Montenegro 

42° 43' 7.56" N 19° 8' 17.46" E [42.7188, 19.1382] (KML)

Montenegro's lower areas enjoy a Mediterranean climate, having dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Temperature varies greatly with elevation. Podgorica [M], lying near sea level, is noted for having the warmest July temperatures in Montenegro, averaging 27°C (81 F).

Cetinje [M], in the Karst at an elevation of 670m (2,200 ft), has a temperature 5°C (10 F) lower. January temperatures range from 8°C (46 F) at Bar [S] [M] on the southern coast to -3°C (27 F) in the northern [S] mountains.

Montenegro's mountainous regions receive some of the highest amounts of rainfall in Europe. In the northern [S] mountains, snow is present throughout the winter.

The terrain of Montenegro ranges from high mountains along its borders with Kosovo and Albania, through a segment of the Karst of the western Balkan Peninsula, to a narrow coastal plain that is only one to four miles wide. The coastal plain disappears completely in the north, where Mount Lovcen and other ranges plunge abruptly into the inlet of the Gulf of Kotor [M].

Montenegro's section of the Karst lies generally at elevations of just below 1000m (3,000 ft) above sea level-although some areas rise to 1800m (6,000 ft). The lowest segment is in the valley of the Zeta River, which flows at an elevation of 460m (1,500 ft).

The high mountains of Montenegro include some of the most rugged terrain in Europe. They average more than 2100m (7000 ft) in elevation.

Montenegro was founded as a state under its present name in 15th century, continuing the tradition of the Slavic state of Duklja. It was able to maintain its independence during the reign of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans [S], its independence was formally acknowledged at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. After the World War I, fighting for the Allied powers, it was absorbed into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which later became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. Montenegro was also later part of various incarnations of Yugoslavia, until it regained its full independence from the federation of Serbia-Montenegro on June 2006 referendum. Montenegro was the only subsequent republic of the former Yugoslavia that supported Serbia during the wars of the Former Yugoslavia in the 1990's.

Montenegro is officially divided into 21 municipalities, which can be grouped into five regions:

Bay of Kotor This bay is considered one of the most beautiful bays of Europe, and features the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Perast and Kotor, as well as other typically Mediterranean towns.

Budva Riviera The main tourist drag with nice beaches, historic villages and wild nightlife

Central Montenegro This is the heart of the country with the state capital Podgorica, the historical capital Cetinje and the industrial center Nikšić. It is also home to natural beauty, such as Skadar Lake National Park and Lovćen National Park.

Montenegrin South Coast The Mediterranean coast around the towns of Bar and Ulcinj, the latter one having an Albanian majority.

North Montenegrin Mountains This region is entirely situated within the Dinaric Alps, famous for its untouched wild nature. A must is the Tara River Canyon in Durmitor National Park. Žabljak is Montenegro's winter sports capital.

• Podgorica [M] — the capital and biggest city in Montenegro, experiencing a huge architectural boom in the last couple of years
• Bečići [S] — with a 2km long fine sandy beach, it is home to numerous resorts and hotels
• Budva [M] — most popular resort with great beaches and vibrant nightlife
• Cetinje [M] — the old royal capital of Montenegro, with a large number of museums, monasteries and former embassies
• Herceg Novi [M] — founded in 1382 and located in the entrance of the Bay of Kotor
• Kotor [M] — an ancient fortified town located deep down the Boka Kotorska bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Nikšić [S] — the second largest city in Montenegro and economically important
• Perast [S] — beautiful small village, a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site
• Žabljak [S] — center of Montenegrin [S] mountain tourism

• Biogradska Gora National Park [S] — some of the last remaining untouched forests in Europe
• Durmitor National Park [S] — rafting through the Tara Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe, is one of the most popular activities in Montenegro
• Lovćen National Park [S] — beautiful mountain with natural, cultural and historical scenery
• Mount Ostrog [S] — the amazing monastery situated on the almost vertical cliff of Mount Ostrog
• Skadar Lake National Park [S] — the largest lake on the Balkans [S] and the natural habitat of the very diverse flora and fauna
• Sveti Stefan [M] — picturesque town-hotel, a former fishermen town on the small peninsula near Budva [M] (currently closed for renovation)

Podgorica [M] airport is Montenegro's main international airport. It is situated 12km (7.5 miles) south of Podgorica. It is a hub for Montenegro's national airline carrier, Montenegro Airlines.

One can get from the airport to Podgorica [M] center by taking the minibus, which usually waits in front of the terminal. Taxi to the center will be more expensive, usually €15.

Tivat [M] airport is situated near the city of Tivat, on the Montenegin coast. It has regular flights to Belgrade throughout the year, and has charter flights to major European destinations during the summer. Tivat airport [S] is 20km from Budva [M] and Herceg-Novi and 60 km from Bar [S] [M].

Destinations covered from these airports are listed in detail on the website of 'Airports of Montenegro'. Destinations covered by Montenegro Airlines, as well as booking information, can be found on the website of the carrier.

Dubrovnik airport in Croatia is half hour drive from the Montenegro border, and coastal city of Herceg-Novi, and is served by many major airlines, so it might be a good option for tourist coming by plane.

There is regular passenger train service from Subotica [S] through Novi Sad and Belgrade. Train goes through Bijelo Polje [M], Kolasin, Podgorica [M] and ends in Bar [S] [M], Montenegro's main seaport. Travel by train is cheapest way to get to Montenegro, but the quality of service is not very good. There are overnight trains with sleeping cars for around €25, which must be booked in advance, but are a more comfortable option.

A cheap way of traveling to or from Montenegro might be the Balkan Flexipass [S].

Montenegro is well connected with neighbouring countries and ticket prices are all under €25. During the summer, more seasonal lines are being introduced.

European routes E65, E80, E762, E763 and E851 pass through the country.

There are no roads in Montenegro built to full motorway standard, as all roads are of single carriageway type. Almost all roads in Montenegro are curvy, mountanious roads, and speeds over 80km/h are not permitted. General speed limit within built-up area is 50km/h. Roads in northern [S] mountanious region require additional caution during the winter.

Driving with headlights is obligatory even during the daytime, so is the use of seat belts. A €10 'ecological fee' for passanger cars is collected at the border posts when entering Montenegro. The fee is valid for one year.

There are regular ferry lines [S] from Bar [S] [M] to Bari and Ancona in Italy. Lines operate almost daily throughout the year, and get more frequent during the summer. Trip to Bari takes around 8 hours. 2 hour trip by ship to Durres Albania From Ulqin Lines connecting Montenegro with Italy are Bar-Bari and Kotor [M] Bari. To check the timetable go to website with all Adriatic ferry routes.

There is local train service, operating from Bar [S] [M], through Podgorica [M] and Kolasin and Mojkovac to Bijelo Polje [M]. It is the cheapest way to travel from north to south and vice versa, quality of service is not on the high level. It might also be dangerous, an accident with 44 casualties occurred in 2006. Tickets can be purchased on board.

This may be the easiest way to get around Montenegro. Buses are frequent (especially during the summer), safe and are more or less on schedule. Ticket prices within Montenegro are all under €15. Local buses usually have no airconditioning.

Besides the buses, there are minibuses at bus stations that are usually slightly cheaper, but are actually faster and more comfortable option.

As there is no real highway in Montenegro, most roads are two-lane only, with frequent addition of a third overtaking lane, and generally are not up to European standards. Most roads are curvy and mountainous, so speeds over 80 km/h (50 mph) are rarely legal, and rarely safe.

Speed limit is 80km/h on the open road, unless signs specify otherwise. Speed limit inside the cities is 50km/h.

The use of safety belts and headlights during the day is compulsory, and the use of cellphones while driving is prohibited. Signposts used in Montenegro are almost identical to those used in EU countries.

Local drivers tend to drive fast, and to get involved into dangerous overtakings. Traffic jams are common during the peak of the summer season. Pedestrians are noutorious for jaywalking in every Montenegrin [S] city.

Drivers tend to be extremely vocal, so don't take it personally if a driver yells at you. In major

hitchwiki

Roads from Podgorica [M] to Bar [S] [M] and to Niksic are fairly good, easy to drive on.

The roads from Podgorica [M] through Cetinje [M] to Budva [M] and to Petrovac [M] are both in good condition, but are curvy mountainous roads which rarely permit speeds over 70km/h.

The road from Podgorica [M] north to Kolasin, and then on to Zabljak [M] or Serbia, is considered dangerous during the winter, especially the part through the Moraca canyon. It is recommended one takes the bus to the north during the cold or rainy days, as bus drivers are experienced and know the road.

The old road from Cetinje [M] to Kotor [M] is mostly a narrow one-lane road offering stunning views of Kotor from above but exercise extreme caution when passing on-coming traffic, over-taking and around corners.

Montenegrin [S] is the official language, which is identical to Serbian [S], Croatian [S] and Bosnian [S] in everyday use. In some municipalities with an Albanian majority (Ulcinj [M], Plav, Gusinje) and the Malesia district in Podgorica [M] municipality, the Albanian language is commonly spoken. Slovene and Macedonian are also universally understood. People do however distinguish between the Serbian and Montenegrin ethnicity, Montenegrins forming a majority.

In Podgorica [M] and the coastal area many people can sparingly speak English, but that is not always the case in the north. Older people sometimes have a working knowledge of German.

Russian, which belongs to the same family of Slavic languages is relatively easier to understand and is spoken more and more widely, especially along the coast, as huge amounts of real estate had been purchased by Russians in 2000s as a summer residence.

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 [S] cuisine.

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

Cold hors d'ouevres include the famous njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and njeguški cheese, pljevaljski cheese, mushrooms, donuts and dried bleak. The main courses specific for the northern [S] 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 [S] 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.

Montenegrin [S] vineyards and the production of quality wine is part of the tradition of southern and coastal wine makers.

The best known Montenegrin [S] wines are the premium whites: "Krstač", "Cabernet", "Chardonnay" and reds: "Vranac", "Pro Corde". All of them are produced by the famous company "Plantaže", but there's also some home-made wines of high quality, like Crmničko wine.

1L bottle of "Vranac" red wine will cost you from €8 to €15 in the bar or restaurant and it is well worth it! Also, you can buy a bottle of "Plantaze"'s wine for about €2-€4 in supermarkets.

The continental region and north are more oriented towards the production of aromatic fruit flavoured brandy (plum brandy - šljivovica, apple brandy - jabukovača). Grape brandy "Montenegrin [S] loza", "Prvijenac", "Kruna" or home made grape brandy (lozova rakija, lozovača) is a must-try, and a good choice to "warm up" before going out in the evening.

"Nikšićko" beer is the best known beer in the Montenegro, and most common alcoholic beverage, which cost from €1.00 to €2.50. It is produced as a draught beer, or bottled, in both "Nik Gold" and lighter "Nik Cool" variant. Dark variant, "Nik tamno", is praised among beer lovers.

Other alcoholic drinks can cost anywhere between €1 and €10.

Montenegro is generally a safe country. There is, like all countries in the world, a number of 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 [M], Budva [M], Sveti Stefan [M] and Herceg Novi [M], beggars and pickpockets are not uncommon. Don't be afraid of giving them a couple euro-cents, but do not ever let them see that you possess a lot of money or something valuable, as they will send someone after you to beg for more money. Always carry your bags in the safest way, slung around your shoulder with the pouch on the front of your leg where you can see it. If you see a boy or girl running in your direction and you're holding an object, put it out of the way until he/she passes by, as they may try to knock it out of your hand.

Short pants are usually not permitted inside the public institutions (hospitals, etc). Wear modest dress 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.

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

You can buy mobile phone sim cards already for € 1. With that amount of credit, and if you plan to stay a longer time in Montenegro, making local phone calls, it will be certainly worth the expense. No need for identification with any of the 3 mobile phone companies in Montenegro.

Text content was last edited at 03:39, on 24 May 2010 by Wikitravel user Burmesedays. Based on work by Claus Hansen and Sand Kosta, Wikitravel user(s) Globe-trotter, Vidimian, ChubbyWimbus, Tevolving, Nije bitno... and Inas, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others. A list of contributors is available at the original article on Wikitravel. This text content is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0.