Montenegro
Montenegro is an amazing country with transparent waters of the Adriatic Sea, often referred to as the ecological sanctuary of Europe. The official language is Serbian-Croatian, but German is widely spoken, and English is limited. The official currency is the euro. Private exchange points offer a more favorable rate than banks. However, it’s better to exchange hryvnia for euros in Ukraine, and it’s recommended to take small bills (large euro notes are not commonly used here).
Seasonality of Vacation:
The beach season starts from the end of May and lasts until mid-October. The average air temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius, while the sea warms up to 23-25 degrees Celsius. The sea’s transparency is so amazing that it provides unforgettable sensations. For the ski season, the best months are from December to March.
Visa Regime:
There’s a visa-free regime allowing a stay of up to 90 days within six months. A fee of 15 euros is charged upon departure at the airport. Required documents: passport (valid for at least 4 weeks from the date of departure from the country); insurance policy.
Etiquette and Country Specifics:
Montenegrins are generally friendly and hospitable, but it’s advisable to be cautious in areas with a large Albanian population. Women should avoid sunbathing and swimming topless, as there are designated nudist beaches in Montenegro.
National Cuisine:
Only in Montenegro can you try smoked bleak fish, caught in Lake Skadar. The national soup is called Čorba, resembling a stew. It’s made with noodles, vegetables, meat, or seafood. Be sure to try Ćevapi – small sausages made from minced beef or pork. Popular desserts include tulumba – pieces of fresh dough soaked in sweet syrup.
Interesting Places to Visit:
Montenegro’s hallmark is the small resort village of Sveti Stefan – a very beautiful and picturesque place. From there, you can leisurely stroll through the Milocer Park, which separates Sveti Stefan from the neighboring village. Here you’ll also find the most beautiful beach in Montenegro – Queen’s Beach. For sea lovers, we recommend taking a boat tour from Budva to Sveti Stefan with a stop at the island of Saint Nicholas. Montenegro is the richest country in Europe in terms of the number and variety of canyons.
What to Bring Back:
Pršut – salted pork ham, smoked over charcoal and dried in environmentally friendly areas, accompanied by Montenegrin wine. Montenegrin moonshine – rakija – is best bought homemade, from locals at the market. Njeguški cheese – extremely tasty homemade cheese, distinct from factory-made ones. Olive oil, which is of no lesser quality than Greek.