Australian edition of the Vogue presents nine reasons why Montenegro should be firmly on our travel hit list. Travel stylist Maria Paradisis calls our country “tiny Balkan paradise”.
Perast is on the top of her list.
She recommends a lazy lunch at Conte followed by a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks. The journalist retold the legend on the island.
“Legend has it that in 1452, two brothers were fishing and found a picture of the Virgin Mary at sea, which miraculously healed one’s sickness. In gratitude, they vowed to build a church and dropped stones where the icon was found. This created an artificial island and a small chapel was eventually built. A tradition began for sailors to throw rocks around the chapel before a voyage to ask the Virgin Mary for a safe return,” the article says.
Aman Sveti Stefan is on the second place of the list.
Connected to the mainland by a narrow walkway, Aman Sveti Stefan was on my radar for some time. The island dates back to the 15th century and was once a small fishing village.
Reminiscent of a fairytale, it has since been converted into a luxury hotel. The 600-year-old tiled roofs are in stark contrast to the Adriatic Sea, she writes.
Position 3 – Kotor:
A UNESCO-protected, walled town that sits along the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), medieval Kotor was built during the Byzantine Empire and features a strong Venetian influence.
Here you’ll find cobblestone streets lined with cafes, churches and museums. If you’re feeling fit and adventurous, a 1300-step climb will take you St John Fortress where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over Kotor.
Kotor4 – Durmitor National Park
This breathtaking park is popular for recreation- take your pick from rafting, biking, fishing, hiking and skiing.
Don’t miss Tara River Canyon; at 82km and surrounded by 1,300-metre cliffs, it is the deepest canyon in Europe.
5 – Porto Montenegro
Have yacht, will travel! The largest superyacht berth in the world (at 250 metres) can be found at Porto Montenegro.
This luxury marina project features a hotel and residential village, with Lord Jacob Rothschild and LVMH founder Bernard Arnault among its investors.
6 – The scenic drive from Kotor to Mt Lovćen
Outside Kotor, a steep, winding route known as the serpentine road consists of 25 hairpin turns. Views to Bay of Kotor will find you stopping frequently for photos.
Mt Lovćen is the black mountain that gave Montenegro its name (monte meaning ‘mountain’ & negro meaning ‘black’).
7 – Njeguši smoked ham & cheese
Along the scenic drive from Kotor to Lovcen, you will pass Njeguši, a quaint village located within the Lovćen National Park. Njeguši is famous for its smoked ham (Njeguški pršut), and local cheese (Njeguški sir) – you’ll find it on the menu at most restaurants in Montenegro.
It is also the birthplace of the Petrović Dynasty, who ruled Montenegro from 1696 – 1918.
8 – Herceg Novi
Located at the entrance to Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) at the foot of Mount Orjen, the Herceg Novi waterfront’s many cafes and restaurants are the perfect place to spend the hot summer months.
Wander through the old town and head to nearby Orthodox Savina Monastery for amazing coastal views.
9 – Jaz Beach
Jaz is one of the best beaches in Montenegro. Located close to Budva, this long stretch of sand hosts an impressive line-up of live music in the summer – Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Britney Spears, Lenny Kravitz and Jamiroquai have all played here.
S.Bošković
