Montenegro

Get in

Most foreign tourists enter Montenegro directly by air, by road from Croatia, or occasionally by sea from Italy. Land routes from Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania are mainly used by tourists from those respective countries.

thumb|450px|Visa policy of Montenegro

See

While Montenegro may be a small country, it has so much diverse history and nature to see. There are stunning mountainous landscapes, dramatic coastlines, historic monuments and truly beautiful walled towns. The Montenegro coast is just as gorgeous as that of its better known neighbour, Croatia, and it is for good reason that its main tourist destinations get crowded in summer. Nevertheless, if you can't visit at another time, don't let their popularity hold you back. Even the largest of cruise ship crowds will not stop you from enjoying this country's magnificent Riviera and Medieval coast towns, especially if you're willing to get up early and do your sightseeing ahead of the others.

Of the country's many churches and monasteries, the Serbian Orthodox Ostrog Monastery deserves special attention. It's spectacularly located against a practically vertical background, some 10 km from Danilovgrad. Founded in the 17th century, it's one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations on the Balkans and boasts a magnificent view over the Bjelopavlići plain.

Eat

thumb|Njeguški pršut Apart from the hotels located in towns and summer resorts offering half-board and full-board accommodation, and those along the roads and communication lines such as restaurants, pizza places, taverns, fast food restaurants and cafes, there is a choice of national restaurants offering traditional Montenegrin cuisine.

In addition to the standard European and Mediterranean cuisine, Montenegro offers a variety of healthy food products and local specialities.

Cold hors-d'oeuvres include the famous njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and njeguški cheese, pljevaljski cheese, mushrooms, donuts and dried bleak. The main courses specific for the northern mountainous region are boiled lamb, lamb cooked in milk, cicvara in fresh milk cream (buttered corn porridge), boiled potatoes with cheese and fresh cream. A selection of traditional recipes of the central and coastal parts will include the kastradina (dried mutton), smoked and fresh carp (from Skadar lake) and a variety of fresh sea fish and seafood dishes. Donuts served with honey and dried figs are traditional desserts in these parts of Montenegro.

Products of animal origin are supervised and approved by veterinary and health authorities according to EU standards. The restaurant scene in Montenegro is rapidly evolving and has become increasingly international and continues to attract a new diverse variety of restaurants on the coast and in Podgorica.

Stay safe

thumb|Police car in Montenegro Montenegro is generally a safe country. There is, like all countries in the world, criminal activities, but police forces are generally fast in their duties. The number is 122, as well as the international distress call 112. When travelling in the areas bordering Kosovo, it is recommended you keep to the main roads. Unexploded landmines may remain along the Kosovo border. You should also avoid areas where there is military activity.

In the resort towns such as Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan and Herceg Novi, beggars and pickpockets are not uncommon. As in many other European locations, beggars are part of organized crime groups. Do not give them money. Doing so may also make you a target for more aggressive approaches. Always carry your bags in the safest way, slung around your shoulder with the pouch in front (with your money carried under your clothing) where you can keep your arm or hand across it.

Sea urchins are small, globular, spiny sea creatures that cover much of the sea floor off the coast of Montenegro. This isn't a bad thing being as they only gather in super clear water. It's a good idea to wear sea socks or something to cover your feet while walking through the water. Also, if you snorkel, be careful and ensure you don't brush up against the ones on the sides of the rocks.

Montenegrins are not safe drivers. You will often feel as though you are competing for road space with aggressive drivers who have little regard for your or their …

Stay healthy

Tap water is generally drinkable, though in some small towns it may be better to avoid it.

Respect

Short pants are usually not permitted inside public institutions (hospitals, etc.) Wear modest clothing when visiting monasteries and churches.

At beaches, taking off the bottom piece of a swimsuit will likely create a stir and is generally reserved for designated nude beaches.

When toasting and clinking glasses, look the opposite person in the eyes or else it may be taken as a sign of disrespect.

Being visibly drunk is a sign of bad taste and character in Montenegro: you may be invited to drink gallons but you're expected to be able to hold it. People also usually prefer to sip their liquor instead of emptying it "bottoms-up" style. Be careful: rakija, a plum spirit, is probably going to be stronger than you expect (usually about 53% alcohol content) and will make you drunk fast!