Montenegro lies east of Italy’s southeast coast and is bordered by Serbia, Albania, Croatia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Its unspoiled interiors and dramatic mountains slip into the azure Adriatic Sea, along 183 miles (295 kilometers) of coastline. Montenegro’s Adriatic coast opens into Europe’s southernmost fjord (above). It’s Boka Bay, also known as the Bay of Kotor. Boka Bay is one of the deepest natural harbors in Europe. It was prized as a naval base since the days of the Roman Empire. In fact, the bay existed for centuries as the boundary between Christianity and Islam. Today, it is lauded for its natural beauty and its historical and cultural treasures. These include the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Perast and Kotor and folkloric islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and St George. Here’s also where you’ll find Porto Montenegro.
Porto Montenegro mixes a marina with accommodations, shops and entertainment, culture and history, and sizable tax benefits. It’s within a three-hour flight of most European capitals and served by three international airports. The nearest, Tivat, is just four miles (seven kilometers) away. Further, the marina is just a day’s sail from some of the Mediterranean’s best cruising grounds. Situated mid-way between Corfu and Venice, Montenegro is ideally placed for exploratory cruises. To the north lies Croatia with its countless islets. To the south is the largely undiscovered Albanian coast. And, only a day’s sail across the Adriatic is the Puglian coast of Italy.
In Porto Montenegro, you can spending the day relaxing at the Lido Mar (below), an infinity pool and lounge bar. Or, opt for the beach, tour ancient cathedrals, sample rustic cuisine, and cycle the verdant mountain trails. There’s no shortage of activities.
Below are two recommended cruising itineraries for this summer. They’re courtesy of Oliver Corlette, managing director of Porto Montenegro.
Around Montenegro 3 days
Day 1
Head out of the Bay of Kotor for a lunchtime stop in Bigova Bay. Drop anchor and take a trip by tender to walk along the charming waterfront before setting your sights on Budva for the evening. Take in the scenery onboard while enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail. Then, head into the winding streets of the Old Town. You’ll find a plethora of restaurants, cafés, hotels, and lounges to enjoy.
Day 2
Head to the Aman Sveti Stefan for a refreshing swim, a wander around their extensive grounds, and perhaps a few hours relaxing on one of the resort’s private beaches before indulging in an aperitif on the terrace at the Villa Milocer. This was previously one of President Tito’s summer homes. On the way back to port, stop off in Kotor for a light dinner in one of the many seafood restaurants, such as Galion. Or, make your way to Dobrota for a meal at the legendary Pantagana, literally steps away from the water.
Day 3
Rise early for a drive inland to the former royal capital of Cetinje, Lovcen National Park, and some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found in all of Montenegro. On returning to the Bay, the pristine UNESCO protected hamlet of Perast is the perfect backdrop for lunch. Conte is a favorite spot along the waterfront for excellent antipasti, fresh seafood, and regional wines. After lunch, take a walk along the pedestrian-friendly waterfront, and take in the view of the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks (below). It’s a chapel built on a man-made island of rocks in the middle of the Bay.
Around From Montenegro to Venice 7 days
Day 1
Depart from Porto Montenegro and make your way north along the coastline to Cavtat on the southern tip Croatia. Along the way, make a few impromptu stops at some of the many hidden bays.
Day 2
Opt for a morning departure from the sleepy Cavtat bay, and head to Dubrovnik for the obligatory round of sightseeing. Having explored the Old Town and its infamous walls, head back to the yacht for lunch while enjoying the scenery en route to the island of Mljet. Once there, stop for a swim in the Odysseus Cave, and explore the National Park’s magnificent lagoons.
Day 3
Sail to the small, picturesque island of Korcula, and then continue to the increasingly popular party island of Hvar in the late afternoon. After exploring the Old Town, drop anchor for the night, and set out to explore the buzzing nightlife based around Carpe Diem.
Day 4
Spend a relaxing morning in Hvar, and then hop across the narrow straight to the Bol nature reserve. Anchor in Trogir on the mainland. Be sure to find time to explore its medieval town.
Day 5
Head past Sibenik to reach the hidden spot of Skradin in the morning. It’s just by the Krka National Park. Back out on open water, cruise past the Kornati islands, and motor overnight to Brijuni, near Pula on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula.
Day 6
Travel from Brijuni to Rovinj to clear customs. Enjoy lunch while there at one of the best restaurants in Croatia, Monte Mulino.
Day 7
Depart in the evening from Rovinj to arrive in Venice by 10:30 am. Then, set foot on land to explore the city known as La Serenissima for the rest of the day, sampling some of the traditional cichetti (small, tapas-style dishes).
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