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An insider’s guide to a Montenegro yacht charter
Published 26 January 2024
Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, the petite country of Montenegro is certainly a hidden gem. From the calm-as-glass Bay of Kotor to the long sweep of golden-sand beaches in Budva and the fine dining and nightlife in Tivat, it’s a gem that’s worth discovering on a luxury yacht charter.
Montenegro travel is defined by a mix of history-rich villages, bountiful beaches and protected cruising grounds. Set in the Adriatic Sea within close reach of Italy, Croatia and Greece, it’s easy to tie in a visit to Montenegro during a Mediterranean yacht charter.
Best time to charter in Montenegro
Much like the tried-and-true Mediterranean hotspots, Montenegro beckons visitors during the sun-drenched days of summer. May through October is the best time for a yacht hire in Montenegro. July and August in particular are suitably sweltering as one would hope for a summertime charter locale, inviting you to bask in the shade of a buzzy beach club, play with the bounty of watertoys on board your yacht, and swim in the turquoise sea to cool off. Or venture inland for a day trip off the yacht, and you’ll find cascading waterfalls, verdant mountains and rushing rivers ideal for white water rafting adventures.
Between January and March, Montenegro offers a different take on a winter yacht charter destination for yacht-to-slope skiing. Montenegro has nearly a dozen ski resorts with 61 kilometres of slopes found within a few hours' drive — or shorter helicopter ride — from the coast.
Cultural Immersion and sightseeing
With a dash of Ottoman Empire history, Old World architecture and multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, Montenegro is not short on fascinating cultural sightseeing opportunities. Immerse yourself in Montenegro’s unique history by visiting island monasteries, Roman ruins, scenic towns tucked into the sides of rugged cliffs and even a former royal capital.
Conquer the capital of Podgorica
Set at the confluence of the Morača and Ribinica rivers, Montenegro’s capital city of Podgorica is the country’s cultural hub. The modern Millennium Bridge straddles the Morača river, juxtaposed by the ancient stone crossing of the Sastavci Bridge, which dates back to the Roman period. Podgorica bears the marks of its myriad rulers from the Romans and Turks to its occupation by Italy, Austria, Germany and, later, the former socialist republic of Yugoslavia (from which Montenegro gained independence in 2006). A late 18th century Turkish clocktower looms over the Podgorica’s Old Town, while eye-catching brutalist architecture, like the asymmetrical Church of the Holy Heart of Jesus, is found throughout the city.
Painted in a pink facade and surrounded by lush gardens, the former winter palace of King Nikola Petrović is now home to The Centre for Modern Arts in Podgorica, which displays exhibits from international and local artists alike. At the nearby Podgorica Museum and Gallery, remnants of the old royal capital can be appreciated with the historical artefacts on display. Just outside of the capital, you will find the Roman ruins of Doclea, which UNESCO calls ‘the most significant archaeological site in Montenegro.’ Ruins of the temple's toppled stone columns and gates of origin to the Roman city are still recognisable.
Destinations along the Montenegro coast
From the protected Bay of Kotor to the beaches of Budva on the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro’s extensive coastline is ripe for exploration by yacht. Set within the Bay of Kotor is Tivat and the Porto Montenegro superyacht marina. The marina is home to a luxe hotel, an array of shops and restaurants, and the chic Buddha-Bar beach club, with its infinity pool overlooking the serene bay. The marina is an ideal jumping off point for heading further into the Bay of Kotor or for exploring Montenegro’s riviera along the Adriatic.
Yacht charter holidays in Montenegro might feel like to going back in time to visit the French Riviera before it became the haute destinations that it is today. Clear cerulean seas meet dramatic cliff sides, which are punctuated by calm beaches. Charter guests will be treated to pretty seaside towns lined by old stone buildings and waterfront eateries serving up fresh seafood.
Visit the Bay of Kotor
A Montenegro vacation would not be complete without venturing up the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. Just past Tivat, the bay narrows before suddenly revealing an even wider body of water that opens up in either direction like the wings of a butterfly. As you enter this part of the bay, you’ll see an islet just before you that is home to the blue-domed 15th century Roman Catholic church aptly called Our Lady of the Rocks. Many legends surround this island, such as its potent healing properties. A reflection of the church shimmers in the mirror-like stillness of the water, giving an ethereal feel to this holy spot.
Across from Our Lady of the Rocks on the shore is the charming town of Persat. Take the tender to shore and wander among its 17 Baroque palaces, 19 churches and historic sandstone mansions. Founded during the rule of the Venetian Republic, the tiny town was settled by wealthy fisherman and mariners. It remains one of the best-preserved towns along the Adriatic.
Further south, the bay narrows again and is framed by tall mountains reaching up high overhead. You’d be forgiven for thinking you are cruising a Norwegian Fjord. At the very end of the bay, the medieval town of Kotor is built beneath limestone cliffs and surrounded by fortified city walls. Stretch your sea legs with a walk up the moderately challenging Kotor Fortress hike, which leads to a lofty lookout point for expansive views over the bay.
Explore the beaches of Budva
A smattering of crescent-shaped beaches backed by fragrant pine trees and emerald-hued vegetation are found along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. The 2,500-year-old town of Budva, with its red-tiled roofs and stone buildings surrounded by protective fortress walls, juts out into the sea on a small peninsula. Budva is a hub for dining and nightlife, with open-air clubs going strong until the wee hours. The secluded shores of Mogren Beach are found just beyond Budva’s city walls. Set across the bay from Budva, Sveti Nikola Island has quiet beaches and relaxed beach clubs with al fresco dining.
Perhaps the most iconic beach on the Montenegro coast is Sveti Stefan. Two red-sand beaches frame a narrow road that leads out to the fortified island of Sveti Stefan, which looks like something out of a fairytale. Due north along the coast from here is Queen’s Beach, where Villa Miločer, the former summer residence of Queen Marija Karadjodjevic, now houses the ultra-luxurious Aman Sveti Stefan hotel. Visit the spa to unwind with restorative treatments featuring local herbs and medicinal spices.
Experiencing Montenegro's culinary delights
From fine dining to local delicacies and oaky red wines, Montenegro serves up many culinary delights. Set in the Bay of Kotor, the high-end seafood restaurant of Konoba Catovica Mlini is built into an old mill with views over the bay. In the town of Kotor, try the local cake called krempita, a puff pastry with a rich custard filling. For lunch, sit on the terrace at Forza Porto in Porto Montenegro, taking in marina views while sampling from a diverse menu that puts a modern twist on local Montenegrin and Mediterranean cuisine.
A hidden secret of Montenegro is its surprisingly wonderful wines. Vineyards thrive in Montenegro thanks to its microclimate and fertile lands. Wine regions span from the coast to Lake Skadar, and there are even wineries found near the capital of Podgorica. Wine lovers will enjoy having a private tour of some the country’s many cellars and wine tasting at the vineyards from the waterfront Savina Winery to sprawling grounds of the Plantaze Vineyard, the largest in Montenegro, which has three wine cellars.
Sustainable travel: chartering in Montenegro
As Montenegro travel has boomed in recent years, it’s vital to its government that this picturesque country remains preserved. To this aim, the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro is putting a priority on responsible, sustainable travel in Montenegro.
Conservation efforts in Montenegro
Montenegro’s conservation efforts work along the lines of the United Nation’s National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD) until 2030. The NSSD sets strategic goals and practices to achieve long-term sustainable development. Montenegro has committed to efficient use of natural resources, introducing a green economy and conserving sensitive ecosystems and its coastal areas. A successful biodiversity programme was rolled out in 2018 to protect Montenegro’s marine and coastal ecosystems, which included establishing Marine Protected Areas in Monenegro
Yachts for charter
Discover the best that a Montenegro yacht charter has to offer with Burgess. Enquire now.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.
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