About Montenegro
Montenegro is by no means the largest country we visit, but for cultural richness, historical depth and the sheer beauty of its natural environment and built heritage, it can proudly join the ranks of our gulet cruise tours as an equal.
From the moment you first glimpse Montenegro’s dramatic coastline, you know you have stumbled upon something extraordinary. The sheer cliffs plunging into the pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea perfectly capture the untamed essence of this tiny but proud mountain country on the Mediterranean’s shores.
Montenegro is a land where ancient history meets natural beauty. In the places where mountains yield to the sea, you’ll discover towns whose names still echo their Roman origins, built atop the ruins of their ancient counterparts. Today, these coastal settlements showcase a unique blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and distinctly Slavic influences, most evident in the architecture of the medieval walled towns dotting the coastline.
High above, on the mountain tops, you might spot the remnants of long-collapsed walls that once fortified the strongholds of the Illyrians, the region’s earliest settlers. The Romans eventually conquered these ancient people and expanded their empire across the Adriatic, making this region part of their vast empire. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Slavic tribes arrived in what is today Montenegro, establishing their towns on top of the ruins of Roman ones. Later, Venetians and Ottomans left their marks with their conquest of the Balkans and the Adriatic littoral. Each layer of history contributed to the rich cultural tapestry that culminated in Montenegro’s independence in the 19th century.
This mosaic of cultures extends beyond what we can see in architecture to every aspect of Montenegrin life. Language, traditional dress, music, and much more all bear marks of this unique heritage. At the same time, the cuisine reflects a blend of Mediterranean, continental European, and Ottoman influences.
Even though the coastline of Montenegro is relatively short, it provides a very diverse and distinct geographical and cultural landscape. Starting in the north, the Bay of Kotor resembles an Italian alpine lake more than a typical Adriatic bay, surrounded on three sides by the towering peaks of the Dinaric Alps. Continuing south, you’ll arrive at Budva, Montenegro’s tourism capital, where a medieval fortress once defended the town from invaders. Today, its walls create a stark contrast between the old historic city and the modern tourism hub of sprawling Budva.
Just across the bay lies the tiny island of Sveti Stefan, standing defiantly against the waves as it once did against pirate raids. Further south, the landscape shifts dramatically at Ulcinj, where cliffs give way to sandy beaches stretching toward neighbouring Albania. The strong Islamic influences are unmistakable, with minarets and mosques dotting the skyline, and the same can be felt if you walk through the narrow streets of the Old Town.
Montenegro is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. On Peter Sommer Travels’ Montenegro tours, you will explore the heart of this Adriatic gem. With our expert guide, you will discover the beautiful coastline, vibrant heritage, and delicious cuisine. If you would like to learn more about our Montenegro tours or gulet cruises along its enchanting shores, please contact us.
Discover Montenegro on our expert-led tours
A multi-award-winning family-run travel company, Peter Sommer Travels offer expert-led tours for small groups. In spring 2023, 2018 and 2016 we received the UK’s Tour Operator of the Year Gold Award and in spring 2024, 2020, 2019 and 2017 the Silver Award from AITO, the UK’s most prestigious and leading organisation for specialist tour operators.
If you would like to know more about our Montenegro gulet cruise, please get in touch. We will be delighted to help.
