Raw and chaotic. Why is it worth visiting?

After landing in Podgorica at the airport, it is so hot that I am convinced that it is the air from an airplane engine. NO. It is 40 degrees C. We quickly get into the car and after 1.5 hours we are in the Cursed Mountains (Prokletije), where it is 10 degrees C. This is our first stop. This year, we plan to enter the Albanian-Kosów-Czarnogórski Tri-Karnogórski. It's almost 2,500 m above sea level.

Along the way, we meet one tourist and one frillosof hermit who lives in a wooden hut along the trail and a cow belt. When he finds out that we are from Poland, he tells us that he was a student of prof. Leszek Kołakowski and asks if we are hungry.

Great loneliness on the trail

Wandering the Montenegrin trails, I often had the feeling that I was absolutely alone here. By marching for many hours, we met 2-3 people, but most often nobody all day.

The next day we go to the Grebej Valley, which in itself is extremely picturesque, and it leads the trail, among others to Valusnica, Talianka and I fall. We entered these peaks a year ago-blooming feelings, a murmuring stream with a small waterfall and soaring mountains around them soothe fatigue caused by an 1127-meter approach.

Being in the area, it is also worth going to the source of the eye Skakavice. Amazing blue and water transparency encourages bathing. But this is a pleasure for the most persistent, water is 4 degrees.

The entrance to the Prokletije Mountains National Park costs 3 euros/person. The guard did not count for the children.

Read also: Holiday traps in Italy and Croatia. “Pizza 6 euros, and Coperto to the account 10”

Adrenaline and views on each bend

For those thirsty for adrenaline – road P14 through Durmitor. Views like fairy tales: raw peaks, green valleys, serpentine winding among the rocks. I had the impression that a dragon or an elf would come out from behind the bend. But the road is not a fairy tale – narrow, winding, without barriers. Passing with another car is a nerve test each time.

Important: in the mountains in smaller towns in the afternoon (from my observation around 17.00) animals are driven to farms overnight. You have to be super thoroughly, because a herd of several dozen sheep or several laid -back cows can effectively block the way for a long time.

Kotor is another stop on our map. Before visiting the city, it is worth checking whether a cruise officer will nail to the port that day (e.g. in the ship tracking application). Such a cruiseman means several thousand people in pounding into the narrow historic streets of the city.

From the bay of Kotorska to the open sea is a stone's throw. Here, above all, it is worth investing in water shoes (rocks, rocky bottom and sea urchin) and a mask with a tube – underwater life even in shallow waters of the coves is very rich. The beaches are usually rocky and gravel. When looking for these sandy ones, you have to go towards the border with Albania – up to Ulcinj.

In coastal restaurants, coffee is 2 euros, a can of Cola 2.5 euros.

What to eat in Montenegro

Kitchen? Balkan classic. Cevapčici – grilled rollers made of minced meat, pljeskavica – grate steak, burls with meat, cheese or spinach. For breakfast – priganice, small fried dough balls, served with honey or jam, similar to our donuts. In addition, cheese, kajmak (dense, butter, unsweeteners), and of course – pršut. Dried, smoked ham, reminiscent of Italian prosciutto. Maybe even better.

Prices in restaurants are similar to those in Poland. Depending on the place For dinner for a family of 4 (with drinks) we paid from 30 euros (mountains, Village Village) to 67 euros (market square in Kotor) or 45 euros in fast food (edge of Kotor).

You won't find McDonald's here. Burger King appeared only a year ago – five premises throughout the country. But there are local bars with burgers, fish with fries, pizza from a wood -burning oven. Tasty and inexpensive. Glovo works in Kotor and Podgorica – you can order food with delivery.

Montenegro is not only mountains and sea – it's also emotions. During this year's and last year's trip, we checked several attractions, which is definitely worth entering on your list.

Prices

Cruise on the Kotor Gulf – 40 euros per person. Some companies offer half an hour earlier than the rest, thanks to which we are alone in caves and coves. Without crowds, no noise – only us and emerald water.

Tyrolek over the Tara Canyon, right next to the đurđević bridge – 30 euros. A flight over the abyss, with a view of one of the deepest valleys of Europe, is an experience that stays in memory for a long time. And if someone is not enough adrenaline – Pontoon rafting on the Tara River. About 55 euros per person And a few hours of exciting fight with the current among wild nature.

Prices are usually negotiable. The organizers often offer discounts for children or groups. In Montenegro, everything can be getting along – just ask.

And finally – it may not be obvious, but worth memories: the standard of accommodation. It's not just about cleanliness, fresh towels or a set of pots in the kitchen. In each of our places I just felt … looked after. The washing machine was a standard, like a fully equipped kitchen – with coffee, spices, flour, and in one case even with a full fridge. Interestingly, the smaller the town, the greater the homework of the hosts. Hospitality in Montenegro is not for show – it is everyday life.