For example, Niksic is considered the center of ferrous metallurgy; aluminum is processed in the capital Podgorica. The electrical industry is concentrated in Cetinje, and shipbuilding is concentrated in Bijela. Tobacco is also grown in Montenegro and salt is mined.
In the wars of the 1990s, the country's economy was greatly undermined, but at the beginning of the new millennium, Montenegro took a new path and became attractive tourist center. Moreover, tourists began to come here all year round. Since then, the country's economy has begun to grow again, and in 2014, tourism profits reached 20 percent of GDP. According to experts, the Montenegrin economy will continue to grow for the next few years.
The state has made the tourism sector a priority over agriculture and industry. Tourism is being developed in all areas, which is why Montenegro has even been declared an “ecological state.”
Cities and resorts
There are a lot of resorts in Montenegro, so people with very different preferences can find a place to suit their taste in this country. There are also quiet coastal towns suitable for family vacation, and noisy Budva for young people, and the luxurious island of Sveti Stefan for tourists who prefer the most high level comfort. Small but well-known ski resorts are also popular. IN brief overview you will find short descriptions cities and resorts that will help you make your choice.
Podgorica
The city of Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro The capital of Montenegro, Podgorica, is the largest city in the country. Its population is just over 150 thousand people, which is a quarter of all Montenegrins. There is no access to the sea in Podgorica, but it works international Airport, there is the country's only state university, theaters, several museums and even monuments to Pushkin and Vysotsky, which glorified the courage of the Montenegrins.
You will find a detailed description of Podgorica with photos.
Tivat Tivat is the place from which most tourists begin their trip to Montenegro. There is an international airport near the city, from which guests of the country travel to different resorts. By the way, Tivat also has a beach and several islands, but in the high season there are a lot of tourists in the city, so there are practically no free sun loungers left.
Budva, old town Petrovac
Petrovac, Montenegro Petrovac, a cozy town located on the very shore of a picturesque bay, will be an ideal place for relaxation. Here you can walk through pine and olive groves, stroll along the promenade with numerous cafes and shops, and also go on boat trips to the nearest islands. Nightlife lovers can visit an unusual club in a converted 16th-century fortress.
View of Kotor Kotor practically consists of continuous attractions. All historical Center cities in which medieval quarters, temples and palaces are perfectly preserved are included in the list World Heritage UNESCO. Old city surrounded by fortress walls up to 16 meters thick. Kotor has small beaches, but large tourist ships sail to the coast every day, so the water in this part of the bay is not so clean.
A detailed description of the city of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor is presented at.
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi This resort is chosen mainly by those tourists who want to improve their health. There is a large center for resort treatment, rehabilitation and physiotherapy called “Igalo”, which offers modern procedures for treating a wide variety of diseases and improving general condition. Another advantage of this town is beautiful gardens and parks with dozens of species of exotic plants.
More detailed information about Herceg Novi with photos has been collected.
Ulcinj Ulcinj is the southernmost, sunniest and warmest resort in Montenegro. It is located near the border with Albania: not far from the picturesque Lake Skadar. It is believed that the sand on the beaches of Ulcinj and the mineral composition of the water have healing properties.
Ada-Boyana
This small island 25 km from Ulcinj has received the status of a nature reserve, so here you can enjoy untouched nature. One coast of this triangular island is washed by the salty Adriatic Sea, and the other two are washed by the fresh water of the Boyan River. But that’s not why Ada-Boyana became widely known: the resort is famous as a vacation spot for nudists. Naked people swim, sunbathe and even play sports here.
Sveti Stefan Island
Sveti Stefan Previously, this island was an ordinary fishing village, but now it has turned into an elite resort with the most luxurious apartments in all of Montenegro. Hollywood stars, famous businessmen and even monarchs relax here. The territory of the island is closed to ordinary tourists, but everyone can relax on the free beach with an iconic view of the resort, which can be seen on tourist brochures.
Black lake in Zabljak The small town of Zabljak, with a population of only 2,000 people, has become a popular ski resort. Tourists are happy to come all year round to admire the local natural beauty and relax in peace. Zabljak is known as the highest located settlement in Europe. It is located in the center of the Durmitor mountain range at an altitude of almost 1.5 km above the sea.
More detailed information about the ski resort Zabljak is presented in.
Ski resort Kolasin Another famous one ski resort surrounded by three mountain range with hundred-year-old forests of the national park. The high season here lasts from early November to early May, but the town is not empty in summer either. In the warm season, people come here to breathe the healing mountain air and enjoy nature.
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Entertainment and attractions
Lovcen Montenegro has a lot of attractions: both natural and architectural. There are preserved medieval buildings in almost every city, and in the continental part of the country you can see the most beautiful mountain lakes, canyons, and picturesque valleys. Let us list the main attractions of this country.
Mount Lovcen
Near the city of Kotor, which we wrote about in the previous section, there is an important symbol of Montenegro - Mount Lovcen. The splendor of Montenegrin landscapes is difficult to describe in words. Once you climb this mountain, you will see everything for yourself.
Bucha Castle
Buca Castle in Montenegro This old castle, which once served as a family summer residence, has become a real cultural center Tivat: it organizes exhibitions and other events all year round. The palace complex was built in the 17th century: now it has been completely restored and a summer theater, art gallery, cinema and garden have been installed on the territory.
St. Mark's Island
The city of Tivat is known primarily for its airport, and secondly for its three islands, the most beautiful of which is considered to be the island of St. Marko. Small island with romantic beaches almost completely covered with green trees.
Village Gornja Lastva
Gornja Lastva Not far from Tivat you can visit the colorful Montenegrin village of Gornja Lastva. Traditional houses from the coastal Montenegrin regions have been preserved here, so the place is especially attractive to connoisseurs of historical architecture. If you want to feel the spirit of Montenegro and admire the sunset away from noisy tourists, be sure to visit this village.
Skadar Lake
Skadar Lake in Montenegro Geography
Montenegro is located in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. In the southwest, the country is washed by the Adriatic Sea: the coastline reaches a length of about 300 km.
Although the length of Montenegro's land borders is only 625 kilometers, the country has as many as five neighbors. It borders Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and partly the unrecognized Republic of Kosovo.
Conventionally, the entire area of Montenegro can be divided into three parts: the coast, the plain in the center of the state, where the largest cities are located, and the mountains in the east of the country.
Almost half of the area of Montenegro (more than 41%) is occupied by forests, another 39.5% is covered by pastures. Therefore, the country can be considered an ecological reserve. By area, Montenegro ranks 155th in the world (13.8 km2). According to 2016 data, 622 thousand people live in the country.
Climate
The country has a temperate continental climate. The weather in the mountains is typical for the Alps. On the coast of Montenegro, the climate is typical of the Mediterranean region. In the central region of the country, the air temperature is cooler than near the sea, which is explained by subalpine factors. In summer, the Primorye region is hot and moderately dry; warm weather (+23-25 degrees Celsius) lasts a long time. Winter is short and wet, there is practically no frost (3-7 degrees Celsius).
The swimming season in Montenegro begins at the end of April and lasts until the last week of September. The best time to come to this country on vacation is from May to October. At different times of the year, the sea water temperature ranges from +12 to +26 degrees Celsius.
Currency
In Montenegro they use the euro. But, since the country is not part of the eurozone, it cannot issue euros, so it is content with imported money. Most of them are brought by foreign tourists.
Local banks are open five days a week - until lunch (Mon - Thu 8:00-15:00, Fri 8:00-13:00). They have a day off on Saturday. At resorts and in the capital, currency exchange offices are open in the evenings and also work on weekends.
When exchanging currencies, you need to take into account that the exchange rate varies exchange offices may vary. If you haven’t had time to change money, you can pay with a bank card almost everywhere (with the exception of mountain villages). Local shops and establishments accept VISA and Mastercard. You can withdraw euros from ATMs 24 hours a day.
If you need to exchange currency, this can be done not only at bank branches or exchange offices, but also at hotels and post offices. Always keep an eye on the course. It is believed that the most favorable rate is offered by the People's Bank.
Transport
The most common type of passenger transport in Montenegro is buses. When planning trips, you need to take into account possible deviations from the schedule (buses are old and may break down on the way). When traveling by car, you also need to add extra time, because you won’t be able to drive along serpentine roads.
Bus in Montenegro On the coast, buses usually run every 10-15 minutes, starting at 6 am. The last bus leaves around twelve at night. Composters are installed in the salons to cancel purchased tickets. You can also purchase a reusable travel card at the kiosk. One bus trip will cost 1-1.5 euros.
It is better to buy bus tickets in advance, because drivers sell them at a double markup. If you need to go beyond the coast, for example, to Cetinje or Podgorica, then the departure will be from the bus station. The ticket price will depend on the length of the route. For example, the road from Budva to Ulcinj will cost 6 euros (distance - 65 km).
Off the coast, buses in Montenegro run at long intervals. The only exception is Podgorica. There are few stops; passengers wait and often stand and vote on the side of the road.
As for taxis, you need to agree on the cost of the trip in advance with private carriers. The price will be initially too high, so it needs to be brought down. Private drivers do not have meters, unlike licensed taxi drivers. A legal taxi charges 2 euros for boarding, and then 1 euro for every kilometer.
Water taxis also operate in Montenegro. Motor ships and boats ply between villages and cities along the coast. There are many private boats moored near the shore. Their owners, by agreement, will take you in any direction. A trip on a private boat costs an average of 10-15 euros.
If you are planning to rent a car, then expect 30-40 euros per day for a small car. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with seven seats will cost 200 euros. There will be enough gas stations along the way; a liter of gasoline costs from 1.2 to 1.5 euros.
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Visas
Montenegro has abolished visas for citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus coming for tourism purposes. Insurance is not considered mandatory, but it is still recommended to take out.
There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency, although significant amounts are advised to be declared. In general, customs control in Montenegro for Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians takes place in a simplified form.
More detailed information about the rules of entry into Montenegro is presented at.
Communications and Wi-Fi
In Montenegro mobile communications provided by three operators: T-Mobile, Promonte and M:Tel. Their branches can be found in any relatively large city. SIM cards are sold in newsstands, supermarkets and souvenir shops.
The cost of the SIM card is fully credited to the subscriber's account. In the future, to top up your balance, you can buy special cards with secret codes (money is credited instantly). Such payment cards are sold in the same place as SIM cards. You can also pay for mobile communications from a payment terminal, where a Russian-language menu is available.
Montenegro supports 3G network. In the city, mobile Internet works fine, but in the mountains there are glitches. Wi-Fi hotspots can be found in cafes and hotels. The connection speed is high. Typically, each establishment has a password for connecting to the Internet: ask the employees for it.
Another way to access the Internet is a USB modem, which you can buy at one of the mobile operator’s offices. To purchase, you will be asked for a passport. The cost of the modem and SIM card is up to 50 euros.
The following video shows what Montenegro looks like.
general information
The world knows the small state on the Balkan Peninsula as Montenegro, but in the native language of the local population it would be correct to say Crna Gora. The Lovćen massif, which was once called the “black mountain”, rises above the Bay of Kotor - the largest bay of the Adriatic Sea - and has been a national park for more than half a century. Despite the fact that the length of its land borders is only 625 kilometers, it has five neighbors: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and the partially recognized Republic of Kosovo.
Today, more and more travelers are discovering Montenegro as a new destination for an interesting and eventful holiday. A quarter of three hundred kilometers coastline occupy excellent beaches, next to which there is infrastructure for guests with different financial capabilities. But Montenegro can boast of not only the sea! The ancient architecture of Herceg Novi, Kotor, Cetinje and other cities, the vibrant nightlife of Budva, the beauty of Lake Skadar and the Tara River canyon, mountains and monasteries built on their slopes, noisy festivals and fairs, mild climate and temperamental locals... Everyone will find something to do decorate your collection of vacation memories!
Cities of Montenegro
All cities of Montenegro
Geography and climate
Montenegro is a state so compact that, for example, within the boundaries of the Greater New York agglomeration it could comfortably accommodate twice. Moreover, on an area of 13,812 sq. km live only 622 thousand people: Montenegrins, Serbs, Bosnians, Albanians, Gypsies, Croats and representatives of other nationalities.
Don't let the name fool you. Montenegro is not at all the Balkan analogue of high mountain Nepal, most of The country is located on the Dinaric Highlands. The central regions, including the two largest cities, Podgorica and Niksic, lie in the relatively flat basin of Lake Skadar. Only in the northeast, where the border with Albania and Kosovo passes, does the ridge of the North Albanian Alps rise. The slopes of the Prokletiye Mountains, as this massif is also called, are covered with deciduous and coniferous forests up to a height of 1700–1800 meters. 8% of the republic's territory is considered protected areas, they try to preserve the endemic flora and fauna of the Balkan Peninsula.
The climate of the main part of the country is temperate continental, and the Adriatic coast belongs to the Mediterranean zone, which is characterized by long and relatively dry summers with average temperatures of +23–25°C. This allows the holiday season to open at the end of April and actively receive vacationers until the end of October.
When to go
The most pleasant times of the year in Montenegro are spring and autumn: starting from the end of March, when the snow and cold disappear even from the mountainous regions, until the beginning of June or September-October, when the summer flow of vacationers has subsided and the trees are covered with gold, but the sea is still warm and in You can swim there. July and August will be the best months only for those who love crowds of people and a fun family holiday. As one hotel owner recently put it about the “Montenegrin Riviera”: while those under thirty will enjoy the bustling nightlife and lively beaches in July-August, those who value a quieter holiday will benefit from visiting in April-June or September -October. In the mountains, temperatures in July and August are guaranteed to be moderate.
A little history
The Slavs settled in the territory that once belonged to the Roman province of Dalmatia in the 6th century, and already in 1042 the Serbs, after a resounding victory over the Byzantines, defended the independence of their own state, known as Duklja. It soon received recognition from the head catholic church and the status of the kingdom. But the descendants of Stefan Vojislav, who did not have the steady hand and strategic mind of their ancestor, gradually lost power over the Travuniya, Zakhumie, Bosnia and Raska he conquered. In the 12th century, these lands became the prey of more powerful neighbors, and the latter completely absorbed the Dukland state by the end of the century.
In Byzantine chronicles, the newly formed principality began to be called Zeta, named after the river flowing in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. After a short period of independence, it was forced to accept the protectorate of the Venetians in order to avoid capture by the Turks. However, it was not possible to restrain the encroachments of the Ottoman army for long. The triumphant Feriz Bey annexed Zeta to the Skadar sanjak. In one of the official documents of Dubrovnik for 1376, the former principality is called Montenegro. It is believed that this is the first documented mention of the new toponym.
From 1516 to 1852, there was an ecclesiastical state of Montenegro, led by bishops and metropolitans with the title of bishop. When the country became secular again, the rulers turned into princes and kings. During the Balkan Wars of the early 20th century, Montenegro expanded its territory and in 1918 became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which after World War II transformed into the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Every European knows about the armed confrontation that followed the collapse of this state entity, but discussing a painful topic with local residents not worth it.
From 1992 to 2003, Montenegro was part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and after its renaming - into the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. According to the results of a referendum held in May 2006, the country received the status of an independent republic. Today it is a member of NATO and has official candidate status for membership of the European Union.
Resorts
Where should those who decide to get to know the nature and culture of Montenegro go better? The choice is quite wide, it all depends on what kind of leisure time you and your companions prefer. For example, Sveti Stefan is an ideal option for wealthy travelers who are accustomed to receiving the best service and especially comfortable living conditions. Holidays in Herceg Novi will give a lot of bright and pleasant moments to families with children of different ages. Budva will not let regulars of nightclubs and bars get bored. Kotor invites guests to touch the heritage of distant eras. And Ada Bayana attracts many naturists from all over Europe every year. But first things first!
Tivat
It comes first on our list not because of particularly enthusiastic reviews, but because this is where most tourists begin their adventures - four kilometers from the city, in the Grbalj Valley, the international airport is located. It was built during World War II as a military service, but since 1957 it has been reoriented to work with civilian flights - first domestic, from Belgrade, Zagreb and Skopje, and after the construction of the modern terminal it receives Boeings and Airbuses from London, Moscow, Paris, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Prague and other European capitals.
If you don't like long journeys, you can stop right here. Not at the airport, of course, but in a hotel you like next to one of the best sandy beaches Montenegro – Plavi Horizonti – or apartments on the Island of Flowers. The latter, contrary to its name, is not famous for its flora (there are many flowers on any of sea resorts Montenegro). Locals call it Miholska Prevlaka because the monastery of the Archangel Michael is located here.
The main disadvantage of this generally very pleasant place is that at the peak of the holiday season the city is crowded with vacationers, and it is not so easy to find a free sun lounger on the warm sand.
Budva
Most famous resort The countries are separated from the “gates of the Adriatic” by some 20 kilometers. However, the journey from the second international airport of Montenegro, Podgorica, will not take more than an hour and a half. The developed tourist infrastructure is successfully complemented clean beaches with amazingly clear water, interesting architecture of the old town, atmospheric restaurants and taverns, amusement parks for the whole family, nightclubs and bars with a noteworthy cocktail list.
Of course, popularity goes hand in hand with the corresponding price level. But even with a modest budget, it’s quite possible to have a good time in Budva. The main thing is to think in advance about booking affordable accommodation - during the high season, only expensive hotels can offer free rooms upon arrival.
Within the city there are 6 equipped beaches, both sandy and pebble. Most of them are free; you will only have to spend money on renting sun loungers and umbrellas if you want to stay in comfort. The central "Slavyansky" is quite "densely populated", but this drawback is compensated by the presence of fresh water showers, locker rooms, playgrounds and water slides.
The small municipal beach “Guvantse” also provides vacationers with good infrastructure, a gentle shore with convenient entry into the water and the opportunity to admire the sunset, but due to its location on the outskirts there are much fewer people here. And don’t let this definition scare you - given the modest scale of the city, you can get here from the center on foot or by public transport, which moves towards Becici.
You can combine sightseeing in the Old Town and swimming on the beaches “Richardova Glava” and “Pizana”, and if you are not too lazy to walk a little, you will find yourself on the most picturesque beach of the Budva Riviera, “Mogren”. To lie by the water, surrounded by layered rocks and lush greenery, we recommend taking a place in the morning; by midday in July-August there is nowhere for an apple to fall. The area is owned by one of the hotels, so an entrance fee may apply, but in practice travelers rarely encounter this.
A certified diving center has been opened in the vicinity of Budva, where beginners can undergo training and book dives with an instructor at interesting points along the coast. Experienced divers will be interested in coral reefs, the Galiola rock with tunnels and several shipwrecks in the bay.
The historical center will delight lovers of antiquities with the medieval citadel, which is the calling card of the city and is depicted on most samples of souvenirs, the ancient churches of St. John, St. Mary, Holy Trinity, St. Sava and the rich exhibition of the local archeology museum.
Becici and Rafailovici
These are compact resort villages located a few kilometers from Budva, you can easily get here along the Adriatic highway or in a tourist mini-train, which makes stops near the hotels. Narrow and winding streets lined with greenery lead down to the impressively clear water. Travelers can choose between hotels of different star ratings, villas and private guest houses. Accommodation here is often preferred by families with children or people who seek a quiet and secluded holiday. But peace does not mean boredom! When you want to diversify your “beach” days on a wide sandy shore, you can go in for sports. There are excellent conditions for lovers of water skiing, rafting, paragliding, tennis, beach soccer, basketball and volleyball. Do you dream of bringing more from your vacation? beautiful photos? Take one of the many bus tours around Montenegro and Albania. And if you have an open Italian visa in your passport, take the ferry to Bari to admire the medieval architecture and three dozen ancient churches, one of which houses the relics of St. Nicholas.
Another place for peace and relaxation. Town on the shore beautiful bay surrounded by pine and olive groves, where it is pleasant to walk during the hottest hours. I want to spend the rest of my time near the water. The city beach has access to the embankment, along which there are cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops, and shops. Lucice is a little more “wild”, but there are also showers, toilets, changing rooms and sun lounger rentals. There is also a fish restaurant, from the terrace of which there is a wonderful view of the sea and rocks. The 16th century Venetian fortress has now been converted into night club, but the music from here will not disturb the sleep of vacationers. The main entertainment is boat trips to the nearest islands. There is a small chapel on the rocky top of the island of St. Nedelya, and Katic is interesting for its lighthouse.
Much richer in attractions than other cities of the Montenegrin Adriatic. In 1979, thanks to a unique architectural ensemble and well-preserved medieval quarters are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The old city is surrounded by truly massive fortress walls: their height in some areas reaches 20 meters and their thickness is 16 meters. Inside are the Prince's Palace, Clock tower, palaces of noble families, churches of the 12th–18th centuries and Cathedral St. Tryphon, where the first Croatian king Tomislav was crowned. In addition, Kotor has been the center of cultural life in the region for many years; it welcomes participants in a variety of festivals.
The city and its surrounding nature are very beautiful, but as a place of permanent deployment for sea holiday don't fit too well. For real good beaches not here, and the water is not as clean as on other parts of the coast.
An option for a relaxing family holiday and people who want to improve their health. This is where the huge center for physiotherapy, rehabilitation and resort treatment “Igalo” is located. With the help of qualified personnel, modern medical equipment, sea mud, mineral radon baths in the mild climate of the Bay of Kotor, they improve the condition of people suffering from cardiac, neurological, gynecological, skin diseases, or recovering from injuries to the musculoskeletal system, surgical operations.
But Herceg Novi has a lot of attractive things for ordinary travelers. Municipal gardens and parks display more than a hundred species of tropical and subtropical flora, including relict plants. Over the centuries of its existence, the city remembers different rulers, so its architectural appearance intertwines features of traditional Balkan, Ottoman and even Austrian architecture. The latter donated the city hall and a fort on the prison island of Mamula, which is definitely worth a boat ride to.
The sea fortress, built on the coastal cliffs by the founder of Herceg Novi, King Tvrtko I, preserves evidence of the presence of Bosnian nobles, Turkish troops and Venetians in it. The Turks left as a memory of their rule Kanli-Kula - the Bloody Tower, where today there is a beautiful summer theater, Sat-Kula - the Clock Tower. Monuments of religious architecture are the Church of St. Michael the Archangel on Belavista Square and the Baroque Savina Monastery two kilometers east of the city.
Herceg Novi's own beach is too small to accommodate all the holidaymakers, but the beautiful beaches of the Luštinice peninsula are nearby. You can get here by boat, which runs several times a day during the season according to a schedule, or with the help of local boatmen.
Ulcinj
If Herceg Novi is a stone's throw from Croatia, then Ulcinj is located next to the Albanian border. The country's southernmost resort has an average of 217 sunny days a year. More only in Spain, Italy and Cyprus! The peculiarities of the mineral composition of the water and the physical properties of the sand make a holiday here not only relaxing, but also therapeutic.
Founded by the Greeks, given its name by the Romans, under the Ottomans it became a pirate stronghold of the Mediterranean and a safe haven for Christians under the Venetians... On the streets of the Old Town you can see architectural monuments of different styles and nations. Churches were rebuilt into mosques, and the palaces of Venetian nobles became modern hotels.
According to local legend, the Turks held Miguel Cervantes captive in the Ulcinj fortress and it was here that the image of Don Quixote’s beloved Dulcinea of Toboso was born. If the beauty of nature excites you more than literary characters, go to the nearby Skadar Lake. In that national park you can watch the life of birds and just admire the scenery.
The small island is separated from Ulcinj by 25 kilometers. The status of a reserve allowed the nature to be preserved almost untouched. Interesting feature is that the triangular piece of land is washed on one side by the salty Adriatic, and on the other two by the fresh waters of the Boyan River. On the “sea” shore there is a wide beach with unusually soft sand, which shimmers in different shades in the sunlight. The photogenic wooden houses of local fishermen stand just above the water.
But what makes this place famous throughout the continent are its hotels and beaches for naturists. Naked vacationers swim, sunbathe, play sports on the tennis, volleyball, basketball courts and even ride horses at the riding school.
Saint Stephen
In this corner for elite holiday there is little to suggest the past of an ordinary fishing village. Luxury apartments with panoramic terraces, designer furniture and “smart” plumbing are designed to make guests’ holiday truly luxurious. Yacht trips, diving, cocktails in cozy bars, a promenade in the magnificent park of the village of Milocer attract the rich and famous to the Montenegrin resort: businessmen, Hollywood stars and even members of the royal families of Great Britain and the Netherlands.
In Montenegro, many spectacular events are held to the delight of foreigners and local residents, some of them have historical roots, others were organized more recently.
With the beginning of the maritime season, large-scale international music and dance festivals start on the Budva Riviera. “Song of the Mediterranean” has become a launching pad in the careers of many young performers, and both professionals and ordinary spectators are happy to watch the competition of the best dance schools in the region.
In July, a large stage is built on Jaz beach near Budva to host maritime festival Sea Dance. Bar hosts the multicultural “Bar Chronicle”, during which you can attend performances by Montenegrin and foreign theater companies, literary evenings, art exhibitions, sacred music concerts and the Mediterranean Book Fair. Herceg Novi opens its doors to fans of classical melodies and young talents - music lovers from all over Europe come to the local “Days of Music” and “Sunny Stairs”. The KotorART festival of classical, sacred, instrumental and chamber music attracts just as many people.
And already in mid-August, Kotor, rich in monuments of medieval architecture, awaits guests for a large-scale celebration. “Bokelska Night” is reminiscent of Venetian celebrations. Its main highlight is the fashion show of boats, the owners of which work on the intricate thematic decoration for several days or even weeks - it is very honorable to become a winner in this competition. On the city streets you can hear live music, theatrical and dance performances, and the evening ends with a grandiose fireworks display, which is reflected in the dark waters of the Bay of Kotor.
At the end of the “high” season, we recommend visiting Petrovac. As part of “Petrovachka Night”, you will see a festive procession of the city orchestra and the beautiful Budva majorettes - girl drummers in bright military uniforms; you will be able to listen to performances not only by city musicians, but also by popular pop singers of Montenegro. And gourmets will definitely be impressed by the tasting of local wines, beers, spirits and seafood. Note, it's free!
Fans of contemporary art will be delighted to see the well-established FIAT festival of alternative theaters in Podgorica. And those who prefer traditions and folklore will find charming the Lastovsky festival in a village near Tivat, the International Tambourine Orchestra Festival in Bijelo Polje, and the Montenegrin folk music festival in Cetinje. Do you want something especially authentic? Have you ever heard about the unique style of singing of the peoples of the South Adriatic? Welcome to the International Clapper Music Festival in Perast!
In general, Montenegro is only boring for those who are too lazy to look for information about events happening nearby!
Podgorica is a business capital, main city Montenegro and the administrative center of the municipality. Its name, according to one version, came at the beginning of the 14th century from the name of the high hill Goritsa. By the way, in the second half of the 20th century the city was renamed in a communist way - Titograd, in honor of the famous Yugoslav Marshal Tito, but later historical name returned.
Like most other ancient settlements of Montenegro, Podgorica was originally considered an Illyrian settlement, and then a Roman one. Located at the intersection of major trade routes, the city constantly attracted invaders, but for the same reason it was rich until the occupation by the Turks, which slowed down the development of the entire region. The capital of Montenegro received independence only at the end of the 19th century, but another misfortune awaited it - the Second World War, which razed the city to the face of the Earth. Today, walking along the small restored streets, this is no longer noticeable.
The population of Podgorica is 150,000 inhabitants (the largest city in the country), which is a fourth of the population of all Montenegro. More than half of them consider themselves Montenegrins, a quarter Serbs, and just over 10% call themselves Albanians. The city is located on the large plain of the Skadar Basin, on the banks of the Moraca River, less than 50 km from the Adriatic Sea. The climate here is Mediterranean, which means it is quite warm in winter and summer.
The central part of the city is the best place to start the excursion. In addition to the fact that there are many attractions here, each house is a kaleidoscope of eras, so a walk here is like traveling back in time. What a surprise it will be Russian tourists when will they see monuments to Pushkin and Vysotsky? And yet, travelers are primarily attracted here by the picturesque landscapes - there are few cities in the world that are located between five rivers.
Today Podgorica is the main transport hub of Montenegro, the administrative and economic center of the country. There are a lot of young people here, so the city is full of life day and night, and the attitude towards guests is the most hospitable.
Cathedral of the Resurrection
Cathedral Christ's Resurrection is the main religious building of Podgorica and Montenegro, which is located in the city center, on Washington Boulevard. The construction of the temple began in 1993 according to the design of Ristic Pedrag, and the first stone of the foundation was laid by Russian Patriarch Alexy. The shrine was built through the joint efforts of the government of Montenegro and local residents: the government provided significant financial support, and the townspeople brought their own building materials and provided all possible assistance to the builders. The main work and installation of the cross on the main dome were completed in 1999.
The temple hall is designed for 5,000 parishioners. The design of the cathedral reveals a neo-Byzantine style, which is revealed by walls with blocks of untreated white stone. The interior of the temple is decorated with paintings and frescoes on biblical themes. An important part of any cathedral is the belfry - there are 14 bells, 2 of them were brought from Voronezh, and the largest one weighs almost 11 tons.
Skadar Lake
If you look at a map of Montenegro, you will involuntarily notice that a significant part of the country is occupied by Lake Skadar (Shkodra). It can be called the heart of Montenegro, although it belongs not only to it, but also to Albania.
The coastal area of the lake has long been a place of mixing of cultures and civilizations. Today, on the banks of the reservoir you can see numerous traces of human presence: old military installations, abandoned fishing villages. Orthodox monasteries have been preserved on the islands of the lake: Morachnik, Starcheva Gorica, Beshka Kom. Most of them used to be scriptoria - workshops where church texts were copied.
Lake Skadar is nature reserve, Europe's largest wading bird reserve and a significant habitat for trout, ukuleika and Skadar carp.
Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge is one of the symbols of Podgorica. It was opened in July 2005, which was a kind of gift to the townspeople on Statehood Day. Its cost cost the budget of a small city 7,000,000 EUR, which is quite a lot. Project cable-stayed bridge studied by Mladlen Ulicevich, professor of civil engineering. The building has not only a decorative role - it connects the central part of Podgorica with the streets of the new city (the objects are separated by the Moraca River).
The bridge received the name “millennium” because it marks the entry of small and conservative Montenegro into the 21st century, where technological progress comes first. The building fits perfectly into the general appearance of modern Podgorica, and it also offers a beautiful view of the plain and the city, which explains the popularity of this place among tourists.
Ruins of Duklja
A couple of kilometers from Podgorica are the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Dioklea, in which, according to legend, the great Roman emperor Diocletian was born. When these lands were settled by Slavic peoples, Dioeklei became simply Duklei. For some time, the city was a semi-autonomous region of the Principality of Raska, which managed to be part of the Roman Empire and Byzantium. Only in the 11th century, when it came under the rule of the Voislavlivechi, this land became independent.
First excavations ancient city began at the end of the 19th century and continued until 1998. During the research, archaeologists were able to find out that the city was surrounded by fortress walls connected by towers. In the center of the city, a monumental basilica, a city square and a courthouse were discovered, secular houses were also studied, and a large number of household items were discovered in them.
Duklja today is one of the most popular stopping points for travelers, as the ruins are well preserved and arouse genuine interest.
Monument to Vladimir Vysotsky
In Podgorica, on the picturesque bank of Moraca, not far from the Millennium and Moskovsky bridges, there is a monument to the famous Soviet poet, actor and singer-songwriter Vladimir Semenovich Vysotsky.
What connected him with this pride? Only two meetings during filming and tours, but this was enough for Vysotsky to fall in love with this place and dedicated a poem to it.
The grand opening of the monument took place relatively recently, in 2004. The composition consists of a granite pedestal, frame and skull at the feet of the poet's statue - a reference to the role of Hamlet. The last quatrain from the poem “Fistfuls filled with water...”, the same one dedicated to Montenegro, is also engraved on the pedestal.
Leisure
There are several museums in Podgorica: City, Archaeological and Natural History. Castle of King Nikola I also perfect place to get acquainted with history, and tours of the royal chambers are often held here.
Other ruins, further away, are Duklja, Medun - an important place where you can trace the connection of the city with Illyrian history. It is especially good to relax on Lake Skadar in the summer, because it is cool and very beautiful here, and lovers of peaceful leisure with a fishing rod can organize their own fishing.
The most high-profile events in Podgorica are the world-scale theater festival “FIAT”, the December art performance DEUS and the “Podgorica Cultural Summer”, which includes rock and jazz concerts.
How to get there
Podgorica is a major transport hub in Montenegro, through which the Bar-Belgrade railway and highways from the coast to Belgrade and Sarajevo pass.
You can get to the city by plane, train or bus - there is an international airport, Train Station and a bus station. There are no direct flights from Russian cities to Podgorica; flights with transfers are operated by airlines Turkish Airlines, Air Serbia, , Air France, Aeroflot, Alitalia, Adria Airways, Air Moldova, AirBaltic, Belavia, CSA Czech Airlines, Lufthansa, Montenegro Airlines, Onur Air, SmartWings. The train schedule through Podgorica can be found on the website of the Montenegrin Railways company (Željeznica Crne Gore).
Urban transport
Main view public transport in the city there are buses and minibus, which make it easy to get to your destination. Buses do not run very regularly. A trip around the city costs about 0.6 EUR, a ticket can be purchased from the driver.
Taxi in Podgorica is a relatively inexpensive and very convenient form of public transport. Parking lots are located everywhere, you can also call a car by phone. As a rule, all cars are new, the drivers are in uniform, and there is air conditioning in the car interior. The average cost of a trip around the city is about 4-5 EUR, the price consists of 2 EUR per landing and 1 EUR for each km of travel. However, the current fare should be checked with each taxi company separately.
Hotels
Hotel Crnogorska Kuća is a cozy three-star hotel located in a quiet area of Podgorica, a couple of kilometers from the central part of the city. It features a restaurant serving traditional regional dishes and spacious and bright rooms with Wi-Fi, air conditioning and other amenities. Free parking is also available on site. The nearest grocery store and pharmacy are 100 meters from Crnogorska Kuća.
Hotel M (3*) will delight its clients with a lounge bar, a dining room and a free taxi transfer to the center of Podgorica. All rooms have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms or showers. The rooms are decorated in wood and furnished with the necessary furniture. The hotel offers rooms with a minibar, safe and balcony.
Kerber is a luxury hotel located in the very center of Podgorica, 20 meters from the main street of the city, where car traffic is prohibited after 17:00, so the hotel grounds are quiet and peaceful in the evenings. Kerber rooms are luxuriously decorated and equipped with all the necessary options for a comfortable stay. The restaurant serves free breakfast every morning.
Also in the city center is the four-star Hemera Hotel. There is a restaurant and a fitness center for guests to enjoy, and there are parks around the hotel. All rooms are equipped with living and dining areas, safe, minibar and TV with satellite channels.
Restaurants
Restaurant Plavnica is part of the tourist complex of the same name, which is located on the shores of Lake Skadar. Despite the fact that the restaurant is far from the city center, it is very easy to get to by taxi. Plavnica serves European and traditional dishes.
Hemera is the pride of Podgorica, as representatives of the local bohemia come here in the evenings. The restaurant has a luxurious interior and a long list of dishes on the menu. Everyone can satisfy their gastronomic cravings, as Hemera serves European, traditional Montenegrin and specialty dishes. There is also an extensive list of Italian and French wines.
Mantra is one of the restaurants in Podgorica that specializes in Indian cuisine. “A place that will transport you to India and immerse you in Eastern culture. The interior and even the dishes in the restaurant are original from India,” say the restaurant owners. main feature establishments - Indian chefs who are never averse to talking with visitors and, focusing on their preferences, prepare a dish that will definitely not leave a gourmet indifferent. Vegetarians should also check out Mantra.
You can watch the locals and get a feel for the local flavor at the Pod Volat restaurant, which is based on meat dishes. Excellent steaks and delicious homemade sausages are guaranteed!
Shopping
What souvenirs to bring from Podgorica? Delicious, of course! The most famous snack of Montenegro - prosciutto - is quite transportable. Prosciutto is meat smoked over charcoal and then dried in the wind. Real prosciutto is a whole pork ham. You can complement the souvenir delicacy with a bottle of local wine or rakia (fruit vodka). One of the most popular brands of local wines, Vrantz, is a tart, dry or semi-dry wine made from several grape varieties. The best white wine in Montenegro is Krstac. Popular brands of vodka are Kurnak and Loza. You can also look for ceramic or wooden products from local craftsmen. Due to the fact that Montenegro is not so far from Italy, Italian jewelry and clothing are often sold here. In bookstores, don’t forget to look through the thick, beautiful guides to Montenegro and Podgorica, where you can find the best photos most interesting places region. The largest and most popular shopping complex in Podgorica is Delta Centr, where there are more than 70 stores where you can buy any clothes, shoes or accessories.
Montenegro is a young, sparsely populated country with two capitals: Podgorica, the administrative and business center, and – cultural and historical. The older generation of our country knows Podgorica under another name - Titograd. The city, once named after Broz Tito, regained its former name only in 1992. In 2006, when Montenegro became an independent state, Podgorica became its capital.
In the last ten years, the city has been actively developing, so it is not surprising that the international airport of Montenegro is in no way inferior to the airports of other cities in the world. To the east are grape plantations, to the west is the Mojanovici district - one-story houses with tiled roofs against the backdrop of gray hills. Having flown by car past the entire area in a matter of minutes, we take the E80 highway, which leads straight to the center of Podgorica.
The largest square in the country is Republic Square
The deeper we drive into Podgorica, the bigger city becomes similar to those near Moscow settlements like Zelenograd or Khimki. Ten to twelve storey buildings stand out from the background of small houses not only by their height, but also by their slum-like appearance. appearance– walls damaged by cracks, doors decorated with graffiti. Here and there you can hear the sound of a jackhammer. These are the southern outskirts of the capital - one big construction site. Podgorica is growing.
All attractions are collected in the Stara Varos (Old Town) area. At the intersection of Kralz Nikole and Oktobarsk Revolasizh (can you guess how it is translated!?) there is Sahat-kula - a small mosque in the form of a tower.
Clock tower Sahat Kula in Podgorica A couple of kilometers north to the football arena where the national team plays. We drive out onto Ivan Crnoevich Boulevard and before us opens up a view of the masterpiece of bridge construction of recent years - the Millennium Bridge. Stylish modern beams look like the Leaning Towers of Pisa - and they are trying to collapse on us.
Millennium Bridge over the Moraca River on Ivan Cernoević Boulevard. Length 140 meters A little further south along the Moraca River there is a small bridge called Moskovsky. After enjoying the view of Moraca, we walk across the bridge to the west to feel proud of Vladimir Vysotsky. The monument to the Soviet bard is one of several spots of our culture in Podgorica.
Monument to Vladimir Vysotsky. On the pedestal are carved in two languages lines from Vysotsky’s poem dedicated to Montenegro In 2002, a monument to Alexander Pushkin was erected in the central part of Podgorica. He is depicted reading poetry to his wife, Natalya Goncharova. This monument is a symbol of the kinship of two Slavic peoples, so close to each other in spirit.
Monument to Alexander Pushkin and Natalia Goncharova Where to stay in Podgorica
