MONTENEGRO

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INTRO
THINGS TO DO
TOP FESTIVALS
TOP MUSEUMS
FOOD & DRINKS
WHAT TO PACK

TRAVEL IN MONTENEGRO

A compelling mix of towering mountains, historic towns and craggy Adriatic coastline, this small former Yugoslavian country offers the full range of attractions.

Here you can climb peaks like Bobotov Kuk, check out ancient religious buildings like Ostrog Monastery and Đurđevi Stupovi and stroll the streets of beguiling towns like Cetinje and Kotor. Factor in great food and excellent beaches and you can see what makes a Montenegro travel adventure such a tempting prospect.

FAST FACTS
Language: Montenegrin, Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, Croatian
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Montenegro.
Dialing Code: +382
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)

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Marvel at the Ostrog Monastery

Located on a near vertical cliff face high above the Zeta River valley, this impressive monastery ranks amongst the most popular things to do in Montenegro. Founded in the late 17th century, it was built into a series of caves in the side of the cliff, but gives the impression that it grew from the very rock itself. It's a major site of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians and offers some of the finest views to be found anywhere in the country.
Go rafting through the Tara river canyon

Famed for its incredibly clean waters and stunning scenery, the Tara River is located in mountainous northern Montenegro, where it cuts a dramatic swathe through the surrounding landscape to create Europe's deepest canyon. This is home to some of the continent’s finest rapids and most beautiful waterfalls, making it a go-to destination for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. Don't forget your waterproof camera!
See lake Skadar

In terms of natural beauty, this huge freshwater lake is the glittering jewel in the Montenegrin crown. Here you'll find traditional fishing villages and ancient monasteries, pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, all set against a dramatic backdrop of craggy karst mountains. Whether you're looking for adventure or simply to relax and avail yourself of the region's famed gastronomy, Lake Skadar is sure to please.
Explore Kotor

This pretty fortified port town is an essential part of any good Montenegro travel adventure. Famed for the splendour of its dramatic, fjord-like surroundings, it offers the perfect base from which to explore the magnificent Bay of Kotor. Looking for adventure? Take your pick from mountain biking, kayaking and hiking. Prefer your holidays more sedate? Check out Kotor cathedral and Our Lady of the Rocks, a beautiful Roman Catholic Church perched on a manmade islet off nearby Perast.
Hit the beach at Budva

Montenegro's Adriatic coastline has plenty of excellent beaches where you can soak up the sun, and Budva is home to some of the best. Renowned for its golden sands and party atmosphere, this craggy coastline offers a variety of dazzling coves and inlets on which to lay a towel. Top up your tan, take a dip in the azure blue waters and get stuck into the famed Budva nightlife.

Things to do in Montenegro

An excellent blend of culture, history and the great outdoors means there's plenty to be getting on with in Montenegro. Read on for our pick of the top 5 Montenegro attractions.

Sea Dance Festival
Budva

This midsized bash is an offshoot of the legendary Serbian Exit festival, so you know it's going to deliver. Held each July at Jaz Beach on Montenegro's Adriatic coast, it hosts a varied lineup of contemporary artists, with an emphasis on electronica and dance music.
Searock Festival
Kotor

This festival of Americana and alternative rock takes place each July in Kotor, featuring a mix of local and international artists. Past headliners have included the likes of Chuck Prophet and Lambchop.
Lake Fest
Nikšić

Held on the shores of Lake Krupac near Nikšić, this festival of music and arts offers a multigenre lineup of entertainment and a welcome escape from the summer heat. It's held annually in August.
Kotor Summer Carnival

This lively and colourful event takes place during the first week of August in Kotor's old town, with live music, dance, masked balls, traditional food and high spirits all round.
Southern Soul Festival
Velika Plaža

If you want beachside beats, look no further than Southern Soul Festival, held annually in June on Velika Plaža beach. A selection of the world's best contemporary soul, dance and electronic music performers provide the soundtrack.

Top 5 Festivals in Montenegro

Montenegro has plenty of festivals throughout the country, most of which go down during the sunny summer months. Here's our rundown of the country's top 5.

Maritime Museum
Kotor

Located in a former 18th century palace, this excellent museum documents Kotor's maritime history through a series of photos, paintings and other exhibits, with highlights including a collection of old weaponry and some fantastic model ships.
Montenegrin Art Gallery 'miodrag Dado Djuric'
Cetinje

Named after local hero Miodrag 'Dado' Djuric, this gallery houses the country's largest collection of contemporary art. It's housed in a strikingly modern building and includes works by all the former Yugoslavian greats, including a good showing from Dado himself.
Modern Gallery of Budva
Budva

This gallery of modern and contemporary art exhibits pieces from Montenegrin and international artists, with highlights including a diverse collection of impressionist works from around the world.
King Nikola's Museum
Cetinje

Located in the former palace of King Nikola, Montenegro's last sovereign, this reconstructed royal residence offers a fantastic glimpse into the life of a Montenegrin monarch. Highlights include various weapons and a particularly impressive collection of official royal decorations.
Pizana Gallery
Podgorica

Pizana Gallery, Podgorica – Pizana Gallery was established in the 1990s, and is now a major hub of the contemporary Montenegrin art scene. It showcases work by up and coming Montenegrin artists with periodic exhibitions from more internationally recognised names.

Top 5 Museums & Galleries in Montenegro

It may be small, but Montenegro packs a cultural heft punch way beyond its size. Read on for our pick of the top 5 Montenegrin museums and galleries.

Octopus salad
This popular salad consists of tender chunks of perfectly cooked octopus, often bulked up with the addition of potatoes.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Restaurant Galion, Šuranj bb, 85330 Kotor}
Kačamak
Heavy and nourishing, this Montenegrin favourite is made from buttered mashed potatoes, cornmeal and kajmak, a type of cream cheese, and is sure to fuel your most energetic outings!

_{Best eaten at}
_{Traditional Restaurant Vodenica, 81210 Kolasin}
Black risotto
This classic seafood risotto takes its distinctive black colour from cuttlefish ink, but don't be put off by its appearance! Rich and delicious, it's a Montenegro travel essential.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Konoba Feral, Setaliste Pet Danica 47, Herceg Novi}
Njeguška pršuta
Hailing from the small mountain village of Njeguši, this dry-cured ham is Montenegro's answer to Italian prosciutto. Served with local cheese and olives, it might just be your new favourite entrée.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Old Winery, Stari Grad, Kotor}
Lamb 'under the bell'
Montenegro's signature meat dish is cooked low and slow under an iron dome covered with hot coals, rendering it unbelievably tender and flavoursome. Typically served with roast potatoes, it's a must try for all the carnivores out there!

_{Best eaten at}
_{Pod Volat, 1 Trg Vojvode Bećira Osmanagića, Podgorica}

Food in Montenegro

Italian, Ottoman and Hungarian influences vie for space in Montenegrin cuisine, a colourful fusion of ingredients and flavours. Fantastic cured meats, cheeses and hearty stews are all on the menu here, along with tantalising desserts like baklava and the freshest and most delectable of seafood. Get stuck in and you'll soon see why Montenegro food is an integral part of your Montenegro travel experience!

What To Pack?

A camera - With pretty towns and picture postcard landscapes aplenty, you won't be short of things to point a camera at in Montenegro.

Shades & sunblock - De rigueur items in this part of the world, particularly if you visit in summer.

Deck shoes - Montenegro is a popular stop-off for mega yachts, so if you want to quaff gin and mingle with the yachties at glitzy Porto Montenegro then get ready to rock the deck shoes!

An adapter plug - Montenegro operates on the standard European voltage of 230V, with the usual 2-pin power plugs to match. Bring a travel adapter, and a step-down transformer for any of your 110V appliances.

A beach towel - With crystal clear Adriatic waters, a multitude of dazzling beaches and that Mediterranean climate, it'd be a shame not to do a good stint on the sand here. Pack your trusty towel!

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