Igalo: description, list of services and entertainment

Montenegro is a stunningly beautiful country where you can go both in winter and in summer. It is preferred by fans of eco-friendly recreation, loving the sea and mountains. In Montenegro, any tourist will get everything he wants: chic views, delicious food, comfortable beaches and, of course, treatment if it is the purpose of the trip.

Igalo is a tiny coastal town in the Bay of Kotor, on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. It is famous not as a beach resort, but as a center for health tourism. Its local mineral water igalka and therapeutic mud have glorified it. This “oasis of health” is located 7 kilometers from the city of Herceg Novi and, in fact, is one of its districts, but administratively independent.

In 1950, Igalo created the largest spa treatment center in the European part of the Mediterranean. They treat everything from rheumatism to psoriasis. From this began his world fame, along with Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic or Baden-Baden in Germany.

Located at the foot of the Orien mountain range, Igalo is rich in vegetation, which has formed a subtropical microclimate with optimal humidity. The air is filled with the aromas of eucalyptus, oleander, cypress, mimosa and sea waves. The climate is mild: the average air temperature in summer is + 27 ° С, in winter - + 12 ° С. Since the town is located in the northern part of the country, the number of sunny days per year reaches 260.

The average temperature of the water in the sea in the summer is + 24 ° С, it is very transparent, with a visibility of 38-56 meters. The swimming season lasts from mid-May to October, the weather is perfect, the excitement sometimes reaches 0.5 meters. In winter, the air temperature is from + 12 ° С to + 17 ° С, water indicators do not fall below + 6 ° С.

In the summer heat, the mountains do not allow the air to get very warm, allowing the soft sea breeze to keep cool. Those who do not like the summer heat, choose this place to relax because of the steady weather. Here come families with children, those who want to heal, and beach lovers of different ages.

The history of the town began in the XIV century. King Tvrtko I founded on the shores of the Bay of Kotor, at the foot of Dobrostitsa Mountain, a small settlement of Novi. It marked the beginning of the Herceg Novi community, of which Igalo became one of the administrative districts. At various times, the land was owned by Turkish, Venetian, Spanish, French and Austrian kings and emperors. Echoes of their rule are preserved in architecture - walking through the streets, we will see buildings of all styles: Eastern, European, Muslim and Christian.

From historical sites, a very small number of monuments have been preserved, especially in this administrative region.

• The main attraction is considered the Forte Mare or Sea Fortress, built on a high hill for protection from pirates in 1382. Under the Ottoman Empire, teeth were built on the walls and guns were installed, then the fortress began to magnify the Devil's Tower. As the legend goes, in her dungeon in the 16th century there was a Turkish prison. Since the 50s of the last century, the fortress has been used as a summer cinema, there are arranged music shows, festivals, fairs.

• Also in Igalo there is a small church of the Holy Transfiguration, which was built at the end of the XVII century and restored in 1857.

• Some are available for visiting. the buildings of the times of the Venetian Republic, the Ottoman and Austrian empires, the old library and the museum of local lore.

• On the very outskirts of the town is conveniently located 1901 vintage railcar - a time when Herceg Novi, Dubrovnik and Trebinje were connected by a narrow-gauge railway, and along it the Chiro, a small train, which included this carriage, ran briskly.

Of the famous buildings stand out more modern buildings. The Šetalište Pet Danica embankment is a boulevard for romantics. It is named in honor of the women-heroines of the Great Patriotic War named Danitsa. The boulevard goes along the whole bay, combining several settlements on the coast. Making a promenade, tourists admire the picturesque beaches with azure water and rocky cliffs. Many simply breathtaking from the mystical stone tunnels that occur all along the boulevard.

Its length is 7 kilometers, but the popular part connecting the resort with the port of Herceg Novi is only 3-4 kilometers.

Located near Villa Galeb, owned by Yugoslav President Tito, and built in the 80s of the last century. He loved the stately buildings, framed by gardens and groves. The villa occupies 75 thousand square meters and is immersed in Mediterranean and coniferous trees.

The most important, local pride of the country is Institute of Dr. Simo MilosevicMontenegrins are proud of. It is one of the largest institutes of physiotherapy and prevention in the Adriatic Sea.

There are no other attractions in the town itself, but if you walk along the Five Danitsa Boulevard to the Old Town in Herceg Novi, interesting places and cultural monuments will delight you with their diversity there.

In the town that lives tourism, a lot of hotels from 2 to 5 stars. The situation in two-star hotels is very modest, but the rooms are clean. There are small household appliances and free Wi-Fi. They are designed for unpretentious guests.

Families with children choose hotels for 3-5 stars. They offer their own SPA-procedures, hydromassage, hamam, Finnish and infrared saunas. Luxury rooms, a swimming pool and a fitness center, full board or self-catering - it all depends on the desire of the tourist and his financial capabilities.

Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa 4 * is a modern hotel located near the boulevard. Perhaps this is the only hotel with its shallow, but comfortable small-pebble beach, where they give out beach towels. A concrete platform with a swimming pool is located directly on the beach, with a great view of the sea and mountains. The price range is € 61-310, depending on the room, the food and the view from it.

Modern Apart Hotel Grifone, 4 *, priced from 47 €, is only 50 meters from the beach of Obala, which is a combination of a concrete platform and a pebble area. There is no restaurant in the hotel itself, but 50 meters away there is a partner restaurant Terina, where the hotel guests have discounts on food. Nearby is the department of physiotherapy Igalo and SPA-salon.

There is a small building across from the sanatorium. Montesun Residence 4 *, as low as 40 €. The hotel is located 20 meters from the city promenade, on the third beach line. It has only seven rooms, but the kitchenette has all the necessary kitchenware.

When traveling by motorcycle, bicycle, car or if you are going to rent it, then a good accommodation option would be Motel Ellena 3 * from 38 €, with free parking and internet. Breakfast and buffet included in the price.For a fee, you can order dinner.

Apartments Obala Katic 3 *, located on the first coastline, will cost the tourist about 41 €. This is a 3 * hotel offering double and triple rooms, studios and apartments. Service and amenities at a height. There is an outdoor pool with a hot tub and sun loungers, and a sun terrace. Food is not included, but there is food delivery. Handrails and other facilities for people with disabilities are provided. Nearby there is an inexpensive restaurant Konoba Zora, with good food. For two, dinner at local cafes costs 20-25 €.

The service of renting apartments and their reduced copies of studios is well developed. They are equipped with a bathroom with hairdryer, a kitchenette and a dining area with cable TV and free Wi-Fi. They are located near the coastline, 2-8 minutes walk at a leisurely pace. Bonus is a terrace or balcony overlooking the sea. There is a car rental.

With a very attractive price from € 36 offers non-smoking apartments Mianiko Montenegro. Pets are allowed and an airport shuttle service is available. Nearby, shops, bakery, pharmacy. Beaches within walking distance and on any choice.

Apartment complex Belani It is notable not only the price of 30 €, but also the Russian-speaking staff and free private parking. Accommodation with animals is possible. Under the order you can order the delivery of products.

For treatment, as a rule, they settle in the territory of the hospital at the Igalo Institute. They offer superior rooms, most of which are facing the sea. Prices for accommodation in Igalo Spa start from 61 €. There is a large indoor pool with thermal water.

This health resort, the full name of which is “The Center for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation of Dr. Simo Milosevic,” is famous for its healing radon waters and mud. The sanatorium treats diseases of the musculoskeletal system, dermatological diseases and rheumatism, stressful conditions, diseases of the respiratory system.

Treatment in a sanatorium involves the purchase of a package of services for the daily passage of procedures. You can live in the hospital itself, and beyond. A standard wellness session lasts about 3 weeks, but there are also mini-programs lasting a week.

There are more than 400 specialists in the Institute who work not only with ready-made treatment regimens, but also develop unique rehabilitation schemes themselves. Recovery is a very important stage, ignoring which, will easily return to a painful state. The hospital offers a large range of services:

• treatment of rheumatological diseases with the help of balneotherapy and medicines, sound therapy, electrotherapy, several types of massage;
• recovery after heart attack, cardiac surgery, and angina pectoris;
• restoration of the lungs after an illness and surgical intervention - here specially developed physiotherapy exercises and drainage techniques help;
• relieving the condition after damage to the head and brain, strokes, nerve fibers of the spinal cord and other autoimmune diseases;
• treatment of injuries of the musculoskeletal system, including sports, adaptation to prostheses.

In addition to this treatment, a complex of therapeutic services is offered:

• hydrotherapy - balneotherapy using balneological procedures, pearl and mineral baths;
• thalassotherapy - sea ​​mud treatment, along with sea and mineral water;
• hydrokinesitherapy - a combination of different physical exercises in thermal water;
• manual massage;
• kinesitherapy - gymnastics in the pool, along with Chinese tai-chi;
• electrotherapy;
• sonotherapy - using ultrasound;
• magnetic therapy and laser therapy.

The town is so tiny that there is no special entertainment. You can only rely on healthy recreation. Here is a real expanse for cyclists, horseback riding and walking enthusiasts for diving, jetski races, fans of tennis courts and a beach holiday. For kids there is a small amusement park. The Acacia Silver Festival or Mimosa Festival with costumed balls, processions and wine festival is held in February.

Nature lovers can hire a local guide through numerous travel agencies located here. For a modest fee, they will show places where groups will not go. If there is no desire to communicate with the guide, tourist ships from the embankment will be delivered to any nearby resting place: Zanjice beach, the ancient village of Punto Rosa, on Lastovitsa island, the Blue Cave.

Boats and go to the depths of the bay, to the island of Gospa-od-Shkrpela or the Island of the Virgin Mary, which the locals built from the fragments of rocks by means of the usual throwing of stones into the water. For 300 years, there is a tradition: every year the locals swim up to the island in boats and throw stones. There is also a legendary church, covered with blue domes. You can also ride around and walk along narrow stairs and ancient streets. Perast or Kotor.

Igalo stretches along the coastal line for about 2 km, on which fourteen equipped beaches are located. All are equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, locker rooms and showers. Tourists choose the right beach by themselves.

The largest and the only sandy beach is Stara Banja plaza, Old Banja or children's wellness. Not far from the coast, you can collect from the bottom of the dirt, which is treated in a sanatorium. Over 300-400 meters the beach is shallow and the water warms well, so it is ideal for children of any age. The pebble beach Nautilus is also well equipped.. Concrete platforms are convenient for placing sun loungers and umbrellas, descent to the sea by the ladders is much easier.

On the north side of the Mamula stretched three hundred meters Zhanits beach, it is under the Blue Flag, which speaks of its cleanliness and improvement. Indeed, this is the most beautiful and clean beach - with azure water, snow-white pebbles, framed by olive groves and agave thickets. It has deck chairs, umbrellas, changing rooms, a cafe. Get to it by water taxi for 20 minutes at a price of 5 € per person. There you can admire the remains of the Austrian fortress.

At a distance of 30 kilometers from Igalo there are two airports. From the airport in Tivat to Igalo get by bus or taxi. In the summer, transport goes a lot more often, but buses do not drive directly to the air terminal. The Adriatic Route (Jadran Route) is located 100 meters from the airport. They wait for the bus with a sign about the route, fixed on the front window.

When planting, it is necessary to clarify whether the transport will reach the town you need, so as not to leave for another part of the country. The road is divided into several stages. On the first you get to the ferry in Lepetani, and the ferry takes you to the other side to the village of Kamenari. At the second stage you continue along the main Adriatic highway, it will be 23 kilometers. The fare on the bus 2-6 €.

You can take a longer way - bypass around the Bay of Kotor through the cities of Kotor, Perast and other villages, passing the crossing. In this case, the path will be 45 kilometers. Without waiting for the bus at the highway, you can go in the direction of the bus station, which is located one kilometer from the air port. Turning back to the terminal building, we go left on the highway. We reach the station on foot or take a taxi. We arrive by taxi to the bus station, and then to Igalo by bus.It costs about 15 €.

To get from Tivat airport to the destination by taxi costs about 40-60 €. Transfer order - from 40 € per person, and rent a car in the airport - from 28 €. Rent a car in Igalo - 11-45 € / day, it depends on the class of car.

Upon arrival in Podgorica, it is best to get to Herceg Novi by bus, and from there to Igalo. The fare is € 7-9 per person. You can order a direct taxi, and you can rent cars right at the airport.

Their main advantages are the clean air with the aromas of greenery, the opportunity to improve health and proximity to the noisy fun of Herceg Novi. Many people talk about quite affordable prices for medical procedures, meals, and apartment rent.

Of the downsides of beach holidays, tourists call narrow beaches and a lot of tourists on them. The sea is quite shallow - if you move 50 meters from the shore, the water is still scarce. A negative attitude is formed from the poor cleaning of the beaches and in places of polluted sea. Tourists are dissatisfied with the old-fashioned rooms of some hotels and the scarcity of choice of dishes at the buffet. Families with children do not like paid loungers and beaches not equipped for children. Young people are bored in the evenings, if they stay at the hotel, and do not go to the club.

Review the rest in Igalo in the next video.