Features

Dream destinations: Montenegro

bay of kotor

Despite its relatively small size, Montenegro is a country that’s jam-packed with stunning natural beauty, adrenaline-fuelled activities, fascinating history and delicious local fare. If you’re wondering where to explore on your next caravanning holiday, it could be just what you’re looking for. 

Montenegro shares its borders with Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. Although temperatures can reach sweltering highs during the summer months, Montenegro experiences high levels of rainfall throughout the year, yielding lush greenery regardless of the season. 

Whether you want to embark on a mountain getaway to do some hiking or a beach break to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro has something for everyone. 

There are many affordable caravan sites dotted throughout the country, making it an ideal touring destination. One of the best things about Montenegro is its compact size, which means you won’t have to worry about overly long drives.

You’ll be glad to know that Montenegro offers some of the most stunning mountain and coastal roads to drive on, and there will be plenty of photo opportunities and mesmerising sunsets along the way. 

Montenegro is full of must-see tourist hot-spots that are definitely worth paying a visit to. But there are also numerous occasions to get off the beaten track and explore the country’s wilder side. 

No trip to Montenegro is complete without a trip to the Bay of Kotor. The best time to visit is outside of the summer season if you want to avoid an overload of tourists from cruises and temperatures that reach above 35 degrees Celsius. 

When you’re there, park up and explore the medieval old town, Kotor Cathedral and the Maritime Museum. Weather permitting, you can walk up to the hilltop fortress for unforgettable views over the bay before heading to the beach for a sunset dip. Be sure to visit the neighbouring town of Perast, which is much quieter than Kotor and a great spot to eat some fresh seafood for dinner. 

If you’ve had your fair share of beach time, the north of Montenegro is home to stunning forests and lakes that can’t be missed. 

Durmitor National Park in the north west offers dramatic scenery and tranquil nature like no other. Although wild camping is illegal in the park and everywhere else in Montenegro, there are countless campsites that you can pitch up at during your visit. 

Another must-see destination is Lake Skadar, which is the largest lake in the Balkans and lies on the border between Montenegro and Albania. Admire the views of the lake and surrounding mountains and marvel at the swirling patterns that the vegetation creates on the surface of the water. You can do a boat trip on the lake and see what wildlife you can spot along the way. 

You might be surprised to know that Montenegro is also home to Europe’s only rainforest, Biogradska Gora. If you’re interested in learning about its biodiversity, this is a great spot to explore in your leisure vehicle, with various opportunities to hike and take a dip along the way.

Whichever spots you decide to stop at, be sure to taste the local Montenegrin cuisine such as lamb in milk (found in the north of the country), Cevapi (grilled sausages), and Musaka (similar to the casserole found in Greece). Pair a delicious meal with a glass of local beer or wine before heading back to your leisure vehicle for the night. 

 

Image credit: Faruk Kaymak / Unsplash