Montenegro
A small country on the Adriatic. A fjord-like bay and 2,000m mountains sit an hour apart, and the whole country can be covered in three days.
Landmarks
Mountains that come down to the sea, and a canyon.
- A Mediterranean fjordBay of KotorSouthwest coast
Steep mountains drop to the water, cutting the bay deep inland. It is a drowned river canyon, not strictly a fjord.
- Walls that climb a mountainThe Kotor fortress stepsKotor
Thirteen hundred steps give you the whole bay. There is no shade, so midday is punishing.
- An island that is one hotelSveti StefanNear Budva
A small island village joined to shore by a thin sand spit. You cannot go in, only look from outside.
- The deepest canyon in EuropeTara River Canyon, 1,300mNorth
Rafting, and a zipline across the bridge. It lies inside Durmitor National Park.
- A monastery set into a cliffOstrogCentral interior
White buildings wedged into a vertical rock face. Pilgrims come continuously.
- A mausoleum on a summitMount Lovćen, 1,657mSouthwest
461 steps up, and you see both the sea and the interior at once. The road up is a series of hairpins.
World Heritage
A bay, a mountain, and tombstones and fortifications.
- Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of KotorThe bay and its medieval townSouthwest
The walled medieval town and the bay landscape are inscribed together. It was restored after an earthquake.
- Durmitor National ParkGlacial lakes and limestone peaksNorth
The Tara canyon and glacial lakes lie within it. It becomes a ski area in winter.
- Stećci medieval tombstonesShared across four Balkan countriesNorth
Medieval carved tombstones, inscribed jointly with Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia.
- Venetian Works of DefenceA sixteenth to seventeenth century networkKotor
Included as one of the fortifications the Venetian Republic built across the Mediterranean.
Where to go
Coast and northern mountains, two hours apart.
- KotorA medieval town at the head of the baySouthwest
Narrow lanes inside surviving walls. Cruise passengers crowd it on summer days.
- BudvaBeaches and nightlifeSouthwest coast
A run of sandy beaches, busiest in summer. The old town is small but intact.
- PerastA quiet village on the bayBay of Kotor
A small village closed to cars. Boats run out to the church on the artificial island.
- PodgoricaThe capitalCentre
A transport hub more than a destination. The airport and international buses are here.
- ŽabljakThe Durmitor townNorth
The highest town in the country. The base for hiking and skiing.
- UlcinjA long sand beachFar south, on the Albanian border
More than ten kilometres of sand. Largely an ethnic Albanian town.
When to go
Mediterranean on the coast, continental in the northern mountains.
- SummerJune to AugustThe coast
Warm water and everything open. The busiest and most expensive time.
- Shoulder seasonMay, September to OctoberEverywhere
The sea is still warm and the crowds have gone. Good for walking too, so the best overall choice.
- WinterDecember to MarchNorth
Skiing around Žabljak. The coast is rainy and many places close.
- Mountain roadsSections closed by snowNorth
Some roads shut from late autumn into spring. Check before you set off.
- Cruise callsConcentrated on summer daysKotor
When a ship docks the old town fills at once. Early morning and evening are quiet.
Before you go
Not in the EU, but the currency is the euro.
- EntryVisa-free short stays; not SchengenEverywhere
Korean passports may stay visa-free up to a set period, counted separately from Schengen.
- MoneyThe euro is usedEverywhere
It uses the euro despite not being an EU member. Small shops are easier with cash.
- DrivingThe coast road is narrow and busySouthwest
The road around the bay is tight and jams badly in summer. The ferry at Kamenari cuts across it.
- Stay registrationHandled by your accommodationEverywhere
A tourist tax is added to the bill and registration happens with it. Private rentals may leave it to you.
- BeachesMostly pebbleThe coast
Sand is limited to Ulcinj and parts of Budva. Water shoes help.
- LanguageMontenegrin; English is commonEverywhere
Nearly identical to Serbian and written in both alphabets. English works well in tourist areas.
- Emergency numbers112Everywhere
Police 122 and ambulance 124 also work. Mountain rescue takes time.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change year to year and by season. Check each operator or venue before you travel.