Plan now, go later: Montenegro Bay offers Europe’s best scenery
AT the start of 2020 as operators upped offerings to Montenegro, the tiny nation on the Adriatic seemed set to be the next big holiday hotspot.
Covid clearly put a pause on all that, but 2021 is looking good for travel to the black mountains and golden beaches of this Balkan nation.
THE CLASSIC SIGHT
Montenegro, which is not part of the EU, has so far operated a laidback stance on Covid restrictions making it a good bet for booking a summer holiday for later this year.
Europe’s southernmost fjord, the Bay of Kotor offers some of the Dalmatian coast’s most dramatic scenery.
In the few places where the mighty cliffs don’t plummet directly into the sea, well-preserved medieval towns squeeze between the steep hills and stunning waters.
In the middle of the bay sits Our Lady Of The Rocks, a 15th-century island church.
A CULTURAL FIX
Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles overlap in Old Town Kotor. Wander its UNESCO cobbled streets or climb the 1,300 steps up to St John’s Hill fortress, which offers panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. Find free self-guided walking tours at .
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Montenegro boasts five fantastic national parks.
A FANTASTIC FEAST
Truly off the beaten track, the fishing village of Rose rewards visitors with a sense of solitude and tranquillity, not to mention the freshest seafood.
THE FUN NEIGHBOURHOOD
Budva’s bars are the place to party. Head to the stylish terrace at the Old Fisherman’s Pub for craft beer, cocktails and bay views — see oldfishermanspub.com.
Or head a few miles down the coast to explore the chic islet of Sveti Stefan.
INFO: See .
WITH THE KIDS
Velika Plaža, or Long Beach, is a 7.4-mile sandy strand ideal for families with young ones due to its shallow waters.
After an afternoon on the fine sands, head to one of the fish restaurants jutting out over the Bojana River and watch one of the prettiest sunsets in the world.
NEW FOR 2021
At more than 1,300 metres, the Tara River Canyon in the Durmitor National Park is the longest and deepest gorge in Europe.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
A family rafting and hiking package tour of the Tara River and Stabanska Lakes costs from £121pp. It includes six meals and two nights in a four-bed cabin with ensuite at .
ONE MORE TREAT
Carved into a mountain cliff 900 metres above the Zeta Valley, the 17th century Ostrog Monastery is one of the most important religious sites in the Balkans.
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