Highlights
Sveti Stefan
A day trip to (if not a stay in) Sveti Stefan must feature on any Montenegro itinerary. Just a fifteen-minute drive from Budva, this idyllic rocky outcrop is an iconic tourist hotspot. Visited by A-list celebrities and CEO’s of flagship brands, what used to be a tiny fishing village has metamorphosed into an ultra-luxury resort of lavish 15th-century villas. The fortified island is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, swept by toffee-sand beaches and cerulean seas.
Culture & History
A country steeped in history, Montenegro offers plenty to explore. Wander around Budvas’ characterful Old Town, filled with cultural treasures like monasteries and churches, or discover the ancient walls, churches, museums and Venetian palaces of Kotor’s cobblestone streets. The atmospheric Old Town of Kotor oozes romance and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - guided tours are recommended. The wonderful little town of Perast, often likened to Venice, boasts magnificent architecture, churches and grand palazzos. Look out for St Nicholas’ Church and the bronze sculptors of famous residents, or take a taxi-boat to ‘Our Lady of the Rock’, an enchanting, nearby island. From Tivat, explore typical Montenegrin villages on the Lustica and Vrmac Peninsulas.
Beaches
With a beautiful coast on the edge of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is home to a number of spectacular beaches. The stunning Budva Riviera offers a string of picturesque sand-and-pebble coves and crescent-shaped beaches. Cool off in the inimitably clear water after a day exploring the cobbled streets, before refreshing in the ever-growing collection of trendy, beach-front bars. In peak season, the sands are filled with the nouveau-riche jet-set, with super-sleek yachts moored in the marina.
Dining and Nightlife
Among its charming old towns and pretty seafronts, Montenegro offers a fabulous dining and nightlife scene. As dusk falls, beautiful Kotor’s ancient walls start to glow with lights and the narrow streets hum with fashionable eateries and lively bars. Sample delicious local dishes in stunning surroundings, as all your needs are seen to with Montenegrin hospitality. Budva is dubbed the ‘Montenegrin Miami’, offering a selection of exquisite restaurants and high-end nightclubs. During the summer months, the streets turn into a fabulous outdoor theatre with local and international shows. The youngest town in the Boka region, Tivat, has experienced an exclusive makeover transforming an old naval base into a world-class marina filled with fine dining eateries and sleek bars.