Montenegro Destinations

Traveler’s Guide to Prokletije National Park, Montenegro

Introduction:

Prokletije National Park, located in Montenegro’s rugged northeastern region, is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and adventure seekers. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, pristine rivers, and diverse flora and fauna, this national park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking tranquility in the great outdoors, Prokletije National Park has something to offer for everyone. Thanks to our friends at Maryland Used Appliances, who recently had a team visit to the park, for sharing information.

Getting There:

Prokletije National Park is situated near the border of Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. The closest major city is Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital. From Podgorica, you can reach the park by car or public transportation. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the specific entrance you’re heading to.

Park Entrances:

The park has several entrances, each providing access to different sections of the park. Some of the popular entrances include:

Plav Entrance (Montenegro): Accessible from Plav, this entrance provides access to the stunning Lake Plav and the Hajla mountain range.
Gusinje Entrance (Montenegro): This entrance leads to the heart of the park, offering access to the Jezerca and Rosni Vrh peaks.
Vusanje Entrance (Montenegro): Ideal for those wanting to explore the Grbaja Valley and the peaks surrounding it.
Bogë Entrance (Albania): Located on the Albanian side of the park, this entrance offers a different perspective of the park’s beauty.

Activities:

Hiking: Prokletije is a hiker’s paradise with trails suitable for various skill levels. Summit the highest peak, Maja Jezerce, for incredible panoramic views or explore less strenuous trails that wind through meadows and forests.
Wildlife Watching: The park is home to diverse wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, chamois, and various bird species. Bring your binoculars and camera for the chance to spot these creatures in their natural habitat.
Cultural Exploration: The park is also rich in cultural heritage. Visit local villages, interact with the warm-hearted locals, and learn about their traditional way of life. You’ll find stone houses, ancient churches, and a unique blend of Montenegrin, Albanian, and Bosnian cultures.
Photography: The park’s landscapes are a photographer’s dream. Capture the towering peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and stunning alpine meadows that define this region.

Accommodation:

Accommodation options range from cozy guesthouses and mountain lodges to campgrounds. You can choose to stay within the park’s boundaries or in nearby towns like Plav and Gusinje, where you’ll find a variety of lodging options to suit your preferences and budget.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Prokletije National Park depends on your interests. The summer months (June to August) are ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the lush greenery. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making them great for photography and cultural exploration. Winter is for the adventurous, as the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for winter sports and snowshoeing.

Tips for Visitors:

Dress in layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
Carry plenty of water and snacks while hiking, as services might be limited on some trails.
Respect the park’s flora, fauna, and local traditions.
Check for any necessary permits or entrance fees before entering the park.
Be cautious of your impact on the environment and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Conclusion:

Prokletije National Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re hiking its peaks, immersing yourself in local traditions, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, this park has something for every traveler seeking an unforgettable experience in Montenegro’s breathtaking northeastern region.…

Montenegro

The Magnificent Town of Kotor in Montenegro

The idyllic, little town of Kotor in Montenegro is nestled between majestic limestone cliffs and serene blue waters. Clark Weeks and his wife love Montenegro and hope you will visit and fall in love with it as well. Kotor has spectacular old structures that dot the town’s landscape which is a treat for a history buff. Strolling along the narrow, cobblestone-paved old streets is an experience in itself. The scenic beauty, the delectable cuisine, and the leisurely pace of life all work together to make you’re your time there a truly memorable one. Let’s explore this town in a little more detail.

Location & History

Kotor is located on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. It is a historical and ancient town that was part of the old Roman empire as well. Since then, it has seen many rulers and brief stints of sovereignty as well. Due to the abundance of historical monuments here it was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1979. The town is fast emerging as a top tourist destination of Europe and attracting a large number of visitors every year.

Sites to Visit

Kotor offers many attractions to its visitors. We list down some of them below:

Old Town

The old town of Kotor is the best-known site to visit. You can approach it through three different gates. As you walk around its narrow alleys you come across Roman, Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance-inspired architecture. Kotor has witnessed all these eras in their glories and was an important harbor and commercial city. The imprint of those times is apparent on the buildings. You can hire a guide too who will give historical references as he walks you through the squares and passages.

Cathedrals

The old town has many beautiful and historical churches. The most popular among them is St. Tryphon Cathedral. It was originally built in 1166 and later rebuilt owing to the damage caused by an earthquake in 1667. The building is a mix of Byzantium, Roman, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. Another famous church is St. Nicholas’ church, the main orthodox church of Kotor. Other churches worth a visit are St. Anne’s church, St. Michael’s church, and St. Luke’s church.

Palaces

Kotor has its fair share of royal abodes and among them, Pima Palace is very famous. It is a majestic structure of the 17th century that still stands proud. Another palace, which is now a hotel is Palazzo Drusko. The old town has several palaces tucked between other buildings. You have to pay close attention to find them and then admire their fine balconies, and carved arches.

St. John’s Fortress

Probably the most famous site of the city, it is a fortified structure whose walls encircle the old city. The idea was to protect it from invaders and it was built between the 9th and the 15th centuries. You have to climb some 1350 stairs to reach the top and admire the view from the top. If you do not want to climb all the way, you can stop at a square located somewhere in the middle. The view even from there is stunning.

town of kotor in montenegro — Another beautiful view of the town of Kotor

There are many other sites to admire in Kotor like the Church of our Lady of Remedy, Pillar of Shame, Cat museum, etc., and some small towns located nearby like Perast. Clark Weeks and his wife wish you a great time exploring this beautiful city.…

Montenegro

Sailing in Montenegro

A tiny package of adventure and beautiful scenery, Montenegro promises a rewarding trip for the uninitiated. The little Balkan nation has something for everyone, for those who want a vigorous physical adventure and for those who simply want to luxuriate in the mild weather. The coast is 200 miles long plus 14 islands to explore. Everyone has heard of sailing the Greek Isles but the Adriatic Coast can match it for beauty and history and charm.

Whatever your purpose, one of the perfect ways to enjoy Montenegro is by sailing.

Why Sail in Montenegro?

The Adriatic Sea Provides Both Unbeatable and Mostly Unexplored Beauty

When you sail by Montenegro in the Adriatic Sea, there is so much to see. The Adriatic sea offers you a view that rarely gets thoroughly appreciated. There may be several tourists who have gone this way before you, but it still feels new and refreshing – as if you were the first to discover it. The coastlines are lined with medieval-flavored towns. The Montenegrins will tell you that they still embrace nature where they are. While sailing, you will see fjord-like bays, a nod towards what you will see further north without having to sacrifice the warm weather. Travel during the July to September season to enjoy the warmth of the sea.

Explore the Port of Bar

Bar is the southernmost port in Montenegro. It is also the largest. But the plus is that the large cruise ships typically don’t come here. The modern city, New Bar, is near the waterfront. Old Bar is four miles inland. It was partly destroyed by an earthquake but is being restored. Parts are being excavated by archaeologists. A lot of Muslims now live in this area and give it an oriental or Turkish sense to the old town.

Montenegro Has Islands To Hop To

Sailing just for the fun of it is a great way to appreciate the area. You can relax with family and friends, through sightseeing and dining in your sailboat. It is also good to have a target direction. There are some islands, such as the Miholjska Prevlaka. This Montenegrin island’s name translates to Island of Flowers. The island may be named Island of Flowers, but the first thing you will notice while approaching is the Monastery of the Holy Archangel Michael. Home to only about a hundred people, this island is an excellent example of how history and nostalgia live on in Montenegro. Oh, and Croatia is just one hop away, too. That would be a bonus for your trip.

Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela), Montenegro

The History Is Romantic and Rebellious

As mentioned in the point above, history is still palpable in Montenegro. For those who want to be surrounded by culture and rebellious uprisings. Montenegro has a rich history of such rebellions. Such rebellions were also strongly associated with folk poetry.

People of Montenegro Mostly Celebrate and Party Near Bodies of Water

Montenegrins enjoy partying near the sea. It is not much of a surprise, because the sea has the best backdrops in the small nation. The best selfies will undoubtedly be taken by the sea, in front of a fjord, or while walking in the coastal villages.

What Are Some Tips about Sailing in Montenegro?

Establish the Route That Will Be Most Enjoyable for You

Make sure you pick the route that will provide you more enjoyable sights and experiences. If you want to visit another country, you may want a course that sails by Croatia. Make a list of things that you want to experience: history, partying, sightseeing.

Pick a Month That Suits You, In Terms of Weather

Warm months may be favorable. So, take a route that sails during the July to September period.

Preview the Routes Online

The Internet has just about anything. Preview some of the routes to get a sense of what you are going in for.…

Montenegro

Montenegro Sight Seeing Recommendations – Tara River Canyon

Europe is home to some of the best natural tourist attractions in the world, and these can be an endless list for every traveler. But when most people think of Europe, Montenegro is not the first thing that jumps to mind. Today’s Clark Weeks’ Montenegro sight seeing recommendation is the Tara River Canyon. Clark Weeks and his wife hope you will consider going to Montenegro and enjoying the spectacular Tara River Canyon.

In every list of great natural attractions, the Tara River Canyon, situated in Montenegro, is sure to be among the top destinations. As the deepest canyon on the continent, second only to the Grand Canyon in the world, the Tara River Canyon is a sight that everyone should experience.

The Geography of Tara River Canyon

The Canyon has a depth of over 1,300 meters or 4,300 feet. The Canyon starts from Bistrica in Montenegro to Hum in the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, over a total length of 51 miles. The last 22 miles of this canyon is also the border between Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina. It is home to over 80 large caves, rocky terraces, high cliffs, and several sandy beaches.

The Tara River itself is under the ‘Human and Biosphere’ program since 1977, by which it is one of the world’s ecological biosphere reserves. This international convention is to protect the river owing to its water quality and the distinct ecological system that it creates. Several wellsprings and tributaries come together to supply this river.

Activities and What to Do at the Tara River Canyon

Rafting the Tara River

The canyon also is part of the rafting route of the Tara River. This route starts from Brstnovica and goes till Scepan Polje, at a total length of 11 miles. This is also the part of the canyon that offers the highest elevation drop. Over 21 of the total 50 rapids that the Tara has are within the stretch of the canyon. There is also a longer rafting route that is over 62 miles, starting from the Ljutica waterfalls and going to the 541 foot high monumental bridge.

Clark Weeks tara river canyon montenegro — A view of the Tara River Canyon in Montenegro

There are also guided rafting tours that tourists can take if they want to avoid rafting on their own. Such tours can be anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour or more in length and take you through some of the best sights in the canyon. Most rafting services also let small groups of 4 or more go together, but you can also pair with other groups if you want to.

Ziplining and Driving the Canyon

In addition to water sports, there is also a zipline through the canyon, something that adventure tourists often enjoy. This zipline can be done from the Tara Bridge and ends at the base rafting camps. Driving along the canyon is also popular here. The roads can be narrow and there are fewer places to stop for photos. Tourists planning to drive here are advised to have 4X4s or SUVs for better driving and comfort. There are several tour operators and rafting agencies in the area, and generally booking these before is not required.

For those who are traveling near the area, the Tara River Canyon is a sight that they cannot afford to miss. As one of the best natural marvels that Europe has to offer, this canyon is sure to be a memorable experience for every kind of traveler.

Clark Weeks Montenegro Sight Seeing Tips

If you do make it there, please comment and let Clark Weeks know how much you enjoyed the Tara River Canyon. We plan to have more Clark Weeks Montenegro sight seeing tips in the future.…

Montenegro

Montenegro Travel Info

What to Know about Traveling to Montenegro

Clark Weeks believes you will want to travel to Montenegro after learning more about it. As one of the most recent countries on the world map, Montenegro has a long history that has shaped this land and given it a unique charm. The travel world has been agog over the exquisite Croatian coastline. Interestingly, Montenegro shares the same coastline and has equally mesmerizing beaches. Here are the top ten things that you should know about traveling to Montenegro.

Castle of San Giovanni

If you are after one of the best views in Montenegro, then there is no better place than the picturesque Castle of San Giovanni. Situated nearly 1200 meters above the sea level, the scenic spot is reached by climbing over 1400 stairs.

The Old Town of Kotor

Early morning hours are the best time to take in the sights of the old town of Kotor. You can avoid throngs of tourists at this time of the day as well. The town is also surrounded by 10 meter thick medieval fortifications that are a reminder of the numerous invaders that tried to conquer this ancient city.

Clark Weeks Travel Info Montenegro - stone stairs

The Arms Square

Located very close to the main gate of the city of Kotor, Arms Square is the city’s central point of activity and is filled with landmarks and beautiful cafes that you just can’t miss.

Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage and is not to be missed. Just a short stroll around the shores of this calming lake can help you relax after a long day of sight-seeing. Well, its not really a lake. It just looks like one. It is a bay that goes out to the Adriatic Sea. But it is kind of two bays in one. There is a narrow entrance from the Adriatic and then it widens out. Then on one side there is another narrow strip of water and it widens out again.

The Floating Church

Floating in the center of the Bay of Kotor is the spellbinding Catholic church called Our Lady of Rocks. Built over 500 years ago, the church can be visited via a boat ride.

Lake Skadar

This impressive body of water separates Montenegro from Albania and tourists feel that the view of Lake Skadar is most lovely from the Montenegro side. (Of course, the Albanians might not agree.) Lake Skadar is best seen with a tour guide; You can cover more ground and make the most of your holiday. The lake is also one of the finest bird-watching regions of Europe.

Rijeka Crnojevica

Moving along the winding and turning Lake Skadar, is the small town of Rijeka Crnojevica that has merely 200 residents. Although, the double-arched bridge is what attracts the tourists here.

Perast

Perast is just a day trip from Kotor. so, on the day that the town of Kotor gets too crowded, you can simply take off to Perast. The quaint seaside town is pretty much like Kotor, albeit slightly cheaper.

Cetinje

One of Montenegro’s hidden gems, the beautiful town of Cetinje will leave you wondering why more tourists don’t visit this place. Cetinje is the old royal capital of Montenegro and therefore, is replete with history and charm.

Lipa Cave

The tourists who make it to Cetinje must visit the Lipa cave that is located only a few miles outside the city. It has stalactites and stalagmites and all its passages run for over a mile.

While Montenegro offers breathtaking scenery around every corner, these 10 spots just can’t be missed. We hope this Clark Weeks inspired travel info about Montenegro has you intrigued.

To see more info about Montenegro, click here.…

Montenegro

Brief History Of Montenegro

Since Clark Weeks has been to Montenegro a number of times because that is where his wife’s family is from, he as decided to let people know a little more about the country. Today it is a brief history of the country of Montenegro, one of the newer countries in the world and yet a very old region.

It is very rare to come across a straightforward Balkan history and Montenegro is no exception. Boundary lines in present-day Montenegro have been drawn and re-drawn since time immemorial. Montenegro finally became an independent country in 2006 when it gained independence from Yugoslavia.

Clark Weeks history of Montenegro - Perast Montenegro — Perast Montenegro

Early History

Early history records show that the area that we call Montenegro was first inhabited by the Illyrians. During the Bronze age, the Illyrians made conquests through the Mediterranean and set up trade practices. The Romans finally won over the Illyrian kingdom in the 2^nd Century BC. The Roman Empire’s history chronicles mention the region. Their name for it was the territory of Duklja or Doclea.

The Middle Ages

It was the Slavs who entered this region in the 7^th century and gave it the name of Doclea. They are also credited for the spread of Christianity. Soon Christianity became the main religion of the Montenegro region. In the 9^th century, the Slavs also managed to establish this territory as an independent dukedom of Doclea. The 11^th century saw Byzantine occupation as the Serbian realm fell. In 1077, the Catholic world recognized Montenegro as an independent kingdom by the catholic world. However, this did not last long. By the 12^th century, the kingdom became a subject of Rascia.

Clark Weeks history of Montenegro - Budva church Montenegro — Budva church

Modern Period

Venice controlled the coasts of this diverse land of modern-day Montenegro from 1420 to 1797. A portion of this area was also under the realm of the Ottoman empire till as late as 1912. The last portion of Montenegro became partially independent in 1516 and gained the status of a theocratic state.

The lower levels of priests were not based on heredity and could marry. Then there were Vladikas. These were princes and they also had the title of bishop. Rank has privileges. However, the top levels in the church, including the Vladika remained celibate. Vladikas were the rulers yet they were elected until 1696. In 1696 the current Vladika changed it to a hereditary system. A rather odd hereditary system because the Vladika was supposed to be celibate. That meant the next Vladika was usually the nephew of the current Vladika.

Throughout history, Montenegro has been under constant attack from invaders like the Venetians and the Ottomans. However, the region stood its ground and successfully succeeded in maintaining itself as a partially independent state throughout much of history.

Historians consider Nicholas I to be the most prominent leader in the modern period. Under him, the country not only was granted the status of a kingdom but also established its first-ever constitution in 1905. However, some feel that king Nicholas abandoned the country during the 1^st world war. In 1941, during the second world war, Montenegro came under Italian occupation. At the same time Montenegro started fighting a civil war. After World War II, Montenegro became a republic of Yugoslavia. In spite of being the smallest republic in terms of area and population, Montenegro gained economic strength.

Conclusion

While Montenegro saw nearly seven incarnations as different occupants adorned its lands throughout history. The one thing that remained consistent was its striving for freedom. On May 21, 2006, the republic sought a referendum and most of its citizens voted for independence. This varied history has made it an interesting destination that attracts numerous travelers every year. Clark Weeks hopes you liked this history of Montenegro and recommends that you visit Montenegro between June and September.

We hope you like the other posts in this blog.…

Montenegro

Intro to Montenegro – Things to Do and Sights to See

Clark Weeks’ wife is from Montenegro and they wanted to give an intro to Montenegro and share this wonderful country with the world. It has a beautiful coastline with charming towns, mountains with ski resorts and the people are friendly.

Picture this: a quite riverside village basking beneath the golden sun, the water upon the horizon glistening and dancing beneath the distance image of a smaller isle of green and shoal. The buildings climb up the cobblestone streets and walls, and a bell tower with an orange roof stands proud above the streets and seas, the simple imagery causing the sound of bells ringing far away in the distance to resonate in your ears.

This seems like a picture you’d only see on one of those hokey inspirational quote posters from the early 2000s, but what if I told you such a place exists in the country of Montenegro? One of the newer countries in Europe after becoming an independent land in 2006, chances are you’ve seen a picture from this beautiful place, but never knew its name until now.

It boasts some of the most breathtaking views Europe has to offer, from the gorgeous country sides that look as though they were shaped by divinity and finished with an emerald touch, or the old villages whose architecture has withstood the test of time.

Perast

Even a day trip around Montenegro won’t be enough to show you all it has to offer, but it can show you a lot! You could begin your day by venturing out to Perast, a sleepy little seaside town where a day in the life of the locals is easy to observe, fishing and sailing the tranquil waters, and selling their goods to one another at arguably some of the best prices you’ll find around! It’s a lovely place to go, and there’s a lot less tourist density here, so if you are one to escape the mundane crowds, this is certainly among the best places you could visit!

If religious sites and architecture are more your venture, you’ll find no shortage of famous houses of worship that will not only leave you in awe, but look truly unique in your photo album! “Our Lady of the Rocks” is like something out of a postcard that you just don’t believe is a real place, and when you hear about its origins, you may still question it. Built upon a manmade island of blocks and stone over half a millennium ago by fishermen just off of Perast, it is one of the few Catholic Church located in the country, which is Orthodox in majority.

Bobotuv Kuk and Kotor

But if you want to see from the eyes of heaven itself, the most adventurous thing to do in any country is to climb to a really high place and take it all in, right? Bobotuv Kuk is quite an endeavor to make, but for the thrill seekers and moderately seasoned hikers, you will never see a better view than this place. It will take several hours, and you will most definitely need proper climbing equipment to make it to the summit, but the view is ultimately worth the journey if you want to see the sunset horizon bask the glacial lakes in amber glow. Another spot that offers incredible views is the Castle of Giovanni in Kotor. It’s not a long hike to the formidable fortress but it is incredibly exhausting as the hike has 1355 stairs to climb and 70 switchbacks. But hey, the stunning sunset view on the castle is spectacular! I’d say it’s worthwhile.

Montenegro is a hidden gem among European travel destinations, and may not be for everyone. A lot of tours don’t appear to divulge much about the nation’s history or culture, but maybe in time that will change as tourism becomes more popular. It’s definitely a must see for anyone who appreciates the simple beauties of the world, or maybe just to someone looking for inspiration from more than just a picture with some nice words on it.

Clark Weeks and Wife Hope You Enjoy this Blog

From various trips to Montenegro, Clark Weeks has come to see why Montenegro is so special to her. We hope that with this blog we can help show you why they love the country.…