At the birth of our planet, the most beautiful encounter between the land and the sea must have happened at the coast of Montenegro. When the pearls of nature were sown, handfuls of them were cast on this soil Lord Byron
Country Montenegro is located on the Balkan Peninsula, in the southernmost part of the Adriatic. The name of Montenegro is named after the dark dense forests that covered mountains in the country ("black" mountain). It is defined by the Constitution that Montenegro is as a civil, democratic, ecological and a welfare state based on the rule of law. Total size: 13 812 km2 Capital: Podgorica Old Royal capital: Cetinje Population: 662 000 ljudi Official language: Montenegrin Other official languages:montenegrin, Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian and Albanina Religion: major religion - Orthodox Currency: Euro Time zone: GMT+1 International airports: Podgorica, Tivat Neigbouring countries: Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatia
Рopulation The population of Montenegro is not too big and it is about 650 000 people. Mostly they are the Slavs out of which je 43% are the Montenegrins. About 32% of Serbs and 8% of Bosniaks live in Montenegro. The rest of its population are the Albanians, Croatians and people of other nationalities. More than 85% of the population speak Serbian, 5% speak Albanian as their mother tounge, and the rest of the population 10% is related to multilingual groups. The Montenegrins are religious people. Orthodox Church has an important role in their lives - about 75% of the population are Orthodox Christians. The other two religions, which are desirable for the local population are Catholic and Islamic. About 18% of the population is Islamic, and about 4% is Catholic. The majority of the Montenegrin population are Orthodox Christians who escaped from Turkish invasion in the 15th century. At the end of the 19th century the population of this country was only 150 000 people. Today the Montenegrins are a nation with a long history, tradition and customs and whose roots are deeply from the past. Despite many wars they had experienced, they never became insensitive. The Montenegrins are proud, incredibly brave, honest and honorable people. They are always friendly, smiling and hospitable.
Montenegro the ecological reserve in Europe Montenegro is a beautiful country at any time of the year. It is one of the leading countries in Europe in the number of untouched natural areas and national parks, the land of incredible landscapes, beautiful beaches of the Adriatic Sea and beautiful ski resorts. In 1991 Montenegro was declared as an ecologically clean country, and a few years later as the European park. Durmitor National Park was founded in 1952. The park includes the basic massif of Durmitor with the Tara Canyon ( length of 80 km and depth 1300 m), which is largest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA. The Tara River is the cleanest European rives from which water can be drunk. Since 1980, Durmitor National Park is on UNESCO's list of World Natural and Cultural Heritage. Durmitor represents the center of mountain tourism in Montenegro, and infrastructure is concentrated around the town of Zabljak. The main types of sports are skiing and snowboarding. In summer you can hike and walk. The beauty of the Durmitor massif is specially charming because of the 18 glacial lakes. Durmitor National Park Black Lake Lovcen Lovcen the mountain and national park located in the southwest of the country. It is the guardian of tradition and pride of Montenegro. The mountain is under the influence of two completely different climates, coastal and mountain,throughout the centuries. There are 1,158 species of rare plants on the territory of the Lovcen National Park and there are also a lot of monuments of folk architecture.
Montenegro the ecological reserve in Europe Biogradska gora National Park located near of the town Kolasin, in the mountain area between the valley of the river Tara and Lim. The park is of 54km2, which covers 1,600 hectares of rainforest, slopes and peaks of the mountains (the highest peak is Black Head, 2139 m), 6 glacial lakes, of which 5 are located at an altitude of 1820 and Biogradsko Lake is located at the very entrance in the park. Biogradska gora National Park is among the candidates for enlisting on UNESCO's list of natural and cultural heritage Biogradska gora National Park Skadar Lake Skadar Lake - the largest lake in the Balkans which is located on the territory of Montenegro and Albania. Approximately 2/3 of the lake belongs to Montenegro.Its surface covers 390 km2, which increases to 530 km2 in the winter. Flora and fauna of the lake are unique and diverse. This is the only place in Europe where you can see pelicans in the natural environment In some places the bottom of the lake is below sea level. In 1995 Skadar Lake was enlisted in the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
Cities and Regions Podgorica - the capital and the largest city of Montenegro where there are the Government, Parliament and Supreme Court. Podgorica is the administrative, economic and industrial center of Montenegro, as well as important transport center Podgorica Millennium Bridge Niksic. Salt Lake There are many lakes in the near vicinity of Niksic. This region is very attractive for the fans of eco-tourism. Cetinje Business center Cetinje - old capital, the cultural and spiritual center of Montenegro. The town was founded in the thirteenth century in the valley at the foot of the mountain Lovcen. Thanks to the numerous number of architectural and historical monuments of culture and other attractions, Cetinje through the history of Montenegro was awarded the honorable title of "The Old Royal capital of Montenegro" and is a true open-air museum
Cities and Regions Kotor The northern part of Montenegro is known for its skiing center and picturesque mountain villages with authentic architecture: Zabljak, Kolasin, Mojkovac, Bijelo Polje, Pljevlja, Rozaje. Zabljak Tivat Pljevlja Budva Herceg Novi The coastal part of Montenegro consists of 6 municipalities: Herceg Novi, Kotor, Tivat, Budva, Bar, Ulcinj.At the same time here the most famous resorts on the Montenegrin coast.
Shrines and Attractions Being at the crossroads of countries and civilizations of that time determined the character and cultural development of Montenegro. That was the place where East and West met and mutually complemented each other, as well as Orthodoxy and Islam. Because of such cultural and historical heritage this small country is an outstanding one for its diversity. Ostrog Monastery stands high in the mountains, carved into the rock. It is the largest holly place in Montenegro. It was founded in 17 th century by St. Basil of Ostrog. The relics of this Saint have been kept in the monastery up to this day. The faith in the strange power of the relics of St. Basil of Ostrog is so big the believers of all three faiths (Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim) come to the monastery to pray for healing of the patients. Ostrog Monastery Cetinje Monastery The Cetinje Monastery of Virgin Mary - the most famous spiritual relic in Montenegro. It is located in the center of the old royal capital of Cetinje. The monastery was founded in 1484. During the invasion of the Ottoman Empire the monastery was completely destroyed and burnt, but each time it was rebuilt from the old stones. Despite the difficult history, the monastery has always been a base of Orthodoxy in the Balkans, the symbol of the invincible libertarian spirit of the Montenegrins. The greatest Christian relics are kept in the monastery - the right hand of St. John the Baptist and particles of the Holy Cross.
Shrines and Attractions St. Triphon s Cathedral is the most significant monument in Kotor. The cathedral was consecrated in the 13th century. The cathedral was destroyed several times by earthquakes but reconstructed as well. After the earthquake in 1667 the baroque bell towers were added. The cathedral s gently hued interior is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Its gilded silver bas-relief altar screen is considered Kotor s most valuable treasure. St. Triphon s Cathedral. Kotor Our Lady of the Rock - according to legend on 22nd July 1452 a fisherman found the icon of the Mother of God on the reef near the city of Perast and brought it to shore, but she miraculously returned on a rock in the middle of the sea. Later, people around the lonely reef made mound of stones and built the church on it, which is named "Our Lady of the Rock ". Up to this day there is a tradition when the Montenegrins annually throw rocks near the island to prevent its destruction. Our Lady of the Rock. Perast
Shrines and Attractions Savina Monastery. Herceg Novy Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ.Podgorica Cathedral Iovana-Vladimira. Bar Moraca Monastery. Kolasin
Attractions Tara River Canyon Island of Saint George. Perast Djurdjevic Tara Bridge Island Mamula 2000-year-old olive tree.bar Boka Bay Kotor
Climate. Rest, Relax and Treatment The variety of climate conditions on the territory of Montenegro throughout the whole year makes it an attractive destination for tourists. The northern part of Montenegro is located in a zone of moderate continental climate. Mediterranean climate on the Adriatic coast. In coastal areas the summers are dry, long and hot, medium air temperature is + 23-26 C, sea temperature during the summer months is 20-26 C. The winters on the coast are not long, they are chilly and rainy. The average number of sunny days is 297 during the year. The alpine climate is present in the mountain areas. Summer is moderately hot (+ 19-25 C), and winter - snowy and quite cold (+5 to - 10 C). The winter season lasts from December to March. The height of snow cover reaches from 1-3 m and it stays on the mountains up to 5 months during the year. Montenegro is a country that has clean air, green mountains and pure mountain springs. The climate in Montenegro is such that it allows complete relaxation. This is a place where you can improve your health condition using a variety of rehabilitation and treatment Since the ancient times. On the coast of the beautiful Boka Bay there are world renowned centers for rest, relaxation and treatment "Igalo" and "Vrmac". Medical health centers in Montenegro are unique and each has its own atmosphere, specificity and unction. "Igalo" "Vrmac "
Beaches Along the Adriatic coast, from Herceg Novi in the north, in Tivat, Kotor, Budva, Bar and all the way Ulcinj in the south there are 117 beaches with total length of 73 km. The total length of the Montenegrin coast is 293 km. The beaches in Montenegro are diverse with fine and coarse sand, gravel and stone beaches that are located in quiet coves, bays, capes and rocks, well equipped or wild. In 2015, 18 Montenegrin beaches were awarded the honorary title of "Blue Flag". This symbol which represents the international quality standard was awarded only the cleanest and safest beaches. Lucica St. Stefan Royal Beach Ploce Jaz
Active Recreation
Skiing Ski resorts in Montenegro, Zabljak and Kolasin, still cannot boast with a rich history, but they are modern, well equipped and dynamically developing. The ski paths for snowboarding and skiing are made for the tourists. The temperature during the winter months at a ski resort is quite pleasant and moderate, without strong winds and heavy snowfalls are rare. Ski resorts in Montenegro are characterized by relief variety and almost complete absence of avalanches. Both ski resorts are located on the territory of national parks - a great opportunity to actively relax and enjoy the amazing world of unspoiled nature. Even in May you can ski and then go on a vacation to the warm Adriatic Sea. It will take from 1.5-2 h. drive to the coast. Zabljak Ski centar Kolasin
Montenegrin Сuisine Montenegrin cuisine is an interesting mix of Mediterranean local and foreign culinary traditions. On Montenegrin table you can find dishes of Italian, Greek and Turkish cuisine. The basic features of Montenegrin cuisine - using only fresh and organic products, as well as rich portions. Montenegro - the sea country. There is a lot of fish and seafood the Montenegrin cuisine. But particularly culinary highlight of the Montenegrin cuisine are still very tasty meat and excellent cheese. During the day and evening numerous taverns, restaurants, cafes and bars are opened and there you will find tasty and healthy vegetables, seafood and meat of Mediterranean cuisine, traditional European beverage and extraordinary homemade red and white wine. Montenegrin wines are produced from grapes grown in vineyards "Plantations", which is located along the shores of Lake Skadar, and they are well known far beyond the borders of Montenegro. Negushsky cheese - cheese prepared according to traditional recipes from goat or sheep milk. Smoked ham(prosciutto) which dried and smoked on wood and coal or dried in the wind Local wines - red Vranac, which ranks in the top 100 best European wines, white Krstač - produced from grapes that grow only in Montenegro
Montenegrin Сuisine Broth - a thick soup made of beef or fish Roasted lamb under the baking lid roasted meat grilled on wood and coal in the pan of cast iron with a thick lid which is later covered with hot coal Negushsky ham (prosciutto) Freshly caught fish
Entertainment The life in tourist areas of Montenegro is very diverse, interesting and appealing. The restaurants, clubs, bars, outdoor discoteques, beach parties, carnivals, festivals and concerts! Montenegro is a country of holidays and festivals. Holidays in Montenegro draw attention of its originality and uniqueness of long-term national traditions. Various festivals, performances, carnivals, competitions are held here during the year. The most popular are: Mimosa Festival (Herceg Novi), a large summer Kotor Carnival (Kotor), the Carnival of Budva (Budva), International Festival of Fashion (Kotor), Budva Music Festival, Fasinada (Perast), "Golden Eagle Durmitor" (Zabljak) and many others. Large Kotor Carnival Mimosa Festival. Herceg Novi Budva Carnival Kotor Herceg Novi
Gambling is a legally permitted business in Monenegro. Most casinos are located near the coast. The possibility to combine vacation and favorite hobby attracts tourists from countries all over the world where gambling is forbidden by law. The"Casino-tours are very popular in Montenegro. Hotels with the most famous casinos are: Splendid Conference & Spa Resort 5 * (Becici) - Casino Royale Maestral Resort & Casino 4* (Przno) - Maestral Casino. Avala Resort & Villas 4 + * (Budva) - Avala Casino Queen of Montenegro 4 * (Becici) - Queen of Montenegro Casino Cattaro 4 * (Kotor) - Casino Cattaro Montenegro Hotel 3 * (Podgorica) - Montenegro Casino
Brief Facts The Boka Bay One of the most beautiful places in Montenegro and the biggest fjord in the Southern Europe Skadar lake is the biggest in the Balkans. Its size is between 390 and 530 km2 depending on the season. Niksic field is the territory where there are more than 300 springs and 30 smaller and bigger streams There is a unique natural monument in the city of Bar the olive tree, which is more than 2000 years old The Cijevna River Canyon is so narrow that at some points it is possible to cross from one its bank to the other One of the most famous rainforests on the European territory is located in Montenegro, in Biogradska Gora National Park The Montenegrins are the tallest nations in Europe The Bojana river in Montenegro the only river in the world which flows in both directions 2833 plant species grow in Montenegro. 22 of them can only be found in Montenegro The Tara River Canyon (1300 m) it s the deepest one in Europe The biggest nudist center in Europe is located in Montenegro - "Ada Bojana
Brief Facts In the Middle Ages the city of Svač (formerly known as Šas) had 365 churches on its territory Two objects from Montenegro are enlisted in the list of UNESCO World Heritage: Durmitor National Park and Natural and Cultural-Historical Region of Kotor. 6 more objects are among the candidates Our Lady of the Rocks Island was created during the 300 years by a regular throwing of stones into the water In the north of Montenegro, there is a village Konjuhe where about 60 bachelors live and who have voluntarily renounced the obligations of marriage The European largest church is the church of St. Elias located on the plateau Carine, which reaches a height of 1800 m There are two major relics in Montenegro: a particle of the Holy Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified and the hand of St. John the Baptist The largest road bridge in Europe was constructed over the Tara River canyon - Djurdjevic Tara Bridge (160 m hight, 366 m long) The highest railway bridge on the Balkan Peninsula is also built in Montenegro, in Kolasin ( height is 198 m)