This young independent Balkan country, Montenegro, has turned into a great travel destination. Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro has something for everyone. There are beaches, breathtaking mountain ranges and some pure bliss holiday destinations. One of the best things about staying in Montenegro in winter is that you can avoid the crowds of holidaymakers.
Montenegro is an excellent winter vacation destination. There is an amazing range of winter sports including ski slopes, hiking, ice climbing etc., making your holidays unforgettable. Sharing a coastline with Croatia, Montenegro has plenty of activities and entertainment available at affordable prices.
This coastal European destination offers everything a tourist could want in Europe… exotic beaches, exotic cuisine and culture. And also be prepared to wander around on empty streets, away from the crowds and hustle and bustle, and enjoy a wonderful winter in Montenegro.
7 Best Things to Do in Montenegro in Winter
While you’re exploring the beautiful Balkan country, make sure you don’t miss out on the best experiences on your next European vacation! Scroll down to know what awaits you here.
1. Ice Skating
Podgorica is the small capital of Montenegro with not much to see. The breeze blowing into the city carrying the smell of the sea will tempt you to stroll through the palm-lined streets after dinner. Seagulls fly and pigeons coo. This Balkan country will take you to a serene tune.
The place you must visit is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ where you will see the paintings of the Holy Testament. Kula along with the clock tower and the Millennium Bridge are must-see places. This beautiful city comes alive in winter. Some of the surrounding parks such as Avventuristici Park, Park-Suma Ljubovic or the park around the castle Kralja Nikol are small green pastures. You can walk around and do everything you want within a few hours walking distance.
The capital Podgorica has received substantial snowfall. When municipal buildings are covered with snow a veritable ice-skating rink is formed. Winter is much more enjoyable in Montenegro with much less sunshine.
There is a new skating rink in Njegoš Park. Guests can bring their own skates or rent them here. The park has 600 square meters of dry ice running on a basketball court and also has an instructor to guide people.
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2. Skiing
If you want to make the winter in Montenegro really special, then you can go to Zabljak. It is the highest peak of the Dormitor Mountains. The ski areas there offer much more than regular skiing. There is also the possibility of going off-piste to explore truly untouched mountain terrain. What’s more, sport and recreational fishing is also allowed in Lake Riblje and Zamnik from May to October.
3. Tracking
Trekking routes usually start from Crno Jezera or the Black Lake. It is a long way and one may be worried about getting lost. But the white circles and red borders guide travelers to stay on the right path. Away from the traffic jammed roads of the city, this climb offers mesmerizing views and fresh air.
Savinkuk Peak at an altitude of 3500 km can be fun but difficult for beginners. Winter weather in Montenegro can be fun and you can slide down Javorovaca Peak. Sliding down from 1400 km can be really enjoyable and one can witness the beautiful vegetation on the blooming hills even in the winter season in Montenegro, Europe. If you are craving for real-life entertainment, you can opt for the night slide. There are flood lights and the place is well lit. The entire route is illuminated for skiers in the Jaworowka peak. Below the summit is the Durmitor Ski Center which offers Gondola, Ski Lift, Chair Car Lift to enhance the experience.
Winter in Montenegro is generally welcomed in the north, where the winter sports centers in Durmitor and Bjelačica offer tourists and Olympic athletes a pleasant winter in Montenegro.
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4. Cetinje Mountains
Hill car races have a tradition in the former capital Cetinje. The driving association “Lovsen”, founded in 1946, organizes most of these races and is registered in the International Driving Association. The city has beautiful architecture of embassy buildings and monastery. Caves can also be explored and from the Eagle Rock viewpoint you can get a view of the entire city. Solar panels for street lamps are quite eco-friendly. The glowing streets in the evening during the winter season in Montenegro offer a sentimental view of the city. National Park Lovcen can be visited from Cetinje to Kotor.
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5. Kayaking
Kotor is a spectacular city that has retained much of the historical charm of the old capital, Cetinje. It is on the coast of a deep gulf of the Mediterranean Sea. Winter holidays are special in this walled city. There you will find a maze of narrow streets lined with churches. This place is crowded in summer, so if you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy this old town then the best time is winter because winter in Montenegro is a place that gives you fun in the crowd. You can take a long quiet walk up to the fortress that protected Kotor during medieval times but now offers a breathtaking view of the city.
There is rarely snow on the coast, so sailing and kayaking are popular on the shoreline. Plava Spilja or The Blue Cave is a must for swimming, snorkeling and underwater photography. The average day temperature remains around 10 degrees and in winter, Montenegro becomes a paradise for tourists to enjoy the winter weather. The Winter Carnival takes place in Kotor in mid-February. The city comes alive with entertainment, performances, food and wine, and parades that even kids can enjoy.
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6. Sunbathe
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South facing position is a boon. It is called the ‘City of the Sun’ of Montenegro. So if you want to make your holidays in Montenegro memorable then you must enjoy the sunshine of Herceg Novi. Situated at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, the town is ideally situated to enjoy the winter sunshine. Russians can be seen swimming and sunbathing on the beaches even during the winter season in Montenegro. They are accustomed to the terrible Russian cold winters and enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Like the Kotor Winter Carnival, Herceg Novi’s annual Mimosa Festival takes place in February. There is real fun at home with parades, bands, wine and fish and a symbolic bonfire is also held to burn the previous year’s bills. This three-day festival is celebrated when Montenegrins say goodbye to the winter season and eagerly wait for spring.
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7. Snowboarding
The most sought after spot in winter in Montenegro is the snow scene in Kolašin. While in summer it is a quiet forest resort, in winter it is a lively ski resort attracting tourists. The largest ski resort in Montenegro is Kolašin 1450. Locals and tourists come here to spend weekends in local-style mountain cottages and snowboard on the snow. A variety of food is available to warm up after a day on the slopes. The local hearty is a dish of pasulj, beans cooked in sausage, and perhaps a shot of warm rakija, the Balkans’ favorite local liquor. Tourists in Kolašin can spend their free time enjoying the winter season in Montenegro by getting a massage, swimming or relaxing in the Jacuzzi.
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Magnificent beaches, summer sunshine and picturesque old towns make winter in Montenegro one of the best tourist destinations. But its spectacular winter destinations are not very famous. For those looking for a hassle-free and simple Christmas without hectic shopping, a spectacular New Year’s Eve party or a winter holiday, Montenegro offers the perfect destination – with or without snow. Let’s get ready to visit the best winter destinations in Montenegro. Plan a trip to Europe for an amazing holiday experience with your loved ones!
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