A Slow Sail Along the Coast of Montenegro

A Slow Sail Along the Coast of Montenegro



I
had never given much thought to Montenegro. Sailing, too, was
new to me. But being close to the ocean and the shores has always
felt right and the Adriatic waters enticed me to take the
plunge.

For seven days the yacht was our home. Setting off from the
southern city of Bar in Montenegro, not far from the Albanian
border, we sailed north along the lush coast.

A mix of rugged and forested coastlines, sunken, deep blue caves
and the washed-out pastels of hillside homes make up the view from
the water. Eyeing a sandy stretch of beach we raised the sails with
the bow pointed into the wind before slowing down to take a
dive.

Turning into the Bay of Kotor early in the evening, a dramatic
landscape of towering mountains sinking steeply into the sea met
us. The motor hummed and rays of sunlight bounced off the waves as
we glanced around at a scenery both surreal and humbling all at
once.

Original stone walls wrap around the charming old town of Kotor:
a well-preserved, medieval entity and Unesco world heritage site.
Along the cobbled streets, one can find cosy restaurants, antique
stores and markets selling fresh produce. By the marina, orange
trees bend with ripe fruit and fishermen huddle on stools with
buckets of bait, patient until the sun begins to set.

A little further up north, we travelled to Herceg Novi, a
quaint, picturesque town, and a gem on the Adriatic. Buzzing with
optimism and life, we spotted artist workshops through open doors
and a live band played well into the night on the café lined
promenade. Dining is cheap and kitchens are open late, with the
Mediterranean restaurants priding themselves on their catch of the
day. We ate mussels, grilled sea bass, lobster and octopus salad
with a citrus kick paired beautifully with a local white wine.

While many travellers opt for Croatia over Montenegro, the
months between June and October are ideal for exploring the more
uncharted Balkan towns, where the slow and sleepy Montenegrin
lifestyle can quickly become your own.

Fly to Dubrovnik or Split and hire a private car service for
approx. 30 euros from Dubrovnik Airport to Herceg Novi, or fly to
the inland airport in the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica.

@victoriaspongepeasepudding

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