Places of Interest

Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is one of the younger towns on the Adriatic coast and was established in 1382. It was ruled by a number of conquerors - the Turks, Spaniards, Venetians, Austrians, Russians and French whose influences can be see in the architecture of the town. The Turks conquered the city in 1482 and ruled until 1687 and Kanli Kula (the Bloody Tower) was built during this time. The Watch Tower is another Turkish building and the symbol of the town and it is displayed on all of the town's coats of arms and insignia. Along the coast around the town are small marinas, beautiful coves and amazing caves. Plava Spilja, the most attractive of the many caves was named after its distinctive dark blue colour and was used by pirates.

Tivat

Tivat is a coastal town at the foot of Lovcen Mountain and it is in the central part of Boka bay. To the south of the town there is a vast and fertile plain where the modern, international airport of Tivat is located and to the west is the Peninsula Lustica, which is covered with olive trees. A number of tourist resorts are situated along the Tivat coast that goes from Lepetani to Bigovo and they are perfect places for summer holidays and water sports. Tivat is an area with extraordinary natural beauty and the winding bay enjoys stunning views in every direction. Its geographical position, climate and natural beauty make it a very attractive tourist destination.

" God made the world in six days, and on the seventh day he took his time and created this fjord under Lovcen" Boyd

Kotor

Kotor, a UNESCO listed "World Natural and Historical Heritage Site" is located along Bokokotorska Bay. The Old City of Kotor is well preserved and was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. It boasts medieval architecture, numerous monumental treasures and the city is criss-crossed by quaint narrow streets and squares. The ramparts are 4.5 kilometres long and they are 20 metres high in some places. There are carnivals and fiestas every year which add additional charm to this most beautiful city. The Mountain of Lovcen rises behind the city of Kotor and has great importance for the Montenegrin people as a symbol of state and national identity.

Budva

The old town of Budva has been a settlement since ancient times and is one of the oldest urban centres on the Adriatic at over 2,500 years old. In 1667 Budva was destroyed by an earthquake and a new town was erected on the old town remains. The centre of Budva has ancient ramparts and towers and is intersected by many alleys and squares with beautiful churches dotted about. During the summer months, there are many cultural activities including theatrical and musical performances and an international festival.

Sveti Stefan

One of the most wonderful, natural assets of the country is the peninsula Sveti Stefan. Legend has it that in the 15th century, the Pastrovici, the local tribe, built on this peninsula using captured Turkish treasure. Today it is an attractive city-hotel with villas and apartments looking out to magnificent views of the sea. Sveti Stefan is rich in culture and history with two squares and several churches and galleries. To the left and the right of the sandy neck of land connecting the island with the shore there are two beautiful beaches. The Watch Tower is the symbol of Sveti Stefan and is shown on all the town's coats of arms and other insignia and was built by the Turks in 1667.

The Monastery of Ostrog

This magnificent monastery carved in the rocks is located above the valley of Bjelopavlici and was founded by Saint Vasilije in the 17th century. It is the best-known sanctuary in Montenegro and is visited by thousands of people from all over the world. There are two monasteries; the upper monastery dedicated to the Holy Cross and the lower monastery dedicated to Holy Mary. The roads to Ostrog are steep and winding through the magnificent valley of Bjelopavici and the first glimpses of the monastery embedded in the rocky cliff are very impressive. This shrine is one of the most visited in the Christian world by people of all religions and nations and the traditional day of pilgrimage is May 12th when many pilgrims arrive on foot, some barefoot and they spend the night in the monastery or under the stars. Many miracles are attributed to Ostrog Monastery and on the spot where Saint Vasilije died, it is claimed that a grape vine grew from a stone.

Boka - Bokokotorska bay

Boka Kotorska bay is one of the most beautiful bays of the world and consists of four connected straits. On all sides, high cliffs surround the bay and are reflected in the deep blue water of The Adriatic Sea. Seven islands are in Boka Kotorska bay: Sveti Marko, Mamula, Gospa od Skrpjela, Sveti Djordje, Milosrdja, Ostrvo cveca and Mala Gospa, the smallest among them.

Ada Bojana - coast

Ada Bojana is a river island, which was artificially created in the 19th century close to two smaller islands. It is of a triangular shape and one side is swept by The Adriatic Sea and the other two sides face the river Bojana. The beach facing the sea is sandy and three kilometres long and it is a haven for sailing and nudists. On the banks of the river there are many fish restaurants for seafood connoisseurs.

Mount Durmitor

The National park of Durmitor is indescribably beautiful and stretches from the mountains of Durmitor and the river canyons of Tara, Susica and Draga to the canyon valley of the river Komarnica. The park abounds in imposing mountaintops and numerous glacier lakes surrounded by rich evergreen forests.

Skadarsko jezero - lake

The Scadar Lake is the largest lake in the Balkans and it is an important habitat for water birds, rich flora and fauna. The rare curly pelican is the symbol of the National Park. The average depth of the Scadar Lake is 6 metres and in some places the depth reaches 60 metres. The shores of the Scadar Lake are picturesque and are punctuated by peninsulas and bays. There are a number of small islands in the lake covered by wild pomegranate, laurel and ivy. The Scadar Lake area is rich with cultural and historic monuments and there are small, abandoned fishing villages spread across the National Park. In 1996, the Ramasar convention listed the Scadar Lake in the World list of swamps of international importance.

Tara - river and canyon

The Tara is the largest European fresh water reservoir and it is at the convergence of two rivers that emerge from the Mountains. The canyon of the wild and untamed Tara River is the second largest in the world, after the Colorado River canyon. Known as the "Tear of Europe", the canyon itself is 78 km long and contains numerous breathtaking gorges, waterfalls and over 80 caves. The scenery is beautiful and the vegetation green and lush with special forests of black pine trees over four hundred years old. Adventurous visitors can enjoy white water rafting on wooden or rubber boats on this spectacular river during the summer.

Biogradska gora - lake and forest

The National park of Biogradska Gora is located between the rivers of Tara and Lim in the middle of Mount Bjelasica and it is characterized by fast flowing streams, clear lakes and the unique virgin forest of Biogradska Gora. The park boasts much cultural and historic heritage consisting of sacred monuments, national buildings and archeological sites. There are numerous authentic buildings with traditional architecture in the summer pastures and villages on the edge of the virgin forest reserve of mountain Bjelasica.