Nearby Attractions
Montenegro is a geographically small nation with a population of only 640000. However, there is a whole world in one country, with beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, towering mountains, expansive wilderness areas, historic towns, skiing in winter and the second largest canyon in the world - the Tara Canyon. The furthest of these attractions is 3 hours drive away with the closest only 150metres from the PENTHOUSE.
Porto Montenegro
The marina and waterfront development is within easy walking distance of the PENTHOUSE and one can immediately see why it has been dubbed "the new Monaco". With yachts of all sizes berthed in the spotless marina and an extensive choice of bars, restaurants and shops stretching along the waterfront, it's a great place to people-watch. Don't limit yourself to only the marina area. Keep walking along the waterfront into Tivat where there are a number of great places to eat which are more affordable than in Porto Montenegro itself. The life and vibrancy you feel in the Marina development, is a direct result of the proximity to town of Tivat, whose residents love to make use of the waterfroint areas.
We've had good meals at Al Posto Gusto and One as well as great wine tasting at the Wine Bar in Porto Montenegro. Further along the waterfront in Tivat, we've regularly enjoyed pizzas at Bevanda right on the water's edge and both Theodorus restaurant and Babi - Resto Bar & Bakery, set slightly back from the water, serve delicious meals.
Kotor
Situated at the head of the innermost bay of Boka Kotorska, Kotor is a jewel of Montenegro. It is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic, with much of its fortifications still intact. The town's walls extend for nearly 4.5kms and the hike up the stairs from the Old Town to the fortress offers spectacular views of the town below and the mountain fringed bay (set off early if you plan to climb to the fortress and take water with you - there are 1350 steps!).
In the evening there are often concerts and musicians playing at various restaurants, so walk around before choosing where to eat. We recommend stopping at the Old Winery Wine bar, set back towards the mountainside of the old town, and enjoy their wine tasting and cheese and charcuterie platter. Be sure to ask the server to explain why he recommends the various wines, where they are from, and the history of Montenegrin winemaking. We've previously also enjoyed good food and exceptional music at Jazz Club Evergreeen in the old town and it's worth checking if anyone is playing when planning a visit.
Perast and nearby island churches
Perast, like Kotor, is an Unesco World Heritage Site and well worth a visit. We recommend driving along the coast anti-clockwise from Kotor. You will need to park your car at the carpark and walk to Perast (only residents vehicles are allowed).
Wander along the shoreline along Perast's only street and by exploring the alleyways, see if you can count all of the 16 churches and the 17 grand pallazzi belonging to wealthy merchants of days gone by. It is easy to take a boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks church on one of the nearby islands.
There are many restaurants and bars along the waterfront, but our standout place to eat is the low-key Bocalibre pizza restaurant situated under a giant tree on the right-hand side as you enter Perast.
Alternatively keep driving anticlockwise around the bay after leaving Perast and stop at thoroughly modern Verige65 for a spectacular meal or a sundowner with outstanding views across the bay back towards Perast.
Donja Lastva
the PENTHOUSE is situated in the heart of Donja Lastva. We think it's the best suburb in the whole of Boka Bay. It's close to the airport and Porto Montenegro and there are numerous bars and restaurants to eat at along the water's edge.
The tiny and authentic "Konoba" (restaurant) situated next to the church in the image, is called Cafe Giardino. It is owned by Zoran Nickolic and they specialise in fresh fish, which either Zoran or his son will have caught. If you wish to cook at the apartment, they will happily sell you freshly caught fish to prepare yourself.
Nearby is Punto Crudo Hotel, which we love to visit at sunset for a drink on its waterside terrace.
If it's a beach you fancy, with energetic music and a lively atmosphere, then stroll along the water's edge to Waikiki Beach Resort.
Swimming is safe, anywhere along the water's edge.
Further afield
1. A drive to the summit of Lovcen mountain. It is the inspiration behind the names Montenegro and Crna Gora, both of which mean "Black Mountain" and refer to the appearance of Mount Lovćen when covered in dense forests. The mausoleum of Petar Petrovic at the summit is well worth visiting, with the drive up winding its way around over 20 hairpin bends and offering spectacular views to Kotor and the interior.
2. Rose at the end of the Lustica peninsula is considered to be the oldest settlement in the the Bay of Kotor and is situated at the entrance to the bay from the Adriatic. It is a sleepy little hamlet, lovely for swimming and a stop at a waterfront establishment on a hot day. The drive there from Tivat along the Lustica peninsula offers wonderful views.
3. Budva old town at sunset is worth visiting. The town surrounding the medieval walled city bustles with tourism and the beaches get very crowded in summer. However the old town, with its narrow cobbled streets lined with restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops make for a wonderful visit once the heat of the day has passed.
There are so many other interesting places to visit in Montenegro if you have time.
Hopefully, if this is your first visit, you will love it so much that you will want to come back and explore further.