December 1, 2018 - Boka Bay is as geographic determination, as so entitative and cultural. You do not have to stay with the people of this area for a long time to recognize the specific pride of the part of the planet they get to enjoy. History has proven, no matter how heavy it was - Bokelians could always win more places to enjoy Boka than the areas to manage it. And so they did, keeping their own affairs in their hands, Bokelians survived a lot of dominations and complicated historical periods preserving their way of life and "infecting“ all those coming to Boka.

Perhaps in that lifestyle lies the answer to the question which over the centuries, regardless of all their differences - in nations, religions, social and property status, Bokelians have always been Bokelians first. Like the Mediterranean - as it was characterized by Predrag Matvejevic, the greatest theoretician of the Mediterranean culture beside Fernand Braudel - and Boka Bay is a combination of opposites, which are always sought after by one another. Serbian writer Dusan Kostic wrote: "The Boka is made of contradictions, just like everything in humans, so it's so intimate and irresistibly attractive, and the eyes that once brought it are carrying it forever."

Boka Bay- Essence in Five Quotes

Entering Boka Bay, one by one the mountain peaks emerge, glittering peaks surrounded by stories from the rich folk epic of this region. The angels of these "heavenly goddesses" descend on them as if to look after the people whom the gods themselves are inclined to. Lovely forest girls, white fairies, walk in the minds of a large rockery.“ (Henrik Hoe, 1892.)

"The general picture is dark and intense: we walk along a narrow corridor, the tops on the hills sky-skinned. The rocks above, and beneath them, at the foot of the bay, small villages, and small towns are placed vividly as white spaces stand out on the narrow outskirts of the houses, sheltered from the light, not particularly rich in greenery gardens and olive trees. The houses are tangled by the hills and clinging to the cliffs. Made from the local gray stone, one seems to appear next to their rocks, like polyps, and hardly recognize where the rock ends, where the building begins." (Pavle Apolonovič Rovinski, 19. century)

"It has been running for many millennia since the man in this area began his game with nature, history, and himself. And he was never alone, he from that little dagger of the earth lined with the sea and the cliffs of the surrounding mountains and hills, but various travel writers, poets, and army leaders came and went to him, all with the desire to leave a fraction of himself and his interpretation on this ancient beauty life ... " (Olga Blažova Gajin Vlasic, 21st century)

"Nowhere like in Boka Bay the man feels ready for the way back, for retrospective experiencing the past, living here and present in old stone houses, where old chairs still await former guests. Where renaissance balconies always resonate with troubadours' songs and the bells of medieval churches and today measure the hours of the living, while in the darkened houses the eastern jewelry is kept in silver vases and in Chinese porcelain. " (Aleksandra Serdukova, 1939.)

"There is another reason why Bokelian is so attached to his homeland. Over the centuries, Boka Bay has been considered for the shelter of gloom and fineness. Our sailor had already come into contact with the largest and oldest cultures of Europe and out-of-Europe countries for his profession, and in time he gained a lot of practical meaning for everything related to the cultural problem, concentrating his ethical and aesthetic meaning on the magnificent churches, once inexcusable hedges old congratulations and unswerving significance. Boka is a great cultural retort. Whatever approached it, it took its spirit. Silent spiritual infiltration transforms its guests into the cultural world. " (Pavao Butorac, the beginning of 20th Century)

Discover the art of Stevan Kordić, Bokelian best known photographer and Boka Bay through his lens.

November 30, 2018 - More new flights to Montenegro as Lufthansa announce new services to Tivat from both Munich and Frankfurt, starting in April 2019. 

It is the season of announcements of new flights to Montenegro, and, as recently reported by ExYuAviation, Lufthansa is entering the Montenegrin market from April to October next year, with two key connections to Tivat, from both Frankfurt and Munich. 

All flights will be operated by Airbus A319 with 138 seats. Timings are carefully chosen to allow excellent connections within Europe as well to selected intercontinental destinations.

The move by Lufthansa has been under discussion for several months, as previously reported by TMN, and it can be seen as a first step into a potentially lucrative market, but one with several unknowns. The goal is to build on this initial first step and ultimately to turn the routes into year-round connections, which would increase the attractiveness and accessibility of Montenegro in the winter months, as well as providing additional choice for luxury guests of places such as the Chedi Lustica Bay and Porto Montenegro. Speaking about the potential arrival of Lufthansa earlier this year, Danilo Orlandic, Head of the Airports of Montenegro, said:

"Lufthansa, as one of the most important carriers in Europe and the world, should be our partner. The German market is extremely important for our tourism industry. Furthermore, German airports have excellent worldwide connectivity, so the launch of new routes to this market is vital for the public."

Please find the schedules of the new flights below.

Frankfurt – Tivat

Operations will start 14APR until mid of October 2019 every Sunday with Airbus A319

LH1468                  Frankfurt             departure           15:30

                                Tivat                      arrival                    17:30

LH 1469                Tivat                      departure           18:20

                                Frankfurt             arrival                    20:30

Munich – Tivat

Operations will start 13APR until end of October 2019 every Saturday with Airbus A319

LH 1732                Munich                 departure           07:25

                                Tivat                      arrival                    09:15

LH 1733                Tivat                      departure           09:55

                                Munich                 arrival                    11:50    

To follow all the new flights to Montenegro for next summer, follow the TMN dedicated page.

29 November 2018 - As announced from the exclusive marina and yachting paradise in the Mediterranean, the Porto Montenegro team will present the project of Tivat marina for “superyachts” and luxury nautical settlement at the Investment Immigration and Luxury Real Estate Fair in Moscow.

Porto Montenegro’s increased popularity has significantly affected Montenegrin tourism, but the owners of the marina still strive for additional worldwide acknowledgment. Forbes Magazine recently described the luxurious settlement as “the ultimate superyacht sanctuary along the Adriatic coast”. Even Dailymail has announced that “Monte Carlo should move over and make way for Porto Montenegro – the new hotspot for the European smart set”. One could conclude that this small city that features a nautical village, pool complex, yacht club, numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and boutiques has many incentives to make a presentation at the Investment Immigration and Luxury Real Estate Fair in Moscow.

As the PR Office of Porto Montenegro reported, this presentation represents a strategically good activity for Montenegro, given that it might just be an introduction to the Citizenship by Investment Program, which will be organized next year. "Montenegro has a favourable economic framework for investors, first of all in terms of tax rates, as well as in terms of the most significant natural resource – beauty of nature, then the nautical history and potentials for the development of luxury yachting industry and tourism products. This kind of convenience is an important incentive for the owners of ships and yachts, who choose the marina and the settlement of Porto Montenegro as a destination for the purchase of real estate," said Senior Marketing and PR Manager Porto Montenegro, Danilo Kalezić.

The Moscow International Emigration & Luxury Property Expo, a large-scale conference and exhibition dedicated to immigration and high-end real estate, will be held 29-30 November 2018 at The Ritz-Carlton in Moscow. The event will include a discussion featuring government representatives, leaders of the world’s most prominent immigration companies, and significant property developers as well as an exhibition showcasing over 30 international companies.

The expo will combine two events: on the first day, there will be the Investment Immigration and Luxury Real Estate international conference, panel discussions and a press conference. On the second day, the agenda will include an exhibition, workshops, individual appointments, and network opportunities. Visitors will consist of private individuals interested in immigration, acquisition of upscale real estate and personal financial consulting services, as well as international entrepreneurs, home buyers, and prospective immigrants.

National Geographic on Montenegro

27 November 2018 - Tourist organization Kotor, accompanied by the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro, local tourism organizations and representatives of the tourist industry, participated at the tourism fair "TT Warsaw", which took place from November 22 to 24 in Warsaw, Poland. International Tourism Fair TT Warsaw was held for the 26th time, and it is one of the most important international events of the tourism industry in Poland. In addition to TO Kotor, the local tourist organizations of Ulcinj, Bar, Budva, Cetinje, Tivat, and Podgorica, as well as HG "Budva Riviera", "Montenegro Stars Hotel Group", HTP "Trend Korali" and "Karisma hotels Adriatic Montenegro" also participated.

The first day of the fair, the Montenegrin Stand was visited by Robert Markić, Counselor at the Embassy of Montenegro in Warsaw. At the same time, meetings were held with some of the most important Polish tour operators such as Itaka and Neckerman, as well as interviews with Polish media. During the fair, the organization "Montenegrin Evenings" in Warsaw was held - B2B / media gathering with representatives of the NTO Montenegro, the Montenegrin tourism industry and local tourist organizations. Poland's market for Montenegro is significant considering that according to the number of tourists that visited Montenegro, it is among the most present when it comes to European countries.

In the previous period, there was a steady increase in tourist traffic from this market. Compared to 2010, the number of Polish tourists in Montenegro almost tripled in 2017. Among the Polish tour operators who have represented Montenegro, the most important ones are Itaka, Rainbow tours, TUI, Neckermann, and others.

Also, specialized tour operators from this market have a package of arrangements for Montenegro, which means staying in Montenegro within the framework of the visit to the region. In the upcoming period, an increase in the number of tourists from the Polish market is expected, according to the announced flights and a more extended period of realization.

The national Polish airline LOT will carry out flights between Warsaw-Podgorica-Warsaw during the winter season with four rotations per week.

26 November 2018 - Skadar Lake is the largest freshwater lake on the Balkan Peninsula and is located in the western Balkans, on the border between Montenegro and Albania, south of the Dinaric Alps. It is very specific, not only for its landscapes but also for its rich and dynamic history which created a special spirit of the people living along its shores.

The gastronomy of this area is largely identified with the Mediterranean gastronomy. However, the local products and cuisine are known for their simplicity and clear territorial identity which are common to both northern Albania and south of Montenegro. The mixture of high quality meat, especially veal and lamb; lake fish such as carp, eels, bleak and grey mullet; humble and yet fresh dairy products such as goat, cow and sheep cheese and yoghurt; delicious fruit and vegetables grown in this territory such as okra, aubergines, onion, tomatoes and figs, pomegranates, grapes and alike provide something for travellers to look forward to discovering! Here are the recommendations of places you should not miss this winter within the Skadar Lake Region (Montenegro), provided by the Ethno-gastronomic Route.

1. Pelikan Hotel Restaurant

Guests of the hotel and restaurant Pelikan can enjoy excellent service, comfortable accommodation, and a typical lake menu. This hotel/restaurant is located in the main square of the old town of Virpazar at Skadar Lake. The pleasant owners of Pelikan, Zorka and Toman are especially proud of a traditional room called “odžaklija” which is filled with many old and traditional items for guests to see. Hotel services include comfortable accommodation - double and triple rooms – featuring all the essential amenities such as modern bathing and shower facilities, air conditioning, and TV. The hotel and restaurant are open all year round, and there is plenty of parking available nearby.

2. Posljednja Luka Restaurant

Restaurant Posljednja Luka is located in the beautiful town of Rijeka Crnojevića. Guests can enjoy lake fish specialties prepared by the pleasant host Dragan and his mother. The design of this restaurant is of the fishermen’s motif. There is a balcony with superb views of the vicinity. This restaurant located at Skadar Lake offers interesting lake excursions and fishing trips. This restaurant is open all year, every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and can accommodate around 60 guests. Parking is available.

3. Stari Most Restaurant

Restaurant Stari Most is located in a beautiful setting in the small town of Rijeka Crnojevića, near the old historic bridge. Visitors will enjoy the ambience within the restaurant which combines traditional Montenegrin features with modern design elements. The restaurant can accommodate up to 100 guests and includes a section dedicated to wines from both the region and abroad. A group lunch can be arranged upon request. This restaurant is famous for its fish specialties. Restaurant Stari Most is open every day throughout the year from noon to 10 p.m. Parking is available.

4. Niagara Restaurant

Nikola Ujkić is the owner of the unique restaurant Niagara, located near natural waterfalls on the shore of the river Cijevna. Guests can enjoy the inviting ambiance of this restaurant while tasting local Montenegrin specialties. This kind host is a livestock farmer, so all of the meat and dairy products used in the restaurant kitchen come from his large farm nearby. Nikola is also a producer of wine and brandy so that guests may enjoy a glass of these domestically prepared beverages as well. This restaurant is open all year round. Plenty of parking is available on the premises.

5. Votra Tavern

Votra is a beautiful tavern located in the center of Ostros. Visitors can dine on delicious regional dishes prepared by hosts Bejto and his son Miljaim. The tavern is decorated using rustic, ethno style design elements, and includes a display of many valuable ethnographic items from the region. The menu is mostly meat and fish based, along with chestnut desserts and other sweets typical for this area. The hosts can arrange a hiking tour on Mt. Rumija and a visit to some nearby historical sites. Tavern Votra is open all year – daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Parking space is available.

6. Badanj Tavern

Tavern Badanj is located on the shore of Shkodër / Skadar Lake, just a few meters from the water, near an old bridge in the beautiful historic town of Virpazar. This tavern includes two summer garden dining areas and two interior dining rooms. Owner Nenad Petranović has a clear grasp on local traditions. The tavern provides a welcoming dining experience, a cozy atmosphere, the sounds of old traditional music, and a menu with mouthwatering dishes, local homemade wine, and brandy. The tavern is open all year from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There are plenty of parking spots available.

7. Crmnički Vinotok Tavern

Jovan Dabović is the owner of TerryDab tourist agency and the tavern Crmnički Vinotok in Virpazar. One area of the restaurant/tavern is a dining room which seats 16 persons and is decorated with antique furnishings; its walls are adorned with about 150 bottles of premium wine from producers in the Crmnica region. The second section of the tavern is a dining room which can seat 44 guests. The tavern provides delicious, homemade fish specialties. Mr. Dabović’s offer also includes accommodation services in the apartments located near this tavern. Tavern Crmnički Vinotok and the tourist agency TerryDab are open daily throughout the year. Parking is available.

26 November 2018 - Breakfast – “the most important meal of the day,” is that one meal that you start your day with that gives you the energy you need to get things done and helps you focus and be more productive. Many studies have linked eating breakfast to good health, improved attainment and behaviour and improved productivity. During a busy morning, it is easy to let breakfast fall low in your list of priorities, so if you do not have time to prepare your breakfast while in Kotor, here are some of the best breakfast restaurants you should not miss!

1. Astoria

Astoria is an excellent restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere, good service, and great food! This place is upscale cooking will definitely leave an impression on you, and you can dine while enjoying the fantastic view over the sea. The prices are reasonable, and the food is carefully prepared and decorated for your enjoyment and stay in Kotor. Astoria serves mostly Mediterranean cuisine, with vegan and gluten-free options. Our breakfast recommendations include Egg benedict breakfast, American pancakes, and their delicious pies!

2. Gastro Pub 702

The delicious menu at Gastro Pub 702 will most certainly have you craving for food at any time of the day, not just the morning! The Pub is famous for its welcoming ambience, helpful staff, and delicious food. Locals and foreigners are usually surprised by the size of the portions, even though Montenegro is famous for its “food plate generosity.” Club sandwich in the morning will make sure you have the energy to stroll through the streets of Kotor in no time!

3. Mademoiselle Dine & Wine Lounge

Open all year round, Mademoiselle Dine & Wine Lounge is a perfect place to enjoy your meal. With delicious food and fantastic ambiance and location, you will not be disappointed. The staff is friendly, and they give great recommendations on the menu choices and the local landmarks. If it’s not too early to get a cheese board in the morning, that would be our first recommendation. The Lounge is also recognisable by delicious desserts – not something you want to miss on!

4. Caffe Pizzeria Đardin

Đardin offers a gorgeous view over the bay and delicious food. The waiters are attentive and kind, and the prices are reasonable. They offer a lot of options for vegetarians and vegans, which is not very common with restaurants offering Italian, seafood and European cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its homemade traditional cake “Peraska cake”, so if you enjoy sweets in the morning, have the tastiest bite right next to the shore!

5. Restaurant Conte

If you’re looking for a beautiful setting, high-class meal and professional service, visiting Conte Restaurant is a must! With a beautiful ocean-side view, you will be pampered by the attentive staff. Relaxing atmosphere is just what you need in the morning, as you enjoy a tasty meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Our breakfast recommendation would be a colorful Greek salad!

25 November 2018 - Herceg Novi is a gorgeous coastal town in Montenegro located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and at the foot of Mount Orjen. Known as “The City of Sun” for its numerous sunny days all year round, Herceg Novi is often recognizable by beautiful mimosa flowers that bloom throughout the city towards the end of January. This enchanting and picturesque town offers exciting trips, tours and entertainment for tourist, and here are our top 5 things and recommendations for this winter!

1. Take a Tour through the Herceg Novi Old Town

Old Town Herceg Novi is the centre of the city and a charming district surrounded by limestone walls. Even though you have to walk the stairs to get to get the full impression of the tall stone buildings, the fortress, town square, city museum and a lot of family-run shops and small cafes, it will be worth your effort! In winter, which can be characterised as mild in Herceg Novi, the Old Town turns from busy to a quiet place, and you can explore it in a whole new manner. You definitely shouldn’t miss exploring the Citadel, Forte Mare, Tower of St. Jerome, Nikole Đurkovića Square, Belavista Square, the Clock Tower, Kanli Kula, and the Fort Španjola!

2. Visit the Savina Winery Cellar

At the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, by the Savina Monastery, sun-soaked vineyards throughout the year are still bearing fruit like they did back in the 18th century. This family-run winery has carefully picked the finest grapes from their vineyard and has nurtured the wine in french oak barrels in their gorgeous estate cellar. Savina Winery has two hectares with international grape varietals (Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Chardonnay) and one indigenous white varietal, Žižak (zhizhak). The vineyards are located in the best part of the estate, with southern exposition and with a spectacular view over the sea. Their wines are characterized as light and breezy, with a summer style. If you want a glimpse of the vinyard and the cellar, you can book a private tour accompanied by wine tasting and matching local bites and have a splendid experience!

3. Have a Great Meal at the Old Wine House Montenegro

Ethno house "Old Wine House Montenegro" is situated in a gorgeous rural setting of Sasovići, above Zelenika, in an old house dating from 1689, owned by Šimrak family. The ethno house has kept the tradition of producing wine, juice, olive oil, bread, vegetables, fruits and all other necessary food for the household and the restaurant. It offers traditional cuisine and dishes prepared in an old-fashioned way also known as "under the sač.” As the ethno house is family-owned, the owners kept the traditional recipes and hospitality of their ancestors, as they provide an authentic atmosphere accompanied by urban traditional folk music.

4. Night Out at Prostorija (English: "The Room")

Prostorija is a great place to visit if youre looking for a night on the town. Opened on the stairs to the marine, a decade long place of alternative culture, Prostorija has a concept which is proven as one of the critical toponyms of Herceg Novi's independent art scene, but also the culture of urban life. In the bar, the sound and program are based on several musical styles, among which are African, Latin jazz and funky house.

5. Enjoy Wellness Treatments at Institute "Dr Simo Milošević"

Dr Simo Milošević is primarily an institute for physical medicine, rehabilitatiton, and rheumatology. It is one of the largest and the most famous institutions for a multidisciplinary spa treatment in the Balkans. It is a pioneer of the modern physical and preventive medicine, rehabilitation, talasotherapy, and wellness, and it became one of the leading international centers for rehabilatation of children, adults, and seniors. Besides the prevention program and health rehabilitation, Institute Igalo also offers wellness and recreational programs, which primarily rely on modern medical principals. These programs are devoted to the promotion of a healthy way of living, correction of bad living habits, and just enjoying the benefits of aromatherapies, massages and face, body and soul pampering treatments.

The main agricultural crop is still olives. Half of all Montenegrin olive groves are located in Lustica. There was a law enforced here that no young man could marry without having previously planted 40 young olive trees. The bark of the soil allowed fewer vegetable crops, places for grains had to be found. All other space was used for growing olives and citrus fruits. The stone was always abundant, so they built dry houses, tombstones, drywall constructions for making limestone-klačine, small-sized, dry-stone buildings on agrarian surfaces. And harmonious villages, with standard amenities - mills for olive oil, gumna- threshing floors, and later on, houses of culture.

The 1st thing you don't want to miss in Lustica

The harmony of the typical Mediterranean architecture of this small town was disturbed recently by construction within the village and in its surrounding, but once you get to this medieval town's micro promenade, you will be filled with nothing but the glory of nature and respect - the small fishermen boats, the smell of fresh fish, the song of the seagulls. There is even a great offer of private accommodation, as well as some restaurants offering seafood delicacies. The sound of the local dialect, somehow different from other parts of Boka Bay, will be good company while you wait for the ship connection to the municipality center. If you didn't know, part of the Luštica belongs to the Herceg Novi Municipality. So, Rose is still a vital traffic point, although recently only for citizens of Luštica and their guests. Many more visitors come year after year, making Luštica one of the most popular Montenegrin areas for those looking for untouched nature, welcoming hosts, fresh air and organic food.

The 2nd thing you don't want to miss in Lustica

Just a few kilometres from Rose, surrounded by acres of olive trees, pomegranate trees and woods of laurel, there is a village called Klinci. A hidden gem, and recently completely abandoned, rural tourism is slowly but surely developing. Three-hundred-year-old family estates are slowly being restored, but one stands out - Klinci Village Resort. The estate has kept its original shape, just how it was made by ancestors. This resort is one of the places on Luštica where you can experience and learn about the old rural way of life. All guests are served delicious traditional dishes from organic food and wine - everything is produced, prepared and served there in a traditional manner.

The 3rd thing you don't want to miss in Lustica

Situated in the village of Tići, farm Moric produces organic olive oil and so far is the only Montenegrin producer with that quality mark. The Moric family offers a tour in the olive groves, the new modern lines for processing olives, as well as the old mill with an olive oil tasting and other local products. In addition to enjoying the discovery of Luštica’s gastronomy, householders offer a tour of the Luštica peninsula with ATV vehicles - quads, as well as bike and walking tours.

The 4th thing you don't want to miss in Lustica 

The 5th thing you don't want to miss in Lustica