Welcome to Montenegro, a small landlocked Balkan country with a great and rich history. An unspoilt nature, surprising monuments, breathtaking panoramas, cities with a medieval feel.... Also known as Black Rock (or Crna Gora in Serbo-Croatian) Montenegro has enough to attract travellers. The Kotor Mouths region (Boka Kotorska for the premises), for example, is the only place to visit this attractive country. The Greeks, the West, the Byzantines and then the Venetians influenced the way of life of the inhabitants of this territory and the local culture. These traces are mainly visible today through the architecture of the many buildings. Located in the west of the territory, on the Adriatic coast, this vast and beautiful bay of about thirty kilometres is made up of four gulfs: Tivat, Herceg Novi, Risan and Kotor. It is actually a submerged canyon, which explains the mountain peaks literally rising from the waves! From Kotor to Herceg Novi, the road along the coast, on a mountainside, crosses peaceful and picturesque villages. Several places deserve a stopover, but if you don't have time to visit everything, here are some favorites...
The Cattarro scale or the Serpentine
Coming from Podgorica, you can take the Cattarro scale (also known as the Serpentine). This old mountain road connects Kotor to Cetinje, via Mount Lovcen. A road that requires careful driving (it is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world!) but only enriches the Montenegrin experience. With its difficulties, its fifteen hairpin bends and its sometimes poor surface, the Cattarro ladder is a must for the most adventurous. On the way, you will also come across old fortresses, including that of Goražda: at an altitude of 900 metres, the panoramic view delights the traveller. A real adventure but to be avoided if you are prone to vertigo!
Kotor
After the mountainous journey, we arrive in Kotor, the main town of the bay. We are now in one of the best preserved medieval cities on the Adriatic coast. Located by the sea and leaning against a mountain, this city (classified by UNESCO) offers a true epic through the ages. Entirely pedestrian, the old town (Stari Grad in Serbo-Croatian) takes shelter behind thick ramparts which, once crossed, reveal a labyrinth of small alleys in which one could easily get lost... but, don't be afraid! In fact, it is easy to find your way around thanks to the many buildings and points of interest along the way. For a long time under the influence of the Kingdom of Venice, its architectural influences can still be seen today. The 17th century clock tower is the first stop at the entrance to the city, in one of the city's largest squares (it has been leaning since the 1979 earthquake!) and then we sink into the heart of the city. There are no less than four churches and a cathedral here: St. Clare, St. Mary, St. Luke, St. Nicholas and St. Triphon Cathedral, which is surprising given the modest size of the city. For the bravest, the fortress of Byzantine origin, which overlooks the city from the top of the mountain, offers a unique panorama of Kotor and the bay but, if you still have to climb it! About 1,000 steps are to be climbed before reaching it, but it is worth it. A small chapel built by the survivors of the plague in the 16th century is halfway down the road and provides a place to rest and catch your breath. History lovers will certainly find their happiness here; however, those in search of sand and idleness will have to go further. With no beach, Kotor offers many festivals of all kinds, including the winter carnival (mid-February) which lasts for 10 days.
Perast and the islands of the bay
Continuing the coastal road for about ten kilometres from Kotor, we reach Perast. A small romantic seaside town with sublime views of the mountains and the clear waters of the bay. It is hard to imagine that this village was once one of the most important commercial ports in the bay. Nowadays, the only traces of the rich Venetians who once settled here are visible through the architecture and especially that of the palaces: there are about ten of them (unfortunately closed to the public). The church of Saint-Nicolas de Perast stands out thanks to its bell tower more than 50 metres high, the highest of all the churches in the bay.
Opposite the promenade, you can see two artificial islands: the first, Notre-Dame-Des-Rochers, houses the church of the same name. According to legend, sailors found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the bay, it was considered a divine sign for the church to be built on this site. Some say that miraculous healings have taken place in the village...
The second island is home to the Abbey of Saint-Georges. In summer, you can enjoy a charming cruise to visit Notre-Dame-des-Rochers and its church. Saint-Georges remains a private island, but the boat approaches close enough to its coasts to be able to soak up all the beauty of the place. But these islands are not the only points of interest to visit when joining a cruise. A well hidden secret of the Bouches de Kotor can only be visited by the sea and will certainly leave you speechless...
The blue cave
Called Plava špilja in Serbo-Croatian, the blue cave is one of the must during a stay around the bay. From Kotor, you can board a ship for a unique cruise. Along the coast of the Luštica peninsula, the view of the mountains is spectacular. The medieval cities seen from the sea march peacefully before arriving in front of a crevasse naturally carved into the rock. The turquoise blue waters reflecting the sun seem to come out of a fairy tale. The interior of this cave can only impress. Snorkeling and swimming are available. But we won't say any more, it's up to you now to discover this breathtaking place...
The Gulf of Risan
The road after Perast leads to Risan, the oldest city in the bay. It is the only city in the bay that can say that its inhabitants have never been sailors! Legend has it that during the Roman invasion, Queen Teüta threw herself off a cliff and wished that Risan would never welcome ships... It's up to you to ask the locals for confirmation! The Roman remains are still visible to this day, a unique archaeological site displays mosaics adorning the floor of an old villa. Other attractions in this part of the bay are the fine sandy beaches, ideal for relaxation and water sports. If your timing allows it, the bay stretches to Herceg Novi, another fortified city and last tourist town on the seaside before the Croatian border. It is easy to organize a getaway to Dubrovnik from here. Historically, culturally and naturally rich, this region of Montenegro has something to appeal to all types of travellers. Lovers of history, architecture, sport or simply idleness will find their happiness there. A mild climate almost all year round allows us to leave when we feel like it. And, believe us, just a few hours from Paris, the Bouches de Kotor are worth a visit...
Smart info
When? When? The coast can be visited all year round. In June and September, the weather remains good and prices are milder than in the middle of the summer season. In winter, some accommodations are closed. As snow is heavy in winter, some roads may be difficult to access inland. It is advisable to check before departure.
Getting there. Several direct flights from Paris-Orly to Tivat operated by Transavia. Flights to Podgorica are operated by Air France or Air Serbia (with stopover).
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