Montenegro was present at the IFTM trade fair. We met Ana Tripkovic Markovic who is Director of the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro. The country is not very large (13,812 km²) and has a small number of inhabitants (685,000). The country borders Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. Montenegro is located on the Adriatic Sea.
Montenegro wants to make itself known
The country is striving to develop a broader tourism industry based on the richness of its landscapes (rural tourism, cultural tourism and ecotourism) and its geographical diversity, including mountains, coastline and lakes. Tourism accounts for 25% of its GDP, which shows the importance of attracting more tourists. Today, many visitors come from surrounding countries.
Montenegro in Paris to attract French tourists
Montenegro’s 300-kilometre coastline and spectacular mountainous north drive the tourism sector.
The market focuses on hotels and resorts located along the coast of Montenegro. The country is small so it is easy to visit and not just stay on the seaside.
Montenegro, a magnificent Balkan country
The country is simply pretty and full of attractions, it never ceases to impress visitors. There are several places to visit:
Kotor and Saint John Fortress
A true gem and the most popular destination in Montenegro. Kotor was founded in the 3rd century BC. The city is full of monuments. The old town is rather small but so picturesque with its narrow winding streets, charming corners and ancient palaces.
We are recommended to climb to the Saint-Jean Fortress. You will admire the panorama there.
Herceg Novi and its numerous architectural remains
In Montenegrin, the town is known as Herceg Novi or Херцег Нови; in Italian as Castelnuovo; and in Greek as Neòkastron (Νεοκαστρον), in Turkish as Kala-i Novi, all meaning “new castle”. The name Herceg Novi, in its modern form, was first mentioned in a Turkish document in 1726. Today you can find here the architectural remains of that era with buildings in Roman, Byzantine, Baroque or Oriental styles . Nearby Igalo is a spa destination renowned for its healing mud.
Budva and its beaches
Montenegro’s most popular resort attracts tourists from all over the world with its numerous hotels, beaches, marinas and party scene. There is also an old town surrounded by 15th century walls. Inside you will find most of Budva’s landmarks.
You should choose Budva as your vacation destination if you not only like to relax on the beach but also enjoy a fun nightlife.
Ulcinj and its nudist tourists
The southernmost coastal town, located near the border with Albania, has a different vibe than Montenegro’s more popular destinations.
The town is not as fancy as Budva and not as crowded with tourists as Kotor. The majority of residents are Albanians and perhaps this is why Ulcinj feels so laid back.
Ulcinj is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast, the first settlement was founded there in the 5th century BC. Today you can explore the old town with its well-preserved castle, enjoy the sandy beaches or visit the island of Ada Bojana, famous especially among nudist tourists
Cetinj, the most important city in Montenegro
It is probably the most important city in Montenegro, the cradle of Montenegrin national identity and culture as well as the center of the Orthodox religion.
The city was founded at the end of the 15th century when Ivan Crnojevic established his capital there. The real development of the town occurred in the 19th century, during the reign of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš and subsequently, when Cetinje became the capital of the independent Kingdom of Montenegro (until 1918). Many embassies and public institutions have been opened there. Cetinje is today a very quiet town with many historical monuments to visit. Due to its importance, Cetinje bears the title of honorary capital of Montenegro and the country’s president also has his residence there.
Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro
It’s not the most beautiful and exciting city out there (especially when you look at all the other amazing places to visit in Montenegro).
But if you are here you can visit the center, the 17th century clock tower or the bridges (especially the modern Millennium Bridge). Fans of brutalist architecture will also find some interesting buildings here, notably the Church of the Holy Heart of Jesus.
