Montenegro is a country of breathtaking beauty, where the natural landscape harmoniously blends with picturesque beaches and ancient sights. To help you understand "Where is Montenegro?" and what kind of experiences await tourists here, we've gathered essential and interesting information for travelers visiting this country.
Geographical Location
Montenegro, with an area of 13,812 square kilometers, may not be the largest country in the world, but it boasts a stunning location on the Adriatic coast of the Balkan Peninsula, featuring clean and warm sea waters.
The country shares a maritime border with Italy, making it a popular destination for travelers from the city of Bar. Montenegro also has land borders with Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and the Republic of Kosovo.
Notably, Montenegro is not a member of the European Union, meaning that citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days.
Climatic Conditions
Montenegro enjoys an ideal, mild climate, with sea temperatures averaging around +27°C, ensuring comfortable conditions for beachgoers. The country boasts an extended summer with an abundance of sunny days, resulting in a lengthy beach season. The beaches in Montenegro are mostly sandy-pebble or concrete, with some importing sand at the start of the season, although much of it washes away by the end of summer.
In winter, Montenegro transforms into an excellent mountain ski resort. The town of Zabljak, located in the northern part of the country, is renowned for its skiing opportunities, despite the relatively short winter season.
Montenegro Sights
Exploring Montenegro's abundant attractions can be quite overwhelming. To make things easier, we've outlined this country's highlights following a unique scheme:
Nature
Montenegro is renowned for its breathtaking canyons and picturesque bays, serving as the country's calling card. When you visit, these are must-see destinations:
- Canyons of the Rivers Tara and Moraca
This 14-hour tour offers incredible mountain scenery and awe-inspiring views of the rivers flowing far below.
- Boko-Kotor Bay
A half-day excursion promises an unforgettable experience, including a visit to a man-made island and the chance to behold the world's most beautiful bay.
- Gerceg Nov Bay
Embark on a small cruise boat, take a dip in the open sea, explore the Blue Cave on foot, and visit the Presidential Beach of Žanica.
- The Island of Flowers
Situated near Tivat airport, this unique place combines religious monuments with exotic plants that were brought here by Montenegrin sailors over time, creating a fascinating blend of culture and nature.
Cultural Landmarks
Montenegro boasts several cultural landmarks that you absolutely must visit:
- Kotor
Known as "Little Venice," Kotor features Italian architecture and impressive fortress walls, the second largest in the world after the Great Wall of China.
- Cetinje
As the former capital of Montenegro, Cetinje houses a historic monastery with a rich and heroic past.
- Jurđević Tara Bridge
Another iconic symbol of Montenegro, this bridge holds a special place in the memories of most tourists.
- The Grave of Petar Negusa
Located in Lovcin Park, this site marks the resting place of Petar Negusa, a renowned lord of Montenegro. He was famous for his remarkable looks, and ladies were known to faint in his presence.
- St. Stephen's Island
This luxurious destination attracts the world's wealthiest and most famous visitors.
Religious Attractions
- Ostrog Monastery
This monastery houses the relics of St. Basil of Ostrog and is among the three most visited shrines globally, welcoming pilgrims of all faiths.
- Cetinje Monastery
The Cetinje Monastery holds a special place in Montenegro's history and is a revered site that draws visitors from across the country.
Prices in Montenegro
Food prices in Montenegro can be described as moderate, not overly expensive but not extremely cheap either. It's advisable to purchase food items from local shops as prices may vary for residents and tourists.
When it comes to fruits, trying figs is recommended; they are not only delicious but also environmentally friendly due to the absence of heavy industry in Montenegro. Keep in mind that small souvenirs are often of Chinese origin, while Serbian textiles and Italian goods are popular choices for shopping.
Here's a breakdown of prices for basic necessities in Montenegro:
- Housing
A room in a villa typically costs around 20-30 EUR per day, while more comfortable accommodations can range up to 120 EUR. For an apartment with a swimming pool, expect to pay around 200-300 EUR.
- Transportation
Bus tickets range from 3 to 15 EUR per ticket, and transfers and group excursions typically cost around 40 EUR per person. If you opt for car rental with individual excursions, it may cost around 250 EUR per car.
- Food
Fast food and set lunch options usually average around 5 EUR per person, while dining at a restaurant may cost around 30 EUR.
- Beaches
Sunbathing on a towel is free, but if you want to rent a sunbed, prices can range from 8 to 15 EUR.
Montenegro is a fantastic destination among famous tourist countries, known for its beauty and convenience for travelers. The friendly locals and a language that's relatively easy for Russian speakers to understand make it an appealing destination.
