You may not know much about Montenegro, and unless you’re a football fan who has seen England play the country in World Cup qualifiers you may not have heard of the Balkan nation at all.

Montenegro is a beautifully rustic country that boasts a landscape outlined by rugged mountains and amazing beaches and coastlines along the Adriatic Sea. If you’re travelling across the Balkans or just visiting the country itself you may be looking for ideas for things to do and see.

With that in mind, here are three things to do in Montenegro on your next visit to the Balkans.

3 Things to Do in Montenegro on Your Next Balkan Holiday

Visit the Medieval Kotor

One of the most charming yet awe-inspiring places things to do is to visit the medieval town of Kotor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical architecture that remains largely intact to this day, the town is also home to the Bay of Kotor, a winding bay on the Adriatic coast that resembles a fjord.

The area has been inhabited since antiquity and is dotted by several Romanesque churches and ancient fortified towns. Kotor is also well known for Durmitor National Park, home to glacial lakes, limestone peaks, and the Tara River Canyon around which Bears and wolves can be sighted.

So whether you’re an animal lover, into architecture, or a history buff, the historic town of Kotor has something for everyone.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/xiquinho/16251331412/

Follow in the Footsteps of James Bond

If Montenegro has seen a rise in tourism in recent years then it may be thanks to the James Bond Effect. Casino Royale, the 007 film with Daniel Craig, features an incredible action scene in which the spy fights some bad guys while on a bullet train hurtling along the track on its way to Montenegro.

Many a fan has since realised their dream of walking in James Bond’s footsteps by visiting the country. Hotel bookings saw a significant rise after the films’ release! The above-mentioned Bay of Kotor is thought to be where James Bond emerges from the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea in another famous scene.

Unfortunately, the Montenegro 007 adventure was only just that, a story in a film, and many of the movies’ scenes where actually filmed elsewhere, but let’s not spoil the fun for all those James Bond fans who think otherwise!

Tara River Canyon and Tara Bridge

Adventure lovers and adrenaline Junkies will find plenty to love about Montenegro because the country’s landscape makes for some breath-taking views and natural settings.

A prime example is the Tara River Canyon which is the deepest such feature in Europe. The canyon boasts emerald green waters that provide the perfect setting for white-water rafting, while the surrounding area lends itself to hiking and other outdoor activities.

Visitors can also take part in zip lining and river rafting at the Tara Bridge for an action adventure that cannot be matched anywhere else in the world.

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

If you enjoy getting social, you can follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

Photo credits: Morning in Dobrota by Trish Hartmann. Kotor by xiquinhosilva. Tara River by Nicolas Rénac.