Montenegro can proudly say that most of its cities on the coast were founded in the ancient times, and that they are among the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast
Here is the list of the cities that You have to visit if staying on Montenegrin coast.
1. Kotor
Kotor is small medieval town surrounded with steep mountains, river Skurda and Adriatic sea. It is not known when the first settlements are founded, but it is believed that they are over two milleniums old.
Many conquerors ruled in Kotor – Illiryans, Venetians, Austrians, it was part of Otoman empire, Venetian republic, part of Serbian state… All of them left their mark here, that is why Kotor is so rich with history and cultural heritage. Kotor is recognized as cultural center of Montenegro with its many festivals, art events and preserved historical sights. In 1979 UNESCO decided to put the city on the list of world natural and cultural heritage.
Locals tip: have a cup of coffee on the main Square of Arms, with view on the old Clock tower and steep mountains above Kotor
2. Perast
Perast is small town on the coast of Boka bay. Although there is only one street in Perast 16 churches and 17 palaces are located there. Perast is the oldest settlement in Boka bay. Through history many conquerors left their mark on this place, so remains of Neolithic culture (3500 BC), as well as numerous archaeological findings are found there.
Most of the buildings are built in baroque style and they are adapted as villas and hotels, so today Perast is one of the luxury destination on Adriatic coast. Two islands, St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks are main attractions of this small town.
Locals tip: take a boat ride to visit the island Our Lady of the Rocks and learn amazing story about this tiny man-made island
3. Budva
Old Town Budva is surrounded by walls built by Venetians. Archaeological finds from the 5th century BC are placing Budva among the oldest towns on the Adriatic coast. It was part of Greek, Roman and Ottoman empires and all of them left their mark. Narrow streets, old stone buildings and a lot of churches and palaces makes you feel like you have been transferred to Middle Ages.
Coastal part of Budva is known as Budva Riviera. Beautiful sandy beaches, numerous small fish restaurants and rich nightlife makes Budva the center of Montenegrin summer tourism.
Locals tip: visit pebble beach Ricardova Glava next to the Old Town and enjoy drinking coffe with amazing view at open sea and island St. Nikola
4. Ulcinj
Ulcinj is located on the south of Montenegrin coast. It is believed that city is founded by Illiryans around 5th century BC.Through centuries, the culture from West and Orient, brought here by many conquerors, collided and it can be felt in every part of the city.
Ulcinj was ancient seaport and was known as one of the pirate capitals on Adriatic sea. According to the legend, even famous Spanish writer Miquel de Cervantes was brought to Ulcinj as slave by pirates at the end of 16th century.
Today Ulcinj is well-known by its beautiful 12km long sandy beach, famous island Ada Bojana and castle which is 2 millennia old.For nature lovers inevitable place is Ulcinj Salinas. It is paradise for birdwatcers: 250 bird species are registred in this nature reserve.
Locals tip: have a lunch inside Old town, on the hill above Small beach and be amazed by locals hospitality and the taste of freshly caught fish
5. Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is located at the entrance of Boka Bay and it is one of the youngest settlements on Adriatic coast. Despite that, it had turbulent history. Because of its position, many conquerors fought for the dominance of this city. Some of the most famous buildings in Herceg Novi are Sahat Kula and Kanli Kula and fortresses Spanjola and Forte Mare. Old town with many steps is charming, full of life and bright since Herceg Novi has around 200 sunny days a year. Because of its climate, Herceg Novi is full of tropical flowers. Every year in February, a festival of mimosa is organized dedicated to this beautiful yellow flower.
Locals tip: take a walk along 6 km long promenade 5 Danica, named after 5 girls named Danica who bravely fought and died in World War II.
You can take a break in some of numerous caffes and restaurants or go swimming at some of the beaches along the way.
