Montenegro is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south and borders Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the southeast. Its capital and largest city is Podgorica, while Cetinje is designated as the Prijestonica (or Prestonica, meaning the former Royal Capital City. A Serbian principality since the Late Middle Ages, Montenegro saw its independence from the Ottoman Empire formally recognized in 1878. From 1918, it was a part of various incarnations of Yugoslavia.

It is one of Europe's hidden secrets, but that could be all about to change. The country became the world's newest sovereign state in 2006 when its population voted for independence, bringing to an end the former Union of Serbia & Montenegro. Now this tiny republic plans to put itself firmly back on the map. Visitors can relax on one of 117 sandy beaches along the Adriatic coast, wander through the Old Towns of Budva, Kotor or bar, climb the peaks of Dormitor National Park, raft down Europe's deepest canyon, explore Europe's last virgin forest or sail into the continent's southernmost fjord.

Geography

Internationally, Montenegro borders Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, the disputed territory Kosovo, and Albania. Historically, its territory was divided into "nahije".

Montenegro ranges from high peaks along its borders with Serbia and Albania, a segment of the Karst of the western Balkan Peninsula, to a narrow coastal plain that is only one to four miles (6 km) wide. The plain stops abruptly in the north, where Mount Lovćen and Mount Orjen plunge abruptly into the inlet of the Bay of Kotor. It has large Karst region lies generally at elevations of 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) above sea level; some parts, however, rise to 2,000 metres (6,560 ft), such as Mount Orjen (1,894 m/6,214 ft), the highest massif among the coastal limestone ranges. The Zeta River valley, at an elevation of 500 meters (1,640 ft), is the lowest segment.

The mountains of Montenegro include some of the most rugged terrain in Europe. They average more than 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) in elevation. One of the country's notable peaks is Bobotov Kuk in the Durmitor Mountains, which reaches a height of 2,522 metres (8,274 ft). The Montenegrin mountain ranges were among the most ice-eroded parts of the Balkan Peninsula during the last glacial period.

Official Language: Montenegrin2, Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian

Demonym: Montenegrin

Currency: Euro3 (EUR)

Time Zone: CET (UTC+1)

Summer (DST): CEST (UTC+2)

Internet TLD: .me (.yu) 4

Calling Code: +382

VISA FORMALITIES

All travelers require a passport valid for the duration of their stay, and should ensure that it is stamped for entry. Passports should be carried at all times. Visitors must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival (this is done automatically when checking in to a hotel or official tourist accommodation). Failure to do so could mean a fine or imprisonment. Travelers must only enter Montenegro through recognized border crossings.

Americans: United States citizens may stay up to 90 days in Montenegro without a visa.

UK nationals: British citizens may stay up to 90 days in Montenegro without a visa.

Canadians: Canadians may stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days without a visa.

Australians: Australian citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Montenegro.

South Africans: South Africans require a visa to visit Montenegro (visa applications may be made through the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia).

Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Montenegro.

New Zealanders: New Zealanders do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Montenegro.

TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO:

Rafting down Tara through the deepest canyon in Europe is unique, incomparable experience. Tara is the longest river in Montenegro (144km) which is consisted of two rivers Opasnica and Verusa and with river Piva from Scepan polje makes Drina. It has made one of the biggest canyon-valleys in the world which is long 80 km and high over 1300 metres. River Tara is the famous one and in the recent time for rafting by rubber boats. During the month of June the categorization of rivers by their level of attractiveness for rafting is carried out. Tara was marked by 3-4 (coming just after Colorado and other the most attractive rivers in the world which categorization is up to 5). Thus it appears to be on the very top of the world’s famous rafting rivers according to its attractiveness and adventure it can provide. Our offer is one day or three rafting arrangement on Tara river. Three days arrangement starts from the place Splaviste which is 3 km upward from the bridge in the place Djurdjevica Tara and is 90 km long. For this rafting our boats are provided. Our rafters know every single rock and swirl of Tara and completely safely will take you through the rapids of this mountain beauty.

Lake of Skadar

Lake of Skadar, 391 km2 of total area, is the biggest lake in the Balkans. It lies in Zeta-Skadar ravine and is connected with the Adriatic Sea by the river Bojana. 2/3 of the lake belongs to Montenegro and 1/3 to Albania. Montenegrin part of the lake was declared a National Park in 1983. In 1996 it was included in the World list of swamps of international importance by the Ramsar convention. Another term that makes the lake recognizable is crypto depression - it means that its largest part is below the sea level. The coast is jagged, with numerous bays, islands, peninsulas and capes. The swamps are overgrown with reed.

Small town called Rijeka Crnojevica is situated on the lake's coast and is full of historical heritage. In the vicinity of the town there are remains of the town Oktoih. There was the first printing firm. In 1494 the first book in this part of Europe was printed here ("Oktoih").

Numerous cultural and historical monuments: archaeological excavations, monastery complex and fortifications scattered around the basin are witnesses that even back in XIV and XV century this area was a significant cultural centre. The Lake is full of islands and peninsulas with trails of rich history and cultural inheritance: Zabljak (XV c.) - the capital of former Zeta, Lesendro - a fortress on the rock in the middle of the Lake, the Grmozur fortress. Lake of Skadar is heaven for birds. There are 264 bird species registered, many of which are reduced in number or their survival is endangered. Lake of Skadar is an ecological empire, an oasis of silence and close contact with untouched nature. Clean water and preserved environment were good basis for extremely rich eco-system. This is the only habitation of pelicans in the south of Europe. The oldest monastery with a church dedicated to the Assumption of the Mother of God was built in Starcevo between 1376 and 1378. Building of the monastery is connected to an old man called Makarije, who allegedly lived on the island as a monk and thus the island was called Starceva gorica (Old man's mountain).

The most important monument of the National Park “Lovcen” is Njegos’ mausoleum, which was erected on the mountain peak Jezerski Vrh. It was this eminent poet’s wish to be buried here. Mountain of Lovcen rises above the coastal region and is the backdrop of the city of Kotor. This mountainous region plays an important role in the consciousness of Montenegrin people. Lovcen is a symbol of state and national identity. The Mountain of Lovcen is proclaimed a National park that includes the highest and central part of the entire Lovcen massive. The peaks named Stirovnik and Jezerski Vrh is where the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic Njegos, one of the greatest poets, philosophers and statesmen of Montenegro, is located. Lovcen has an abundantly valuable building heritage, summer pastures and village gumnos. One of the valuable religious monuments is the village of Njegusi, the birthplace of Njegos, located on the old road leading from Kotor to the town of Cetinje.

Manastir Ostrog

Ostrog Monastery was founded in 17 century by Vasilije Jovanovic, who was later buried there and pronounced a saint posthumously and is now referred to as Sveti Vasilije Ostroski (St. Vasilije of Ostrog). Ostrog is the most important pilgrim place in Montenegro, where believers from all over the world come, especially in summer during traditional church fair. It is a true example of natural beauty. It is situated between Danilovgrad and Niksic. Way below it there is the Zeta River and the Bjelopavlici plain. Above it there is a miraculous mountain range with the cave of Ostrog.

National Park Biogradska Gora

Protection of Biogradska Gora dates from 1878 when this territory became “Duke’s preserve”, a gift to the ruler of Montenegro of that time, Duke Nikola. The greatest value of the National Park is the primeval forest Biogradska Gora, total area of 1600 ha. It is one of the last three primeval forests in Europe. It’s highly protected reservation and it represents biological treasury of ecologic ecosystems with 86 species of dendroflora.

National Park “Biogradska Gora” has over 200 registered bird species. All species are protected apart from some species of the family of crows. Two most significant water objects in the National Park are Lake Biogradska with its watershed and river Tara. Near the National Park there is a monument of major significance, The Moraca Monastery, which is a memorial of Duke Vukan Nemanjic. The church, consecrated to Assumption of the Mother of God, was erected in 1252. For more then seven centuries the Monastery has been a center of historical and cultural events. Whole gallery of frescos dates from XIII, XVI and XVIII centuries. Also, here are our most significant icons, dating from XVII century.

RIVER CIJEVNA

If by any chance, you find yourself in Podgorica at the end of June or in July, not visiting the river Cijevna, one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, would be the greatest mistake ever. In early days of June, at the very beginning of the swimming season, will conjure up at least part of the atmosphere on the river Cijevna.

The Bay of Kotor is one of the most beautiful bays of the world. It consists of four connected straits. High cliffs that surround the bay from all sides reflect in the deep blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Seven island decorate the Bay of Kotor: Saint Marco (Sveti Marko), the island of Mamula, the island of Our Lady of the Rock (Gospa od Skrpjela), Saint George (Sveti Djordje), the island of Milosrdja, the island of Flowers (Ostrvo cveca), and the smallest island of little Mother of God (Mala Gospa). The road lining the Bay of Kotor passes though a chain of cities that can enlighten the traveler, each by their unique characteristics and history. Among them is Kotor, city of World Cultural Heritage.

Ada Bojana is an artificially created river island. In the 19th century, at his location two smaller islands where located between which a ship called Merito was sunk. Though the years, the wreck of this ship and the two islands nearby, gathered river sediment and created this beautiful island. Ada Bojana has a triangular shape. It is touched from one side by the Adriatic Sea and the other sides by the river Bojana. The beach facing the sea is sandy, 3km long and is a heaven for sailing. On the river banks of Ada Bojana there are many fish restaurants that catch the fish in the old time-honored methods.
Skadarsko Jezero - Skadar Lake

The Skadar Lake is the largest lake in the Balkans. Its specific beauty is revealed in the rich flora and fauna. The Skadar Lake is an important habitat of water birds. The rare curly pelican is the mark of the National park. Average depth of the Skadar Lake is 6m and, since some parts of the bottom are under sea level, it takes the depth up to 60m. Such places at Skadar Lake are named "oka". The shore of the Skadar Lake is picturesque and abounds in peninsulas and swampy bays. The Skadar Lake hides numerous endemic species of flora and fauna. It is decorated by Goricas, small islands covered by wild pomegranate laurel and ivy. The Skadar Lake is rich with cultural and historic monuments spread across this National park. Small abandoned fishing habitats located right on the water also represent exceptional cultural heritage. The Ramasar convention from 1996 listed the Skadar Lake in World list of swamps of international importance.

Durmitor – mountain

Because of its indescribable beauty and untouched nature, as early as 1952, Durmitor was proclaimed a National park. National park Durmitor spreads from the mountain massive of Durmitor with canyons of the rivers Tara, Susica and Draga to the canyon valley of the river Komarnica. Giant Durmitor abounds in imposing mountaintops and numerous glacier lakes surrounded by rich evergreen forests. Fast and clear rivers gifted Durmitor with magnificent canyons among them the exceptional Tara River canyon as one of the most beautiful in the world. Plentiful flora and fauna of Durmitor attracts many nature lovers. Durmitor is World Natural Heritage.

Sveti Stefan – coast

One of the most precious gifts of nature to Montenegro is the peninsula of Sveti Stefan (Saint Stephen). Legend says that the local Pastrovici family, started building on this peninsula with captured Turk treasure in 15th century. Today, it is an attractive city-hotel with villas and apartments that display magnificent views to the sea horizon. On the peninsula Sveti Stefan there are also rich cultural and historic heritage left behind by its original inhabitants. On the left and right side of the sandy isthmus, connecting the island with the shore, there are two beautiful beaches of reddish color.

CLIMATE

The coastal regions generally enjoy mild winters and hot summers, with sea temperatures ranging from 10-12°C in winter to 25-28°C in summer.  During the winter bad weather tends to accumulate mostly over the coastal mountain ranges, which frequently leads to warm and sunny winter days.  The contrast of the mild winter weather with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains is delightful.

For the winter visitor it can appear as if most of the coast is your own private playground.  The busiest coastal area in winter months is Kotor, the UNESCO protected town, as this ancient city attracts tourists from Dubrovnik by both cruise ship and coach.  Kotor is also popular with the locals during the off-season as it maintains an endless appetite for festivals.

Many of the other coastal towns, such as Budva and Petrovac, close down much of their touristic side, leaving a few local cafes, bars and some of the better restaurants for the winter visitor to enjoy at leisure while absorbing the changing moods of the Adriatic.

For the summer visitor Montenegro's coast has many faces: from the serene beauty of the Kotor Fjord, to the hustle and bustle of Budva Riviera, to the tranquillity of the massive lake Skadar, to the immense stretches of sand that are the Veliki Plaza (Big Beach) of Ulcinj. Winter or summer, the Montenegro coast has much variety to offer.