Montenegro Travel

A brief guide to Montenegro

The Republic of Montenegro is a constituent republic within the political union of Serbia and Montenegro in the Balkans, on the Adriatic Sea.

Montenegro aka Crna Gora translates literally to “black mountain”, a reference to the dark forests that once covered the slopes of the Dinaric Alps as seen from the coast . The English-language term stems from the Venetian “monte negro,” which also means “black mountain.” Other languages use either “Montenegro” or their own translation.

Throughout a number of centuries Montenegro was a independent principality ruled by a succession of dynasties and rulers. The country obtained international recognition of its independence, following the Eastern Crisis (1875-1878), at the Congress of Berlin. On 28 August 1910, Montenegro’s ruler Prince Nikola Petrović Njegoš proclaimed himself King. In 1918, Montenegro’s Serb-approved legislature, sitting in Podgorica, voted for Montenegro to become part of Serbia. Montenegrins loyal to King Nicholas rebelled in 1919 and were suppressed by 1924 by the Serbian Army.

Between 1945 and 2003, Montenegro was a Republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia respectively. It is now one of two constituent states of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro. On 21l 2006, Montenegro will hold a referendum to determine whether or not to terminate the union with Serbia. ( source: Montenegro in Wikipedia.com)

Travel the length of the lovely coast and every vista seems more stunning than the last, a pretty little offshore island, the Meds most spectacular fjord, sunlight sparkling on sea and shore. Explore the amazing interior and amid the mountain greenery are glacial lakes and deep gouged canyons. Sapphire seas, crystal rivers and golden ribbons of sand. Montenegro is a gem of a place.

Formerly the smallest province of Yugoslavia, this gorgeous has a coastline of just 175 miles, but they are miles of pristine shores, washed by the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and sweeping from the Venetian port of Kotor to the border with mysterious Albania. Between the two are 117 beaches, some in sheltered inlets, bays and coves, others, like famous Sveti Stefan, reaching out to rocky outcrops. Dramatically shaped and forested hills form a fabulous backdrop and lead to Montenegros mountainous interior. Luxuriant with shady groves of olives and holm oak, criss-crossed with cooling rivers and dotted with glacial lakes, the mountains south-facing slopes are a fruit feast of fig and kiwi, orange and lemon orchards. The annual average of 240 sunny days is a bonus too for city botanical gardens and for the colourful flora of four National Parks.

For those whose interests are more closely focused on history, atmosphere and architecture, Montenegro has more than its fair share of intriguing sights and cities. The imposing fortress and labyrinthine streets of Kotors old quarter are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Medieval Budva was built by the ruins of an ancient Greek settlement its history dating back 2,000 years. Museums and monasteries, ramparts and Romanesque cathedrals open a window on the past in several towns and cities while, in the mountains, tiny villages perch precariously on the peaks, as high as eagles eyries. 
Modern Montenegro is a multi-cultural mix of Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Muslim religions, of Serb, Croat and Montenegrin traditions. The locals cherish their kaleidoscope heritage and are renowned for their welcoming nature and friendly hospitality.