Montenegro Guide

‘At the birth of our planet the most beautiful encounter between land and sea happened at the coast of Montenegro. When the pearls of nature were sown, handfuls of them were cast on this soil’. Lord Byron.

Situated on the Adriatic coastline, Montenegro is roughly the size of Northern Ireland. Yet for all that it’s modest size would initially suggest it is home to four wild and stunning national parks including the world’s second deepest canyon, the spectacular fjord which is the Bay of Kotor and an abundance of breathtaking scenery. The Bay of Kotor and the historic walled town of Kotor are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The fjord penetrates 28 km into the mountains lined with ancient towns and stunning scenery from every sweep and curve of the road which skirts its perimeter. Steep, forest covered mountains plunge straight into the bay here while the coastal drive from Budva to Bar offers spectacular views with every turn.

The coastal regions boast a typically Mediterranean climate, with the interior mountains rising to a height of 2522 m in Durmitor National Park. Sailing, swimming, diving and many other water sports can be enjoyed throughout a long summer season extending from April to October. The traditional beach holiday is also catered for here, especially at Ulcinj’s aptly named 13 km ‘Long Beach’. The mountains are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, camping and climbing in summer. Skiing is popular in the winter months. Fishing, bird watching, special interest holidays and Eco-tourism are also increasingly being catered for.

Declared in 1991 as an ecological state, the future success of this country is dependent on managing the delicate balance between promoting the growth of tourism and sustaining the ecological wildernesses in their pristine condition.