Montenegro

Montenegro boasts a beautiful shoreline as well as a hilly northern area. In the 1980s, the country was a popular tourist destination. Nonetheless, the Yugoslav conflicts waged in neighboring countries throughout the 1990s devastated the tourism sector and harmed Montenegro’s reputation for years.

The Montenegrin Adriatic coast is 295 kilometers (183 miles) long, with 72 kilometers (45 miles) of beaches and many well-preserved historic old towns. National Geographic Traveler (published once every decade) names Montenegro as one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime,” with the Montenegrin beach town of Sveti Stefan serving as the magazine’s cover. Montenegro’s seaside area is regarded as one of the major new “discoveries” among international visitors. The Ulcinj South Coast area of Montenegro, including Velika Plaza, Ada Bojana, and the Hotel Mediteran of Ulcinj, was named one of the “Top 31 Places to Go in 2010” by The New York Times in January 2010, as part of a global ranking of tourist destinations.

Montenegro was also named one of Yahoo Travel’s “10 Top Hot Spots of 2009” to visit, with the country described as “now rated as the world’s second fastest expanding tourist market (dropping just behind China).” Every year, renowned travel publications like as Lonely Planet rank it as a top touristic destination, among Greece, Spain, and other global touristic destinations.

The tourist sector did not begin to recover until the 2000s, and the nation has subsequently seen rapid increase in the number of visitors and overnight stays. Montenegro’s government has made the development of the country as an elite tourism destination a major priority. It is a national plan aimed at making tourism a significant contributor to the Montenegrin economy. To entice international investors, a variety of measures were made. Some major projects, such as Porto Montenegro, are currently underway, while other sites, such as Jaz Beach, Buljarica, Velika Plaa, and Ada Bojana, may have the greatest potential to attract future investments and become premium tourist destinations on the Adriatic.

Montenegro has borders with Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania. It is located between the latitudes of 41° and 44° N, and the longitudes of 18° and 21° E.

Montenegro’s terrain varies from high hills along its borders with Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania, a section of the western Balkan Peninsula’s Karst, to a small coastal plain just one to four miles (6.4 km) wide. The plain suddenly ends in the north, when Mount Loven and Mount Orjen fall into the Bay of Kotor’s entrance.

The vast Karst area of Montenegro is usually at heights of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level; however, certain sections reach to 2,000 meters (6,560 feet), such as Mount Orjen (1,894 meters or 6,214 feet), the tallest massif among the coastal limestone mountains. The lowest section is the Zeta River valley, which has an elevation of 500 m (1,600 ft).

Montenegro’s mountains include some of the most severe terrain in Europe, with elevations average over 2,000 meters. Bobotov Kuk in the Durmitor mountains is a prominent peak in the nation, reaching a height of 2,522 meters (8,274 ft). The Montenegrin mountain ranges were among the most ice-eroded regions of the Balkan Peninsula during the last glacial era due to the hyperhumid environment on their western slopes.

Montenegro is a member of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) since the Danube catchment region encompasses more than 2,000 square kilometers (772 square miles) of the country’s territory.

Montenegro’s lower coastal regions have a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and warm, wet winters. The climate in the central and northern areas is Continental, with temperature varying significantly with elevation. Podgorica, located at sea level in the middle valley, has the highest July temperatures in Montenegro, averaging 35-40°C (95-104°F).

Cetinje, located in the Karst at a height of 670m (2,200 ft), has a 5°C (10°F) lower temperature. Temperatures in January vary from 8°C (46°F) in Bar on the southern coast to -3°C (27°F) in the northern area.

Montenegro’s hilly areas get some of Europe’s heaviest rainfall. Snow remains in the northern highlands into the spring.

Ethnic structure

Montenegro has 620,145 people, according to the 2003 census. If the 1991 methodology had been followed in the 2003 census, Montenegro would have officially reported 673,094 people. Montenegro has 620,029 people, according to the 2011 census data.

Montenegro is a multiethnic country with no ethnic majority. Montenegrins (pноори/Crnogorci), Serbs (ри/Srbi), Bosniaks (Bonjaci), Albanians (Albanci – Shqiptart), and Croats are the major ethnic groupings (Hrvati). The number of “Montenegrins” and “Serbs” varies greatly between censuses owing to changes in how individuals perceive, feel, and express their identity and ethnic affiliation.

Religion

Montenegro has traditionally been at the crossroads of diversity, and this has created its unique type of coexistence between Muslim and Christian populations throughout centuries. Montenegrins have traditionally been members of the Serbian Orthodox Church (ruled by the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral), and Serbian Orthodox Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in Montenegro today. The Montenegrin Orthodox Church was established lately and is followed by a tiny minority of Montenegrins, but it is not in communion with any other Christian Orthodox Church since it is not legally recognized.

Despite the increased tensions between religious groups during the Bosnian War, Montenegro remained relatively peaceful, owing in part to its population’s historical view on religious tolerance and religion variety. Montenegrin religious institutions all have guaranteed rights and are independent of the state. Islam is the country’s second biggest religious group, accounting for 19% of the total population. The Islamic Community of Montenegro organizes the Islamic religious life in the country. The majority of Albanians are Sunni Muslims, and in 2012, a protocol was passed that recognizes Islam as an official religion in Montenegro, ensures that halal foods will be served in military facilities, hospitals, dormitories, and all social facilities, and that Muslim women will be permitted to wear headscarves in schools and public institutions, as well as ensuring that Muslims have the right to taqwa. There is also a tiny Roman Catholic community, mainly Albanians with few Croats, split between the Archdiocese of Antivari, which is led by the Primate of Serbia, and the Diocese of Kotor, which is affiliated with the Church of Croatia.

Montenegrin is the official language. It is almost identical to Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian. Albanian is widely spoken in municipalities with an Albanian majority (Ulcinj) or a significant minority (Plav, Gusinje), as well as the Malesia area in Podgorica municipality. Slovenian and Macedonian may also be spoken. Despite the fact that their languages are almost similar, people differentiate between the Montenegrin, Serb, Croat, and Bosniak nationalities, with Montenegrins being a small majority. Montenegrin may be written in both Cyrillic and Latin scripts. Latin text is much more prevalent in Montenegro than in neighboring Serbia and the Serbian part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Many individuals in Podgorica and the surrounding region speak English, although this is not always the case in the north. Some elderly individuals have a working understanding of German. Italian is also extremely useful, particularly near the seaside. Russian, which is related to the Slavic languages and is spoken by many elderly individuals.

Wi-Fi

Customers may connect to Wi-Fi in cafes and cafeterias, and most hotels provide Wi-Fi in common areas for their guests. Wi-Fi is also available in certain major tourist locations.

When utilizing unprotected wifi networks, keep security in mind.

Mobile phones and SIM cards

Sim cards for mobile phones are currently available for € 1. With that amount of credit, and if you intend to remain in Montenegro for an extended period of time, making local phone calls will be well worth the cost. In order to activate a prepaid number at a local operator’s shop as of 2011, you must fill out a brief form and present ID or a passport.

Montenegro’s economy is mostly service-based, and it is in the process of transitioning to a market economy. Montenegro’s nominal GDP in 2009 was $4.114 billion, according to the International Monetary Fund. In 2009, the GDP PPP was $6.590 billion, or $10,527 per capita. According to Eurostat statistics, Montenegro’s GDP per capita in 2010 was 41% of the EU average. The Central Bank of Montenegro is not a member of the eurozone, but the nation has “euroized,” utilizing the euro as its only currency.

GDP increased by 10.7% in 2007 and 7.5 percent in 2008. As part of the global crisis, the nation experienced a recession in 2008, with GDP falling by 4%. Montenegro, on the other hand, remained a target for international investment, being the only Balkan country to grow its quantity of direct foreign investment. The nation is projected to emerge from the recession in mid-2010, with GDP growth of about 0.5 percent. However, the Montenegrin economy’s reliance on foreign direct investment makes it vulnerable to external shocks and has a large export/import trade imbalance.

In 2007, the service sector accounted for 72.4 percent of GDP, with industry and agriculture accounting for the remaining 17.6 percent and 10%, respectively. Montenegro has 50,000 agricultural families that depend on agriculture to supplement their family’s income.

The majority of international visitors arrive in Montenegro via plane, road from Croatia, or sometimes by sea from Italy. Tourists from Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania mostly utilize the land routes from those countries.

Holders of travel documents containing a valid Schengen visa, a valid visa from the United States of America, or a permit to stay in these countries may enter and stay, i.e. pass through the territory of Montenegro, for up to seven days, or for no more than the period of validity of the visa if it is less than seven days. However, border guards may be unaware of this information and may advise you that you need a visa to enter Montenegro. Maintain your cool and gently request that they double-check their facts. They will complete a form using your passport and vehicle registration details, which may take up to an hour!

As of November 2010, citizens of the following countries may enter, transit through, and remain in Montenegro without a visa for up to 90 days with a valid travel document: Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Greece, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, El Salvador, San Marino, Seychelles, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, United States of America and Venezuela.

The exemption from the visa requirement also applies to holders of valid travel papers issued by the People’s Republic of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the People’s Republic of China’s Macao Special Administrative Region.

The major international airport in Montenegro is Podgorica. It is located 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of Podgorica. It serves as a hub for Montenegro Airlines, the country’s main airline.

The minibus, which typically waits in front of the terminal, may take you from the airport to the center of Podgorica. Taxis to the city center will be more costly, often costing €15. Metered taxis from the city center (Republic Place) to the airport cost €5-6.

The absence of bus service to the shore is one point to note about the Podgorica airport. As a result, as soon as you leave the airport, you will be besieged by men who will ask if you want a cab. They are now competing to see how much they can squeeze you for. Montenegro is not a cheap nation, but you should have your wits about you. Hotels in Kotor will provide airport transfers for about 70-80 euros, so don’t believe men who quote EUR120 or more for the trip to the seaside. If you say “forget it” and take a cab to the center, they may attempt to negotiate with you while you’re in the vehicle… at least in this case, it’s one-on-one.

Tivat airport is located on the Montenegin coast, near the city of Tivat. It operates year-round daily flights to Belgrade and charter flights to key European cities during the summer. Tivat airport is 20 kilometers from Budva and Herceg-Novi, and 60 kilometers from Bar.

The destinations served by these airports are detailed in the ‘Airports of Montenegro’ webpage. Montenegro Airlines’ destinations, as well as booking information, may be found on the carrier’s website.

Dubrovnik airport in Croatia is a half-hour drive from the Montenegrin border and the seaside city of Herceg-Novi, and it is serviced by several major airlines, making it an excellent choice for visitors arriving by aircraft.

From Belgrade, there is one daytime and one overnight train (two in the summer). Trains go via Bijelo Polje, Kolain, and Podgorica before arriving in Bar, Montenegro’s major seaport. The railway across the Dinaric Mountains is regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful railroads. Traveling by rail is the cheapest method to travel to Montenegro, but the service is subpar. The trip from Belgrade to Podgorica takes 10 hours (11 hours to Bar), but anticipate significant delays.

The cost of a ticket from Belgrade to Podgorica is €19.20, with a €3 mandatory seat reservation or a €6 berth reservation. Tickets may be bought online at the Serbian Railways e-shop.

The E65, E80, E762, E763, and E851 European roads run through the nation, linking it to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania.

Montenegro has no highways constructed to full motorway standards; all routes are single carriageway. Almost all roads in Montenegro are twisty and hilly, and speeds over 80km/h are prohibited. Within a built-up region, the usual speed restriction is 50km/h. Winter driving conditions on roads in the northern hilly area need extra care.

Even during the day, driving with headlights is required, as is wearing a seat belt. A €10 ‘ecological tax’ for passenger vehicles entering Montenegro used to be collected at border crossings, however it was phased out in 2012.

In Italy, there is a daily ferry service from Bar to Bari. The Bar-Bari line is open all year, with service many times a week during the summer. A journey to Bari takes about 8 hours. There is also a ferry service between Bari, Italy, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Bus service to Montenegro is accessible from there; the Dubrovnik bus station is close to the port where the ferry docks.

There is a local rail service that runs from Bar to Bijelo Polje, passing via Podgorica, Kolasin, and Mojkovac. It is the cheapest method to go from north to south and vice versa, however the service is not of great quality. In recent months, Montenegro acquired new trains from Switzerland, which replaced some of the older rolling equipment used for local services. The standard of quality should be comparable to that of Europe.

Montenegro Railways has also revived the railway line to Niksic, offering a picturesque and reasonably priced trip that is faster than the bus.

This might be the most convenient method to travel about Montenegro. Buses are numerous (particularly during the summer), safe, and often on time. Ticket costs in Montenegro are all less than €15. Prices are as follows: Podgorica-Ulcinj €6, Podgorica-Cetinje €3, Cetinje-Kotor €5, and so on. Local buses do not typically have air conditioning.

Aside from buses, minibuses are available at bus terminals for a little lower price but are a quicker and more comfortable alternative.

Because Montenegro lacks a true motorway, most roads are two-lane only, with the occasional addition of a third overtaking lane, and are usually not up to European standards. Because most roads are winding and hilly, speeds over 80 km/h (50 mph) are seldom permitted and rarely safe.

On the open road, the speed restriction is 80 km/h unless otherwise posted. Within cities, the speed limit is 50km/h.

During the day, the usage of seat belts and headlights is required, and the use of telephones while driving is banned. Signposts in Montenegro are almost similar to those in other EU nations.

Local drivers have a tendency to drive quickly and engage in risky overtaking maneuvers. During the height of the summer season, traffic bottlenecks are frequent. In every Montenegrin city, pedestrians are notorious for jaywalking.

Drivers are notoriously loud, so don’t take it personally if one shouts at you.

By rent-a-car

There are many vehicle rental companies, with rates starting at 20 EUR per day for a Toyota Yaris.

In Montenegro, hitchhiking is a viable option.

Specific roads

The roads from Podgorica to Bar and Niksic are quite decent and simple to navigate.

The highways from Podgorica to Budva and Petrovac are in in excellent shape, although they are twisty mountain roads that seldom allow speeds over 70km/h.

During the winter, the route from Podgorica north to Kolasin, and then on to Zabljak or Serbia, is considered hazardous, particularly the section through the Moraca canyon. During cold or wet days, it is suggested that one take the bus to the north, since bus drivers are experienced and know the route.

The ancient route from Cetinje to Kotor is mainly a tiny one-lane road with spectacular views of Kotor from above, but use great care while passing on-coming vehicles, overtaking, and going around bends.

Montenegro is officially split into 21 municipalities, which are further subdivided into five regions:

• Bay of Kotor
  This bay is regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its whole. It contains Perast and Kotor, as well as other typical Mediterranean cities.
• Budva Riviera
  The major tourist route, with beautiful beaches, ancient towns, and a raucous nightlife.
• Central Montenegro
  This is the country’s core, including the state capital of Podgorica, the ancient capital of Cetinje, and the industrial hub of Niki. It also has natural wonders like Skadar Lake National Park and Loven National Park.
• Montenegrin South Coast
  The Mediterranean shore between the cities of Bar and Ulcinj, the latter of which has a large Albanian population.
• North Montenegrin Mountains
  This area is completely included inside the Dinaric Alps, which are renowned for their unspoiled natural character. The Tara River Canyon in Durmitor National Park is a must-see. abljak is the winter sports capital of Montenegro.

• Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, administrative center, and largest city, has grown rapidly in the past decade.
• Bar is the country’s main port.
• Budva, with its walled Old Town surrounded by high-rises, resorts, and modern constructions, is the most popular tourist destination, with beautiful beaches and a crazy nightlife.
• Cetinje, the ancient royal capital situated under Lovcen mountain, has a national park with many museums, monasteries, and former embassies.
• Herceg Novi, Croatia, was established in 1382 and is situated at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, near Dubrovnik.
• Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an old walled town situated deep inside the Boka Kotorska bay. It is a frequent stop for cruise ships.
• Nikšić — Montenegro’s second biggest and most economically significant city, and the birthplace of the famed Montenegrin beer Niksicko.
• Tivat is a tiny town on the Bay of Kotor that is rapidly becoming a significant tourism, commercial, and transportation hub thanks to the country’s second international airport.
• Žabljak — situated under Durmitor mountain, and its national park is a popular summer and winter tourist attraction.
• Ulcinj — an old walled town that was previously a pirate hideaway, encircled by a 12km long sandy beach that is a kite-surfing hotspot and nudist paradise

• Bečići — It has a 2 kilometer long excellent sandy beach with many resorts and motels.
• Biogradska Gora National Park — Some of Europe’s few unspoiled woods, as well as a lovely little lake where you may go fishing.
• Durmitor National Park — Rafting down the Tara Canyon, Europe’s deepest canyon, is one of Montenegro’s most popular sports.
• Lovćen National Park — lovely mountain with natural, cultural, and historical scenery
• Mount Ostrog — the incredible monastery perched on Mount Ostrog’s almost sheer cliff
• Perast — UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site, lovely little community
• Prokletije National Park – The primary draw of this park is hiking and mountain climbing.
• Skadar Lake National Park — the biggest lake in the Balkans and a natural home for a wide variety of flora and animals
• Sveti Stefan — beautiful town-hotel on a tiny peninsula near Budva, a former fishermen’s village (currently closed for renovation)

Despite its tiny size, Montenegro has magnificent alpine scenery, dramatic shore lines, ancient monuments, and really lovely walled towns. Montenegro’s shoreline is equally as beautiful as that of its more well-known neighbor, Croatia, and it’s no surprise that its major tourist sites may become busy in the summer. However, if you are unable to come at another time, don’t allow their popularity deter you. Even the biggest cruise ship crowds will not prevent you from enjoying this country’s beautiful Riviera and Medieval coast villages, particularly if you are prepared to wake up early and do your touring before the others.

The Serbian Orthodox Ostrog Monastery stands out among the country’s numerous churches and monasteries. It’s beautifully situated against an almost vertical backdrop, around 15 kilometers from Nikšić. It was founded in the 17th century and is one of the most frequented pilgrimage sites in the Balkans, with a breathtaking view of the Bjelopavlići plain.

The Bay of Kotor is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. At its lowest point, the similarly magnificent village of Kotor, a wonderfully preserved walled Medieval town with a rich history, can be found. Wandering through its maze of tiny, cobblestoned alleys, you’ll come across bustling piazzas, many old churches, and a plethora of delightful cafés and restaurants. The 12th-century St. Tryphon Cathedral, the Church of St. Luke, and the Orthodox St. Nicholas Church are all must-sees. Kotor is bounded on one side by the azure sea and on the other by a spectacularly high rock. It’s a difficult trek upward, but ascending the 1500 stairs will enable you to see the ancient defenses on top as well as enjoy some spectacular views of the sea.

Budva is the country’s most popular tourist attraction, with beautiful beaches and a charming walled town center. The ancient town center is picturesquely situated on a tiny peninsula, with narrow, twisting alleys concealing a plethora of antique buildings, churches, and little squares. The 7th century St. John’s Church, the 8th century Santa Marija of Punta, and the 12th century Church of St. Sava are among the most noteworthy structures here. Citadela is the ancient town fortification, and just next to it is the colorful Church of the Holy Trinity, which was constructed in 1804. Budva’s approximately 30 km long Riviera, nicknamed “The Riviera of Sandy Beaches,” is studded with charming hamlets and a plethora of ancient sites. It is separated from the magnificent mountain massifs of Lovcen by a strip of hotels and restaurants. The distinctive Sveti Stefan resort is a short bus ride from Budva.

Perast, a tiny but lovely town, had some of its finest architecture emerge during the Republic of Venice’s reign in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Bujovic, Zmajevic, Badovic, and Smekja Palaces, which were formerly held by rich marine captains, are examples of classic Venetian baroque architecture. Ulcinj, in the Adriatic’s south, is one of the Adriatic’s oldest towns, with a charming center and plenty of natural beauty. It’s also an excellent starting point for seeing neighboring Bar’s ancient town, Lake Skadar, or perhaps a cross-border trip to Albania. Herceg Novi (roughly translated as New Castle) is another lovely Montenegrin town with a magnificent historic center and a fair number of fascinating churches, squares, and castles.

Although Montenegro’s beautiful seaside landscape is well-known among visitors, the country’s mountainous interior also has some great panoramic vistas to offer. The nation and neighboring Albania share the huge freshwater Lake Skadar. It is a National Park and provides excellent possibilities for hiking, bird watching, and animal viewing. Virpazar is the most accessible of the numerous friendly fishermen’s communities in the area.

The magnificent Tara River Canyon, with its high cliffs reaching up to 1300 meters above the Tara River waters, is a must-see. It is the world’s second-longest canyon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canyon is situated inside Durmitor National Park, which is a World Heritage Site in its own right, and features a diverse flora and fauna, as well as snow-covered high peaks, canyons, and glacial lakes. The most popular is Black Lake, which is located within walking distance of the town of Abbjak, which acts as a traveler’s center for mountain and winter tourism.

Montenegro offers a plethora of local festivals that are well worth attending, ranging from traditional music performances to local celebrations with free food and beverages. Typically, wine and shellfish are served.

• Rafting. Rafting down the 100km route of Europe’s biggest canyon in ancient wooden or rubber boats is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
• Hiking/Trekking/Biking. Montenegro has depended on numerous paths linking towns, highways, churches, and mountains, which are currently preserved and suitable for all outdoor activities due to the country’s vastness and late development of infrastructure. Route maps are available at tourism offices in towns.
• Cruise and dive in Boka Bay. Iconic scenery of Boka Bay may be only appreciated fully from the sea-level and various small islands with tremendous history can only be reached that way. Diving may be interesting on several spots along Lustica.
• Paragliding over Budva Riviera.
• Kite-surfing on the Ada Bojana. Experience the legendary winds on Montenegro’s 12km long sandy beach in Ulcinj.
• (summer) Skiing/Snowboarding. While downhill skiing and snowboarding are common sports at resorts in Abbjak and Kolain during the winter, several mountains stay covered in snow throughout the summer and are perfect for wild summer skiing/snowboarding experiences.

Apart from hotels in towns and summer resorts that offer half-board and full-board accommodation, as well as those along roads and communication lines such as restaurants, pizza places, taverns, fast food restaurants, and cafes, there is a selection of national restaurants that serve traditional Montenegrin cuisine.

Montenegro provides a range of nutritious food items and local specialties in addition to the typical European and Mediterranean cuisine.

Cold hors d’oeuvres include the well-known njeguki prut (smoked ham) and njeguki cheese, as well as pljevaljski cheese, mushrooms, doughnuts, and dry bleak. Boiling lamb, lamb cooked in milk, cicvara in fresh milk cream (buttered corn porridge), and boiled potatoes with cheese and fresh cream are the main dishes unique to the northern highland area. Traditional cuisine from the central and coastal regions will be served, including kastradina (dried mutton), smoked and fresh carp (from Skadar lake), and a range of fresh sea fish and seafood dishes. Traditional sweets in these regions of Montenegro include donuts with honey and dried figs.

Veterinary and health authorities monitor and approve animal-derived products in accordance with EU requirements.

Wine

Montenegrin vineyards and the production of high-quality wine are part of the southern and coastal winemaking traditions.

The most well-known Montenegrin wines are the premium whites “Krsta,” “Cabernet,” and “Chardonnay,” as well as the reds “Vranac” and “Pro Corde.” All of them are manufactured by the well-known firm “Plantae,” but there are also some high-quality home-made wines, such as Crmniko wine.

In a bar or restaurant, a 1L bottle of “Vranac” red wine will cost you between €8 and €15, and it is definitely worth it! In addition, a bottle of “Plantaze” wine costs approximately €2-€4 in shops.

Brandy

The continental area and north are primarily focused on producing fragrant fruit-flavored brandy (plum brandy – šljivovica, apple brandy – jabukovača). A must-try is grape brandy “Montenegrin loza”, “Prvijenac”, “Kruna” or home-made grape brandy (lozova rakija, lozovaa).

Beer

“Nikšićko” beer is the most well-known and widely consumed alcoholic beverage in Montenegro, with prices ranging from €0.50 to €2.50. It is available as a draught beer or in bottled form in both the “Nik Gold” and lighter “Nik Cool” variants. Beer connoisseurs like the dark variety, “Nik tamno.”

Montenegro uses the euro. It is one of many European nations that utilize this common currency. All euro banknotes and coins are legal tender in all countries.

One euro is split into 100 cents.

The euro is denoted by the symbol € and has the ISO code EUR. The cent has no official symbol.

Regular companies and government offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4-5 p.m., while convenience stores, pharmacies, and shops are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bars, taverns, and restaurants often stay open until midnight or 1 a.m., while clubs may stay up until 3 or 4 a.m.

State and other holidays are all non-working days. Religious holidays are days off from work for particular religious groups.

Please keep in mind that if the first day of State and Other Holidays occurs on a Sunday, the following two working days are non-working days. Furthermore, if the second day of State and Other Holidays occurs on a Sunday, the next working day is a non-working day.

Short pants are generally not allowed in public places (hospitals, etc.). When visiting monasteries and cathedrals, dress modestly.

Taking off the lower half of a swimsuit on a beach would certainly cause a fuss and is usually reserved for authorized nudist beaches.

When toasting and clutching glasses, you must look the opposite person in the eyes; otherwise, it is considered disrespectful.

In Montenegro, being obviously intoxicated is a sign of poor taste and character: you may be asked to drink gallons, but you are supposed to be able to handle your drink. People also like to sip their booze rather than dumping it “bottoms-up.” Beware: “rakija,” a plum spirit with a high alcohol level (typically about 53%), is stronger than anticipated and can get you drunk quickly!

Throughout history, a number of influences have influenced Montenegro’s culture. Orthodox, Slavic, Central European, and maritime Adriatic cultures (particularly in areas of Italy, such as the Republic of Venice) have had the most impact in recent centuries.

Montenegro has numerous important cultural and historical sites, including pre-Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque heritage monuments. The Montenegrin coastline area is particularly well renowned for its religious structures, which include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in Kotor (Cattaro under the Venetians), the church of St. Luke (almost 800 years old), Our Lady of the Rocks (krpjela), the Savina Monastery, and others. Thousands of square meters of frescoes cover the walls of Montenegro’s ancient monasteries.

The ethical ideal of ojstvo I Junatvo, “Humaneness and Gallantry,” is a component of Montenegrin culture. The Oro, or “eagle dance,” is a traditional Montenegrin folk dance that includes dancing in circles with couples alternating in the center, and is completed by dancers standing on each other’s shoulders to create a human pyramid.

The region’s earliest literary works date back 10 centuries, while the first Montenegrin book was produced almost 500 years ago. The first state-owned printing press was established in Cetinje in 1494, the same year that the first South Slavic book, Oktoih, was published. Montenegrin monasteries have ancient texts going back to the thirteenth century.

Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, and Cetinje, the ancient royal capital, are the country’s two most significant cultural and artistic centers.

Montenegrin cuisine evolved as a consequence of the country’s lengthy history. It is a hybrid of Mediterranean and Oriental flavors. The greatest impact comes from Italy, Turkey, the Byzantine Empire/Greece, and Hungary. Montenegrin cuisine varies regionally as well; the food of the coast differs from that of the northern highlands. The coastline region is historically associated with Mediterranean cuisine, with seafood being a popular dish, while the northern region is associated with Oriental cuisine.

Montenegro is a relatively safe nation. There are a lot of criminal activities in the country, like in other nations, but police forces are usually quick in their tasks. The number is 122, as is the international distress call number 112. It is advised that you stick to the major highways while traveling in the regions bordering Kosovo. Unexploded landmines may still be present near the Kosovo border. You should also avoid locations where military action is taking place.

Beggars and pickpockets are prevalent in tourist cities like as Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan, and Herceg Novi. Beggars, as in many other European cities, are members of organized criminal organizations. Don’t give them any money. This may also make you a target for more aggressive tactics. Carry your bags in the safest manner possible, slung over your shoulder, with the pouch in front (with your money carried beneath your clothes) and your arm or hand across it.

Marine urchins are tiny, spherical, spiky sea organisms that cover a large portion of the sea bottom along Montenegro’s coast. This isn’t always a negative thing since they only congregate in crystal pure water. Wearing sea socks or anything to protect your feet when going through the water is a smart idea. Also, if you snorkel, take care not to rub up against the ones on the cliffs’ flanks.

Some roads in the mountains are very narrow, so drive with caution.

Montenegro has two types of viper snakes: sarka and poskok. Both are tiny but extremely dangerous, so be cautious while hiking about, watch your steps, and keep in mind that they never attack humans if they are not disturbed.