Yes, we’ve all heard of Budva, Kotor and Sveti Stefan, but what about those less touristy places? They are like hidden gems, unspoiled and absolutely beautiful. Here, we’re going to tell you about some of them and why you should ditch those sometimes over-crowded hot spots and head to more secluded ones. Take your pick!
ZABOJSKO LAKE
Zabojsko Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Montenegro. It can be reached by a terrain vehicle, but it’s more interesting to go on foot. There is often a choice of joining a hiking society or individuals, nature lovers. It starts from Dobrilovina, which is located on the path of Mojkovac-Đurđević Tara.
The route is not too demanding and it takes 2 to 2.5 hours (depending on the weather and the number of stops you make to see something a bit better or take a picture). The only drawback of this route is that it may be a little boring, because, mainly, it leads along a macadam road. But, rejoice, there is a shortcut through the woods.
The color of the lake, the tranquility that governs its surroundings, the deep shade, the unusual field flowers will make you remember this beautiful lake forever. The lake can be reached in a short and easy walk. You can spend all day to charge your batteries for the next working week, in the thick shade, next to the source of the fresh water, with the light breeze and chirping of birds and the view of the beautiful green lake.
ADA BOJANA
Ada Bojana is a sandy island formed at the confluence of the river Bojana, and according to the local stories, it happened after the sinking of a ship. Regardless of the island’s origin, nature is absolutely stunning and different from other parts of the Montenegrin coast.
On the river, from the very confluence and further upstream, you can find plenty of cottage-like houses with small docks (or, as locals like to call them – sojenice). You can rent them, and they are fantastic for relaxing, fishing and other activities. In the recent years, Ada Bojana has become more popular among tourists. Several restaurants have been opened, offering a variety of dishes, and there are a few clubs if you want that kind of fun. Lovers of kite surfing will especially enjoy the Great Beach (Velika plaža) and all those soul, jazz, funk, house and disco music fans can have a lot of fun at the music festival Southern Soul, held in late July.
PERAST
This is for those of you who still haven’t heard of this stunning and charming little place nested in the Boka Bay. Located just a few kilometers from Kotor, it looks like a piece of Venice has floated down the Adriatic.
This tiny town boasts 16 churches and 17 formerly grand palazzos. Perast’s most famous landmarks are actually right in the middle of the bay- two picturesque islands (Our Lady of the Rocks and the Island of St George) with quite the story behind them.
In addition to swimming in Perast, you can take a boat ride and visit the islands, the museum of the city of Perast or the St Nicholas’ church. At only 3 kilometers away, at Risan, you can visit the archeological site from the Roman period, with the famous mosaic of God Hipnos.
BASICALLY THE ENTIRE BOKA KOTORSKA BAY
Touring the Boka Kotorska Bay may be the best way to get to know this natural and cultural phenomenon in the shortest time possible. Boka Kotorska is on the UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage list, and it should be on your list of must-visit places in Montenegro.
Tours sometimes start from Tivat, moving on to Lustica (Luštica), Mamula, Arza, Blue Cave (Plava Špilja), Herceg Novi, Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela), Perast, Prcanj (Prčanj) and last, but not least – Kotor.
NATIONAL PARKS
Whether you’re a nature lover, culture buff or thrill seeker, Montenegro has an abundance of activities for you. Enjoy hiking, biking, skiing or even something more daring like zip lining or rafting.
If you want to experience wild Montenegro, then head to Durmitor and enjoy fishing and camping; lake Skadar will offer you fantastic cruise and bird-watching, and Biogradska Gora hosts a wild forest and the magnificent canyon of the Tara river, where you can go rafting, which will give you that adrenaline rush and so many laughs. Trust us.
Also, did we mention zip lining next to the 172-meter- tall Djurdjevica Tara bridge?