The Riverside Journals - Festivals Issue 38 - FULL | Page 121

Montenegr

Some pivotal
places to visit

Lustica Bay is an eco-friendly coastal village, enveloping a marina with an emphasis on embracing
the natural habitat, whilst promoting an active healthy way of living. All properties are sea facing, so
an ideal place to stay, or even buy, should you fall in love, which isn’t uncommon. There are plenty
of things to do here, including yoga retreats, hiking, biking, stand-up paddling, horseback riding or a
game of golf.
Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the only natural fjord of its ilk in the world.
Having been an independent state, it has its own flag. Various empires have left their imprints, as
you walk around the uneven streets (straight lines are perceived to let evil spirits roam) you can see
grand abodes with family crests adorning the doorways. If you’re feeling fit, climb St John Fortress,
for spectacular views unseen elsewhere. Take a boat from nearby town Perast to visit the church and
museum on the island ‘Our lady of the rock’; I was struck by Jacinta Kunić-Mijović’s tapestry, made
with her own hair whilst waiting for her sailor husband to return. The angels depicted start off with
brown hair, but as she aged, so did they, the last to be embroidered embody her silvery venerable locks.
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Kotor, former capital Cetinje is positioning itself to be considered
an inland UNESCO World Heritage site. Byzantine ruins, The Blue Palace and an art academy make
for an enjoyable day.
Budva is most notably known for being a party destination, think ‘Nikki Beach’.
Porto Montenegro, responsible for bringing Tivat to life, houses boutique shops, upmarket eateries
and swanky cafés – the backdrop to this jaw dropping port.
Cruising along Lake Skadar National Park is beyond beautiful, the largest lake in the Balkans
boasting a variety of endangered bird species, notably the Dalmatian pelican. I was lucky enough to
spot five, which I am assured is a rarity. Watching these precious creatures glide along the azure waters
is mystical.