Tourism in Montenegro

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Tourism in Montenegro is in a rapid expansion. The location of this small Mediterranean country, rich architectural and cultural heritage, and the diversity of landscapes and climates makes Montenegro a desirable tourist destination.

In 2005 820,000 tourists visited Montenegro, of which some 272,000 were from abroad. This represents nearly a 17% increase over the previous year, and Montenegro is considered the fastest-growing tourist destination in recent years.

The biggest problem of Montenegrin tourism is inadequate infrastructure, most notably obsolete road network and difficulties with water and electricity supply in coastal area. For that reason, main investments of the Government is building new and reconstuction of the current road infrastrucutre.

Contents 1 Main points of interest 1.1 Coastal region 1.2 Central region 1.3 Northern region 2 See also 3 External links

[edit] Main points of interest

[edit] Coastal region

This region is of main interest to tourists. Montenegrin Adriatic coast is 295 km long, with 72 km of beaches, and with many well-preserved ancient old towns. The main attractions are:

• Old town of Kotor, listed with UNESCO world heritage sites.
• Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor), some say most beautiful bay in Europe, with ancient small town of Perast and its islets.
• Old town of Budva, very well preserved old town.
• Sveti Stefan, a small hamlet on an island turned into a luxury hotel. Most picturesque resort on the coast.

Besides these, every other coastal town, sepecially south of Budva, is very popular among tourists, primarily because of sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.

[edit] Central region

Although it is most densely populated area of Montenegro, it has fewer tourist attractions. Notable are:

• Ostrog monastery, a famous pilgrimage site,
• Archeological remains of Duklja (Doclea) from Roman times outside Podgorica.
• Skadar lake, a popular wildlife reserve.
• Cetinje, historical capital of Montenegro.

[edit] Northern region

Northern region is centre of Montenegrin mountain tourism. It has ski resorts, and is popular for its untouched nature. Destinations in the north are:

• Town of Žabljak on mountain Durmitor, the most popular mountain tourism destination in Montenegro.
• Town of Kolašin, also popular destination, near national park Biogradska Gora, mountain Bjelasica and ski-resort Bjelasica
• Tara River Gorge, second-longest canyon in the world. Tara river is a popular rafting destination.
• Biogradska Gora, with Biogradsko Lake, a national park and untouched virgin forest.

The entire area of Durmitor mountain and Tara river canyon is protected as a national park, and listed with UNESCO world heritage sites.

[edit] See also

• Budva Riviera
• Boka Kotorska

[edit] External links

• Best Web Photo Gallery of Montenegro
• Montenegro Tourism Directory - Montenegro Tourism and Travel Guide.
• Great travel guide
• Uherope - Travel Tips to Montenegro and more
• Discover Montenegro - General Site about Montenegro
• The Unofficial Guide to Montenegro
• Travel to Montenegro - Information and Picture Gallery on Montenegro Wild Beauty
• Best Tourist website for Tourism and Holiday in Montenegro
• Hotels in Montenegro
• North of Montenegro