Novak Djokovic had had a wedding at island Sveti Stefan
It is not strange that a lot of famous people spent vacation here: Sophie Loren, Merlin Monroe, princess Margaret, Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor Beckham family, Novak Djokovic had a wedding here, Robert De Niro had a restaurant on a place “queen chair”. De Niro admit: “This place with all landscape is beautiful I would be happy to make a movie here”.
According to a story, the town fortification was funded after Pastrovici tribe protect Kotor in a battle, from attack of Turks in XVI century. In that battle they had huge spoil. So they built for every family one house ( 12 houses ) and church which is dedicated to Sveti Stefan (St. Stefan) . This island was used as a control on a Adriatic sea in a period of Venetian republic. One period in history a village was established on the island Sveti Stefan with a population of around 400 people.
Luxury resort at Sveti Stefan and walking trough the park
View on this island is really something spectacular. Since still have that spirit of simplicity with measure which is nowadays in deficits and for that reason, it is considering as a rare luxury. Later after Second World War our government converted this place in a hotel island with a luxury suites and apartments. Therefore prices to spend one night are from 800€ to 7 thousands, that why we say Sveti Stefan is a proof of simplicity and luxury. Just visiting island is not allowed. Only if you are guest of a resort or you have reservation in a restaurant.
All this region we call Milocer. So even you are not interested to enter don’t bother. There is a small road trough olive and exotic tree, pine forest which lead to Villa Milocer and King’s Beach. You can relax on a terrace of this restaurant. The most beautiful images of Sveti Stefan are from dock on this beach. In a Second World War Italian ship crashed here, under the water still have interesting ruins. Actually this place is great for scuba diving, it is deep with a lot of fish. If you continue walk you will see queen Beach with beautiful palace, also part of this resort. Finlay last place is Przno very is popular beach and casino hotel. Here is more touristic and you can find very good restaurants and bars. Therefore all this place is a part of Budva Municipality.
This gem of our coast is Luxury corner to Reward yourself with exclusivity . After all perfection is in simplicity they say and this small corner of Aman resort confirm that.
One quite peaceful morning, the sun was rising behind our backs, bathing the mountain tops with their first rays. The mixed colors of gold, green cypresses, tall oaks made the scene amazing. After breakfast we will go to sea. We made plan a month ago. John, Dave, Mike, Juliet and Jamie. They heard many times from me about the beauty of Montenegro. I had the opportunity to meet them at a seminar in Rome.
Travelers, nature lovers, mountaineers and Kite surfers travel the world whenever the opportunity arises. During the evening hours in Italy we talked about everything. Dave, unlike the others, has repeatedly read about a new destination, very popular in Montenegro. A country where you can go ski and after that on sailing or kite surfing in an hour.
Organic food and hospitality of Montenegrin people
The plan is we will go to the sea via new Highway to Cetinje with two cars, we carry a lot of things, camping equipment, kite surfing and fishing so the cars are full. We will not stop this time and visit the mountainous landscape above the coast. The weather is great, the forecast says moderate NW, and at night a calm North. Just like in the good old days when the winds had some order. NW known as Maestral is best for sailing. Stable, and can take us anywhere. He is like a road sign to on the shore, but for us sailors great sign at sea. It means stable weather and not very big sea. After all, even though my guests are addicted to adrenaline, I have no intention of bringing them to race sailing. I have never sailed with them, we are not well versed in that.
A boat we rented was waiting us in Tivat. Marina Porto Montenegro. We chose Jeanneau 45, its price was OK, as well as the number of cabins. Although most of the day and night we will spent in the cockpit. Still, it is important that everyone has their own comfort. It will be sailing without a plan for where we will go simply.
Local sailing company in Tivat
We knew we wanted to visit Kotor and Perast as old capitals of Boka Kotorska and the pearls of the Mediterranean, the rest was of little importance. Out trip to the Tivat was pleasant and he passed in our conversation. Tivat was Navy center years ago. Today ex Navy base is Porto Montenegro. A luxury resort and best marina in Europe. Marines are no longer what they used to be, especially when it comes to mega yachts. They support hotels, restaurants, residential, healthier shops. So Montenegro and Tivat have something to boast about. We parked our cars in a well-organized marina parking lot with the passes we received. Since we were only a hundred yards from the ship, we transferred our belongings to the vessel in an hour.
Marian who greeted us in front of the company was tasked with working with me as the captain to check list of the ship. Tickets, navigation and safety equipment, radio station, inventory … During this time my guests arranged all the things not to be thrown around the ship and agreed where they would go first.
The wind was still NW and was just catching up. Have a fair winds, watch Channel 24 they have weather forecast throughout the day. Although he knew me well as a sailor Marjan had his own procedure and strictly adhered to, he was professional. I appreciate it, so I let him finish his job. Soon he let of our ropes. It was time to enjoy. The Yanmar engine on the boat was barely audible. The neatly organized moorings in Porto were divided by the size and length of the charter berth for the vessel. We were tied right next to the Regent Hotel.
Our decision was to sail first between Tivat, St. Marko Island and Flowers Island. This part of aquatory is used as a racing field. Our friend Maestral wind manages blowing from Krašići and from the direction of Herceg Novi, so good sailing was guaranteed. Each day of our sailing will be personal sailing experience Montenegro have what to offer.
Sailing is a very personal thing. Up to me. Full button main sail, a big genoa, up to our request for better sailing. The dacron sails were lighter, so sails should respond well to weaker winds. One word. Time to sail. They raised firstly the main sail up to my command , then the Genoa. We switched off the engine very quickly and began to enjoy the wonderful sound of the wind, which swept through the sails.. We didn’t need the music anymore, it was redundant. Direction to s St. Marko Island, where we will drop the anchor and swim. The colout of the sea is turquoise, and if you come early it is very possible that you will be alone.
The anchor holds well here so I could have a swim with them too. I knew that after swimming they would be hungry, so I went out of the water before them. Served breakfast for domestic specialties, cold brandy, homemade bread. I also managed to boil a couple of eggs so that the pleasure was complete.
Sailing trough the stunning Kotor bay
Today, sailboats are equipped as fancy apartments. They literally have everything. A fridge, a good gas stove that is fast, a small part in the fridge that is an ice maker, a TV, good Wi Fi, DVD player you can listen inside and out. But me and my crew, we will need a fridge, a stove and music.Simply as that. The cabins were spacious nicely spaced two front two in the back. Spacious lounge (for sailboats) nice large dining table, two bathrooms. Coming out of the sea, a snack set in the cockpit of the boat was at everyone’s fingertips, so with a light story we ate everything and headed on.
Nowhere is man can be hungry like at fresh air. And we had it in abundance. After lifting the anchor, we passed the strait between St. Mark’s Island and Flower Island. We raise our sails again. Sailing experience mode is back. We are agreeing to sail over Kamenari and Lepetani because of the ferry that connects the two sides of the coast. At the time of Austro-Hungary, they controlled from two shores and who they would let to come in Boka Kotroska. At the bottom of the canal was a chain that would be lifted, stopping or lowering ships as needed. We sailed in silence, each in his own thoughts, but also on the task.
A few crossings pass the channel. On our left hand side Island Our Lady of Rocks and St. George, as well as Perast, Capital city of ola Boka Kotorska Republic. It has not been disturbed, but preserved as a unique capital city. Pearl of the Mediterranean. We will not stop here now this time. Decision is Kotor, we have booked a berth in the marina for the night. Boka is one of the most beautiful and largest fjords in Europe. And literary every time when I sail try this fjord I fell so fantastic and proud.
Looks fascinating. The high slopes of the mountains that surround Boka Kotorska protected her for centuries from the Austro Hungarian Kindom, Turks and other invaders. Because of the sheer height of the mountains, the sun was setting here earlier. Perast, Orahovac , Dobrota and Kotor were bathed in Sun while other side of the bay was in the shade.
We take off sails, slowly moving by engine to the bottom of the bay where Kotor is located. Described by its medieval walls, it proudly made it known that it was a steal with a very old and respectable history. We moor at the marina, wash the boat of salt. We agreed that they would go ti visit Kotor till I to finish wit a boat.
Visiting Kotor by night
I’m the skipper on this journey, not the guest. The rules of the skipper’s behavior are clearly defined and the fine line between work and socializing can sometimes make a problem. This is exactly why I decided to stay. We leave early in the morning.So I must be ready, to wake up before everybody. Prepare brequast, and take a course. Mooring in the Kotor marina is not expensive, and is located just across the old town. It is not easy to find such marina in the front od medeval fortres.
Before they wake up, I start the engine and, slowly, not wake them up, took a course tofor Herceg Novi, which is a two and a half hour drive. Apparently tired of the previous day, my guests were sleeping deep. Nowhere you will sleep as on the boat. Through the hull of the vessel can be heard any wave, which further calms and relaxes everyone. At the Kotor market, I took domestic bread, homemade cheese from oils, olives, hand-developed noodles for pasta, organic tomato, goat’s curd, sour milk. I know they’ll be as hungry as wolves when they get up.Near Zelenika, they began to rise one by one.
Authentic coastal city Rose
They all found themselves in the cockpit when I anchored the ship at Rose. Another authentic coastal city. Rose was named after the wives of seafarers who, with tears, accompanied their husbands on ships and long voyages. That’s why they’re called Rose. Breakfast on board is really unique moment.Shrimps in domestic wine and olive oil were fresh, taken out last night so a person could eat them live without any worry. We were looking at the old Forte Rose Fort, which in the ancient past protected this small and charming place from pirates.
After breakfast and swimming we will sail along Herceg Novi Bay, sail Mamula, reach Prevlaka, after all, we have no goal but to be nice. Our day went on like this. During the rule of Austro-Hungary, the overlays of Mamula and Arza defended the entrance to Boka from intruders. The sight that was sailing in front of us seemed like we were going back centuries. Well preserved fortresses resisted the tooth of time. NW wind followed us all the time, so we managed to reach 9 knots of speed.
Mirista Monastery and spirituality
I knew they would like the Mirista. It’s safe for anchoring, so will spend the night under the stars. The agreement was that in the morning we will visit the Holy Virgin Monastery built in the 12th century by stranded Greek sailors who saved themselves there. Located on a small island, this small building looked fabulous. We drop anchor in turquoise blue water and the most beautiful bay in Montenegro. The sea is so clear that any fish or octopus can be seen. I set the anchor alarm in the case of anchor moving off during the night. Although the night will be peaceful, we can be calm. After so much sailing, we didn’t have the strength to go to Ribarsko Selo, a restaurant that has all the traditional fish specialties of fresh fish and seafood on the menu.
We stayed on the boat. There is no better sunset than on the Mirite. When the golden color spills over the beautiful sea, it feels as if you are bathing in gold. For a long time we sat with wine and talked on the boat. At night it became ripe, and fatigue took its toll. No one wanted to sleep in a cabin so they make a choice to be next to a star-studded sky. We spread out across the broad deck. Everyone pulled out his sleeping bags and immersed himself in his sleep for a moment. That’s how it is on board.
Early morning bathing, silence hugging the entire Kotor bay
Early morning bathing, silence hugging the entire bay and so selfishly guarded it. Only we were heard gliding through the sea, we all swam enjoying in a sunrise. Today we are fishing till we will sail to Lustica and the Bigova. There should be palamida fish. Maybe we will have fresh fish lunch. Taking out of anchor chain we collect broke up incredible silence. The guys take out and prepare the fishing rods. We decided on two rapalas and one straw.It is our fishing tactic.
Secret gems of Montenegro
Good bay to Miriste, Holy Virgin Monastery island, Arza and one wonderful night under the stars. Adio Miriste, I whisper to him, purely that it knows how much I love him. This time we are using engine, it’s too early so there is no wind.
We adjusted the speed to make our fishing sense. 4 knots. Since we are not going to change the direction I put auto pilot on, so I will be able to help if guys will need. The sea smells on fish. A sign that there is one. Just gonna be lucky? “This is a few days,” Dave said and it is not enough at all. Montenegro Wonders have a right. Still, my personal sailing experience is excellent. It is very important not to rush and make sailing plans that will make us to be as on the race. Then it all makes sense, I explained.
I wanted to show them the Blue Cave. Since it was early, there were no tourist boats that would spoil the whole impression. We assembled fishing tackle. I stopped at the Cave so I could swim easily. When you see guests who can’t get a smile off their face, you don’t need any other proof that they’re happy. This is how they looked. Now I want to take you to a place where you will meet the Montenegrin beauty on the other way. At Oblatno.
Next to the beautiful beach, I knew they had Lounge style, Dj a cocktails during the day. Whoever I brought there either married immediately or remained forever in love. In addition to all the natural beauty, women on this side of the world are widely known for their gracefulness. Our sailing ended there because they did not want to go any further. We spent that day and the next night on the buoy, the sounds of lagoon techno sound lasted until the morning . They did not even return to the ship until noon. I never asked what happened there. But it was clear. By taxi, they returned to Tivat with the agreement to continue where we left off in September.
Morning in stunning Kotor bay, view from sailing boat
Kotor Old town by night from port
Sailing experience in Montenegro, stunning Kotor bay
Chill out and enjoining in a beautiful clear water in Kotor bay
Old Town Budva is really beautiful, today we will give you a tips how on a best way to experience Budva, beaches nearby Budva, restaurants, nightlife, culture through eyes of the locals.
Old Town Budva
Thanks to convenient geographical location and good climate condition Budva is 25 centuries old. Old Town Budva still have Cyclops remains probably from Hellenistic period. Beautiful narrow streets with Mediterranean style and small squares give impression like time is stopped. The most beautiful view is definitely from Citadel. Austro-Hungarians made this wall stronger for better protection. Around Citadel there is 6 churches and one of this is Santa Maria in Punta from IX century. On the right side from Citadel is open theater active in a summer time.
Beaches around Old Town Budva
Good tips for best experience in Old Town Budva if you like to spend more time would be Casper bar. You also have bars which are popular at night El Greco and Jeff bar. For restaurants we recommend Taverna Portun and Stari grad. But as you are in a Old town you have to expect high prices for food and drinks. What we really recommend as the locals is restaurant Porto with great food (Mediterranean and Montenegrin) near old town of Budva with a view on local port.
Beaches you have around Old Town Budva are Ricardova, Mogren, Pizana and Slovenian Beach . We only recommend Mogren, but here water is usually colder than anywhere else because of underwater currents. Statue of ballerina is well know on a road to Mogren beach . It is also interesting to visit island st Nikola in front of Old Town and you have taxi boats just on a small local port every 15 minutes. This island we call Budvan’s Hawai. Take a walk a little bit around, part without beach equipment is the most interesting, with a sea rocks where you can do meditation and take sun.
Nearby Budva for best experience
Outside of the Old Town Budva the most authentic restaurant is Konoba Crapina , just above Budva . Really nice enteritis and hosts you will have experience like you are part of this family.
Nearby Budva you have few beaches. Jaz is perfect for family, Ploce and Trstenovo are great for yang population since usually here during the day parties are organized.
Kamenovo beach is maybe the best choice . Prices are OK. One part of a beach is sandy and other is rocky and cover with forest . So you have a natural shade. Best experience on this beach is actually when you swim you have a view on a beautiful island St Stefan .
For night life if you like to stay till sunset definitely our recommendation would be Top Hill. But above all when some good DJ performing.
Hiking around Budva
Surrounded by mountains give a good experience for hikers and people who wants activity. In a period of Austro-Hungarians a lot of fortress was built, as well as some churches in a period before that. So you have a lot of interesting routs with a amazing view on Budvan riviera and Adriatic sea. Tips for best experience if you like to do hiking in Budva alone first of all would be to be careful. Some of the routs are : Kosmac fortress, to the Monastery Stanjevic, Pobori village, Celobrdo, Fort Mogren.
Budva is a town full of contrast on one side modern architecture, fancy restaurants while on other old town and restaurants with traditional recipes. Budva is crowded from July to the and of August. Definitely here you have a lot of possibilities only you should contact a right guides for best experience.
Probably when you have searching trough brochures and forums while you where getting in love in all this images of breathtaking landscape of Montenegro, you must get noticed Perast as one idyllic small town with Our Lady of the Rock perfect for getaway. Some of travel bloggers even describing this walk as a walk trough eternity. Rich history that is hiding in all narrow streets, adorn also two islands as two of the brightest pearls of Kotor bay, Our Lady of the Rocks and St Georg (the island of silence).
Golden age of Perast as a result of one of the most important center maritime trade .
Baroque style dominate in all city. There is around 300 buildings in this place with 14 churches. On the middle of Perast you will notice the bell tower 55 m tall. It was made in 17 century by Giovanni Scarpe and coasted 55.000 ducats collected by habitats of Perast. Like in Kotor here you will see palaces which used to pretend noble families. One of this is Palace Bujovic which is now Museum of Perast. Above all Bujovic Palace is one of the symbols of the “golden age” of Perast, which followed the liberation of part of the Kotor Bay (from Risan to Herceg Novi) from Turkish rule in the late 17th century. It is a time of full momentum in maritime trade, finally which is responsible for the economic and cultural rise of Perast.
Perast becomes the most important maritime trade center in Kotor bay. Also had a school of sailing. How important was there is a fact that 17 students from Russian noble families went in Perast academy for sailing.
Our Lady of the Rock
Our Lady of the Rock is an artificial island, formed by throwing a rock on an underwater cliff. The church itself was erected in 1630. The interior of the church was painted by our greatest Baroque painter Tripo Kokolja. There is a story that two sailors saw portrait of Madonna on underwater cliff. They would picked up portrait, but every morning the same portrait would appear on this cliff. So they found this as a sign from God, to make a church.
Church is now beautiful museum with original story of all people who are selflessly made some piece of art or any gift as a proof of gratitude for a nice life in Perast. The most significant gift for Our Lady of the Rock is famous votive tapestry embroidered by Jacinta Kunić-Mijović from Perast. It is unique also because hair of angels was embroidered from her hair. And during a long period of 25 years her hair became gray and on the and white. Every 15 minutes you have a boat to drop you to the island. Coast for drive are from 5 to 10 euros, that however depend of a diel you make before a drive. Most importantly in a winter time museum work till 1 p.m.
Perast is perfect as a idyllic town for getaway, where embrace of the Renaissance and fine art you can recognize on every step.
Kotor Old Town should be on a list, “must see places” when you traveling in Montenegro, if you have short time to visit Kotor and Kotor bay, if you are cruise ship passengers, this are some tips : 10 thing to do in Kotor if you have few hours.
On your arrival in Kotor you will note that old city is surrounded by mountain, walls, river. On a map that is a last point when you come from the sea. So now imagine yourself in middle Ages when this town reached economic rise. Also used to be very important port on Mediterranean sea and part of Venetian Republic. You get it ! Everyone wanted to conquer this small town. We will not write here about rich history of Kotor, we will mention something trough 10 thing to do in Kotor if you have few hours.
Walls of Kotor’s old city
Thanks to Walls of old town, Kotor become part of Unseco culture-historical heritage. Walls as we see it now was built from XIII to XVII century to protect city from attacks, mostly from Turks. But walls have existed before, only in a period of Venetian Republic got today’s look. Archaeologists can’t say for sure how old Kotor is, but even in BC here was settlement of Ilyric tribe. They believe that walls around Kotor started to built from IX century. On this walls you can see different from all historical stages. When Kotor was under the Rome, Byzantium, Venetian, Austo-Hungarian, Serbs, Span, France but never Turks. Wall thickness is from 2 m to 16 m and length around 4,5 km. Sharp cliffs and stairs that leads to fortress San Giovani is for sure one of the most popular photo stops.
Beautiful view from top is really something we recommend, even as you will see is not easy to get. Take some comfortable shoes and water, best time to visit is on the sunset and you need around 1 hour and half. If you have short time to visit Kotor and you want good photo and activity this is a great choice. Again we recommend this for cruise ship passengers who want some activities in Kotor.
Cathedral of St Tryphon
We have to be proud to have one of the oldest cathedral in Europe. St Tryphon’s Cathedral is even 69 year older than Notre Dame in Paris. St Tryphon is also protector of a city Kotor. There was a story that bones of this saint should be transferred from Greece to Vatican. Kotor was a port for a break, but every time when ship wanted to sail out of bay, storm would make that impossible. So habitats thought that God wants to tell tham to keep bones in Kotor. Later people made a Cathedral. Official year when is finished is 1166.
This cathedral was reconstructed several times because of strong earthquakes. It is also well known for a lot of valuables. One of this is golden pala, made by crafts from Kotor, than stone pieta, relief of the Virgin with Christ, four stone altars. Also paintings of famous painters from XV century are kept in the treasury.
The squares of the old town Kotor
The old town Kotor is small in a shape of triangle. So even if you fave only few hours to visit Kotor you should walk inside and to get lost in this narrow streets and squares. Inside the walls there are a lot of palaces and squares or Piazza how we like to say. The biggest and main square is Square of Arms , got a name because in the weapons for the defense of the city were kept in one of the buildings. This is the firs square from the main entrance trough the Door of Sea. Flour Square, south of Square of Arms , with Pima and Buca palaces, which previously housed flour magazines. St Tryphon Square got a name because of Cathedral, but since every square got a meninges by activities, nowadays we could call it Square of Pizza 🙂
The Salad Square or the Skljar’s Market is located south of the Cathedral and was place where inhabitants of the Kotor suburbs, Skljar sold their products. Pizza of Museum is in front of palace Grgurina where is now Maritime Museum . Than we have Square of St Nikola or St Luka, got a name because of churches here. St Luka is one of the oldest church in the city and a lot of years it had two altars Catholic and Orthodox. Pizza de cinema is now place where you can find Cat’s Museum. You will see a lot of cats in Kotor since they are also protectors of the city.
In this blog 10 thing to do in Kotor if you have few hours we will just mention palaces in the Old town. You will notice that on some buildings you can read surname of family and ages when they lived in house. A lot of this buildings, palaces were reconstructed several times because of earthquakes.
Palace Bizanti
Very important family lived few century in this palace. When they left Kotor and moved in Italy , they leave the palace to municipality Kotor. You even can enter inside the yard to take a look. This look palace got after the reconstruction in 1667. when strong earthquake hit Kotor. Nikolo Bizanti in that period give a big donation to recover the city. Bizanti was a noble family with a strong connections with Venetians.
Palace Bezkuca
This palace is in front of a palace Bizanati, you will recognize it by the greatest green door. We believe that owner wanted this big door how he could enter inside by horse. This family wasn’t with noble roots. So they probably felt less value comparing to all that contesses and nobles. They made a lot of money by maritime trade. The archives have preserved the story that the title of “conte” was celebrated by throwing ducats from windows on the road. When you translate Beskuca means “without a home”, so Jozo Beskuca because of this frustration had a plan to buy 100 houses and to change surname in Stokuca. Unfortunately he never made it.
Palace Pima
A palace that dominates by its beauty and belonged to the Pima family. It is a mix of barocco and renaissance styles with the huge terrace. On the first floor is a Gallery. The presence of the Pima family in Kotor was recorded in the XIV century and is traced to the XVIII century when its last member disappeared. It was built in the Gothic style, but the fields of it were remodeled, and today it can clearly see the Baroque elements.
Palace Buca
This wealthy merchant family was the most influential political element in the town of Kotor. Also could have influenced the policies of Dubrovnik and other trade centers. The interests of the Buca family were raised to the height of the political interests of the city. They even got permission to put a lily flower (the sign of the French kings) on the family coat of arms. This Buca palace is now hotel and had huge damage during the earthquake 1979.
Cycling through the bay of Kotor
If you want to choose some easy activity cycling through the bay of Kotor. If you have only some short time to spend you can rent a bike and ride around the bay. This ride is really something amazing you will get feeling like you are in the heart of Italy. Totally Mediterranean style of small places around a bay while wind and smell of the sea refreshing you body and energy. If you need help with this contact us, here are details of a tour. This is a perfect tour for cruise ship passengers who have only few hours in Kotor, duration of this tour is 4 hours.
Beaches nearby Kotor
For 10 thing to do in Kotor if you have few hours you can have combination of cycling and beach. You can visit Prcanj, Muo, Dobrota… You have some very cool docks with bars and restaurants. Usually in this places is less crowded than in old town of Kotor. One of the beach where usually locals go is Verige and it is around 15 km from Kotor, near Stoliv. This you shouldn’t be planed, just be spontaneous with some Montenegrin phrases and arms 🙂 you will get information from locals.
25 serpentine road to Njegusi village
Fortress San Giovani indeed have a beautiful view, but if you really want something amazing you have to give more effort. This road you can do by car, but it is really narrow. View for all this serpentine is magical and also challenging for driver. On the top you have a restaurant on all Kotor bay. This is really something worth for life time memories.
We already mentioned few restaurants, but this all depend what you want on a menu. Fish in Kotor is great and fresh on every place. Please always check which fish is fresh. Best way to check this is of course on Trip Advisor.
Blue Cave
For some tips : “10 thing to do in Kotor if you have few hours”, You have a lot of offers for Blue cave, for this excursion you need around 4 hours or more. If you take a speed boat you will pass trough the entrance of Kotor bay near to the island Mamula and Lustica. Here you will enjoy in a beautiful landscape and you will see some wild beaches. Blue cave got a name because of the reflection of sun inside. So you have impression when you swim inside that your body is blue. This is really nice experience but not only because of cave mostly for all things you see on this way.
Probably when you have searching trough brochures and forums while you where getting in love in all this images of breathtaking landscape of Montenegro, you must get noticed Perast as one idyllic small town. Some of travel bloggers even describing this walk as a walk trough eternity. Rich history that is hiding in all narrow streets, adorn also two islands as two of the brightest pearls of Kotor bay, Our Lady of the Rocks and St Georg (the island of silence). If you are coming by cruise ship in Kotor there is enough time to visit this magical place.
You will find out why Perast inhabitants decided to built artificial island with a church, which is now beautiful museum with original story of all people who are selflessly made some piece of art or any gift as a proof of gratitude for a nice life in Perast. But for Perast is also nice to not be in a rush so for 10 thing to do in Kotor if you have few hours, this only means if you already visit Kotor.
Tips for cruise ship passengers in Kotor
Even if you have only a few hours from cruise ship arrival to departure you can choose some nice tour for full fill experience in Kotor. We definitely recommend you walking tour in Kotor, cycling with combination with hiking, wine tasting and shore excursion, with Budva, Perast and St Stefan. We are here to give you a best advice for visiting our beautiful Kotor bay/
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On our language “Prokletije” means “cursed”. Relief is jagged, with numerous peaks, gorges, steep slopes, alps-like river valleys, in a history place very hard for living. Because of hard economic situation of this region,..
If you have choose sailing for the first time for your holiday experience in Montenegro you should know just a few things about. We will give you useful tips for perfect vacation…
To connect with Montenegrin people very fast we will teach you 10 or more phrases from Montenegro language and some Montenegrin customs. But if you need help to learn it better, you can contact us and we will find you a teacher 🙂
Montenegro is a country with beautiful weather, a lot of sunny days, nice climate, wild nature, great wine. So you must guess, Montenegrin people have easy going spirit, relax way of life and warm heart. We speak loud, a lot and we like to hug and to kiss when we meet with each other. When you are visiting family for example of your girlfriend/boyfriend by old Montenegrin custom you are kissing three times in the cheeks. While with friends only once and you can give them a hug as well. When you come in someone’s house they will offer you Turkish coffee and grappa. Grappa of course for circulation and better mood. Although in Turkey they will never offer you this strong coffee what we drink 🙂
Montenegrin custom kissing three times in the cheeks or one time when you meet a friends.
Montenegro language is not too hard. When we say it is not hard, well depending which language(s) you speak. Montenegro language is from the Slavic roots and we have two alphabet Cyrillic and Latin.
What language do Montenegro speak?
We speak Montenegrin. A lot of you ask us is it the same like Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian? Yes, almost the same, we completely understand each other. We will give you this Montenegrin phrases most often used. Let’s go to work :
Ćao (Ciao)- we use this for unofficial Hi and Buy, in most of a situation you can use Ćao, that is Hello in Montenegro
Dobar dan Good afternoon is more polite
Dovidjenja Goodbye
Da / Ne means Yes/No
Živeli Cheers you must know this, after all we are wine region
Rakija our local alcoholic drink with more than 40% of alcohol, healing everything. Also one old custom is to drink rakija (grrapa) on empty stomach in the morning, you will reach 100 years old in health
Hvala Thank you, always show your gradidute
Vidimo se See you later
Koliko košta How much does it cost, you need this if you visiting green market and you can’t see prices shown
Divno When you want to express that something is beautiful
Lepa si / Lep si When you want to tell to a woman she is beautiful / to a man he is beautiful
Idemo Let’s go , this also can be when you order some song, local and words touch you in the heart 🙂
Dobrodošli Welcome in our beautiful country
This are some tips you should know, but don’t hesitate to explain or ask Montenegrin people something with hands, after all that is more funny.
Imagine getaway with no internet, no electricity, water only from a natural sprig, beautiful nature and sparkling Rikavacko lake.
This secret gem of our country is on a 50 km from Podgorica and could be reached by jeep or some strong vehicle. Another thing is that part of this road is same from the Circuit around Korita. You will see sign for Bukumirsko and Rikavacko lake.
Therefore you will turn on the left and firs lake you will reach is Bukumirsko lake. Road to this lake is narrow but asphalted. This lake is small, water is usually warm in the summer and you have domestic restaurant near.
While our destination Rikavacko lake is not so easy to cache. That way is this true getaway, part of wild nature of Montenegro. Part of thew road is around 7 km macadam, but believe us, one of the most beautiful macadam in Montenegro. Be careful, if you don’t have jeep leave car up. From the point where road go down continue by foot around 2 km.
Here was the place where would citizens from village near come with animals during the summer time in there cottage. Now this is a place to escape in the arms of mother nature.
After the two hours driving on a bottom from this macadam road the lake shines like the most beautiful pearl surrendered by mountains , forest and cottage. We suggest you just to take a deep breath 🙂
We believe that the only reason why Rikavacko lake is not National Park is because it is very hard to reach it. Take some nice food, wine, swimming suit in a summer time, enjoy in this beautiful oasis of peace away from the tourist crowd. Getaway in this amassing place just on the border with Albania in wild nature of Montenegro to find Rikavacko lake.
In this blog we give you very useful information about Podgorica, tourism, things to do in Podgorica and near, traveler info, such as bus station in Podgorica and train station or walking tour and always you can book private tours from Podgorica.
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder , but what if it is in the heart of the narrator?
Podgorica is for sure at the very bottom of the “Most Beautiful Capitals of Europe” list. It is not the biggest, nor the city with the highest number of citizens, and it is not even the capital city for an entire century. We can say it is unofficially city with the most coffee shops per capita, what is great for tourism and us 🙂
Podgorica is a capital after the Second World War.
Heavily bombarded by Allies during the World War Two it was completely razed to the ground. For that reason today’s architecture origin mostly from the communist era, with couple of modern buildings built-in the last decade. Also, there are small number of buildings from the era of Ottoman empire. That you can see along the walking trough the town: Clock Tower, The Old Bridge over Ribnica, Old Ottoman neighborhood and Ribnica fortress, Nemanjin town, church of St George. If you like recreation nice place is to visit hill Gorica. Actually that is how Podgorica got the name Pod (under) Gorica. On the button of hill is church St George the oldest church, but what is interesting there is a belief that under the church is secret tunnel which connect this place with Moraca river. Is this just an urban legend or story for tourism choose by yourself .
While in big cities life is usually very fast. Always craving , always in a hurry, in Podgorica, we do not rush anywhere. For sure we always find time for one more coffee, additional chat with friend or colleague. While main topics are usually current political news from country and rest of the world mixed with inevitable gossiping.
Chill out and take a bear or a coffee.
Coffee shops are crowded during breaks, usually from 11am to 13pm, visit Bokeska street. This is something that you can not see in many capitals. Nicely dressed, beautiful girls and tallest men in Europe chatting and drinking coffee, completely relaxed and joyful. This strong interaction connection between people dates from the period of socialism and still stay strong.
You can visit all important things in Podgorica walking for about two hours to three maximum. But the true spirit of the town you will actually meet by only sitting in some of numerous cafe bars . You will maybe find some inspiration in all that easy-going life and in a short time you will definitely start to worry less and to find one more excuse to stay longer in the bars.
We have very great quality of food with reasonable price. Please check on TripAdvisor and choose one of numerous restaurants. What we recommend is Strudla, Pod Volat (with traditional food), Porto (luxury), Green garden, 100 Manira.
You also can take a bus and to visit any other city, Podgorica is a best connected
Of course you can always call us for some private tour from Podgorica
Walking tour in Podgorica would take only one hour and half, but other time we would spend in relaxing chat in some of the coffee shops, where we can recommend you some interesting things to do. Feel Podgorica with us or any other private tours from Podgorica tour.
Rocky, sharp,hard for living and authentic places near Podgorica. The Circuit around Korita is something you should visit if you are nature lover.
Throughout history Balkan peninsula used to be a very turbulent region of Europe. Our tradition is a mixture of a lot of different influences also our borders have been changed for a lot of times. Even now places which are close to Albania have a lot of locals who do not speak Montenegro language, but speak Albanian language.
“The Circuit around Korita” , 65 km trough the mountain of Kuci on izi.travel app.
To make it easier to tourists who want to know more about this part, Ministry of tourism made this project “The Circuit around Korita”. Panoramic road 4 “The Circuit around Korita” , 65 km trough the mountain of Kuci on izi.travel app.
This round journey takes us close to Albanian border and it is indeed poetic. Another important thing is that this part of our country represents old Montenegro. You will see a rocky sea in some areas, places where nature is wild and inaccessible. Seems like sharp rocks and angry mountains keeping peace in they own pride. In contrast you will see a lot of greenery and beautiful mixture of colors dancing in front of our eyes. Like triggering warm feelings that nurture our souls.
Grlo sokolovo view point.
There are some interesting villages that you will meet on a way to the main point “Grlo sokolovo”( Throat of the hawk). As a result of one old story when hawk found a wounded soldier on one rock. . The soldier was too weak and hawk used to bring him water with one small piece of fabric. That piece fell down on the ground in front of the house of our soldier. His mother saw it and went after the hawk. Mother find her son and everything was well on the end.
Prepare yourself for picnic.
When you get near this place, on the top of the mountain, you need around one hour walking to reach it. Now we won’t reveal anything more about this view. You will remain breathless and happiness will fill your heart. Maybe you should prepare some nice wine and cheese for complete relaxation. In this village Kuci you have a few places to order food, but they are only open in top season time. Thanks to this project “The Circuit around Korita” people will have some more income from tourism. So for good cheese or smoke ham leave some cash to buy here. One more tip is that you should visit winery Rajkovic (on app there is no enough info).
On a way back to Podgorica you will go through other road. Above all you will catch a stunning view on the canyon of river Cijevna and this is also on a “must see” list :). This journey lasts around six hours or more. But with a stop in Museum of Marko Miljanov and all landscapes, villages, connecting with locals you will have a whole nice picture of old Montenegro. Above all in the end of a day you will be filled with beautiful memories.
This tour you can do by yourself just google “The Circuit around Korita”, or you can arrange it with us.
