A hidden gem in the Mediterranean where mass tourism during the summer months has not arrived just yet. Beautiful scenery, clear blue waters, sunny weather, beaches, culture and tasty restaurants.
Montenegro really came on my radar when the hotel company I work for opened a hotel there. The country is located south of Croatia, has approximately 625.000 inhabitants and it's capital is called Podgorica. Tourism is a very important source of income and it is rapidly growing due to the country's diversity and great offerings.
We flew into Dubrovnik, rented a car and drove south towards the town of Tivat, one of the towns in the bay of Kotor. It takes approximately one hour to drive, also depending on the time spent crossing the border from Croatia to Montenegro. Once you arrive on the coast, you drive down the street until you get to a ferry crossing. Take it to get to the other side of the bay and you will then reach Tivat and the fabulous Regent Porto Montenegro hotel within ten minutes.
This hotel is built within the super yacht marina of Porto Montenegro and has to die for views of the boats and the whole bay. It gives an excellent starting point to explore the area and this fabulous country. The place is not packed with tourists yet and you feel quite special staying here. It is lively but not touristy, you will always get a seat in the restaurants and bars. It is also local and yet stylish, it is modern but also packed with history. Go now, before the rest will follow. The hotel is built within the village, so when you sit down on the terrace for breakfast for example, you can witness every day life in the village and see people going about their day to day business. You feel immediately part of the village while you are on holiday. I loved being right in the middle of it... The rooms are lovely, spacious and in a modern maritime decor. The staff throughout the hotel is very attentive and helpful. The food is delicious and everything looks so beautiful. I didn't want our holiday to come to an end. I could have stayed and stayed...
A stylish motorboat will take you around the bay for 1 1/2 hours. This is one of the coolest things I have ever done, just sitting on this boat and taking in the beautiful scenery. You will see the historic towns of Perast and Kotor from the water, the beautiful mountains that remind of rolling California hills, the mini islands like "Our Lady of the rocks" and hear of various Pirates stories from many many years ago. Absolutely do not miss out on this!! You can book this with the Concierge Desk of the hotel.
End this tour with a visit to the restaurant located directly by the sea called "Stari Mlini". In the 1700's it was a family run flour mill and has now been operating as a restaurant for over three decades. Famous for its fresh fish and romantic setting directly at the waterfront, it is the perfect end to the day. Get a personal recommendation for the fish from the excellent waiters and eat it with their delicious boiled potato and rocket salad that comes olive oil and lemon dressing!
Take the drive and go up the serpentine road to the view point of Lovcen Nationalpark. On the way you have many stops where you can see over the whole bay and have stunning views of Kotor and the surrounding area. At the view point, climb the over 400 steps to the top where you have a great monument and the best view on a clear day. On the way you can stop at some huts where you can buy local cheeses and ham which this region is famous for.
Like so many of the Adriatic beaches, the ones in Montenegro are rocky beaches too. But we have a fabulous choice of beach clubs in the area, where you don't mind the rocks any more. Drive to the beach club called "Almara" which is approximately 15 minutes from the hotel. Located in Lustica Bay, your best bet is to reserve a sun beds ahead of your visit with the Concierge of the hotel and spend the day sunbathing, swimming in the clear blue waters and enjoying their lovely food.
From Tivat it takes approximately 20 minutes to drive to the famous city of Kotor, a Unesco World Heritage site. Located on the south eastern part of the bay, especially the old town is well worth a visit. All houses are made of white stones and above the town is a wall and a old castle which you can visit. Buy a 3€ per person ticket and walk the wall up the hill. You will have a fabulous views over the bay and many great photo opportunities. Kotor is also on the route of many cruise ships that travel around the Adriatic coast.
After visiting Kotor, drive on to the next town called Perast. A traditional Montenegrin village located directly by the sea. Walk along the picturesque street by the water and pick one of the restaurants for a peaceful lunch spot and one of the most beautiful views in the world.