 FACTS FOR TRAVELLERS |
| I. Facts on the Tourism industry |
The tourist accommodation capacities are 150,000 beds in all types of accommodation, of which 37,000 are in the basic-type facilities (hotels, motels, pensions, tourist villages), 20 000 in camps, 18 000 in rest homes, and the remaining in private accommodation. A marked disproportion in the physical distribution of the accommodation results in that numerous, highly attractive, ecologically appealing and very demanded tourist potentials be on the margins of development and present a good ground for international investments. The most developed are "swimming" (summer) and "skiing" (winter) forms of tourism.
Montenegro is small in area, but its comparative natural advantages, its richness in cultural and historical sights and others features, make it one of the most attractive tourist destination.
-Lake Skadar, Cultural heritage -
On the Montenegrin Seaside (the coastline of 293 km) there are numerous sand and pebble
beaches - 117 in total, 73 km in length of which sand beaches make 33 km.
The capacity of the beaches is 230,000 bathers. The fact that the air temperature over six months of the year is above 18ºC, together with the water temperature and increased insulation, make the Montenegrin Seaside one of the warmest and sunniest tourist regions in Europe.
Although classified as a Mediterranean country, Montenegro is a typical mountainous region in which the zones of over 1,000 m comprise 60.5% of its territory. The Montenegrin mountain ranges extending from Maglic, Volujak and Bioce in the west, to Prokletije in the east, are intersected by magnificent canyons of the Piva, the Komarnica, the Susica, the Tara and the Moraca. Adorned with more than 35 picturesque lakes, it presents one of the most attractive and ecologically best preserved mountainous regions of Yugoslavia and Europe. Besides, the winter mountain tourism is provided for, adhering to the requirement of a minimum of 60 m2 of track per skier. Thus, the total capacity is around 200,000 accommodation units (2,800 beds).
| II. Do you need a visa for Montenegro? |
To visit Montenegro you do not need a visa if you enter its territory directly through the international airports in Podgorica, Tivat and ]ilipi (Croatia) or through the ground border crossings: Debeli brijeg - from Croatia, Vilusi i Scepan polje - from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bozaj - from Albania, or through the sea port border crossings in Bar, Kotor, Budva and Zelenika.
If you enter the territory of Montenegro through Serbia, before starting the journey, it is better to find out in the nearest Yugoslav embassy whether a visa is necessary. It is also recommended to do the same thing if you plan to continue your journey from Montenegro to Serbia.
If you plan to STAY MORE THAN 30 DAYS,
Private Residence Permit: granted for those who plan to stay more than 30 days, to visit relatives or friends. The following is required: Court certified photocopy of valid passport, Letter of Guarantee, Application form (Provided by MUP), Proof of payment of Tax Permit made payable to the Republic via the Post Office.
Business Residence Permits: granted for those who own business abroad or are hired to perform tasks under contract with a local business or institution.
Photocopies of the following are required:
1. Proof of ownership or contract from local business or institution.
2. Contract for office space and\or residence.
3. Request by owner\director of said business or institution.
4. Court certified copy of passport and completed application form (provided by MUP)
5. Postal receipt of proof of payment of Republic Tax Permit
Employees of humanitarian organizations are required to submit the following:
1. Proof of registration of the Organization through the Ministry of Justice.
2. Contract between the Organization and the employees.
3 Contract for the office space and\or residence.
4. Court certified photocopy of passport.
5. Application form provided by MUP.
| III. Which Currency is in use? |
Money in use in Montenegro WAS the German Mark (DM) until the introduction of the Euro January 2002. (Currency table: 1Euro = 1,95 DDM - Jan 2002)
You can exchange foreign currencies at banks or hotel receptions.
| IV. Bank services |
Working hours: from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. every working day, from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturdays, on Sundays closed. At the moment you can not exchange traveller's cheques at any bank. At the Podgorica Bank (Podgorica, the Square of Ivan Milutinovica you can convert your VISA cheques into cash.
| V. Foreign currency regulations |
Foreigners can take in an unlimited amount of foreign currency, which has to be declared when entering the country, if you want to take the currency out again when leaving the country. It is allowed to take foreign currencies amounted not more than 1.000 DM out of Montenegro (unless more declared at customs).
| VI. Shopping |
Working hours of the supermarkets and other grocery stores are from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. every day.
Other shops are open from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. In all tourist centers there are shops open till 12 p.m.
You can effect the payments through credit cards (Diners Club, VISA) only in certain banks and other respective services.
Often shops are closed in the afternoon around 2 pm, but are opening again around 5 pm and stay opened until 8 at least.
| VII. Basic information about the telecommunication services |
Extension from Yugoslavia: dial 99 + country code + city code
Tourists are recommended to use MonteCard's telephone booth services and its cards which can be bought at the Post Offices and kiosks. You can also use the public phones at the central Post Office.
For mobile phones:
There are two cellular operators in Montenegro:
Pro Monte GSM Info: 9898
Monet GSM Info: 9899
The roaming service is available in all significant countries all over the world. Tourists are recommended to use prepaid cards which can be bought at the Post Offices, operator's selling services and kiosks.
| VIII. Time zone |
GMT + 1 HRS
| IX. Electrical current / voltage |
220 V/50Hz
| X. Border crossings |
With Croatia: Debeli brijeg
With Bosnia and Herzegovina: Vracenovici, Scepan polje and Mataljka
With Albania: Bozaj
| XI. Vehicle insurance and road tolls |
The official car sign of Montenegro is CG (Crna Gora)
Tourists who come to Montenegro by their own vehicles are obliged to pay the following border insurances for their vehicles:
- 30 DM for passenger cars
- 60 DM for buses for the period of 15 days
Road toll is 20 DM for all vehicles. All tourists from the Ex-Yugoslav Republics are exempted from this toll.
Tourists arriving by car through Serbia can expect to pay a road toll on the following stretches of highway:
-Subotica-Novi Sad 5 DM
-Novi Sad-Belgrade 10 DM
-Belgrade-Nis 35 DM
(1 Euro: 1.95 DM - Jan 2002)
| XII. Petrol |
The following types of petrol are available at all petrol stations in Montenegro:
- Premium Super Gas 98, 1,5 DM
- Unleaded, 1,5 DM
- Diesel, 1,2 DM
(1 Euro: 1.95 DM - Jan 2002)
| XIII. Traffic assistance and information |
AMSCG (Montenegrin Automobile Association) has service and towing facilities all along major road routes.
Road Assistance Tel: 987
Montenegrin Automobile Association: 081/ 25 493, 44 467
| XIV. Rail Travel |
The principal rail routes are:
Subotica-Novi Sad-Belgrade-Bar and
Belgrade-Bar
Information Tel.: 081/ 633 663
| XV. Rent-a-car |
 Podgorica |
- Montenegro Rent-a-car, 081/265 336
- Kompas Hertz, 081/634 249
- Putnik, 081/244 717
- Avis, 081/ 633 689
| Budva |
- Kompas Hertz, 086/456 467
- Putnik, 086/451 335
- Meridian, 086/454 809
- Inex, 086/ 444 421
- Unis, 081/ 451 474
| Igalo |
- Inig, 088/26 300
| Ulcinj |
- Kompas Hertz, 085/313 597
| Bar |
- Inex, 069/506 896
| Herceg Nov |
- Inter Car CO, 069/051-753, 069/043-667
| XVI. Domestic Airway carriers |
There are two main airports in Montenegro. One in Podgorica, just in the outskirts of the city, and one in Tivat, in the western part of the country, very close to the sea side.
The Montenegrin airway company "Montenegro Airlines" flies regularly to and from Belgrade, Budapest, Vienna, Zurich, Frankfurt, Duesseldorf, Ljubljana and Roma.
Tel: 081/224 231, 224 406, 9804
Yugoslav Airlines (JAT) also flies regularly.
Podgorica, 081/244 248
Tivat, 082/671 237
Budva, 086/451 210
Kotor, 082/325 189
| XVII. Tourist offer in Montenegro |
Seaside resorts:
Ulcinj (Velika plaza, Ada), Bar (Sutomore, Canj), Budva (Petrovac, Milocer, Sveti Stefan, Becici), Tivat (Donja Lastva, Radovici), Kotor (Risan, Perast, Prcanj) and Herceg Novi (Bijela, Igalo).
Mountain resorts:
The most important mountain resorts are Zabljak (Durmitor), Kolasin (Bjelasica), Berane (Lokve), Rozaje (Turjak).
Health tourism:
Mediterranean Health Center of "Igalo"
Rehabilitation Institute of "Vrmac"
Hunting tourism:
Hunting regions: The Lake Skadar, Durmitor, the Bjelopavlici Plain, Crmnica, Ulcinj
Fishing: the Lake Skadar, Crno jezero, Biogradsko jezero, the river Tara, the river Bojana and the river Zeta, coastal area
| XVIII. National Parks information |
Lake Skadar: 081/ 634 621
Mt. Durmitor (protected by UNESCO): 083/ 88474
Mt. Biograd: 081/ 867 046
Lovcen: 086/ 21 395
National Parks of Montenegro, central office in Podgorica: 081/ 634 639
| IXX. Cultural heritage |
Montenegro has a rich cultural and historical heritage dating as far back as the Roman, Gothic and Baroque periods. Most notable are: the Old Town of Kotor (listed by UNESCO), the Cathedral of st.Tripun, the church of St. Luke.
The church of Our Lady of Skrpjela, and the Savina Monastery. The Byzantine influence on architecture and fresco-painting has been chiefly preserved in the Montenegrin hinterland: the Moraca Monastery, Djurdjevi Stupovi (Georges Pillars) , the Ostrog Monastery, and the monastery of the Svete Trojice ( the Holy Trinity). Cetinje, the former capital, is a cultural and art centre, containing the National Museum, the Bilijarda (Billiard Room), the residence of King Nicola and the Njegos Mausoleum.
| XX. National cuisine |
Starter: The Njegusi smoked ham, Njegusi cheese and olives
Main dish: Seafood, different types of fish, roast lamb
Drinks: "Lozova rakija" - Montenegrin grape brandy as an aperitif, red wine "Vranac" and white wine "Krstac" during dinner and beer - "Niksicko pivo" as a refreshment
| XXI. Prices in restaurants and coffees |
- Coffee, Capuccino: 1-2 DM
- Beer: 2-4 DM
- Montenegrin wines: 12-18 DM
- Main dish consisted of meat (Beefsteak, Steak): 10-15 DM
- First category saltwater fish: 1kg/60-70 DM
(1 Euro: 1.95 DM - Jan 2002)
| XXII. Accommodation |
The Montenegrin accommodation offer is very various: hotels, villas, boardinghouses, luxurious apartments, camps and rest homes. Tourists are obliged to pay residence tax and guest insurance of 2 DM per day.
(1 Euro: 1.95 DM - Jan 2002)
| XXIII. Booking |
Tourists are recommended to book their rooms in advance by contacting a tourist agency or the hotel directly.
A tourist can get all necessary information at the local Tourist Info Centers. | Tourist Info Phone active within the period: Beginning of June until the end of October, every day from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.: +381 (0) 81 243 553
| XXIV. Language |
The official language is Serbian. It belongs to the South-Slavic family of languages.
The most often spoken foreign languages are English, Italian and German.
| XXV. Public Holidays (Federal and Republic) |
- January 1 - New Year's Eve
- April 27 - The Constitution Day
- May 1 - The International day of Labour
- November 29 - The Republic's Day
- July 13 - The Uprising Day in Montenegro
| XXVI. Religious holidays |
- Easter, Christmas and Bairam
| XXVII. Pets |
Pets are regulated according to international standards, if they have a valid passport and health department regulations
| XXVIII. Geography |
Area: 13 812 sq. km.
By its geographical location Montenegro belongs to the Middle Mediterranean region, that is, to southern Europe.
- Budva -
It is located between 41o52'-43o42' north latitude and 18o 26'-20o22' east longitude. Montenegro to the southeast borders on Albania, to the south it shares the Adriatic Sea with Italy, and to the west its neighbors are the former Yugoslav republics of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Entering Montenegro directly: through the international airports in Podgorica, Tivat and Cilipi (Croatia) as well as entering Montenegro at land border crossings: Debeli brijeg - from Croatia, Vilusi, Vracenovici, Scepan polje and Metaljka - from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bozaj from Albania and sea border crossings: Bar, Kotor, Budva and Zelenika.
The distance between the Montenegrin capital Podgorica and Rome is around 500 km by air, from Paris and Berlin it is around 1,500 km, from Moscow almost 2,000 km, and 2,500 km from New York.
| XXIX. Where to go, What to do? |
Montenegro is the sea foam but also the snow dust. In November or in May, a tourist can swim in the clean sea, and on the same day, after only two-hour drive, they can ski on the Bjelasica or Durmitor mountains.
| 1. Cultural Events |
In Montenegro's towns you can while away your free time by attending numerous cultural events. During summer, the towns on the coast are the meeting places of many famous people from cultural and art life, as well as of audience consisted of tourists from different places. During that time, multi-medial, literary, film, theatrical and other cultural events make Montenegro look like a stage without conventional bounds between artists and the audience.
Apart from usual cultural events: music, film, literary, and festivals for children, plays, concerts of classical, light and ethnic music, exhibition of paintings and sculptures, poets' evenings... some events have been adjusted to the specific offer of every town - masked balls, parties on beaches, nights of Boka, fishing parties, parties at sea...
The old town of Kotor and the Tara canyon are of particular value and under the protection of UNESCO (program called The man and the Biosphere). There are four national parks, which are the most attractive and ecologically best preserved nature reserves (Durmitor, Biogradska gora, Lake Skadar, and Lovcen). The intentions are to establish two more (Orjen and Prokletije).
| 2. Mountain Tourism |
It takes only 2 to 3 hours of drive to get from the sunny beach to the towering mountains. Zabljak, under Mount Durmitor is the centre of Montenegrin mountainous tourism.
The highest mountains of Montenegro
Bobotov Kuk, 2523m
Bezimeni Vrh, 2487m
Sljeme, 2413 m
Minin Bogaz, 2387m
Savin Kuk, 2313m
Medjed, 2287
Crvena Greda, 2164m
Mali Stuoc, 1953
All situated around the valley of Zabljak, where you have several possibilities for accommodation. Zabljak is situated approx. 400 km from Belgrade and is covered with snow 120 days a year. The hotels won Madrid in 1992-1993 awards for their high quality and good restaurants. There are abundant possibilities for skiing here with around 12 traces of various level both for the beginners and the pros.
Hotel Jezera
B category hotel with 243 beds. All rooms with bathroom, telephone and balcony.
The hotel also has sauna, swimming pool, swimming pool for children, restaurant, banquet hall, hair dressers and rental of ski equipment.
Hotel Planinka
B cat. Hotel with 328 beds. All rooms with bathroom, telephone and balcony.
The hotel also has, restaurant, billiard and rental of ski equipment.
Hotel Rent a vile Durmitor
8 luxurious villas with 4-6 rooms. Living room, kitchen equipped, TV set, telephone, bathroom, kitchen
Hotel Rent a vile Jezera
18 vilas with 4-6 rooms. Living room, kitchen equipped, TV set, telephone, bathroom, kitchen.
Hotel Zabljak
B cat. Hotel with 70 rooms. All rooms with bath and balcony.
| 3. Health Tourism |
There are also possibilities for recreational tourism and health spas.
In the Mediterranean Health Centre of Igalo there are special facilities for all kind of treatments. This centre is situated in then legendary Bay of Kotor surrounded by magnificent mountains and the Adriatic Sea. This place has been famous for its healing factors for centuries. Igalo is situated 45 km away from Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Kotor, both towns forming part of the UNESCOs cultural heritage programs. The Igalo Institute is the largest and most famous institution for Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation, Physical and Preventive Medicine, Thalassotherapy and European Spa Treatment in the Mediterranean. The institute combines the modern with the traditional in health advancement. Most of the clients come to control weight, reduce stress, to get fit, treat rheumatism, heal sports and other injuries and to get rid of acute and chronic pain.
Igalo Institute, Mediterranean Health Center, tel.: 381/81/ 88 58 555, 58 999,
e-mail: inig.mark@cg.yu
| 4. Discover National Parks |
Lovcen National Park
This national park is more important for its cultural and historical sites. The 6400 ha area of the park is dominated Mt. Lovcen(1749m), on top of which is stands the mausoleum of Petar Petrovic Njegos, Montenegro's great 19th century poet, spiritual and secular ruler.
Mt Lovcen has been for centuries the retreat of Montenegrin rulers. The first Slavic book in Cyrillic was printed also here in 1494. This was the only territory between the Turkish and Austro-Hungarian empire that remained free. The city of Cetinje, Montenegro's old capital and a museum of Montenegrin history are all part of the national park. It also includes a typically Mediterranean area, an Alpine zone and marshes close to lake Skadar.
Lake Skadar National Park
"From the crest of the highest mountain range we had a wide view of Lake skadar … a truly bewitching panorama."
Edward Ledwich Mitford (c.1839), English scientist and travel writer
The lake of Skadar is over 40 km long and 10 km wide, depending on the time of the year, it covers an area of 370-540 sq.km, it can be up to 50m deep in some places but mostly it is shallow water. It is the largest lake in the Balkans, but the youngest in Europe. 2/3 belongs to Montenegro and 1/3 to Albania.
Lake Skadar was declared a national park in 1983 and covers an area of approx. 40 000 ha.
The main asset is the extremely rich flora and fauna, there are more than 40 different fish species living in the waters of the lake, many of them unique, just like the 270 different bird species, many of which can only be found here.
Just like anywhere else in Montenegro the nature can not be divided from history. Particularly interesting here are Zabljak, a splendid fort and the capital of the Zetan state. There are the forts Lesendro, built on a bare rock rising from the sea, Grmozur-a fort, built on a stone islet, and so on.
Finally, many freshwater springs gush from the bottom of the lake, making it a source of potable water.
National Park Biogradska Gora
With an area of 5400 ha it is unique in many ways: it is one of the only two jungles in Europe (the other one is in Bosnia). It is believed that it was also protected by the princes and kings of old and that not a single tree had ever been cut here.
Over 80 tree species grow here, some of them up to 50m high!
It is also very rich in animal life.
Lake Biograd lies in the very centre of Biogradska gora.The lake side is easily accessible and is constantly attracting a lot of tourists from all around the world.
Durmitor National Park
It is located in the far northern part of the country and has an area of 39 0000 ha. Apart from the massive Mt. Durmitor it includes the Jezera plateau, the Piva mountains and part of the Tara Canyon. Almost the entire territory of the Mt. Durmitor is an oasis of pasture and vast forests, the maun attraction is the 19 blue lakes called "the eyes of the mountain". The town of Zabljak, the centre of winter tourism is also situated here.
| 5. Discovering the coast |
Coastal tourism is developed mainly in the south of the country. There is a string of beautiful beaches and charming old towns. The most recognizable and famous is the little town of St. Steven. Once a small fishing village, it was turned into an exquisite, luxurious hotel area where all the rich and famous of Europe has spent their vacation starting with Winston Churchill to Gianni Versace.
Budva, is the metropolis of Montenegrin tourism, this is the place where everybody goes, young or elder, you can not miss this town. It is also famous among the young for its nightlife.
The surrounding beaches of Becici, the so called mosaic beach, and the Slavic Beach are all worth seeing them.
The Old Town of Budva, once a protection from enemies, today a medley of narrow paved streets, with houses made of ashlar. A beautiful place offering magic pictures to the eye.
In Budva the best hotels are the following:
Grand Hotel AvalaCategory A hotelRooms 157 double, 60 single, 6 suites, all with private bath, balcony with a nice view on the sea, telephone, mini bar, colour TV with satellite programs.Restaurants: Steak house, snack bar, coffe bar, tavern, wine bar, night club, terrace with live dance music.
The Avala Villas Annexes to the Grand Hotel (see above) Rooms: 118, with private entrance, balcony, each one being a suite in itself.
The Mogren HotelCategory BRooms: 45, 4 suites. All rooms with private bathroom, balcony, telephone.Restaurants: Grill, Terrace bar, cocktail bar, pastry.The Mogren Beach belongs to the hotel with numerous water sport possibilities, like water skiing, rowing boats, windsurfing...
The Balkan VillaRooms: 5 luxurious suites in the heart of the Old Town of Budva, facing the marine port.Restaurants: Sea-foods, Chinese, and pastry.
- Sveti Marko Island in the Bay of Tivat -
Tivat, with the bay of Tivat, was once an ideal place for setting up settlements.
Southernmost you have Ulcinj, with its 8 mile long beach of grey and silky sand, which attracted the attention of many western investors as well. Ulcinj previously was known as a pirate stronghold.
In Ulcinj the bathing season lasts from April to November. There is a famous A class hotel in Ulcinj, called,
Hotel GalebIt is located in the vicinity of the picturesque old town, in a pine forest, on cliffs facing the sun and the endless blue water-front. The hotel has beautifully arranged rooms as well as luxurious apartments with great terraces viewing the sea and the old town. The hotel also includes 5 luxurious villas with an additional 60 beds. It offers numerous social, sports and recreational facilities to its guests.
Hotel MediteranIs an integral part of the luxurious Hotel Settlement Galeb and has 480 beds at the disposal of the guests. The hotel comprises 9 villas-depandances and the central building which houses the reception desk, exchange office, restaurant, aperitive bar, TV room, and the "Scandinavia Club"
You should also go and sea Kotor, with the Gulf of Kotor, called the "Pearl of the Adriatic Sea". The ancient walls of Kotor are part of the worlds cultural heritage.
... and finally there is Herceg Novi at the very gateway to the Adriatic.
- Herceg Novi -
The northernmost city of the Montenegrin cost, more than 600 years old.
(For more information on towns, please see GEOGRAPHY)
| XXX. The best of Podgorica |
| Best Restaurants in Podgorica |
Caffe pizzeria Linea: High class restaurant, modern cuisine, cocktails, quality and choice livend@cg.yu - Podgorica, Trg Ivana Milutinovica14, tel.: 381/81 254 456, 069 423 000
Sempre Pizze: café-pizzeria, tel.: 081/ 224 187, Stanka Dragojevica 14
Mareza: situated on the outskirts of the town, the best fish restaurant, with a very nice terrace. tel.: 081/ 225 214
Masa: international cuisine, tel.: 081/247 017
Dvor restaurant: nice ambient, big portions, tel.: 081/ 622 265, Brace Zlaticanin 24
| Best Bars |
Tabasco: Bar / pizzeria with quick home delivery and big portions, tel.: 081/ 225 225, Stanka Dragojevica 26
Greenwich: Fashionable bar, international music and very enjoyable terrace
Café Central, very nice and comfortable terrace
Café Soul II Soul, good music, Central location |
