Montenegro may not have been on your must-visit list to date, but perhaps next time you book European travel and associated European travel insurance, it will very much be your chosen destination. This Adriatic gem certainly has much to offer for a country relatively diminutive in size.
Independent now for 20 years, Montenegro is a country of contrasts – from pristine beaches to mountain peaks and from ancient Venetian palaces to modern resorts and boutique hotels. Using the Euro, despite not being part of the EU, it is somewhere many European travel insurance customers at Europesure could easily consider. Expats and UK and European residents alike, could soon fall in love with it.
Exploring Montenegro with your European travel insurance
Montenegro certainly boasts a few superlatives. Within its borders it has the deepest canyon in Europe (Tara River Canyon), which is the second deepest in the world, after the Grand Canyon. There is also the largest vineyard, featuring 11.5 million grapevines. The Adriatic’s longest sandy beach can be found here (Long Beach Ulcini), along with the Balkans’ largest lake (Lake Skadar). The Balkans’ highest altitude city, is Zabljak, at 1456 metres and in the Durmitor National Park.
The country has become a magnet for jetsetters, along with history buffs, adventure seekers, beach lovers and those seeking natural wonders. Its friendly people and lively culture creates a welcoming appeal, whilst an abundance of flora and fauna fosters niche tourism experiences. These could be based around bird and wildlife watching, hiking, botany and geology and should usually be covered by your European travel insurance from Europesure. With both single trip and annual policies available to UK, EU, EEA, Monaco and Gibraltar residents and expats too, there’s no excuse not to buy!
How to travel to Montenegro
Entering Montenegro by plane will probably see you arrive at either the airport serving the capital of Podgorica or Tivat, on the coast. Alternatively, it is easy to enter Montenegro from Dubrovnik in Croatia, if you book a car rental. Just take care at the car rental desk not to pay more than you bargained for, when it comes to car hire excess charges. Add a Europesure car hire excess policy onto your travel insurance and you can get cover with a huge saving.
If you do arrive in Podgorica, you will discover modern buildings that speak of the World War II bombing suffered here. Travel a little way and you will discover much more ancient cultural and historic monuments, such as the ruins and scenic caves of Nemanjica Grad, a medieval fortification once home to the Nemanjíc dynasty.
In Podgorica, you really should not miss the clock tower that acts as a bridge between different cultural eras. However, if you are a twitcher, you should make a bee line for the Lake Skadar National Park, which teems with biodiversity. Rare birds and plants make this a sheer delight for those with binos and a little knowledge about our winged friends.
Not far away is Rijeka Crnojevica, on the road between Podgorica and Cetinje. This became known as the Montenegrin Nice, thanks to its fabulous natural setting and beauty. Once a winter home of the Petrovic dynasty, it is a photographer’s dream.
What to see and do around Tivat
If you fly into Tivat, you will soon be wowed by the marina full of super yachts, the luxury that oozes out of every building and the sheer glamour of this coastal haven. Mingle with billionaires in Porto Montenegro, visit the Summer House Buća and soak up its Renaissance and late Gothic features, and delve into the world of exotic plants at Big City Park.
For Montenegrin charm, take a trip to the delightful village of Gornja Lastva. Its stone houses and baroque church make for a true contrast to the modern luxury complexes in Tivat, delivering a taste of a different Montenegro.
The Bay of Kotor and Kotor Old Town
Various Montenegrin towns can easily be reached by rental car, as the country is only 120 miles (193km) long from north to south and 90 miles (145km) wide from east to west. If you are exploring, one place that is not-to-be-missed is The Bay of Kotor, in the southwest. Here, you will find the legend-infused island named Our Lady of the Rocks, with its church that dates to 1630. It is said a fisherman found an icon of the Virgin Mary on the sea rocks, having been shipwrecked there. After that, fishermen vowed to build a church on the island and kept dropping rocks off, so as to do that. This tradition is maintained today, in a festival on July 22.
Another island to explore in the bay is that of Island Sveti Djordje – the island of the dead captains. Then there is the Blue Cave, thrilling with its shimmering blue waters that cast illumination around the cave’s interior.
Old Town Kotor is another jewel of Montenegro, full of cobblestoned streets, Venetian cultural gems and piazzas nestling between medieval walls. Every evening the walls light up and give the town a whole new dimension. Those feeling full of vim and vigour can climb 1350 steps, to gain a spectacular view over Kotor. Another highlight is the Fairy Gate, a stone arch in the mountains above the town, but you will need to tackle a fairly demanding hike, to see it.
Budva and its riviera
If you love hustle and bustle, a summertime stop-off should be Budva, on what is known as the Budva Riviera. The walled town itself, is known for its parapets and ramparts, but these are now juxtaposed with nightclubs, restaurants and luxurious yachts. The nearby Sveti Nikola island just opposite, is known as the Hawaii of Budva, with stunning beaches and crystal-clear water. Despite the loud music by night, there are many cultural treasures to uncover by day, including a Roman necropolis and altar, Citadel and various churches.
If that’s not your thing, Budva has 20 magnificent beaches in its environs, whilst the Riviera features charming red-and-grey-pebbled fishing villages. From smoked ham to fresh seafood, you will soon get a taste for this area.
Quieter spots to explore with your European travel insurance policy
Another coastal town that can be a little quieter is Herceg Novi, where mimosa trees add to the picture-perfect vibe. This is on the Bay of Kotor and offers everything from authentic local markets to rich cultural heritage. Herceg Novi is also your must-see if you love a fortress, with Forte Mare, Kanli Kula Fortress, Fortress Spanjola and Fortification Mamula, all at your disposal.
Make your way into the mountains and you could discover the historic village of Njeguši, rich with culture and acclaimed for its smoked ham, dried goat’s cheese and fabulous honey.
Adventure holidays in Montenegro
High-altitude Zabljak, in the Durmitor National Park area in northwestern Montenegro, is hugely popular for winter sports but also frequented in summer. It is close to the Tara River Canyon and surrounded by numerous lakes. With 1500 summer plant species in the Durmitor area and white water rafting on the Tara River, fishing, camping, tracking, mountaineering and Alpine and Nordic skiing in winter, there is something for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Just make sure you have the right winter sports travel insurance protection and that your insurance policy will cover any other sports or activities in which you wish to engage.
The Durmitor National Park and Tara Canyon have UNESCO protection and the canyon became a world ecological reserve in 1977.
Family holidays and tranquil reflection
For great family time, perhaps head to Petrovac, where family-friendly facilities and beaches are right on your doorstep. With piratical links too, there could be some great fun to be had with the kids.
But, if it’s something both unusual and tranquil in even measure that you desire, maybe the Prokletije National Park is just the ticket. For a start, there is a ‘lake of happiness’ in the guise of Hrid Lake. Lake Plav, on the other hand, is the largest glacial lake in Montenegro and its most striking. With hiking and biking opportunities in abundance, this can be a real joy.
What you do not see every day, however, are springs bursting from the soil, amidst a backdrop of glorious scenery. This is what awaits at Ali-Pasha’s Springs in the National Park. The keen-eyed might also spot some of the endemic species living in this habitat, which include brown bears, lynx, wild boar, chamois and deer.
Travel insurance advice for Montenegro
With this vast array of cultural diversity and natural splendour, it’s certainly worth taking a long look at Montenegro as a possible holiday destination. Just remember to book travel insurance with Europesure as soon as you sign up for your flight or accommodation. Take advantage of Europesure’s travel insurance add-ons as well, according to your intentions, whether you require winter sports cover, car hire excess protection for your rental car, or protection for sporting equipment, such as bicycles.
