The Balkan nation of Montenegro is making waves as one of the top family destinations in Europe. Maybe Europe’s newest nations and among the smallest, Montenegro is where you will find towering mountains that meet the Adriatic Sea. There are quite a number of reasons why families get attracted to this beautiful and humble nation. Its locals, the Montenegrins, are generally friendly to children. One can observe that local cab drivers pay extra attention to driving, even slowing down the ride if his passengers include small children. Establishments such as restaurants and hotels look after the kids’ needs first. Everyone in the country seems to pay attention to a child’s welfare.
So small but definitely a perfect holiday destination for the family who seek for adventure, relaxation, and fun. Let us take a look at the top reasons why the kids will love Montenegro.
1. It is a Mediterranean Hotspot
Apart from it being one of Europe’s finest nations, Montenegro is a mighty small country that is in the Mediterranean, which makes it a favorite spot for the cruising crowd. Cruise ships pack the area during summer, taking travelers from different parts of the world to this wonderful country.
Travelers, including families, visit the country not only for the beaches, but to witness the beauty of the Mediterranean culture, nature, and architecture. These aspects are pretty much prevalent in the beautiful towns of Budva, Kotor, and Herceg Novi. There is certainly nothing not to like about the charming Old Towns in these Montenegrin municipalities. The valuable cultural monuments, plus the amazing crowd in the top beach destinations, put Montenegro in a center of the map.
2. It is where you will find the pearl of the Adriatic coast
Tagged as the capital of Montenegrin tourism, Budva, a town in the Budva Riviera, is one of the most stunning Mediterranean tourist centers. It is home to a historic medieval Old Town that is surrounded by stone walls, which is also located not too far from the town’s sandy white beaches that tourists visit the town for.
The marina has some of the best places to eat and dine. Some of the best beaches in the area are Mogren Beach that has sunbeds you can use to sunbathe in summer and Jaz Beach that is an island ideal for family camping with kids.
3. Here, you will find Sveti Stefan
Arguably, among the top five places you shouldn’t miss visiting with kids in Montenegro, especially if you are in Budva, is the famous and prestigious island of Stevi Stefan or St. Stephen. Given that it is only 15 minutes away from Budva, I don’t see any reason why you would miss the chance to drop by.
The narrow bridge that connects the island to the mainland will take you to a number of spectacular places including luxury resorts, villas, and even private pools. With the spa houses and several restaurants that serve the famous Montenegrin grilled meat, pasta, and pizza, one wouldn’t think that the island used to be just a fishing village.
4. It is home to the lovely Bay of Kotor
Bay of Kotor is a lovely Montenegrin town that is an easy day trip from Croatia’s Old Town of Dubrovnik. The reasons why the town is under the protection of UNESCO are endless. A town adorned by impressively exquisite architectural wonders with a mixture of so many influences like that of Gothic, renascence, and baroque styles is a must-visit place in Montenegro.
Its fjord-like cliffs rise out of the Adriatic surrounding ancient and historical towns. Additionally, the town’s harbor that welcomed millions and continues to welcome visitors each year, has recreational yachts that you can rent so the family can go sailing in the afternoon. Another part of the town you would want to visit is the main square, which will give you access to cafes just in case the kids get hungry. To miss it is almost impossible, as it is one of the most unavailable parts of any Mediterranean cruise.
5. Its zigzag roads that lead to the heartland of the country
Whenever you are in Kotor, take the chance to also drive through the small road that zigzags 25 times up into the historical heartland of the country that is located at the top of the mountain.
Aside from avoiding the traffic jam on the town center, the uphill drive will be an exhilarating one. It will definitely be something that the kids will never forget. Up above the heartland, you will see boulders of black rocks forming a natural defense wall and some local farmhouses.
6. It is full of adventure
The country maybe small, but what it lacks in size it compensates for in adventure. Among the first things you can do during your visit in Montenegro with kids is rafting down the Tara River. You should also consider hiking the towering mountains to see the magnificent waterfalls.
Perhaps, spending the day doing nothing but just relaxing in traditional Montenegrin houses near the lake is what you like. There is always something you and your kids can embark on. Tourists and travelers alike find it easy to navigate the area around Lake Skadar where you and the kids can enjoy padding a kayak or taking a dip in the cold waters of the lake. The list of adventures is nonetheless, endless.
7. It has spectacularly gorgeous national parks
When you think that the adventure couldn’t get any better in Montenegro, think again. The country may only be as big as the state of Connecticut or the country of Northern Ireland, but it has five beautiful natural wonders – its national parks.
The five parks are namely Biogradska Gora National Park, Durmitor National Park, Lake Skadar National Park, Lovcen National Park, and Prokletije. Among these parks, the Durmitor National Park is considered to be the most exotic mountain summer vacation place in the country. Here, you will find canyons, forests, and lakes including the most famous of the lakes – the Black Lake.
This article is part of our popular series, Place To Go With Kids!
