Explore Montenegro’s restaurants

‘What was the food like?’  This is a common question people may ask when you return from your hols and it is an area where we don’t like to be disappointed. Montenegro has a wide choice of restaurants and due to its position from Europe its gastronomy has a lot of Italian, Greek, Turkish and eastern European influences as well as its own traditional diet creating a varied menu and hopefully satisfying the majority of taste buds.

Here are a pick of stand-out restaurants inland and around the coast...

Kotor and Kotor Bay

Galion

This fish restaurant is situated in Kotor Marina, make sure you ask for a table right on the waterside as this comes with fantastic views of the old town and the bay. Galion is a five minute walk from the gates of the old town.

La Pasteria

This is an Italian restaurant in Kotor’s old town situated opposite the picturesque St. Triphun Cathedral and is a great place for people watching whilst sipping on a local beer.

Stari Mlini – ‘Old Mill’

Situated on the Bay of Kotor, this is one of Montenegro’s finest restaurants set in a restored water-

mill. This is a top restaurant which offers local cuisine with all the menu using fresh local produce,

Adriatic seafood and traditional culinary methods that date back 300 years.

Budva and around

Jadran kod Krsta

This is a popular family-owned restaurant situated between two promenades on the coast next to the old town of Budva, serving Mediterranean dishes and is renowned for its daily fresh fish, clams, and crabs.

Konoba Stari Grad

This restaurant has a great setting with the rear opening onto a beachside private terrace close to a children’s play area with a traditional menu which mainly comprises of seafood and live music in the summer evenings.

Herceg Novi

Tri Lipe

Tri Lipe is a popular spot in the evenings and is situated in a leafy terrace under massive old lime trees and serves meat and fish cooked on a grill as well as spicy Serbian goulash!

Kruso

This restaurant has a great waterside setting serving a traditional Montenegrin menu including grilled meat and seafood and a selection of soups, salads and pasta dishes with live music in the evenings.

Traktir

This restaurant serves Montenegrin, Russian and eastern European specialities so is a great restaurant to try different and distinct flavours whilst you are in Montenegro.

Tivat- restaurants inside Porto Montenegro

Prova

Prova is a smart restaurant lounge bar located in the centre of Tivat, shaped like a boat so when you are seated on the deck of the ship, it will feel as though you are on the sea surrounded by yachts and ships serving a modern take on Montenegrin classics.

One

This restaurant is one of the most stylish places to eat on the coast with the location of the bar looks out onto the jetty. It offers meat and fish dishes and has vegetarian options.

Explore Montenegro’s Beaches

‘Is there a beach?’ When booking a summer holiday, being near a beach is a likely tick box and Montenegro’s beautiful shoreline certainly ticks that box. The coastline is 293 km long with 73 km beaches stretched across 117 locations coupled with striking mountainous terrain. Montenegro’s beaches provide the perfect spot for relaxation and soaking up the warm Mediterranean sun and if you can tear yourself off the sun lounger, a lot of beaches have water sports on offer and a game of beach volleyball or cricket usually goes down a treat with family and friends. Furthermore, Montenegro boasts the cleanest waters in Europe and satisfying all preferences, there are sand, pebble and rock beaches.

Budva Riviera is located in Western Montenegro and has a long coastline of beaches, so this really is the spot for those craving a beach break. Here are a pick of the best beaches in Budva Riviera and around…

Becici Beach is a family friendly, popular beach a few kilometres from Budva that is a mile long and has been claimed as the most beautiful beach in the Med. A mile long, it has both sand and pebbles and is backed by the surrounding mountains. There are plenty of sea facing restaurants and bars for perfect sunset views as well as every water sport and activity on offer.

The Island of St Nikola Nicknamed ‘Hawaii’, St Nikola is a tiny uninhabited paradise island with three pristine sandy beaches surrounded by dense forest home to the huge-horned moufflan sheep. Accessible via a five minute boat ride from Budva Harbour, visitors can climb the short path to the summit of this 2 km long island for panoramic views across the Riviera. Whilst on the island, as well as the beaches, people can visit the island’s small church and this is also a restaurant that is open during the summer months.

Sveti Stefan is a UNESCO protected site and is one of Montenegro’s exclusive beauty spots. It is a tiny islet attached to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. It has been revived as a tourist resort under the Aman Resorts brand and has been restored to its former glory maintaining its ancient charm. Whilst at Stevti Stefan, guests can enjoy the striking red sandy beaches and try a hand at diving. Notable past guests include Sofia Loren, Sylvester Stallone and Claudia Schiffer.

Petrovac is a coastal town and is home to some of the most frequented beaches along Budva’s Riviera and is one of the protected regions in the area. Lučice beach is a little bay not far from the main town with a sandy shore backed by a pine and oak forest. Like its neighbour Sveti Stefan, it also has red sand as well as two islets Katic and Sveta nedjelia, popular dive sites for enthusiasts.

PORTO MONTENEGRO

View of Marina from one of the residences, photo taken July 2010

Porto Montenegro has joined the likes of Saint Tropez and Monaco as the latest Euro hot spot for the rich and famous and the resort ticks all of the boxes as a plush holiday destination: glitzy marina complete with super yachts, an array of hotels, restaurants and  designer shops and apartments that would set you back millions of Euros. It was even the holiday choice for British tycoon Nat Rothschild who held an extravagant gathering with his friends and family.

Lido Mar, photo taken July 2011

Porto Montenegro has been on the map before as a popular hangout for the wealthy elite and stars of the screen and back in its day it welcomed guests such as Princess Margaret, Sofia Loren, Richard Burton and Liz Taylor. When Montenegro gained independence from Serbia, the country quickly re-established itself as a holiday destination described by Tatler travel guide as ‘the Mediterranean’s most glittering playground.’

By day guests can hang out at the Purobeach club where you can recline on sun loungers and cabanas soaking up stunning views of the marina and surrounding mountains, take a dip in the 64 meter pool , sip cocktails, sample local cuisine and take advantage of the yoga classes and spa treatments available. Purobeach founder Mats Wahlstrom also owns clubs in Marbella, Palma and Vilamoura and his clubs have all been designed to achieve a laid-back and luxurious feel.The club has a relaxed atmosphere as a DJ plays chilled music all day long. 

By night, guests have a choice of stylish bars and restaurants including Mitsu- Montenegro’s first ever sushi bar the latest upmarket haunt to join Porto Montenegro’s restaurant scene.

Porto Montenegro combines luxury, charm and stunning scenery and has re-asserted its appeal to a fashionable clientele.  Even better, it is still to some extent undiscovered by the masses and this is partly what it owes its charm to.

For more information on Porto Montenegro, please visit: http://www.portomontenegro.com/

Tito's Blue Train

Tito’s Blue train timetable:

0700hrs Depart Belgrade

1900 hrs Arrive Montenegro

Tito’s Blue Train is an unforgettable rail experience which combines spectacular scenery, fine cuisine, history and culture. The train connects Serbia’s capital Belgrade with Montenegro passing through Serbian plains and forested Montenegrin Mountains. Whilst onboard, guests can soak up the scenery and enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea and a traditional four course lunch served with local wines, cooked onboard by local chefs.

What makes this train experience special is the history and the authentic decor inside the 1950’s carriages, upon boarding, guests can travel back in time and during the journey, educational talks are given to add historical context. The train was built shortly after the Second World War for Tito who ruled former Yugoslavia from 1945-1980 and is complete with his private apartments, fully fitted bathrooms and a conference room. Tito’s Blue Train was once hailed by Yugoslavs as one of the most luxurious train journeys in Europe and it once transported royals, Presidents and World Leaders alike including Queen Elizabeth.

Train journey’s are an unusual, yet wonderful way to spend time on holiday.  Often associated with adventure and old charm.  Tito’s Blue train is no exception to the rule; a memorable experience rather than simply journey from A to B. 

Sport in Montenegro

A holiday in Montenegro guarantees wonderful scenery, an abundance of outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, relaxation and rejuvenation- the main requirements for a holiday. Behind the tourist scene, the nation has also got its foot in the world of international sport...

Every country has a national sport or at least one they are passionate for, New Zealand it is rugby, USA love baseball, the French are footie-mad and Bhutan prefer archery. For Montenegro, their sporting passion involves a swimming pool, 2 goals, a ball and a team of good ‘egg beaters’ (treading water!)

Montenegro has a small population of around 600,000 so impressively it is one of the smallest countries ever to win a gold medal in continental and world championship team sports. The country won first place (yay!) at the 2008 European championship, came a close second in 2012 and came seventh in the 2011 world championship.

Waterpolo is played along the south coast in the bay of Kotor and is played in Kotor, Herceg Novi and Budva. In the current National team one player is from Budva and those who aren’t from Kotor or Herceg Novi are from the smaller surrounding teams who don’t have a professional Waterpolo club. Talented players play for either Jadran in Herceg Novi or Primorac in Kotor.

The Montenegrin National team had high hopes for the 2012 Olympics. Interestingly, the country competed for the first time as an independent nation in 2008! So London 2012 was a good opportunity for Montenegro to showcase their passion to the world. The team made it to the bronze medal match where they were closely beaten by their neighbours Serbia with a result of 11-12.

It wasn’t all sighs though at the Montenegrin Olympians left London with their first ever Olympic medal with the Women’s Handball team winning silver, hopefully Montenegro will scoop their first Olympic medal in Waterpolo in Rio in 2016....

On a closing note, football fever will soon be heading to Montenegro as England team prepare to play Montenegro the host country in a world cup qualifier match in Podgorica on Tuesday 26^th March.

Top five walking routes in Montenegro

Montenegro really is a destination where you can embrace the great outdoors. Walking and hiking are always a great ways to explore a new area.  Visitors can go at their own pace - whether it is a guided excursion or independently, map in-hand. Montenegro’s mountainous coastline combined with its lakes and national parks offers breathtaking views. There is a fantastic choice of routes catering for all fitness levels and ages (and yes...don’t be afraid to take kids on a walk...the ‘w’ word may strike initial fear in them of a day being torn away from the beach but once they are out there walking makes a great day trip for a family).

Lov´cen National Park

This mountain National Park is located high above Kotor and can be accessed by car and foot. There is an abundance of walking trails to explore in Lov´cen National Park where you can enjoy spectacular views along the way. There is also an adventure park making it a great family day out.

Coastal walks

When people say ‘walking holiday’ one can instantly envisage walking boots, walking pole and mountainous terrain. Montenegro offers a diverse choice of walks and a great walk to try is a coastal walk at Sveti Stefan, an island that is a 15 minute drive from south of Budva. Visitors can walk along the attractive Adriatic coastline through gardens and beaches.

Kotor city walls walk

A climb up the steps of the old city walls is the best way to appreciate the stunning views across the old town and the bay of Kotor. Best time to walk is early morning or early evening to avoid the heat of the midday sun beating down on you! The walk is more suited to the more physically fit as it takes around 2 hours to get to the top, however you are free to go at your own leisurely pace and there are lots of places to stop mid-climb to catch your breath and enjoy the views! Even walking to the half way point rewards walkers with great views, just remember to take plenty of water!

Coastal transversal

This tour stretches across several days starting from the mountains and ending on the Adriatic coast. The hike includes spectacular views off the Adriatic sea, passing through two national parks-Skadar Lake and Lov´cen national park. Organised guided trips can be arranged and this is ideal for enthusiast hikers.

Bay of Kotor

For those staying near to the Bay of Kotor, then a good route is Mount Orijen which is close to the Croatian border. Guided tours are available as well as equipment hire. The walks vary in length and suit all fitness levels. For enthusiasts, 2-3 day hikes can also be arranged

Top Five Things To Do With Children

If you are thinking about escaping the UK weather and flying abroad to warmer climes to enjoy the great outdoors then Montenegro would be a great choice.  It is a stunning country with a beautiful landscape that provides both children and adults with a natural theme park of activities to enjoy.

Children of course like to be active on holiday (enjoy this before they become teenagers,  rooted to the sun lounger and/or asleep) and in Montenegro there is plenty of ‘outdoorsy’ fun for all the family:

1)    ‘Life’s a beach’

Children love the beach – so it’s an excellent choice for a family day out.  It guarantees a day of easy fun and Montenegro has great beaches along the Budva coast. Whether it’s taking a dip in the Adriatic Sea, building sand castles or playing beach sport then Savina on Splendido beach has it all.  It even has a lot of beach bars and cafes that overlook a children’s playground so parents can sit back, relax and watch their children play if they would prefer not to get covered in sand! 

2)    Ultimate family fun

The adventurous type can experience whitewater rafting at the Tara Canyon, the longest canyon in Montenegro and also one of the world’s deepest! This is of course more suited to older children. A lot of the tours are booked in Scepan Polje; participants are fully equipped and accompanied by an experienced guide. It is also a great beauty spot with stunning views along the way.

3) On a calmer note...

For families who are still keen to explore Montenegro but prefer calmer waters, a guided kayaking tour is ideal for discovering Montenegro’s coastline, rivers and lakes. Kayaking tours are available at the Bay of Kotor where tourists are taken to Dobrec Beach and the fishing village of Rose. Alternatively, tours run through the National Park to Skadar Lake, Rijeka Crnojevica and Karuc.

4. Enjoy the high life!

Lovcen National Park is a great day out for the family suitable for children aged five upwards and is open during the winter as well.  Both children and adults can tackle and enjoy the high ropes course. The park has stunning views over the Adriatic Sea and is also a great spot for hiking.

5: See what’s under the sea!

The Adriatic Sea has a hub of marine life and snorkelling is a fun activity for all the family to enjoy. Carrying on the water-theme, Aqua Park is a great water park just outside Hotel Meridian and guarantees fun (and also relaxation for the parents as there is a cocktail bar!!).

For younger children....

If parents fancy a bit of shopping or a quiet coffee on the outdoor terrace there is a children’s playroom in Kamelija Shopping Centre about 1 km from Kotor old town, called the ‘Zum Zum’ playroom. Equipped to high standards with experienced staff,  this is a fun area for kids to play and make friends.

Parents can also take kids to Igalo outside La Bamba to enjoy bouncy castles, slides and even a water bouncy castle!