Content
- Trip to Montenegro
- Climate of Montenegro
- Traditions and Etiquette
- Important information
- Sights of Montenegro
- Souvenirs and shopping
- Cuisine and restaurants
Trip to Montenegro
Montenegro is a European country whose territory belongs to the Adriatic coast of the Balkan Peninsula. It has a land border with Croatia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, the Republic of Kosovo. The name of the state comes from the dense “black forests” located around the circumference of rocky peaks. Montenegro also has another “Italianized” name – Montenegro. Capital – Podgorica, language – Montenegrin, running currency – Euro.
Climate of Montenegro
Alpine weather prevails in the mountains, and a Mediterranean climate on the coast. In settlements, the habitat is characterized as temperate continental. In the central regions, the subalpine factor prevails, which is why it is somewhat cooler there than on the Adriatic coast. Summer in the coastal zone is hot and dry, often this weather continues until late autumn. Winter on the contrary is wet and fleeting. The swimming season opens in April and runs through October. During this period, the sea temperature near the coastal zone varies between + 20 + 26 ° C..
Traditions and Etiquette
Indigenous people are friendly and endowed with an excellent sense of humor. Their life is measured and unhurried, which is more characteristic of rural areas. The streets of the city are completely safe for tourists: they are well lit and are under the supervision of video cameras. Montenegrins are allowed to carry weapons for self-defense, but it is strictly forbidden to use against guests of the country.
If you want to visit the temple, you should know: it is unacceptable for a woman to step into the shrine with her head uncovered and in trousers. You will not see boxes for donation, because it is customary to put money in an open place. There is a flexible restriction on the photo and video shooting of strategically important objects. Often, such places can be recognized by the sign installed in the territory, where the crossed-out camera is depicted.
Walking around the cities and going on excursions, carry a few photocopies of your passport with you, and it is advisable to hide them in different places. Shaking hands is accepted, only close people can hug and kiss each other. If you are going to visit, be sure to take a small gift or treat the owners of the house.
In Montenegro, the majority of the population is smokers. It is allowed to smoke in public places and transport. At the same time, meeting a drunken Montenegrin is a rarity. Staying in this country, adhere to the European style of clothing, be polite and vigilant, as in places of mass concentration of Albanians there is a risk of extremism.
Important information
Religion
The overwhelming majority of residents profess Orthodoxy, others are supporters of Catholicism and Islam.
customs control
There are no restrictions on the import and export of currency, however, it is recommended to declare large amounts. Similar procedures are extremely simplified. For example, without paying a fee, you can carry 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of wine and 1 liter of fortified drinks. Historical and national values cannot be exported, with the exception of a special permit.
Vehicle rental
You can only rent a car if you have at least two years of driving experience, an international certificate, 150-300 euros of a deposit, and you are at least 21 years old. It is important to know: in settlements, the permissible speed is 40 km / h, on the highway – up to 70 km / h, on the autobahn – a maximum of 120 km / h.
Communication
The code of Montenegro and Serbia is +381. You can call the police at a short number – 92, emergency help – 94, traffic inspectorate – 987, fire department – 93. Mobile communications operates in the GSM standard, which is convenient for using roaming. During your stay in the country it is cost-effective to buy a temporary card of a local telecom operator, a recharge card to which you can buy in any store.
The shops
The working hours of grocery markets begin at 06.00 and end at 21.00. Other trading floors begin to work at 09.00. In tourist places shops last longer.
Transport
Settlements are connected by bus. In a season of high flow of tourists, bus stations establish a round-the-clock operation. There is no public transport inside the cities, with the exception of the capital. Locals are used to walking short distances, and those who need to drive use cheap taxi services..
Sights of Montenegro
St. Stephen’s Island is perhaps the first attraction where tourists take photos as a keepsake if they are lucky enough to check into a hotel. After all, only guests can get here. The isthmus from land to the island is natural, which is a rare natural phenomenon. Also be sure to visit the Ostrog monastery. The facility is located in the mountains at an altitude of 900 m from sea level. The relics of the miracle worker Vasil Ostrogsky are buried in the monastery.
You can admire the breathtaking view from the Boka Kotor Bay or the observation deck. The bay is a river canyon plunged into the sea. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the ancient cities of Montenegro: Herceg Novi, Cetinje, Budva, Ulcinj. The first lies at the foot of the peak of Orien and is popularly called the “city of 1000 steps” due to the hilly terrain. Also be sure to visit the mausoleum of the enlightener and the former ruler of the country, Peter Negosh.
Souvenirs and shopping
The most common souvenir is a capa – the Montenegrin headdress in the form of a round hat, the upper part of which is scarlet. Capa is a symbol of Montenegro. The black edging is grief in its former greatness, the gold stripes are the yoke, the scarlet top is shed blood. These hats complement the coat of arms of an old or new design.
A cup, plate or carafe is a traditional gift assortment of goods. Low cost and high functionality. These souvenirs are certainly complemented by the inscription “Montenegro”, which will constantly remind you of a wonderful trip to the country of Montenegro.
Montenegrins are a deeply religious people. Orthodox shrines are everywhere. Rumor has it that earlier somewhere in the hinterland of the country there was a village where the number of churches corresponded to the days of the year (!). In each of the churches there is a trading shop where you can buy hand-painted icons, crosses and other church-spiritual goods.
An excellent solution is to look into a bookstore and purchase a gift illustrated publication about Montenegro. Fashionistas will be lucky to find some original designer gizmos and accessories. The neighborhood with Italy presents an opportunity to buy exclusive jewelry at a bargain price. Also as a souvenir from Montenegro you can bring wines “Vranats” and “Krstach”, brandy. Be sure to take olive oil before leaving home..
Cuisine and restaurants
The local cuisine is divided into 3 categories: Italian, local, fish. Near the coast, the culinary focus is on seafood. In highlands they prefer to cook meat and dairy products. In Montenegro, people like natural healthy food and more, so when ordering something in a restaurant, remember, the portions are huge.
Taste the hot traditional dish of the Montenegrin national cuisine of Chorb – a thick soup that looks more like stew. The main ingredients for preparing this culinary masterpiece are noodles, fish, crayfish, meat and vegetables. It is worth noting that chorba is different in composition and consistency. Indulge in a meal with a young lamb cooked in milk. Great taste due to the addition of potatoes and spices.
To save, rent a house instead of a hotel room. The cost is significantly lower, in your location will be your own kitchen and bathroom. And you can read about buying a property here. Save on transport by walking: get to know the city and residents, buy souvenirs and taste the culinary delights of Montenegrin taverns. Regarding safety in nature: beware of rockfalls in the mountains, encounters with sea urchins and poisonous vipers.
Good luck!
