Eastern Europe is not an area I know well, so I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit Montenegro, a small country that only gained independence in 2006. This beautiful Balkan country is characterised by its rugged mountains, medieval villages and calm coastline. The locals are very friendly and keen to introduce tourists to their laid-back way of life, something I was more than happy to indulge in for a few days away from London life.
To Stay
Regent Porto Montenegro – This luxurious five-star hotel is the jewel in the crown of the new Porto Montenegro development. The Venetian inspired bedrooms are spacious and stylish, and the restaurants provide guests and visitors with refined Mediterranean cuisine.
To Eat & Drink
Villa Milocer – Villa Milocer was once the summer residence of Queen Marija Karadordevic but now belongs to the Aman Hotel group. Visit for an immaculate meal at the stylish restaurant, the menu offers an array of dishes made from the finest seasonal ingredients.
Konoba Ćatovića Mlini – This renowned family-run tavern is famed for its delicious fresh seafood dishes. The humble konoba (restaurant) was a former mill and now has a reputation as one of Montenegro’s best restaurants. The tavern is found in the small village of Morinj, tucked away down some unlikely and quiet dusty lanes. Opt for a comforting plate of seafood risotto and a glass of local wine.
O’Clock Coffee – Tucked away in the backstreets of Kotor old town, O’Clock Coffee is a lovely place to rest your feet and enjoy a well made and tasty cup of coffee.
Restaurant One – A glamorous restaurant in the Porto Montenegro development, One is an upmarket brasserie offering a modern Adriatic menu with a range of international favourites. Order the vibrantly flavoured Sicilian style marinated octopus and a side of caponata.
Zrno Cafe – Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro, but I wouldn’t recommend spending much time in the city. However there is one cafe worth the attention of caffeine-lovers. Zrno is the first cafe in Montenegro to offer speciality coffee, smooth and rich – head here for a (much needed) decent flat white.
To Do
Kotor – This historic harbour town was made a Unesco World Heritage in 1979, and is perhaps the most popular place for tourists to visit in Montenegro. The well preserved city walls were built between the 9th and 18th centuries and lead up to a hill-top fort, a tiring but satisfying climb with panoramic views of the city down below.
Sveti Stefan – This charming 15th century fortified fishing village has now been transformed into an elegant Aman Hotel. Tourists can visit for a 45 minute tour of the island, costing 10 euros (per person). The tour offers an insight into the history of the island, beautiful sea views and an atmospheric walk around the cobbled lanes.
Ostrog Monastery – The Monastery of Ostrog is a Serbian Orthodox Church found in a spectacular location, 851m above the sea level cut into the rock of Ostroška Greda. It is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog who was buried here. Admire the beautiful mosaics and magnificent views of the Bjelopavlići plain. Be prepared for a steep and scary vertical drive up.
Skadar Lake – Found on the border of Albania and Montenegro, the spectacular Skadar is the largest lake in Southern Europe. It is named after the city of Shkodër in northern Albania and is a karst lake (formed as the result of a collapse of subterranean caves).
Perast – The tiny and picturesque town of Perast is found a few kilometres northwest of Kotor, closeby to the islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks. Despite its size it is home to 16 churches and 17 formerly grand palazzos and is an atmospheric place to wander round and stop for lunch.