Montenegro is blessed with beautiful beaches however this small Balkan nation offers visitors so much more than a relaxing feet-in-the-sand holiday (although it’s a good place to start!) We’ve compiled a list of our top five activities in Montenegro.
Hiking in Montenegro
The mountainous landscapes of Montenegro’s five national parks are a hiker’s paradise. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durmitor National Park is home to 48 peaks over 2000 metres, providing memorable hiking opportunities for all abilities. Mount Lovcen boasts incredible panoramic views from the summit, making the climb well worth the effort! Whilst more experienced hikers should head to the ‘Accursed Mountains’ in Prokletije National Park: one of the least explored mountain ranges in the country.
Cycling in Montenegro
For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, Montenegro boasts 3000 km of mapped biking trails offering everything from leisurely pedals to challenging mountain climbs. One of the most picturesque routes is the Ring around Durmitor that winds through mountain pastures and past several vertigo-inducing viewpoints above the park’s canyons. Also particularly scenic, but more sedate, are the cycling trails around Lake Skadar that pass through forests and beside vineyards.
White Water Rafting in Montenegro
Montenegro is home to the Tara River Canyon; the second deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in Colorado. Navigating the Tara River’s rapids on an adrenalin-pumping, white-water rafting trip is one of the best ways to see and experience this impressive natural phenomenon. Rafting season typically runs from May to October.
Kayaking in Montenegro
For a more leisurely, water-based activity, the calmer turquoise waters of the Bay of Kotor are perfect for kayaking. You can easily while away a day paddling along the sheltered shores passing tiny fishing villages flanked by forested mountains. Or head inland to kayak on the enormous Lake Skadar and discover the lake’s tiny islands, hidden coves and medieval monasteries. Don’t forget your binoculars as this region is home to nearly 300 species of bird.
Wine tasting in Montenegro
If this all sounds a little too active, Montenegro is dotted with vineyards and wineries ready to welcome guests to sample their produce. Lake Skadar is Montenegro’s wine country, and is home to over 30 small, family-run wineries, as well as Cemovsko Field, one of Europe’s largest vineyards covering almost 2300 hectares. The best introduction to Montenegrin wine and the country’s indigenous grape varieties is on a wine tasting tour with an expert local guide.
And there’s more… We’ve not even touched on skiing, canyoning, horse-riding and zip-lining! For more information on activities and experiences in Montenegro please get in touch with The Adventure Connection team: miskola@theadventureconnection.com