The region of Skadar Lake National Park with all its villages around is an area you must come to see, when you travel in Montenegro, in order to convince yourselves that such place of wild and natural beauty indeed exists. There are many villages surrounding the lake, where the rich history and authentic architecture and tradition is still preserved.
On a way to Virpazar
The most popular villages, from where usually start boat tours is village Virpazar. In Virpazar you can get by train, car or by bicycle. Here you can visit fortress Besac, take a boat tour, kayak or rent a bike. Here you have few restaurants of local food, but true is this is the most touristic place in Skadar lake National Park region. So as we would like to give you a tips for unforgettable visit. We suggest you to spend here enough time to cache few photos and to escape.
When you continue from fortress Besac you will see two roads one lead to Bar, second to Ostros, Seoca, Godinje. Choose left one and go to visit Upper Godinje. This road is really challenging and narrow, but be brave (or contact us). After all something unique waiting for you.
Village Godinje and first Miss of Montenegro
Villages Godinje and it is well known for its grapevines, special varieties of onions and the first Miss of Montenegro sent to European competition. Miss of Montenegro was from family Lekovic and was sent to London with three more of them. In a order that world see what Montenegro has to offer and how tall and beautiful people we are. She even has opportunity to get married with a man from noble family.
The village used to be a border with Ottoman Empire. In order to make people guarded against the Turks, they make secret passages through the entire village, which were connected with taverns in the houses. All these facts combined with the clear lake water and lush vegetation make this village a perfect spot . There were once few mills, several tavernas, ivy that covered the abandoned old houses make it even more magical. The tradition of trickling high-quality wine in this centuries old and rich village will give you the opportunity for wine tasting. Here we suggest you to visit Misko and Garnet winery.
Seoca village and beach Murici
Again you have to be brave, because from Godinje to Seoca you have 15 more minutes very narrow and old road. This village is small also famous by wine and hospitality. You can visit one old water spring , to take a water from well and to relax on a terrace in the winery of Pajovic family.
From Seoca after 35 minutes driving you have the most beautiful beach Murici. To the beach you can also get by boat. Water is clean and you have restaurant which doesn’t work all year, so just in case take with you all you need. Near to this beach you can visit island with Monastery Beska from 14th century. This is a woman monastery with a small church. One of the nuns speaks English fluent so you can spend nice time here, in a peace and to relax and find spirituality and maybe inspiration in yourself.
If you continue to this road you can reach Ostros and city Ulcinj. This road is mosaic of colorful nature where on one place you can see biggest lake on Balkan ,Skadar lake, Adriatic sea and wild mountains in all its glory. So we always recommend this type of getaway and villages around Skadar lake National park are perfect to explore.
Old road from Virpazar to Rijeka Crnojevica
Also we suggest old road from Virpazar to Rijeka Crnojevica where you can visit interesting villages and do some epic hiking. This region is also rich by good wine and you will see on a lot of places natural honey. You have around one hour and half driving, with few photo stops, but you also have some villages on a way.
Poseljani where used to be first casino in Montenegro
One of the villages is Poseljani and from Virpazar is around 40 minutes driving. Here we suggest you to do hiking . You have map on the road, but is a little bit hard to see. Beginning of rout on a google map you can find on this coordinate 42°18’53.3″N 19°03’01.8″E . You will go down to the village around 40 minutes.
This use to be very rich village before First World War. There was a lot Watermills , around 9 springs of water , even three taverns and first casino in Montenegro. Now is almost abandoned, only one family lives here and they are not in a friendly mood. But don’t worry about this, keep going to the lake. Best time to visit this village is in the spring when there is enough water and few waterfalls. Nature made natural pool where you can swim and enjoy surrounded by trees, herbs and rocks. There is an incredible thing regarding this place – what is saved from the mass tourism, nature made priceless in all of its authentic glory of wilderness. Here you don’t have restaurant or bar, so if you would like to do a picnic bring everything you need.
Rijeka Crnojevica and Pavlova Strana view point
After Poseljani you have Dodosi and Drusici and you can find some restaurant here with domestic cousin. Rijeka Crnojevica is a small town now only lives during a season time. Also a place from where you can go on a boat ride. It is more beautiful nature than on a side from Virpazar, but also boat ride is more expensive. There is also one more hiking rout and you can start from here. Obod cave and here will be a lot of locals who can explain you from where to start.
Pavlova Strana is one of the most visited view point places. Lake looks like a fiord with a lot of islands and river which flows into the lake. Two connected islands which are growing and they are most visible we call Sophia Loren. You know how her breasts standing up ? So you will recognize 🙂
Zabljak Crnojevica and first Montenegro capital
This village around Skadar Lake National Park which is easier to reach from Podgorica. Zabljak Crnojevica old fortress well known as a first capital of royal family Crnojevic. Passing trough the villages Ponari and Vukovci you can feel the spirit of our countryside. This part is maybe best to visit by riding a bicycle along the river Moraca. Road up to the fortress is in a good condition and view is amassing. This use to be very good strategical place in a past and in a present days good secret gem away from touristic crowed with stunning view.
If you choose for riding a bike to Zabljak Crnojevica, use opportunity to visit Dodosi. This part is rural and in the winter under the water. From Zabljak Crnojevica ask some local to show you the way. Ride with bicycle will be amazing, no houses around you just wild nature. If you have a lucky you may see herd of horses. Funny thing was last year with all that horses was one cow in herd. Actually cow behaved just like horse. After 30 to 40 minutes riding you will reach Dodosi and you can take a lunch, drink in a float boat restaurant or go on a swim. This part is also nice to visit by boat. You will pass trough oak forest and the feeling is like you are in the middle of some tropical virgin forest.
There is a lot more beautiful places and villages in a region around Skadar lake National Park. Two days at least you should spend visiting this places. In a different season time you will have different impression, but always Skadar lake National park will feel your soul with happiness and peace.
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