Kolasin: attractions, weather and location map

The small Montenegrin resort Kolasin attracts more and more tourists every year. Ski slopes, beautiful nature, a special peace and tranquility, and, of course, delicious meat dishes - this is the secret of the increased popularity of the town. How to get where to go and what to eat, we will tell in this article.

Kolasin is a small town in Montenegro, surrounded on three sides by mountains (Belasitsa, Sinyaevina and Komovi). Kolasin - an ancient city, takes its history from the XVII century, when it was founded by the Turks. They used the town as a staging post along the caravan route from Istanbul to the Adriatic Sea.

Due to differences in height, the resort is suitable for both beginners and more experienced athletes. The town is surrounded by a century-old forest, which is protected by the state and is part of a national park. By the way, another name of the city is “air spa”. It is received for the healing air and pleasant climate of the area.

For a long time Kolasin remained in the shadow of the larger ski resorts - Zabljak (Montenegro) and Kopaonik (Serbia). However, in 2008, a large investment company paid attention to Kolasin, buying out ski slopes and building 2 hotels. Since then, the city began to actively develop, attracting tourists.

The climate in the territory of Kolashin is temperate. This resort is not suitable for a summer beach holiday in its classic sense. The tourist season starts with the arrival of winter, in early December, and lasts on average until mid-April.. In the summer, Kolasin is just as beautiful, but it often rains.

The average annual rainfall is 1200 mm, and sometimes higher, so the ski vacation here is ideal. Most of the precipitation falls in the period from November to the second half of January. The least amount of precipitation is recorded in July and August. On the slopes of relatively warm and a lot of snow. In general, the weather is quite pleasant - summer is warm, and winter is snowy, but without severe frosts. The maximum summer temperature rises to +30 degrees, in winter it drops to -10.

Kolasin is not only a ski resort, but also an old city with many attractions.

One of them is Moraca Canyon, located immediately on the territory of Kolashin and Podgorica. Rocks are considered a feature of the gorge - they are bare, steep, vertical. The shores are rich in flora and fauna. The best view of the canyon opens from the Dzhurdzhevich bridge and the observation deck (near the deepest point of the canyon - Plateie gorge).

On the territory of the canyon is located the monastery Moraca, built in the XIII century. In it and now services are conducted, take pilgrims, tourists. An example of the architecture of the XVII century can be called the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, where ancient frescoes and rare icons are preserved. It is worth visiting the church of St. Nicholas.

During it, tourists enjoy the view of the forest, and the descent to the lake Biogradsky becomes the apogee of the hike. Its uniqueness is that it is one of the five glacial lakes. By the way, guest cottages are located nearby. They can rent a room to live in the lap of nature. A trip to Lake Biograd will be remembered not only by the most beautiful places, but also by fishing. For lovers, even organized special tours. In winter, the lake is also crowded. A skating rink is poured here, slides for adults and children are built, sports equipment rental is organized.

Biogradska mountain impresses with its forests. According to local data, the age of some trees has a thousand years, and in the girth they reach half a meter. At the very beginning of the forest zone tourists are met by the already described Biogradsko lake. In addition to it, there are 4 more glacial lakes hidden among untouched green forests. Most tourist routes involve visiting the highest point of the reserve (2139 m).

Naturally, you should visit the ski slopes, located 8 km from Kolashin. There are 2 centers for ski holidays - “Belasitsa” and “Trebelevo”, it is more correct to call them Kolashino 1450 and Kolashino 1600 (in fact, this is one resort). The first one has a total length of 15 km, and the longest route is 4.5 km. Since some tracks have FIS class, international competitions are held in Belasitsa.

If you go to the east of the city, you will find yourself in a picturesque place - the national park "Prokletie". The name is translated from Serbian as “damned mountains”, and from Albanian - as “Albanian Alps”. Despite the gloom of one of the names, this place is characterized by lush vegetation, rich in wildlife. That is why in 2009 at the state level it was decided to decide the status of this territory - to declare a national park. Connoisseurs of mountain climbs can climb to the highest point of Prokletiya - the peak of Evil-Kolat (2534 m), as well as visit the many beautiful canyons.

The proklet is also rich in waters - there are many mountain rivers and rivulets here that look like springs during a drought. One of the attractions - Lake Plavskoe. In the summer, it organizes excursions. In winter, it is inaccessible for tourists - the lake itself is frozen, and the road to it is covered with snow. A visit to the lake will be interesting not only for nature lovers, but also anglers.

On the territory of the Prokletiya there are old buildings and sights: the Tsar and Vizirsky mosque, the Church of the Holy Trinity (architecture of the XII century), Kula Radzhepagich, the High Decani monastery. In addition, there are preserved old residential buildings in the typical style of Montenegro.. These are small in appearance, but spacious and cozy houses made of stone and wood. You can touch the history, getting acquainted with the cave paintings, also available in the reserve.

Kolasin, like any tourist city, despite its small size, is replete with cafes and restaurants. Most of them work until late at night, and opens as early as 10-11 am. Portions in Montenegro are large, sometimes one is enough for two people.

Montenegro is a meat country. At first glance, it seems that they serve here the usual burgers and steaks, however, thanks to branded sauces, they acquire an authentic taste. National dishes prepared according to the now lost ancient recipes can be tasted in Konoba and Savardak. In the first institution in the evenings, candles are lit, the second is also no less atmospheric, since it is made in the form of a wigwam. Another restaurant, which preserved the authentic national style and cuisine - Viline Vode.

As in any other mountainous region of Montenegro, Kolasin serves a variety of meat delicacies. Popular is the hangman - chop, cooked with an incredible combination of seasonings, kevapchichi - sausages of different types of minced meat with spices, razhnichi - kebabs of veal and pork.

It is worth trying the lamb, which is prepared in Montenegro in a special way. Put in a cast iron pot and close the massive heavy lid (SAC). Hot coals are placed on top of the lid, and thus cooked meat. As a result, the lamb from under the sacha (that's the name of the dish) turns out to be incredibly tender and juicy.

Since Kolasin is more mountainous, and not a seaside region, fish and seafood are slightly less popular here. But still seafood is served, however, the cost is too high. Pay attention, unlike meat dishes, for seafood dishes indicate the price per 100 g, but not for the whole batch.

In Kolasin, you can find a national dish with seafood. This is a thick chorba soup made from several varieties of fish, flour and spices. Unlike regular fish soup, it is boiled without adding cereals, and has a much thicker consistency.

Be sure to try the cheeses in Montenegro. There are many varieties of them here, because there is a special relationship to cheese in Kolasin. It is served as an independent dish, as an addition to the main one, and also put in porridges, sandwiches, sauces are made. National cakes are prepared with cheese: kachamak, kashkaval. The most famous cheese - kaymak, resembles the consistency of sour cream, has a pronounced creamy shade.

If you prefer classic European and world cuisine, although you would like to try local delicacies, go to Traditional Restaurant Vodenica or Restoran Slavija.

You can accompany the dinner with wine, although Montenegrin wine is not much appreciated in the world market. Instead, you can try Vranac - a special sort of wine with a pronounced tart taste. If you want a stronger drink, you can recommend kunak - grape vodka.

Since the town has no airport, it is more convenient to fly first to Podgorica. The distance to Kolashin from it is 80 km. You can fly to Tivat, but then you have to get 150 km to Kolashin.

Budva is located from Kolasin in 2.5-3 hours by car. Many go to Budva for a cultural holiday, and stop there, and only come to Kolasin to go skiing. In this case, the road between the cities is very picturesque, so the car trip turns into a full journey.

In this case, the path will take 5-6 hours. In winter it gets dark early in Montenegro, this should be remembered when making a trip plan. As a transfer, you can hire a taxi or use the public bus. Prices for them vary, depending on the route and season.

You can move around the city on foot or by taxi, almost no public transport. However, the city is quite small, so walking will not be tedious. If you plan to drive to the suburbs, then it is more profitable to rent a car.

As a home for the holidays, you can choose a hotel or a hotel in the center. They are classic places of rest, prices vary depending on the status of the hotel, level of service, proximity to entertainment facilities. Most hotels include breakfast. In addition, when booking a room, you can immediately order a transfer from the airport.

If you relax with a large family with children or companies, take a look at the country villas. In addition to rooms and bathrooms, they usually have a kitchen equipped for cooking.

The SPA-hotel Bianca Resort & Spa, whose windows overlook the mountain Belasitsa, is very popular.Rooms from standard to suite, most of the hotel is covered with wood, which creates a special atmosphere of comfort in the hotel. 3 km from the center is another popular tourist destination - Villa Apartmani Villa Bjelasica. The view from the window here also opens onto the mountains, in addition to the bedrooms and guest areas, there is a kitchen. For an additional fee you can visit the gym and sauna.

Consider other popular hotels Kolashin.

• Chalet kolašin - has 4 stars, rooms of varying degrees of comfort, a kitchen.
• Apartments Šcepanovic - The best place to stay with children. Cozy houses for one or several families are surrounded by a garden. Has a ski storage, parking.
• Holiday Home Bijeli Potok - an institution for those traveling with four-legged pets. Pets allowed, on site there is a children's play area, parking, sauna.

Sightseeing Kolashin see below.