We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from James, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. James is from the United Kingdom, and submitted the following report about Montenegro. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Montenegrin, Serbian, English
The beautiful bay of Kotor.
Reasons to Visit Montenegro
In my books, Montenegro is an untouched gem of the Adriatic. With beautiful beaches and mountainous vistas, it is surely a place to satisfy a number of aspects a traveler looks for in a country.
On my trip to Montenegro I managed to spend a short amount of time in 3 different areas. Podgorica, the country's small capital city with a population of only 160,000, seems almost untouched by travelers' feet. Podgorica is home to a number of nice restaurants and shops, all reasonably priced in Euros. There is a great selection of bars, one of the liveliest being perfectly placed near the cool flowing waters of the Morača river. Being able to find only one hostel in Podgorica, I met only two other travelers. They were spending their last night in the city before heading home to France after an adventurous hiking holiday.
From Podgorica I headed to Budva, the party capital of Montenegro. It's hard to believe beach resorts can be only a few hours from ski resorts. Budva is a popular destination for many young eastern Europeans. It sits closely on the Adriatic Sea with a beautiful old town that somehow blends in with the bustling night life. Hippo Hostel was my home for the time that I had here, and I met a number of people who I continued to travel with in August of 2012. With these new friends, I shared a very reasonably priced taxi to one of the less busy beaches along the coast, which had been recommended by our host, Giacomo. Giacomo also arranged to take ten of us, along with some of his friends and family, on a boat trip to a small uninhabited island to our own private beach. This once in a lifetime trip, complete with home made Rakia and red wine accompanied by home cooked lamb and pork, cost us all only 10 euros each.
The next stop for me and seven others I had met in Budva was Kotor. I think this may be the most beautiful town I have visited. Built in the Bay of Kotor during the Venetian period, Kotor hosts a charming old town with a fortress reaching high into the mountain along a worn stone path. MontenegroHostel4U, situated right on the beach, became home for us. Like many places in Montenegro, Kotor has a variety of activities available. When relaxing on the beach or exploring the citadels, bastions and castle isn't enough for you, you can take part in kayaking, rafting or canyoning. The bay of Kotor also holds a special place in my heart as it was here, using only a fishing line, hook, and some bread, that I managed to catch my first salt water fish!
I am planning to visit Montenegro again this summer. My words alone cannot describe the sheer beauty of a place like this. The country has a lot more to offer than just what I have witnessed so far, and I plan to experience it all! I highly recommend Montenegro as a destination for solo travelers.
My happy face after catching my first salt water fish.
The houses of Kotor.
Beach in Budva.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
