Montenegro

The Kotor Bay- Boka Kotorska (Fjord)

Allow a day for the following tour. Drive around the complete bay, visit Porto Montenegro in Tivat- tipped to be the new Monaco- and stroll along the seafront. Cross the bay at Lepatane by ferry stopping for lunch in The Catovica Mlini restaurant (old stone mill in breathtaking location) in Morinj. See the ancient Roman mosaics in Risan. Be awestruck by the Venetian architecture of Perast and take a boat trip out to the tiny islands of St George and Our Lady of the Rock. Enjoy the vibrant seaside bars in Dobrota, just outside Kotor town. Sightsee in the ancient UNESCO protected walled town of Kotor and wander through its narrow cobbled streets, relax and enjoy a coffee with the stylish locals in the main square after climbing to the top of the ramparts for a breathtaking view of the bay.

Tivat Porto Montenegro- the newly developed port is expected to rival Monaco for its grandeur with the construction of large penthouse apartments, hotels and casinos along the water front. Sight- seeing boat trips around the bay are available from Tivat- we recommend the Vesna, as it allows you time to disembark and explore each location. Tivat has plenty of trendy seafront bars and restaurants. Please see the tab on the Navigation bar for more about Porto Montenegro.

The picture below overlooks the UNESCO protected walled town of Kotor from the Church of St Ivan. Through the entire city the buildings are criss-crossed with narrow streets and squares with plenty of boutiques, bars and restaurants. The infamous Maximus nightclub is built into the city walls and is the main nighttime attraction. Kotor hosts many maritime exhibitions- please check dates for specific exhibitions. Carnivals and festivals are organized each year to give additional charm to this most beautiful town. 20mins from Bigova. A taxi fare from Bigova to Kotor is approximately €14.

Sveti Stefan, the home of the Casino Royale, is a romantic island hotel connected to the mainland by a small causeway. It is famed for it's former guests which included Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Kirk Douglas. Walk around the headland to see the Milocer Hotel and its beautiful sandy beach. Approx. 1 hour from Bigova.

Jaz beach (above) is one of the best known beaches on the Adriatic coast, it has hosted concerts by Madonna and The Rolling Stones close to the beach. Approx. 30 mins drive from Bigova.

Budva old town (both below) is over 2500 years old. It full of character with it's maze of small streets and walkways lined with boutiques, bars and restaurants. Enjoy a cocktail while lounging in a tropical-style bar overlooking the ancient city walls and the glimmering blue ocean. 30 mins from Bigova.

The picture below shows the superb restaurant located in Mirista on the Lustica peninsula. This unspoilt peninsula is well worth exploring. Spend a day on one of it's beaches or take a boat trip to Mamula Island (both below), stopping off in the idyllic village of Rose. Allow at least a half day for this drive and enjoy the amazing scenery.

Ulcinj (below) is the southern most city in Montenegro- bordering onto Albania. The impressive old town overlooks a small sandy beach. Approx 2 hours drive from Bigova.

Ulcinj also boasts the longest beach on the Adriatic- the golden Velika Plaza (below). It is located just outslde the town and is 13km in length.

It is possible to take day trips into Albania (voted no. 1 place to visit in 2011 by Lonely Planet readers) from Ulcinj visiting the capital Tirane and stopping at several historic sites. As the return times can be quite late in the evening, it might be best to stay overnight in Ulcinj. Ulcinj is approx 2 hours drive from Bigova.

Petrovac (below) is another beautiful horseshoe shaped beach along the Adriatic coastline just beyond Sveti Stefan. The beautiful people sit posing in the numerous bars and restaurants along the promenade and enjoy the wonderful seafood and stunning sea views. Approx. 1 hour drive from Bigova.

Becici beach (below) has a fantastic Mediterranean feel along the beach with numerous bars, restaurants and exclusive hotels. Approx. 40mins drive from Bigova.

Ploca (on the Lustica peninsula) has excellent facilities for bathing and water sports. Approx. 1 hours drive from Bigova.

Plavi Horizonti (or Przno) is a beautiful sandy beach with clear calm water, the gradual depth of the water making it ideal for children bathing. A games area, bar and restaurant is also located by the beach. Approximately 20mins drive from Bigova- we strongly recommend a visit.

Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro- and well worth a visit to see the modern architecture and parks. There is plenty of shopping, bars and restaurants. Driving through the city is quite straightforward. Approx. 2 hours drive from Bigova.

Cetinje (the historic capital of Montenegro) is recognized as the cultural and educational centre of Montenegro, and has many interesting museums including the History, State and Art museums. Approx 2 hours drive from Bigova (dramatic mountainous scenery en route).