Montenegro’s must-see spots aboard a charter yacht

After an idyllic sail along the Croatian coast, or a crossing of the Adriatic Sea from Italy’s Gargano peninsula, you’re drawn to Montenegro. This small country, which borders Croatia to the south and Albania to the north, is a real undiscovered jewel of the Mediterranean.

Montenegro is keen to attract large yachts and make them feel welcome. Whichever boat you choose to sail in the Adriatic, you can set off to discover this country, which will charm you with its mild climate, cheerful folklore, unspoilt coves and bays, and marinas offering every conceivable comfort.

Let us guide you to discover the must-visit places in Montenegro.

The Mouths of Kotor

The Straits of Kotor are a must-see when sailing in Montenegro.

The topology of this place is similar to a fjord, with the Dinaric Alps encircling this treasure.

The Venetian influence is very strong here, and this gentle blend of fjord and Venetian lagoon forms an absolutely remarkable ensemble. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kotor Strait is a jumble of coves, gulfs and straits where sailing quickly becomes a treasure hunt, with a frenetic succession of natural and architectural surprises.

Cities that have remained unchanged since the Middle Ages dot this immense bay. Kotor, Perast and Risan are must-sees.

If your stay is too short to visit everything, choose Kotor. Set in unspoilt countryside, this town is a showcase for its rich past, with history around every corner: ramparts, churches, cobbled streets, stone houses and a magnificent cathedral built in the 12th century, making it one of the oldest in Europe.

If you have time, sail to Perast to see the small artificial island built to house a church. A breathtaking landscape.

Buvda

This is the most popular place for locals and tourists alike. There’s no comparison here: heavenly beaches, a surprisingly well-preserved historic centre, gourmet restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

If you like walking, we recommend the climb up to the Mogren fortress, also known as the Jaz Battery. This is a former fortification dating back to Austro-Hungarian times, offering panoramic views over the whole bay and the beaches of Buvda and Jaz. It takes just 40 minutes from the historic centre to reach the top, where you can perhaps catch a glimpse of your yacht at anchor.

Buvda is bordered by a number of beaches, notably along the Sveti Stefan peninsula, which is the town’s picture postcard, the one that graces all the tourist guides. You can choose between sun loungers, parasols and music on Sveti Stefan beach, or bask in the shade of the olive trees on Milocer beach. A swim on either of these two beaches is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Petrovac

Petrovac is a family-friendly, soothing and absolutely splendid seaside resort. It’s a very sheltered bay, where dropping anchor is a guarantee of absolutely enchanting evenings. This bay, lined with white cliffs overlooked by Orthodox monasteries, is one of the most beautiful bays in Montenegro.

It’s a site that can be discovered on foot, with so many walks to choose from, suitable for all levels of ability. If you’re feeling more sporty, you’ll want to climb Montagne Noire, which reaches an altitude of 1,700 metres.

The climate here is resolutely Mediterranean, and the thermal breeze that blows in the early afternoon will invite you to stay on the deck of your yacht to admire the view. Petrovac also has magnificent red sandy beaches with turquoise waters, but they are crowded in summer. Arrange to go there for breakfast or a romantic aperitif, and you’ll have the beach to yourself.

If your yacht is equipped with jet skis, take the opportunity to discover all the little islands that dot the bay. And the water is so crystal-clear that diving will no doubt be your main activity during your stay in Petrovac.

Valdanos

After these city stops, you can continue your journey to the site by stopping off at the large bay of Valdanos. The beach offers many services and most tourists arrive by car. But once the crowds have left, Valdanos offers you an incredible moment of nature, gentle breezes, gentle lapping and night-time swimming in a setting of unparalleled serenity.

There are, of course, many other places to visit in Montenegro, and the crew of your yacht, whether it’s a sailing yacht or a motoryacht, will be able to advise you when choosing your ports of call in Montenegro. Everything seems possible in this pretty little country: a festive holiday full of excitement, a stay punctuated by anchorages in close contact with nature, or sporty sailing to discover all the activities Montenegro has to offer (diving, kitesurfing, hiking, paragliding).