Montenegrin Coast - the Best Options on the Adriatic Sea.

ULCINJ

After an overnight bus from Kosovo, through Albania, and into Montenegro, I arrived into the seaside town of Ulcinj.  Despite being in Montenegro, the town I was staying in for the next couple days was over 70% Albanian and 10% percent Serbian and 10% Montenegrin.  It’s the summer, so Ulcinj is completely packed with tourists.  These aren’t your spring breakers, but families and seniors.   The beach was overcrowded and the food Americanized. Not the kind of place I want to spend sunbathing. So, I decided for a boat trip around the coast, stopping for cliff diving, swimming, and underwater cave exploration. Lots of places to explore by bike as well.  Biking, toward Albania along the coast for over twenty-five kilometers I reached Bojana island.  The island is probably best known for being a nude beach and camping haven.  The point where the Bojana river opens into the Ionia sea is popular with kite surfers. You can easily have a better beach experience here than back in Ulcinj, but it’s the Ulcinj’s castle on the hill overlooking the Ionia sea and town below that is the most relaxing and memorable part of this area.  In fact, Ulcinj was founded around 500BC making it one of the oldest towns along this stretch of the Mediterranean.  In fact, this town was known for being a harbor for pirates, which would probably explain why the hostel I was staying, is known as the Pirate Hostel. 

KOTOR

I took bus along the coast, skipping out on the popular resort town of Budva for the medieval town of Kotor.  I’m sure I made the right choice passing over Russian models for medieval history.  Kotor, is a real gem.  Situated in a really sick bay by the same name, Kotor is just a cool vibe.  A small, but a bustling walled city, whose fortifications where erected during the Middle Ages.  The area of Kotor is one of the most beautiful places of my Balkan trip.  The medieval town is at the base of this mountain that ascends almost ninety degrees.  The walls of the city shoot straight up the side of the mountain.  It’s an incredible view from the top.  It’s about an hour ascension to get to the top.  From there you can see the whole Bay of Kotor.  Even though you are literally on the water, the area is not a place you’d spend in the water.  Cruise ship stop here, so the feel can be super touristy, but by sunset the ships depart and the old city has a very different atmosphere.  It’s a mix between locals and slow travelers.  Lots of restaurants and lively bars to enjoy.  There is plenty of day excursions you can take from Kotor.  Whether it’s checking out nearby monasteries or hiking in Lovcen National Park.  I settled for a half a day boat ride to various points of interest, such as the town of Perast and the Lady of our Church on an island in the middle of the bay.

Montenegro, might be at the perfect blend for backpackers looking for something in between isolation and being too touristy.  The prices not so high.  The lines not so long.  And the seafood might be some of the best seafood throughout my entire trip.  The history is rich and the natural beauty is second to none. 

  

  

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