February 2018

Destination Montenegro

1. Porto Montenegro
   Located in the spectacular Boka Bay and surrounded by those typical black mountains, Porto Montenegro is a superyacht marina and residential village at the same time. It is part of the city of Tivat and located in a former historic naval base. Today it is home to over 450 yachts, more than 250 waterfront apartments, the 5-star luxury Regent Porto Montenegro Hotel, and over 50 retail stores and restaurants. The views of the stunning boats and the beautiful surroundings are always present and I couldn't seem to stop taking photos. It is a small village and every time I stepped out of the door I met someone I knew. And I have to admit I quite liked it for a change. Living and working there, you are part of this life in this beautiful spot and for visitors that come here, they feel they can be part of this too. Where in the world can you actually stay in between those fabulous boats and feel they are part of your everyday life too. Even if only for a short while...

2. Kotor
   Kotor is probably the most famous town in Montenegro as many international cruise ships include Kotor in their Mediterranean tours. The town of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of cobblestone streets, polished marble piazzas, noble palazzos, and many cathedrals. Home to numerous sacred sites, with church bells ringing constantly in its café ringed squares. Unlike many historic towns, Kotor, is a living, vibrant place with year-round activity. The old city walls lead up the mountain to Kotor Fortress, from where you have stunning views of the whole Bay of Kotor which is the largest fjord in the Mediterranean Sea. A must-do when in Montenegro!

3. Tivat
   Tivat is located in the central part of the bay of Kotor, south of the Vrmac Hill. Home to Porto Montenegro’s marina village, Tivat is the heart of the countries tourism industry. Catering to its bustling nautical community with new restaurants, bars, and cafes popping up across town, Tivat also boasts numerous pretty nearby coves and the greatest number of sunny days of any town on the Bay. Once the site of the Illyrian Queen Teuta’s summer residence, and later the seaside location of choice during the Roman, Medieval, and Venetian eras, Tivat’s deep-water harbour was transformed into an Austrian naval base at the end of the 19th century. Tivat and Porto Montenegro lead into one another and offer a long coastline walk with lots to see and do.

4. Budva
   As Montenegro’s busiest tourist destination, Budva’s old town is a Venetian maze of cobblestone streets anchored by the 15th-century citadel. Very seasonal, and a tourist Mecca, Budva comes alive in the summer months as seemingly every spare corner is converted into an outdoor bar or shop selling beach toys. With a well-deserved reputation for nightlife, Budva is now established as one of the Adriatic’s leading party destinations.