Coastal Montenegro - The New Riviera Around the Block

Cruiseships have the reputation of overcrowding already famous tourist places, such as Venice and Dubrovnik. At the same time, former lesser known destinations are also receiving their fair amount of attentions and visits from cruiseship passengers, which in turn help these places to develop a tourism-driven economy. Located on the shore of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro was once a country no one really had ever heard of. In fact, less than two decades ago it wasn't even a country. "Thanks" to the cruiseships, the Montenegrin coastline is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Southeastern Europe, attracting not only cruise passengers, but also returning former passengers who were exposed to the Montenegrin Rivera the first time and fell in love with it.

Arguably the  biggest attraction along the Montenegrin Rivera is the Bay of Kotor. The towns along the coast shared great resemblance to Dubrovnik - for a reason: The entire Montenegrin coast was once under the control of the Venetian Republic. The old walled city of Kotor is one of the best preserved Venetian cities in the world, along with Dubrovnik. The city wall extended all the way up to the steep mountain, creating the Montenegrin version of the Great Wall (but in a smaller scale). Kotor is also where the cruiseship terminal is located, making it one of the most visited cities in the Adriatic Sea. 

City wall of Kotor

The city wall spreads all the way up to the high mountain

For less tourist crowd, you can visit the town of Perast in the north. Despite being much smaller, Perast has a more relaxed and intimate feeling than Kotor. From Perast, visitors can take a boat to an island that can been seen from the town. On the island, a cathedral was built by seamen who survived their voyage, reflecting the marine heritage of the region.

Perast

Ruined buildings in Perast

If Kotor caters to most first time visitors arrived via giant cruiseships, the modern city of Budva is for returning tourists who discovered that the mild and sunny Montenegrin coast is not more than just old Venetian towns. First class resorts and restaurants serve sun worshipers from all over the world. Meanwhile, Budva still has an intact old town for exploration for those who would like to be reminded  of the city's old Venetian heritage.

Budva beach and the old town in the background

Old town Budva

For those who have the money and the time, staying at Sveti Stefan will be a guaranteed experience of a lifetime. This secluded island community south of Budva near the Albanian border today is a five star resort. While it's off the reach for regular tourists, it would be an interesting experience if you are able to book and stay there. 

Sveti Stefan

As Montenegro seeks for both tourist dollars and membership to the European Union, a bit exposure of itself to the world is needed. Yes, some people will lose their "secret" vacation spot, but many others will discover that Europe is more than just Venice, Paris, or London- there are many more amazing cities, countries, and cultures that appear to be unknown to us.  I hope the rich maritime heritage of Montenegro will continue to thrive. Without it, the beautiful coast we know today might be just an empty shell.