I have just returned from my second trip in two months to the wonderful country of Montenegro. Given I am only leading three trips this year, at first I thought this scheduling was a little haphazard, not to say frustrating. But now I have returned I can honesty say I am delighted to have visited this tiny south European gem twice this year… it really must stake a claim for the most beautiful country in Europe.
In June I was here leading a horse trek, predominantly up in the north near the Serbian border. However this time around I was here leading a walking trip so we got to explore a lot more of the country, from the stunning Adriatic coast, punctuated by its picturesque old trading ports of Kotor and Budva, before walking through four national parks.
In each of these regions the landscapes were different, offering a huge variety of spectacular views, the accommodation was atmospheric, as always those looking after us were charming and fun, the food was delicious and the wine excellent. We swam in lakes, rivers and the sea, we rode a train across giant viaducts, we took a boat journey along a beautiful rural canal, we climbed up into old Ottoman forts, we visited a honey farmer, we ate grilled fish in simple lakeside tavernas and drank coffee in the atmospheric former capital of Cetinje.
Although small, about two-thirds the size of Wales, Montenegro is beautifully formed and for now at least reasonably undiscovered by activity travellers. Once we were away from the coast we seemed to have most of the country to ourselves, walking through magnificent landscapes never seeing another soul. So if you are looking for an adventure closer to home, I could not recommend this country more.
Montenegro is Europe’s best kept secret.
View this Walking in Montenegro tour.
