Montenegro - просциутто , сир и мед

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Montenegro is a breathtaking country.  The black mountains (where the name Montenegro came from) seem to just fall into the Adriatic Sea.  All three cities are along the Bay of Kotor. All three are definitely worth visiting. The small coastline is nestled between Croatia and Albania. Montenegro was originally part of Yugoslavia until the breakup in the 1980-90s, but it wasn't until 2002 that Montenegro became an independent country. Risan is the oldest settlement in Montenegro dating back to the Bronze Age.

The overwhelming vibe in Montenegro is peaceful beauty.  Kotor is a small city, with the "old city" inside.  Old Town is completely walled and filled with lots of shops, restaurants and hotels.  The shopkeepers are super friendly, and they offer some really nice high-end clothing, handbags and jewelry - as well as the usual souvenirs.  (Beware, I hear they also have a lot of knockoffs.)  It also has a lively harbor where you can take boat tours of Kotor Bay as well as Blue Cave and the submarine tunnels. Risan is a village-like town, very small, very quaint. There's a couple of small bodega markets and one small grocer, a few restaurants, some churches, beautiful buildings, ruins, and those gorgeous views of Kotor Bay and the mountains. Just a short cab ride or hour walk takes you to Presat, another village with more of the same.  Presat has a more active harbor where you can take a boat tour of the bay, including a stop at Our Lady of the Rocks (but don't stop at St George's islet, though - it's said to carry a curse if you step foot on it). Tivat is the most cosmopolitan of the three and has a small airport. Gorgeous hotels with gorgeous views. You can't go wrong. Montenegro is also known for its magnificent national park system (Durmitor, Biogradska Gora, Prokletije, Lovcen, Lake Skadar) offering amazing some amazing hiking and camping. Montenegro is great for the outdoorsy set.

I would put relaxation at the top of the list of things to do.  The country, once war-torn, is now the epitome of serenity. But if you're looking for more than just gazing at the picturesque mountains and the sun glistening off the bay, here are some suggestions for you:

1. Visit Old Town in Kotor for shopping, dining and accommodations.

2. Tour the Castle of San Giovanni.

3. Take a boat tour of Lady of the Rocks, Blue Cave and the very cool Submarine Tunnels.

4. Go White Water Rafting on Tara River.

5.Take a Kayak Active Tour.

6. Take an Old Town Walking Tour or Tour of Old Town Kotor Castle.

7. Visit the incredible Lipa Cave.

8. Take a Wine and Food Tour.

9. Visit one of its many monasteries.

10. Hike or camp one of the five national parks.

CHECK OUT MORE MONTENGRO ATTRACTIONS & TOURS AND GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS THROUGH MY PARTNERSHIPS WITH:

VIATOR: https://www.viator.com/Montenegro/d4475-ttd?pid=P00174325&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=Montenegro

GET YOUR GUIDE:  https://www.getyourguide.com/montenegro-l169142/?partner_id=9B7YGSE&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=Montenegro

You can also hop over to my Attractions & Tours Ticket page for discounted tickets from TIQETS.

A special shout out to my Airbnb host, Damir and his wonderful parents.  Damir was super responsive, and his parents could not have been more lovely, going out of their way to make sure I was happy. The apartment was modern, comfortable and squeaky clean located across from Kotor Bay (and some pretty amazing views). I highly recommend their listing in Risan if you're ever that way.  Boka del Mar Seaview Waterfront Apartment - Apartments for Rent in Risan, Kotor Municipality, Montenegro - Airbnb