All about Montenegro

Each country is special and uniquely beautiful in some of its facets. This definition fully applies to such a Balkan state as Montenegro. Before visiting it, it is recommended to thoroughly study all its features and nuances.

Montenegro is an amazing state, and this formulation is not accidental at all. Its entire territory is located on the Balkan Peninsula. The only sea whose waves touch the Montenegrin land is the Adriatic. A country can be considered both very old and very young at the same time - there is no paradox here. The modern Montenegrin state was formed in 2006, which makes it one of the youngest not only in Europe, but also in the world. Not long before that, there was a larger entity called Serbia and Montenegro. The country's neighbors are now:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Croatia;
• Albania;
• Serbia;
• indirectly (through the sea) Italy.

The capital (it is also the largest city in terms of population in Montenegro) is Podgorica. It was built relatively recently, there is no particular tourist interest there. The total population of the state is approximately 0.6 million inhabitants. In terms of its territory, Montenegro is inferior to even the smallest of the Russian regions. But the small area did not prevent the local economy from developing noticeably.

The total length of the coast does not exceed 294 km. Despite this, the country boasts a wide variety of leisure activities. Each resort is different and gorgeous. Only a strip from 2 to 10 km wide directly out to the sea.

In European languages, a similar name is used - Montenegro. Although the Montenegrin lands occupy only 1% of European land mass, they account for:

• over 25% of plant species in Europe;
• at least 116 species of fish;
• 5 national parks that protect this splendor.

Of the 293 km of the coastal strip, 73 km are the share of beaches. From Italy to Montenegro, the coastal strip is the widest - 200 km. The deepest section is also located in this interval. The official name of the state (in Russian transcription) is Crna Gora.

The Montenegrin coat of arms and flag in its present form were approved in 2004. The coat of arms of Montenegro shows a two-headed flying eagle in yellow. On the chest of the bird is the dynastic coat of arms of the Byzantine emperors of the Palaeologus. According to the wording in the constitution, it expresses close cooperation between the authorities and the church, as well as the continuity of generations. The predominant religion is Orthodoxy. Formally, 74% of the country's citizens identify with it. True, there is no exact data on how many of them really meet all the requirements that the status of Orthodox entails, and which simply pays tribute to fashion.

Almost 20% of Montenegrins (according to the 2003 census) call themselves Muslims, and about 3.5% - Catholics. 1.27% do not recognize the existence of any supernatural forces. Roughly a quarter of a percent called themselves “just Christians” without specifying their confession.

National holidays are Christmas, Easter and Eid al-Adha. The country used to be called Ducleus (although this name was used during the Roman Empire and further until the 11th century). In 1040 the state was renamed Zeta. The first mention of the modern word "Montenegro" is in 1296. Initially, it referred to the area around Mount Lovcen. Zeta's independence was interrupted in 1496 by the Turkish conquest.

However, a significant amount of autonomy has been preserved. During the XVIII-XIX centuries, as a result of a stubborn struggle, Turkish troops were expelled from the territory of Montenegro. The legacy of the era of conquest, however, remains a fairly significant number of the Muslim population; but among the monuments that era is almost not reflected. Montenegro withdrew from the former Yugoslavia, nevertheless remaining in the same state with Serbia.

The state structure is a parliamentary republic. The President of Montenegro for 2019 is Milo Djukanovic, and the chairman of the Assembly (that is, parliament) - Ivan Brajovich. According to preliminary estimates, in 2018 the number of residents of the country is about 622 thousand people. The time difference with the Greenwich meridian is + 1 hour, and with Moscow - 2 hours. The longest of the Montenegrin rivers (Tara) reaches 144 km, and Bojana - only 30 km; it used to be used for shipping, but now this is not possible.

Climatic conditions in Montenegro are closely related to the features of its relief. Along the narrow Adriatic coast, the Mediterranean climate develops. Summer is quite long, the air warms up to 25 degrees. In the summer months, the seashore is rather dry. Winter does not last long, with average winter temperatures ranging from +3 to +7 degrees.

During the year on the Adriatic coast, the number of hours of sunshine reaches an average of 2600. The average water temperature is 19 degrees, the lowest is just over 10 degrees. The swimming season is in May, summer months, September and October. In the center, on the plains separated from the coast by the Dinaric Highlands, a continental climate develops.In the summer months, the average temperature reaches 25 degrees, in winter it ranges from -10 to +5 degrees.

The temperature record is about 40 degrees. The mountainous region of Montenegro is located in the north, and the rivers Piva, Komarnitsa and Moraca are considered its western border. The main part of the territory is composed of small, well-preserved plains, the average height of which is 1700 m above sea level. The mountainous part of the country has a subalpine climate. It is cold here in winter and heavy snowfalls, while in summer it is moderately warm. The mountain belt stops the air masses, and therefore the snow almost does not reach the coast. As for the rivers, they are divided into 2 main river complexes.

To the northwest flow:

• Tara;
• Beer;
• Cheotin;
• Lim.

All 4 rivers turn out to be tributaries of the Drina (which itself belongs to the Danube basin). The rivers Moraca and Zeta, flowing in the south, replenish the Adriatic Sea with their waters. Tara is famous for forming a canyon about 1.2 km deep. There are no deeper canyons in Europe, and even on the entire planet there is only one canyon deeper.

Located in Montenegro Skadar Lake - the largest in the entire Balkan Peninsula... The water mirror extends (depending on the season) 390-530 sq. km. About 1/3 of the lake belongs to Albania. The reservoir was formed in a huge karst cavity. There are also lakes:

• Shasskoe;
• Slanskoe;
• Krupach.

The flora of the country is diverse, it is about 2800 species. Of these, 212 grow only in the Balkans, and 22 species can be found only in Montenegro itself. Approximately 1/3 is covered by forests, and even more (up to 40%) is covered by pastures.

In the era of ancient Greece, the coast was covered with oaks and cypresses. However, they were cut down, as a result of which the soil was damaged, and instead of forests, shrubs of the Mediterranean type were formed. In some places on the coast, individual cypresses, groves of olives and fruit trees, palms, thickets of grapes are found.

Mixed forest is typical for the Biogradska Gora National Park. Not only spruces, beeches, maples, but even mountain ash grow in it. Alpine edelweiss, violets and mountain cornflowers are found in the mountainous part of Montenegro. This allows us to believe that the flora of the mountains is typical for the alpine meadow belt.

Quite expectedly, rich vegetation corresponds to a well-developed fauna. In the mountains you can find wild boar and bear, lynx and wolf. Of the ungulates, deer and wild goats live there. Sometimes jackals are seen on the Adriatic coast. In places where there are many karst formations, reptiles and turtles live.

On Lake Shkoder and other lakes, nature itself has prepared an abundance of fish for birds. It is dominated by bleak, trout and carp. If you are not limited to freshwater fish, it is worth mentioning the inhabitants of the Adriatic:

• tuna;
• palamid;
• sardine;
• mullet;
• mackerel.

Yes, the nature of Montenegro is impressive. But even in such a small country, there is nothing to think about exploring the entire territory for a short vacation on vacation. Therefore, it is useful to know which places to visit first.

A good choice would be to visit the Komovi mountains. Tours there are not sold by any agency: neither in Russia, nor in Budva or Podgorica. As a result, the Komovi mountains are quiet and calm, there is no influx of tourists.

There is a truly special world where you can be alone, enjoying nature and relaxing. The beauty of the local species is not inferior to Durmitor and Prokletije. The road from Budva will be a maximum of 170 km.If you want not only to visit these places, but also to live there, you need to rent houses near the Treshnevik Pass (or just pitch a tent nearby).

Another wild place that vacationers praise - the Prokletije mountains in the Grebae valley... 10 years ago, these mountains were declared another national park. Those who want to travel through uninhabited mountainous areas and simply relax flock here. The rocks around them hang menacingly, but among them there are several valleys.

Experts recommend going to the Grebae valley through Albanian territory. An excellent road has recently been built there, which will delight you with picturesque views and an elegant canyon. Travel through Albania without a visa is possible from April 1 to October 31 inclusive.

But there is one more very beautiful place - village Poselyani, located on the coast of Lake Skadar. Several centuries ago, a powerful waterfall made it possible to build a mill and thereby concentrate wealth and influence in the area.

However, the 1979 earthquake deprived the waterfall of its former strength and gradually the area fell into decay. Tourists do not come here en masse, as buses simply will not overcome the off-road. People get to Poselyani by powerful jeeps.

Although the Komovi mountains mentioned above are considered more impressive than Durmitor, many holidaymakers dispute this opinion. Especially those who saw live mountain pass Sadlo. On the road 50 km long, you can drive in only 90-120 minutes, as it is very difficult, replete with serpentines. Every now and then livestock comes out on the road.

But a long journey will delight tourists with the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle that opens from the high peaks. The winding path is inaccessible to large buses. That is why a visit to the Sedlo pass is not included in the "Canyons" program. You will have to go there yourself.

Do not assume that all the beautiful places of Montenegro are located only in the mountainous area. Absolutely also applies to them. Sveti Stefan Island... Fans of extreme sports can observe it, getting on the difficult road to the church of St. Sava... From this temple you can also look at the Budva Riviera, in different places of which there are pretty red roofs. The best time to visit is spring or late autumn.

Other attractive points are often cited as:

• Kuchkie mountains (especially Bukumir lake);
• Gorlo Sokolovo gorge (where only private guides take);
• the river Crnojevicha;
• Trnovacko lake;
• peninsula Lustica (with the cleanest sea, with camping and opportunities for wild recreation).

This does not mean that "mass" places of leisure are somehow worse. It would be a very good idea to visit:

• Boka Kotorska Bay;
• Perast;
• Tivat;
• Kotor;
• Blue Cave;
• Skadar and Black lakes;
• canyon Moraca.

Natural and man-made beauties are important, but Montenegro can also delight tourists with extraordinary cuisine. Its development was influenced by Hungarian and Slavic, Turkish and German influences. Much has been borrowed from Mediterranean cuisine. Its influence is especially great, of course, near the coast. They cook food more often from fish and other seafood, actively use cheese and fresh vegetables.

Inhabitants of the highlands are more accustomed to meat and dairy dishes. Experienced tourists recommend by all means to try hanger (that's what they call spiced chops) and chevapchichi (sausages for which minced meat is mixed).

Once you find yourself near the Adriatic Sea, you should give preference to fish dishes. Trout stuffed with prunes or yaprake carps baked in cream will literally shock even experienced gourmets. Those who prefer Mediterranean cuisine are advised to try pilaf with the addition of seafood. You can try kashkaval cheese cakes, which the locals themselves put in first place. Cheeses in Montenegrin cuisine are used in appetizers, in the first course, and even in desserts.

As in other regions of the world, it is customary to end the meal with sweets and drinks. Among the latter, Montenegrins prefer tea and coffee. The local wine is not highly quoted abroad, but deserves to be tasted. The best brand of wines is Vranats. Of the stronger drinks, grape vodka krunak is distinguished.

Montenegrins consider kaymak (that is, cream cheese) to be an important national dish. The consistency of the product is close to sour cream, its taste is very delicate. It is customary to add kaymak to meat and fish dishes. It is also used as a component of vegetable salads. Chorba can also be an attractive choice. For the preparation of this rich soup, different types of fish are taken.

Montenegrin cuisine includes many dishes based on lamb meat. A striking example is lamb from under the sacha... For its preparation, cast-iron containers with heavy lids are used (this dish is called a sach). Lamb cooked in milk and spices can be considered a good alternative; it is served with potatoes. Negus steak, Negus cheese, prosciutto, tsitsvara - dishes that will allow you to complete your first acquaintance with Montenegrin cuisine.

Traveling on your own to Montenegro is quite easy. The most convenient way to get there is by plane. Flights are carried out to Tivat and Podgorica. The planes leave Moscow airports mainly for Tivat. Using transfers, you can fly to Tivat or Podgorica from any region of our country. There is another way - a flight to Belgrade, from where trains and buses go to Montenegro. Most importantly, such a solution helps to save money.

Direct trains from Russia also go to Montenegro. But this option should be considered only as a last resort. The meaning of a trip by rail arises in two situations: when there is a strong fear of flying or there is an intention to travel through Eastern Europe by land. Travel time even from Moscow (not to mention more distant transfers) will be over 48 hours. The fee is higher than when buying air tickets. And another complication is registration of a Schengen visa.

In October - May, the number of tourists in Montenegro is small and there is no particular need to book accommodation in advance. The owners willingly offer discounts just to attract tourists. But one must understand that it is difficult to find a good property with long-term leisure. Every respectable and conscientious homeowner has regular customers, for whose benefit he can evict temporary guests. The likelihood of such a development is especially high in the summer, when the demand for housing grows to its maximum. You can solve the problem by pre-booking (1-3 months in advance).

You can relax well on the shores of the Boko-Kotor Bay. It is recommended to stop there in Kotor, Bijela, Perast, Tivat, Herceg Novi. An alternative can be considered Donja Lastwu, Kumbor, Kostanitsa, Njivice, Orahovac. Boka Kotorska Bay may not be suitable for families with small children.But such a place is ideal for excursions and visiting festivals, for independent walks.

One of the best regions of the country is considered Budva and its surroundings. In addition to Budva itself, Becici and Rafailovici, it is worth paying attention to Rezevici, Petrovac and Przno. The advantages of this area are:

• high quality beaches;
• clean sea;
• an abundance of restaurants;
• suitability for children's leisure.

A good choice for tourists can be Barskaya riviera. In addition to Bar itself, there are such pleasant towns as Sutomore, Dubrava, Chan, Kruche. The bays in this place are larger than on the Budva Riviera, the beaches are relatively small and end in steep cliffs. In the bays of the Barskaya Riviera, there is a significant difference in depth.

Ultsin Riviera is also good. The farther south you move along it, the fewer people. Closer to the Albanian border, the beach strip merges into one large beach covered with black volcanic sand. Very small grains of sand can clog any things. Due to the lack of natural barriers, strong winds often blow here, so the beach is not suitable for sunburn, but for extreme sports.

It is appropriate to supplement the conversation about a trip to Montenegro with an overview of the basic safety requirements. It definitely does not make sense to go there for those on whom travel restrictions are imposed. The rest can travel to this country in complete peace. The attitude towards the inhabitants of Russia there is quite complimentary.

To avoid danger on the roads, you can simply not leave the main highways, which are equipped with all protective equipment. There will be drains for rainwater, and bumpers, and nets to stop rockfalls. Without a solid driving experience, it makes no sense to enter the mountainous area and in the directions not visited by excursions. According to unwritten custom, those who move from the side of the cliff have priority.

Outside the cities, you need to be more careful on the road. Cattle often go there uncontrollably. Even in the spring months, the mountain trails can be covered with snow. Not all tunnels are lit. Knowing all this, as well as giving up night trips to the mountains, you can protect yourself.

Caution should be exercised when dealing with local residents near the Albanian border and in other places densely populated by Muslims. Fanaticism is not typical for them (after all, the 21st century has done its job), but provoking people is stupid. You need to take this point into account when choosing clothes. It is undesirable to show up with alcohol or drunk, with products prohibited in Islam. It is worthwhile to beware near the border with Albania and obsessive gypsies who live here in large numbers.

Of course, not everyone is aggressive or fraudulent. But one must always weigh the probable risks and not flaunt fearlessness in vain. Minefields are common on the border with Kosovo, many of which are not even marked. Therefore, it is worth either not going there at all, or taking a guide from among the local residents.

In addition to man-made hazards, it is important to know natural threats as well. The lush nature of Montenegro makes room for a large number of snakes. You can come across them anywhere, even on equipped beaches. Walking through the forest, you should make as much noise as possible, then the danger of unintentional meeting with bears or wolves is reduced to zero... It is advisable to take with you local guides who know the dangerous places. The water near the coast is inhabited by sea urchins, jellyfish and other potentially dangerous animals and plants.

In any place, you should strictly follow the elementary rule: if the animal or plant is unfamiliar, you should not even approach them. It is categorically unacceptable to eat plucked fruits, mushrooms, berries. To communicate with young people, especially in the southern part of Montenegro, it makes sense to improve your knowledge of the English language.The police are not a threat if they do not commit gross violations and do not violate the Criminal Code.

Vacationers in Montenegro should take into account that local residents live leisurely and measuredly. In addition to beach activities and excursions, people also come here to ski resorts. The Adriatic coast has green vegetation all year round. In the Bay of Kotor, you can see ocean-class cruise ships. From time to time, under the influence of winds from the Sahara, the air warms up strongly and then waves up to 4 m high fall on the beaches.

The legislation requires all organizations and entrepreneurs to provide their employees with official days off in accordance with the denomination. Having heard the shooting, you should not be afraid once again - most likely, this is simply the birth of children. McDonald's does not work in Montenegro, but there are other fast food options. Since the locals are used to drinking coffee, the tea in cafes and restaurants is always of poor quality. It is almost impossible to find a disco in the country, they usually dance near tables, and not on dance floors.

Montenegrins are one of the most smoking nations in the world... At the same time, they are record holders for growth. When buying beer in this country, be sure to hand over the bottles.

In the next video you can go to Montenegro together with the hosts of the Orel and Reshka programs.