Montenegro. Cetinje - the cultural capital of Montenegro Useful information for tourists

There are much more popular countries in the world than one of the most picturesque countries of the former Yugoslavia. Until the situation changes and crowds of vacationers from all over the world pour here, we need to take advantage of the moment. High demand generates high prices. Today Montenegro is one of the most budget countries for travelers. The country is just beginning to develop tourism infrastructure, but local residents have long realized that their well-being directly depends on the number of vacationers in the country. Therefore, every tourist here is welcomed with open arms.

Advantages of Montenegro for tourists:

no visa required;
the Adriatic coast - the sea, like in Italy, only cleaner;
accommodation in villas and cottages - all the amenities at a low cost;
Mediterranean cuisine - huge portions in restaurants and very affordable prices;
small area - there is an opportunity to see neighboring countries without visas (Serbia, Croatia, Albania);
cultural diversity - bright impressions are guaranteed;
language - common Slavic roots will ensure mutual understanding without knowledge of foreign languages.

Let's take a closer look at the features budget holiday in Montenegro.

The Bay of Kotor is the largest bay on the Adriatic Sea

Road

Most cheap option roads to Montenegro - bus from Lviv. But in this case you need to stock up transit visa through several Schengen countries, which makes the trip more expensive. And the road takes too long.

Without hassle, you can get to the capital of the country, Podgorica, by plane. No matter how much charter flights are praised, it is safe to say that independent path to the Adriatic will be cheaper. Charter flights are carried out only during the holiday season, when prices in Montenegro are much higher than at other times. The climate allows you to relax here all year round, which means you will have to take care of plane tickets yourself.

The cheapest round trip flight will cost 12,000 rubles. Flight from Air Serbia, with a transfer in Belgrade. The waiting time in the Serbian capital is at least 8 hours, which allows you to explore Belgrade on the way to Montenegro or back. This can be considered another advantage of such a trip.

A flight via Istanbul is slightly more expensive (16,000 rubles); five hours in ancient Constantinople allows you to use the services of the company’s travel bureau Turkish Airlines to drive through the old town on tourist bus for free. The tour lasts 3.5 hours. The service can be used by all passengers of the company who have a break between flights of more than 5 hours.

Accommodation

There are few hotels in Montenegro, the country is just beginning to build hotels, and investors, as usual, take a long time to calculate future profits. But this is not a problem at all. Local residents offer tourists accommodation in their houses on the coast or near it. You can rent an apartment, or an entire villa (which is especially beneficial if you are traveling in a large group).

3* apartments cost from 10 to 20 euros/day. A villa with sleeping places for 9-10 people will cost 130-140 euros/day. This option is suitable for a large and friendly company.

Hotel Villa – Montenegrin Riviera (Budva)

Most often, cheap housing assumes that you will eat on your own. This opens up new opportunities for tourists!

Nutrition

Saving on food in Montenegro can turn into an exciting game of spies and intelligence officers. It's all about the peculiarities of local trade. At local markets, prices for basic products are very low - for local residents. Tourists are told the price is 4-5 times higher. You can bargain until you completely lose your voice; getting a discount is almost impossible.

In supermarkets, prices are, of course, lower, but you will also have to spend money. The cheapest supermarket chain is RODA. It is better to buy bread and meat products in bakeries and butcher shops that are located away from tourist streets and squares. Locals will point out the best shops.

There is one secret that tourists use to save on groceries. You can ask the son of the apartment owner, neighbors, etc. to go to the market. Montenegrins know the peculiarities of market trade and will always help tourists. Any street boy, for a reward of 1 euro, will bring from the market a full bag of the freshest vegetables and fruits, sausages and ham, cheese and butter. A week's supply of food will cost 20 euros. Meet, communicate, make friends! The locals are very open and hospitable people.

Breakfast in a cafe will cost 3-4 euros. Dinner at good restaurant- 10-12 euros. A bottle of the best local wine - 2-4 euros. Fish dishes are approximately two to three times more expensive than meat dishes. Locals do not like fish and seafood; tourists order these dishes in restaurants. Hence the prices.

What to see in Montenegro?

Small European country has not only a sea coast and comfortable beaches, protected from the wind by mountains, but also many different attractions. Natural beauties, cities, historical monuments, monasteries and temples - the most sophisticated travelers will be surprised how much interesting, unique and beautiful there is here.

Natural beauty

The nature of Montenegro is not only beautiful, but also clean. This is very rare in Europe. Lake Skadar is considered one of the most beautiful natural sites in the country.

Around the lake there is a natural reserve park. You can get here by bus, train, car. The country is small, so traveling from end to end by taxi is common. A bus or train from any resort town takes no more than 1.5 - 2.5 hours to the lake. The cost of travel on public transport is 2-4 euros one way.

The following entertainment is available for tourists on the lake:

A boat trip or a small yacht (from 15 euros/hour);
Fishing (the cost depends on whether you are going to pick up your catch, or go fishing only for sport) from 5 euros/day;
Picking berries, mushrooms and medicinal plants - 5 euros/day;
Accommodation in a tent on the lake - 5 euros/day;
Many fish restaurants on the shore - lunch from 6 euros;
You can swim in the lake for free; there are several well-equipped beaches.

Each park visitor is charged 4 euros for entry.

Another paradise Montenegro - the island of St. Nicholas. The easiest way to get to an uninhabited and very picturesque island in the Adriatic is a water taxi that runs from the beaches of Budva (from 2 to 5 euros). The island has several small beaches and many coves where you can retire and spend an absolutely unforgettable few days in a tent. The island also has historical attractions: the Church of St. Nicholas and a medieval cemetery. If the church was built in the 16th century, then the crusaders who died of the plague during one of the crusades are buried in the cemetery.

In addition to stunning nature and historical monuments, it is on the island of St. Nikola that the best fish restaurants in Montenegro are located.

For lovers extreme sports A visit to the Tara River canyon will be interesting. In winter people go skiing here, in summer this place is occupied by amateur climbers. The canyon has the reputation of being not only the largest in Europe, but also the most picturesque in the world.

Cities

Budva

An ancient city in Mediterranean style. An ancient fortress, churches, souvenir shops and time itself, lost in the narrow streets. Particularly worth paying attention to:

The Grad Theater festival takes place in the summer and lasts a month and a half. At this time, Budva becomes a huge backdrop for the most incredible performances;
The Gallery of Modern Art is an unexpectedly solid collection of works by local and European artists, which looks especially interesting in the medieval surroundings of the town;
The Church of St. John is the oldest church in the city (founded in the 7th century). Among the temple decorations is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God;
The Archaeological Museum has a rich collection of ancient and medieval artifacts.

The city simply transforms at night thanks to the lighting. Cafes and restaurants are open until the early morning during the season.

Kotor

Ancient resort town, which is known for the fact that even local residents, not to mention tourists, can get lost here. Getting lost in Kotor is a pleasure. Just then you will come across an object from the UNESCO World Heritage List. Can't miss:

Fortress of St. Ivan - for the sake of the opening view of the harbor and the city, you can brave the 1,426-step staircase. Halfway along the road is a chapel built in honor of the deliverance from the plague in the 16th century;
The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is the main shrine of the cathedral - the relics of the saint, after whom the temple is named. The walls of the cathedral are decorated with paintings by Renaissance masters, and in the crypt you can see a collection of church utensils made of precious metals made by local craftsmen;
Maritime Museum - the exhibition will tell about the long and eventful history of Montenegrin sailors; among the artifacts there are unique logbooks and the skeletons of ancient ships.

The local market, rich in delicacies, is famous among tourists. And convenient beaches and an abundance of guesthouses attract tourists here who are able to appreciate the silence and originality of a small town with a thousand-year history.

Podgorica

The capital of Montenegro will also delight you with unusual attractions:

Ruins of the city of Douklia - Roman provincial town It was famous for the fact that Emperor Diocletian was born here. Although this place cannot be compared with Pompeii, lovers of antiquity will like it here;
Church of St. George - ancient temple, although it was rebuilt countless times, it managed to preserve the ancient frescoes of an unknown master, which tourists come here to see;
The Petrovich Art Gallery is an excellent gallery of contemporary art; the collection contains real masterpieces by artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

There is no point in staying in the capital for a long time for travelers. But dedicating one day is enough.

Monasteries

Prison

The most famous monastery in Montenegro. The best way to get to it is from the capital. You need to buy a bus ticket to Nikishovets and get off at the Ostrog stop. The monastery is about 12 kilometers away, but most pilgrims cover this path on foot. In the monastery you can venerate the relics of the saint and healer of Montenegro Vasily of Ostrog. It hits here healing spring, the water in which can heal from many diseases.

Cetinje Monastery

The monastery is famous for its relics, which attract pilgrims from all over the Orthodox world. Here are the right hand of John the Baptist, particles of the Life-giving Cross, and relics of Orthodox saints.

Numerous travel agencies in Montenegro offer tourists special “monastery tours”. The cost of such a trip can reach hundreds of euros. Thrifty tourists travel around a small and cozy country on their own and save quite seriously. In addition, during your visit to Montenegro you can visit neighboring countries.

Close to Montenegro

The small size of Montenegro is rather an advantage over other European countries, since it makes it possible to minimal costs visit several more countries.

Croatia

The famous Dubrovnik is very close. But the visit, despite the absence visa regime, is associated with some bureaucratic difficulties. It is better not to go on this trip from Montenegro on your own. However, one day tour will cost 30 euros. It's not too much money to refuse to visit:

Princely Palace;
Franciscan monastery;
Bourbon Street;
Ancient forts and temples.

Albania

Kruja is a city in Albania.

You can go on your own, but it is better to use the services travel company. There is not much time for independent travel, but there is so much I want to know. A trip to the most “forgotten” country in Europe will cost 50 euros. But as a result, there is an opportunity to visit:

The city of Cruia is one of the oldest in the Old World, rivaling Rome itself in age;
The city of Shkodra is the opposite shore of the famous Montenegrin lake;
Tasting local cuisine.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Feel free to go here on your own. If possible, stay in the city of Trebinje for a couple of days. In addition to new experiences, travelers have the opportunity to buy food for several days - prices here are much lower than in Montenegro. Among the main attractions of the city:

Hercegovacka Gracanica is a monastery surrounded by a flowering garden. It offers excellent views of the city;
Osman Pasha Mosque - monument architecture XVIII century, the most interesting thing here is the mixture of Slavic and Islamic culture. Muslim Slavs are generally interesting;
Restaurant Vukoje - wine cellar, the most delicious meat dishes. The restaurant is popular, it is better to reserve a table in advance. The average bill is up to 7 euros.

Mostar is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Italy

From Montenegro you can also get to Italy. But a Schengen visa will be required, and the trip itself will cost several hundred euros, which cannot be recognized in any way budget travel. And there is no special need for this trip - the nature is absolutely the same, the food is very similar in taste and quality. But the difference in prices is quite impressive.

Transport

The best way to get around Montenegro is by bus; it is both more convenient and cheaper than all other types of transport.

For those who prefer complete freedom, it is possible to rent a car. Such a service costs from 25 euros/day. But there is one circumstance that may change your intention: in Montenegro there are many mountain roads- serpentines. Must have good experience driving, be a confident driver to cope with all the difficulties.

In season or out of season? When is the best time to go?

"High" tourist season in Montenegro lasts from mid-May to early October. At this time, hotel prices double, and the picture is the same in restaurants. Budget-conscious tourists prefer to come here in April or October. The weather is not warm enough to swim in the sea (although the water temperature of 17-18 degrees has never stopped Russian tourists), but sunny enough to sunbathe.

In April and October, numerous street cafes are already open, but there are still few tourists and free seats There are plenty of them in hotels and guesthouses. These two months can be considered optimal for a budget trip to Montenegro.

Carefully! Fraudsters!

It cannot be said that Montenegro is dangerous country. On the contrary, it is very calm and safe here. Russians are treated with sympathy and respect. But the low standard of living of the local population pushes many resourceful young people to not entirely plausible actions. It is important for a tourist to remember a few simple rules to avoid trouble:

Never buy travel vouchers for trips within and outside the country from street “distributors”. These are scammers. Even if the offer looks very tempting, remember, the “seller” will disappear with your money and you will be left with a useless piece of paper in your hands. Don't trust smiles and convincing arguments!
Buy wine only in stores and supermarkets. At the market, most likely, they will give you a taste of a delicious local product, but they will sell the bottle with a dubious drink;
Romanian and Bulgarian gypsies guard naive tourists in the busiest places to offer “gold” at a discount, perfume “as a gift” and a set of “Zepter” dishes for the price of aluminum forks.

That's all the precautions; observing them won't become tiresome, will it?

Montenegro is one of the most beautiful and inexpensive countries, which offer a beautiful holiday on the shores of the warm sea.

Montenegro is now deservedly considered an ideal holiday destination. The beauty of this small country lies in its picturesque medieval cities and villages, in amazingly beautiful rivers, lakes and mountains, and, of course, in excellent ski resorts and magnificent beaches Adriatic Sea. When you go to Montenegro, don’t forget to take your camera with you!

Geography of Montenegro

Montenegro is located in southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. In the west, Montenegro borders with Croatia, in the northeast with Serbia, in the east with Kosovo, in the northwest with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in the southeast with Albania. The Adriatic Sea adjoins Montenegro from the southwest. The total area of this Balkan country is 13,812 square meters. km, including the islands, and the total length of the state border is 571.6 km.

The mountains in Montenegro are located mainly in the east of the country. The most high peaks– Peak Evil Kolata of Mount Prokletiye (2,536 m) and Peak Boboltov Kuk on Mount Durmitor (2,522 m). The Adriatic coast of Montenegro is a narrow plain.

There are a lot of rivers in Montenegro that are distinguished by their beauty. The longest of them are Tara, Lim, and Cheotina.

Capital

The capital of Montenegro is Podgorica, which is now home to about 150 thousand people. Historians believe that a Roman settlement once existed on the territory of modern Podgorica.

Official language

In Montenegro official language- Montenegrin. Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Albanian are officially used as regional languages in Montenegro.

Religion

More than 72% of the population of Montenegro are Orthodox Christians (Greek Catholic Church). Another 19% of Montenegrins are Sunni Muslims, and 3% are Catholics.

State structure of Montenegro

According to the 2007 Constitution, Montenegro is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the President. The official residence of the Montenegrin President is located in Cetinje.

Legislative power belongs to the unicameral parliament – the Assembly (91 deputies).

Climate and weather in Montenegro

In the coastal regions of Montenegro the climate is Mediterranean with average temperature air +10-12C in winter and +25-28C in summer.

In the north of the country, the climate is temperate continental with an average air temperature from -10C to +5C in winter and +19-25C in summer.

Sea in Montenegro

The length of the Adriatic coast in Montenegro is 295 kilometers. Of these, 72 kilometers are beaches. The attention of tourists is always attracted by the Montenegrin Bay of Kotor.

Montenegro includes 14 small islands in the Adriatic Sea, some of which are great place tourist recreation (Perast Island, St. Stephen Island).

Average temperature of the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro:

January - +13C
February - +13C
March - +14C
April - +16C
May - +20C
June - +24C
July - +24C
August - +25C
September - +24C
October - +21C
November - +18C
December - +15C

Rivers and lakes

Several rivers flow through the territory of Montenegro. big rivers– Tara, Lim, Cheotina, Moracha and Zeta. The length of the largest of them, Tara, is 144 km. In addition, Lake Skadar is located on the territory of Montenegro.

History of Montenegro

According to legend, when God created the Earth, he had many mountains left, and he gathered them all in one place - this is how Montenegro appeared.

Slavic tribes came to the territory of Montenegro in the 6th century. Before them, Illyrian tribes lived in Montenegro, which were conquered by legionnaires Ancient Rome. The Montenegrin tribes were, of course, pagans at first, but through assimilation they accepted Christianity from the Romans.

Montenegrins claim that Montenegro was the only country in the Balkans that the Ottoman Empire could not conquer. Indeed, the troops Ottoman Empire often invaded Montenegro, but were never able to completely conquer it.

Stefan Crnoevich is considered to be the founder of the Montenegrin state. In the middle of the 15th century, Montenegro began to have vassal relations with Venice, which helped it in the fight against the Ottoman Empire.

From 1515 to 1696, Montenegro was a theocratic state ruled by bishops. Then, until 1918, Montenegro was ruled by princes from the Petrovich dynasty.

In 1905, Prince Nicholas gave Montenegro its first Constitution. In 1910, the Montenegrin Parliament proclaimed Montenegro a constitutional monarchy headed by the Tsar (Nicholas).

In 1918, Montenegro voluntarily joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and in November 1945, the country joined socialist Yugoslavia. Montenegro became an independent state only in 2006. The Constitution of Montenegro was adopted in 2007.

Culture of Montenegro

The culture of Montenegro was significantly influenced by its neighbors. However, this country still has a unique, distinctive culture.

The architecture of Montenegro, especially in the central part of the country, was formed under strong Byzantine influence. Montenegrin medieval monasteries are decorated with thousands of unique frescoes.

The first literary work of Montenegrins was written 10 centuries ago, and the first printed book in the Montenegrin language was published more than 5 centuries ago (it was “Oktoih”). The first printing house in Montenegro was founded in 1495 in Cetinje.

Montenegrin traditions are kept by local clans. Throughout the history of Montenegro, local clans have played a huge role. In principle, even now the situation in this regard has changed little.

There are many different festivals held in Montenegro every year. The most famous of them are Budva Music Festival, Fasinada in Perast, Days of Mrkojevici in Bar, Cetinje cultural summer, International summer carnival in Kotor, etc.

Cuisine of Montenegro

There are three “directions” in Montenegrin cuisine – northern, continental and Mediterranean. Northern Montenegrin cuisine is somewhat similar to eastern cuisine. In turn, Mediterranean Montenegrin cuisine is characterized by the widespread use of seafood. As for continental cuisine, fish is also widely used there, but from rivers and lakes (carp, trout, and eel).

We recommend that tourists in Montenegro try fish soup “Brodette” (it is prepared from three types of fish), “buzara” (fish baked in wine and oil), “Čorba” (vegetable and meat soup), “Pašticada” (meat with garlic ), “Japraci” (a dish similar to cabbage rolls), “Polenta” (corn porridge), “kačamak krtolovi” (corn porridge with mashed potatoes), “prsuta” (pork ham), “Prevreli sir” (cheese).

The traditional Montenegrin soft drink is buttermilk, which is reminiscent of slightly salted yoghurt.

Montenegro makes excellent wine. We advise tourists to try red wine “Vío Vranac” and white wine “Krstač”.

Sights of Montenegro

Now in Montenegro there are about 3 thousand archaeological, historical and architectural monuments. For such a small country as Montenegro this is a very large figure. In our opinion, the Top 10 most interesting Montenegrin attractions include the following:

Cities and resorts of Montenegro

The largest cities in Montenegro are Niksic, Bijelo Polje, Pljevlja, Cetinje, Herceg Novi, Budva, and, of course, the capital - Podgorica.

Most tourists come to Montenegro to relax at local beach resorts. 72 kilometers of the Montenegrin Adriatic coast are beaches. The most popular Montenegrin beach resorts– Budva (the so-called Budva Riviera), Ulcinj, Bar, Becici, Sveti Stefa, Sutomore, Tivat, etc.

Top 10 best Montenegrin beaches:

Sveti Stefan Beach
Grand Beach in Ulcinj
Slovenska Plaza in Budva
Jaz Beach in Budva
Red Beach near Sutomore
Kraljicina Beach
Valdanos in Bratica
Perazica Do near Petrovac
Crvene Glavice beach
Murici Beach

In recent years, ski resorts have been actively developing in Montenegro, but this is understandable, given that most of the country’s territory is occupied by mountains. The most popular Montenegrin ski resorts are Durmitor, Bijelasica-Jezerine, and Vucje.

Souvenirs/shopping

We advise tourists from Montenegro to bring Montenegrin tea, essential oils, wine, cheese, handicrafts, ceramics, traditional women's folk clothing, and, of course, various plates and cups depicting famous Montenegrin landmarks.

Office hours

general information

The world knows a small state on the Balkan Peninsula as Montenegro, but in native language The local population would correctly 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 great beaches, next to which infrastructure has been developed 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. 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, where they try to preserve endemic flora and fauna 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 you to open holiday season at the end of April and actively accept 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 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 you can swim in it. 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”: if those under thirty enjoy the bustle in July-August nightlife and busy beaches, then those who value a quieter holiday will benefit if they come 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 of the Catholic Church and the status of a 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 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 papers of Dubrovnik for 1376 former principality named 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 it is not worth discussing a painful topic with local residents.

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 rave reviews, but because it is from here that most tourists begin their adventures - four kilometers from the city, in the Grbalj Valley, it is located international Airport. 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 in any of the seaside resorts of 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 worthy of attention cocktail card.

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 at the very picturesque beach 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 a medieval citadel, which is business card city and is depicted on most samples of souvenirs, the ancient churches of St. John, St. Mary, Holy Trinity, St. Sava and the rich exposition 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 back from 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. The town on the shore of a beautiful bay is 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 a nightclub, 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. Old city 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.

Option for a quiet family vacation and people who want to improve their body 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, therefore in its architectural appearance features of traditional Balkan, Ottoman and even Austrian architecture are intertwined. The last one gave city hall and the fort on the prison island of Mamula, which is definitely worth a boat ride to.

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. 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. Actually southern resort The country 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 this national park you can watch bird life and simply admire the scenery.

small island 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 sea season Large-scale international music and dance festivals are starting on the Budva Riviera. "Song of the Mediterranean" became 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 for the Sea Dance festival. Bar hosts the multicultural “Bar Chronicle”, during which you can attend performances by Montenegrin and foreign theater troupes, 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 performers 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!

According to the Constitution, the capital of Montenegro is the city of Cetinje. But most of the administrative buildings are located in the city of Podgorica. Today, this is where the official capital of the country is located.

In the last century, this beautiful town on the banks of the Moraca was called Titograd, in honor of the Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito. It was during Yugoslav times that the city became the de facto capital of Montenegro.

It is located just a few kilometers from the Adriatic in the picturesque Skadar Basin. As Wikipedia informs, the cultural, economic and political life of the region is concentrated here, the main transport arteries of the country pass through, and the airport operates.

Story

The first people settled in these areas back in the Stone Age. Ancient Illyrian tribes lived here. The city was founded by an ancient Roman settlement, and in the 5th century a Slavic state arose with the main city of Ribnitsa.

The Turks renamed the captured city the Bugurtlen fortress - “blueberry”. For almost five centuries Podgorica was under the Ottoman yoke. These lands were part of the Turkish Skadar Sanjak. Only at the end of the 19th century the city again began to belong to Montenegro.

The twentieth century brought rapid development to the republic in the fields of industry, construction, and national culture. During the Second World War it was under fascist occupation.

Liberated by Soviet troops in 1944, Montenegro followed the socialist path of development. The entire region was transformed, Podgorica was rebuilt, and an international airport appeared.

Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is located at the crossroads of waterways. These are the rivers Ribnitsa, Sitnitsa, Zeta, Moraca. They connect the city with surrounding settlements. The Adriatic Sea is nearby, providing access to all countries in the region.

The mild, warm climate, fertile soil, and rich vegetation have always attracted people to these regions. Podgorica knows no snow. There is summer heat for almost 5 months. Peak summer temperatures reach 44 degrees. In winter, sub-zero temperatures are extremely rare. The Mediterranean climate is characterized by the proximity of the sea.

Wikipedia shows that 60% of the region’s total population lives in the city of Podgorica. These are Montenegrins, Serbs, Albanians. Military actions at the end of the last century led the region's industry into decline. But gradually enterprises are recovering and adapting to market conditions. Investors appear who invest in the development of the region. The tourism business is booming.

Architecture

During the 5 centuries of Turkish rule, many buildings in the Turkish style were built in the city. Narrow cobbled streets, mosques and natural stone clock towers are all found in the older areas. Historical monument of that time is the tower-mosque of Sakhat-kula.

Podgorica began to acquire its modern appearance when it again became part of Montenegro. The opposite bank of the Ribnica began to be built in the European style. Historical disasters affected the appearance of the city.

During the time of Broz Tito, the cities of Montenegro began to be built up with Soviet “Khrushchev” buildings. Many of them are still found in some areas. Modern neighborhoods are becoming overgrown residential buildings and European-looking offices. Parks, squares, public gardens decorate the city.

An outstanding project was the Millennium Bridge, which connected the banks of the Moraca River. The stylish sloping beams are reminiscent of the leaning Tower of Pisa. The length of the bridge is 140 meters.
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is a majestic temple for the Orthodox.
Monuments to V. Vysotsky and A. S. Pushkin testify to the cultural kinship of the two Slavic peoples.

Culture and education

IN small town there is everything that characterizes it as the cultural capital of the republic. These are museums, theaters, educational institutions.

The University of Montenegro is a public higher education institution that has branches in some cities of the republic. In addition, special education can be obtained at the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts. Children study in 44 schools and gymnasiums.

Cultural traditions are preserved national theater. There are theaters for children in the city. The national library contains ancient books and historical documents.

The museums of Podgorica contain artifacts of the history of the region and the life of the indigenous population. There are museums of ethnography and nature. The former royal palace is open to visitors.

The history of Montenegro is a story about the struggle of a freedom-loving people for the independence of their homeland against the Turks and fascists. The heroic epic is full of legends about heroes.

Podgorica becomes a modern European city and center transport communication. Train Station connected it with the cities of Bar, Shkoder, Belgrade. Highways go to Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, and the Adriatic. A few kilometers from the city there is an international airport that connects Montenegro with European capitals, Moscow.

Cetinje

It is impossible not to say about the second capital of Montenegro. The city of Cetinje arose in the 15th century during the struggle against the Turks. Previously, there was a monastery here, which was built by one of the princes of Montenegro.

The monastery was protected from enemies by mountains. The fortress was constantly besieged by the Turks and became a stronghold in the fight against them. Public secular buildings - a hotel, a hospital, the palace of the first king of Montenegro - appeared already at the end of the 19th century.

In 1946, Podgorica became the main city of the country. But grateful Montenegrins honor the historical significance of their former capital, and the Constitution calls Cetinje the capital and Podgorica the main city. In Cetinje there are the State Archives, the Institute of Conservation cultural heritage. The town of Cetinje itself is more reminiscent of a picturesque village.

The tourist pearl of these places is Lake Skadar and the Crnojevica River. The picturesque shores are inhabited by 270 species of birds, and the waters are home to 50 species of fish. This is located reserved place 30 minutes by car from Podgorica. Bays and capes, excellent fishing, clean air, silence and pristine nature National Park attract tourists to Skadar.

In the vicinity of Cetinje there are historical place associated with the struggle for liberation from the Turkish yoke. This is Mount Lovcen. At the top of the mountain there is a chapel in which one of the princes of Montenegro is buried. At its foot there is a park of the same name - a monument to garden art.

The mountain itself is notable for the fact that 1,150 plant species grow on its slopes. From every turn of the road to the top there is a stunning view of the surrounding area, almost from a bird's eye view.

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 - walls mutilated with 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 a view opens up to a masterpiece of bridge construction. recent years– Millennium Bridge. Stylish modern beams look like leaning towers of pisa- they are trying to attack us.

Millennium Bridge over the Moraca River on Ivan Cernoevich 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

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