View to a thrill – Edward Gleave finds historic and chic Montenegro is a cut-price, sunshine idyll, where the sea is sparkly and the views are plentiful and dramatic
As we roared across the water in a speedboat, it felt like a James Bond movie. Moving oh so fast and just a little shaken or stirred, it really was the perfect way to see Montenegro’s gorgeous Adriatic coastline.
The views are so picturesque they wouldn’t look out of place in a 007 film, or in any lavish blockbuster. Montenegro is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. We were on a trip to visit its famous Blue Cave on the Lustica peninsula – one of the country’s most popular hotspots. As the boat slowly entered the cave, I was open-mouthed in amazement at how picturesque it is.
The cave’s arches stand at around 82ft above the beautifully clear water. And if you’re visiting in the early afternoon, the sun shines in at just the right angle to give the water the blue colour that gives it the name.
I couldn’t resist jumping off the boat for a dip and found myself uttering the famous phrase, “Come on in, the water’s lovely.” With the idyllic swim over, it was back on the boat for a 90-minute journey north to historic city Herceg Novi. It was a chance to take in more of the incredible views. Trust me, this place is like one giant postcard.
Back on dry land, there are plenty of locations that wouldn’t look out of place on the big screen. Porto Montenegro in UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor feels very fancy with lavish restaurants and shops for anyone keen to splash the cash.
The good news is you can enjoy a luxury break in Montenegro without breaking the bank. I stayed at the very plush five-star Lazure Hotel & Marina, a short taxi ride from Herceg Novi. Built in the 18th century, it’s a beautiful complex with a fabulous spa, pools and access to a beach.
Its Rosemarine Restaurant looks out across the hotel’s marina, does some cracking sushi and has tip-top service. I loved it so much I popped in two nights in a row and one of those meals went on for four hours. Amazingly, this hotel doesn’t cost the earth – a room rate is comparable to a mid-range hotel here in the UK, at around £150 a night for some periods of the year.
That pretty much sums up what makes Montenegro special –you can enjoy a luxury holiday without a hefty price tag. There are countless spots worth seeing around the country. Durmitor National Park in the north is an absolute must. Its mix of glacial lakes, pine forests, rivers, mountains and hills create some of the most incredible views I’ve ever seen.
When I first arrived I was utterly mesmerised, and pretty much every single photo I took on my phone looks like a postcard. It’s home to some incredible creatures including golden eagles, brown bears and the grey wolf. But don’t worry, I’ve been assured you’re not likely to come face to face with anything that might want you for lunch.
Thankfully, the bears are shy, according to the locals. I went for a 90-minute hike around the park and it was the perfect way to get more snaps in the bag. Another great spot for views is the Mausoleum of Njegos. It’s a church at Mount Lovcen in the south-west region. You can drive most of the way up but then there’s the small matter of 461 steps to reach the very top.
Once I’d done them, with a few breaks, I was in no doubt that it had been worth the effort. You can see for miles and miles.
It was the perfect chance to bank yet more gorgeous snaps. Another great way to see Montenegro’s sweeping landscapes from above is the Kotor-Lovcen Cable Car, which goes from the village of Dub up to Kuk in the mountains. It was a short drive from my hotel and worth the journey. The attraction takes you more than 4,250ft above sea level and travels across 2.4 miles.
What impressed me the most was how long it lasts – a whopping 11 minutes, so you have plenty of time to enjoy superb views of medieval walled town Kotor, the huge bay’s pretty villages and lush green hills. And by the end you’re high up in the mountains. Once at the top there’s plenty to do with an Alpine coaster, cycling tours and hiking trails.
I opted for a visit to the bar for a cocktail and got more great snaps. To get an idea of the country’s rich past, with its European influences, Cetinje, which is a short drive from the coast, is a great place to start as it has a raft of historic hotspots.
I got a great overview by visiting the Museum of King Nikola, who was the country’s last monarch – reigning until 1918. A 40-minute tour takes you through hundreds of years of political and cultural history.
Montenegro uses the euro and many of the locals speak perfect English. But beware that as it’s not in the EU and most mobile phone providers don’t cover calls, texts and data in monthly plans, you have to shell out extra for daily packages.
I can’t recommend Montenegro enough. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, gets incredible weather, and is a relatively short flight from the UK. Even better, you can enjoy a pretty fancy holiday without spending a crazy amount of money.
Book the holiday
- easyJet flies from Luton, Gatwick, Bristol and Manchester to Tivat, Montenegro, from £38.99 one way. easyjet.com
- easyJet holidays offers three nights’ B&B at the Lazure Hotel & Marina in Montenegro from £493pp, including flights from Luton on April 4, 23kg baggage and transfers; seven nights from £844pp. easyjet.com/en/holidays
- Price includes February sale, currently offering up to £300 off all package holidays for summer 2025 until March 4. Use code FEBSALE.
- More info at visit-montenegro.com
