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Thomson Destinations
Beaches to rival Greece. Beauty that gives Croatia a run for its money. And an A-list following worthy of St-Tropez. Welcome to Montenegro.
Montenegro
2396 Vitao
Pluzine
2522 Durmitor
Bijelo Polje
N
Savnik
2227
Mention Montenegro and Monty where?' is often the reply. So throw the words holiday' and destination' into the works and you'll probably raise some eyebrows. But those in the know are savvy to the fact it's becoming a major player on the travel circuit. It certainly packs a lot in for such a tiny country. About the size of Northern Ireland, it's a mass of dramatic mountains, pine forests and Medieval walled towns. Factor in over a hundred beaches and it's no wonder A-listers like Elizabeth Taylor and Kirk Douglas flocked here in its heyday. In the 90s, the Balkan wars kept everyone except reporters away. But now Montenegro is luring people back. In fact, it's being dubbed the new Croatia. Sure, the place still feels a little retro, but that's its charm. To jump on the bandwagon, you just need to decide where to stay. There's laid-back Milocer, backed by cushiony-green scenery, which faces the island of Sveti Stefan, dubbed the new Monaco'. A few miles west you'll find Becici, one of most en vogue destinations on the Adriatic. Soon, it won't be Monty where?' - it'll be Monty must go'. Things to see and do Cetinje If you only get one sightseeing fix while you're here, it's got to be the country's historical kingpin, Catinje. If you really want to get to grips with Montenegro's past this is the place to do it. The old capital, it's a cultural and spiritual centre that's not short on a sight or two. Ones for the hit list include the Petar Petrovic Njegos Museum, the peaceful Cetinje Monastery and the Vlaska church, which dates back to the 1400s. National Museum of Montenegro Cetinje has more than its fair share of museums, but the National Museum deserves special mention. It's vast, with displays dating from preSlavic Montenegro to the Yugoslav days. Set aside a large chunk of a day for this one. Lovcen Mountain Montenegro's answer to Mount Olympus, the twin peaks of Mount Lovcen reach dizzy heights of 1749 metres. Keeping a watchful eye over a huge National Park, they're home to over 1158 plant species. And if you manage the summit of the Jezerski Vrh peak, you'll find the mausoleum of poet and philosopher, Petar II Petrovic Njegos, who ruled Montenegro in the 19th century. Biogradska Gora It's a jungle out there. Literally. One of Europe's last three jungles - and the last virgin one - this national park is too beautiful for words. Follow the paths and watch for over 150 different types of birds, including eagles. You might even spot bears or wolves.
Niksic Kapa Moracka
Kolasin
Dubrovnik
Kotor
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Podgorica
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Budva Becici
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Scutari Milocer/Sveti Stefan Se a Bar
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ALBANIA
Montenegro MONTENEGRO
20 km
© TUI 2005
Beaches Sandwiched between Croatia and Albania, Montenegro's 200-mile coastline notches up over 100 beaches. From cute pebble coves to sweeping sandy bays, you'll find pretty much whatever you're looking for. The shores here can also count themselves among Europe's most beautiful, thanks to their mountain backdrops and woodlands. What's more, they all boast clear seas that just have to be seen to be believed. Milocer Beach is a 380-metre sandy strip backed by a forest. Then just around the bay there's Becici Beach. One of the largest and loveliest on the Adriatic, its scalloped white sands are backed by hotels and hills.
And don't miss Sveti Stefan Island, an easy boat hop away. If Montenegro had its own Monopoly board, this is the one that'd sit in the Mayfair slot. A tiny splodge of higgledy-piggledy lanes and dinky beaches, it was named as one of The Times' 20 style destinations for 2008. Enough said.
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Becici
Location On the Montenegrin coast in the southern Adriatic, approx 2km south of Budva Transfer time About 2 to 3 hours from Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia (transfers are partly by ferry so may take longer due to connections) In the southern Adriatic near the charming city of Budva, Becici is a modern, touristy town with a selection of good quality hotels climbing the pine-dotted hills behind its waterfront. The beach here is a joy - a three-kilometre belt of sand and fine pebbles. The blue water of the Adriatic shimmers like diamonds, seeming even brighter against the backdrop of coastal mountains. Elsewhere, the colourful shops and cafes of Becici's original fishing village hover at a far end of the promenade. When you fancy some historic charm, stroll along the seafront to Budva. If you want to stay up late, this is the spot. While Becici stays laid-back after dark, Budva's seafront is packed with bars and discos.
Sky digital 647 Visit your travel agent up to Call 0871 230 2555 Calls costMobile 10p/min plus 6p set up fee from a BT landline. and other providers' charges may vary.
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