Montenegro is a country with a tragic legacy that today is learning to live and smile in a new way. Here they can offer a unique, magnificent holiday, which will leave a lot of positive impressions for the whole year.
general description
Montenegro is a country with a small territory in a beautiful place, which is located between the mountains and the Adriatic Sea. The administrative center is still in Podgorica, its “heart” is located in the city of Cetinje, which has a rich history.
As a rule, Montenegro has four strongly marked microclimatic zones, which coincide with the peculiarities of the landscape. Summer temperature + 24–26 degrees, minimum temperature scale - +10 C.
About 660 thousand people live on such a small area.
The official language is Serbian in the form of the Latin alphabet. It resembles both ethnic and Montenegrin, which is widely used by people in everyday life. Here, with great respect and treat others, including Russian and Hungarian. English is more spoken in large centers, where the resort area is concentrated.
Separately, it is necessary to focus on the local writing system. Often, the Montenegrins use Cyrillic, but you can also see a mixture of Cyrillic and Latin characters - such writing originated from the time of the invasion, when the territory of Montenegro was under the control of Italy and Austria-Hungary. For historical reasons, religion has become a problem for people who live on the territory of modern Montenegro. Here live as Catholics, which most of all, and Muslims.
On the territory of Montenegro, the euro is used because the country is in the eurozone. You can easily exchange money for cash in a state bank. National operates on weekdays from 10:30 to 14:00, commercial - on Thursdays from 8:00 to 15:00, as well as on Fridays (from 8:00 to 13:00). There are officially recognized exchange offices on the territory, some of them working even on weekends, and some - directly in hotels.
However, on the territory of Montenegro it will be difficult to pay with credit cards and travelers checks, as they are accepted only in the capital and in resort areas.
Weather
May is not the warmest month in Montenegro, since the temperature is similar to the early spring in the territory of southern Russia. In Budva, this month in the morning is often overcast, although it does not rain often. The sun appears closer to dinner, the maximum positive air temperature is +22 C. At night it drops to the level of +7 C, which is why you should take warm clothes with you. In Juta, Tivat is even cooler and may even need a jacket.
It’s too early to swim in the sea, although some people feel wonderful in the water + 16 degrees, so you can often meet people on the beach. There will not be much time for tanning: the sun is not very active and does not appear so often due to clouds.
By the end of May, the weather begins to favor more than a beach holiday, the air temperature gradually rises, if you go here, it is better during this period.
Souvenirs
During the trip you always want to take a piece of your favorite place with you. People bring fine wine from Montenegro, it can be dry or demi-season Vranac and white Krstac. There is an established production of fruit vodka in the country, as in all Mediterranean regions. You can also buy grape vodka "Krunak" or "Vine".
The main souvenir of Montenegro is considered to be a cap - a round hat with a blood-red top. This item is very symbolic: its black edging is grief from lost Majesty, and the blood red color is the blood shed by the inhabitants of these places over a long and not always happy story, and five golden hairs denote five hundred years of oppression and oppression.
Also on the hat you can see the cross and the old Serbian coat of arms or crowned double-headed eagle, on the chest of which is a shield with a lion. This is the emblem of modern Montenegro.
Considering the fact that Montenegro is an Orthodox country with a high level of religiosity, there are many monasteries and shrines on its territorytherefore, it is easy to find a charm in the form of an icon, a cross or a chain as a souvenir.
Considering that Montenegro is close to Italy, high-quality clothing of Italian designers is brought here. Local prices are much lower than in Italy, that is, if you wish, you can buy items of excellent quality at an affordable price.
Cooking
On the territory of the country is amazing and light cuisine. They are accustomed to using exclusively organic products, so the food is so tasty. You should definitely try not only local wines, but also Negushsky prshut - meat delicacy, dried ham, which is prepared according to various recipes.
If you want to try several of the best meat dishes at once, then you should definitely order a Meso in the restaurant - a dish that presents a mix of grilled sausages, meatballs and other products.
Food in Montenegro is relatively cheap. For example, a meal without seafood will cost an average of 8-15 euros, and with seafood - about 20-25 euros. The most popular dishes are prepared at any time of the year, and in May restaurants actively welcome guests.
Transport
Usually people arrive in Montenegro by air. On the territory there are 2 international airports in the cities of Tivat or Podgorica. The country also has its own national airline, Montenegro Airlines, but their flights are more likely to fly to neighboring countries.
The railway line here stretches from north to south and leads to Serbian Belgrade. Its undeniable advantage is a breathtaking view outside the window, namely: Lake Skadar, the Zeta, Tara, Moracha river basins, which merge between the Sinyavin mountain group and Belasitsa. You can appreciate their benefits in May, since nature is already pleasing for its colorful.
In addition, there are commuter or shuttle trains, but they do not have an extensive network, so buses are more popular here. On the coast of the Adriatic Sea, especially between resort towns, more motor transport runs, which is in private hands. Bus tickets are bought directly from the driver.
You can always take a taxi or rent a car. Perhaps this is the best option to see the wonderful and picturesque Montenegro in May. A potential driver must be at least 21 years old and have a driving experience of at least three years.
The price often does not include an additional tax of 17%, and you should not forget about the insurance premium - it is from 5 to 9 euros per day.
sights
The main feature of Montenegro is the cozy old town with winding narrow streets, where polite and friendly citizens are always happy to meet in small shops. In this place are closely intertwined Greek, Byzantine, Turkish and Roman cultures, embodied in the elegant architecture of ancient Budva and other cities.
Many tourists enjoy the island of St. Stephen - it is the most famous resort of the Budva Riviera, named after the patron saint of the Montenegrins. Here is a picturesque fortress, which eventually was turned into a hotel.A small rocky island with pink beaches attracts celebrities from all over the world, because here you can enjoy peace and quiet. Princess Margaret, Sophia Loren, Claudia Schiffer and many others loved to walk on its stone walkways.
St. Stephen is connected to the coast by a thin isthmus, in the southern part of which lies the resort town of Petrovac. The beautiful bay where it is located, olive gardens and pine forests made it an ideal place for those who came to the country in May. Attractive nature, soft sandy beaches of Petrovac and Lučice, an ancient Venetian castle and numerous churches, among which cozy cafes are hidden, all this creates a unique romantic atmosphere.
History lovers are advised to visit Cetinje in May.. The city is located at the foot of the mountain Lovcen. Montenegrins themselves consider it a symbol of honor, courage and love for their country. Once Cetinje was also the Montenegrin church and a stronghold of resistance to the Turkish yoke. Today it is a museum town, where there is a well-preserved collection of weapons.
In the monastery of Cetinje are kept the relics of St. Peter Tsetinskogo, part of the Holy Cross and the sword-hand of John the Baptist.
Hidden in the clouds, hanging in the mountains of the fortress - the sanctuary of Montenegro. The monastery was built in the 17th century. Even today, Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims come from all over the world to find healing here for their body and soul. Ostrog is located 40 kilometers from Podgorica, surrounded by harsh mountain peaks, against which its white stone rooms seem to float in the air.
Another miracle of nature - UNESCO reserve Durtomir. In May, mountain peaks, glacial lakes, magnificent canyons, marked routes for tourists are waiting here. Travelers can also enjoy a visit to the resort of Ada Bojana. In addition to being the center of nudism, it is also a special eco-climatic zone, which arose due to the turbulent subtropical plant life, the diversity of wildlife and the confluence of the fresh water of Boyana with the salt of the Adriatic Sea.
A beautiful unique place in Montenegro that you must visit is the city of Kotor. Behind its walls is a rich market with numerous local products: fish, dates, mushrooms, olives and much more.
A huge number of carnivals and festivals that take place every year, give this place a peculiar charm.
It is difficult to imagine a trip to Montenegro in May without visiting Budva. The ancient city walls stood more than one storm. In the New Town of Budva, there are holiday houses and expensive restaurants where you can enjoy excellent seafood. Here is the legendary Slavic beach.
On the pros and cons of rest in Montenegro, see the video below.