00:00Established as an independent country in 2006, the small Balkan nation of Montenegro is quickly
00:26becoming a popular travel destination. Gorgeous beaches, verdant mountains, and postcard
00:31perfect historic towns draw an increasing number of visitors every year. Add a mild
00:36Mediterranean climate into the mix, toss in opportunities for active pursuits ranging
00:41from mountain biking to whitewater rafting, and it's no wonder that tourism is now the
00:46driving force behind Montenegro's growing economy. Here's a look at the best places
00:51to visit in Montenegro.
00:56Number 10. Hercyk Novy. At the entrance of Kotor Bay in Hercyk Novy, which translates as Newcastle,
01:25Hercyk Novy is located right at the foot of Mount Orgin, and it is a scenic, historic,
01:30but pristine alternative to some of the larger coastal cities in the region.
01:35The city dates back to the 14th century, and in that time, empires and cultures have inundated
01:40and left reminders of their presence. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the area was known
01:46as Castle Nuovo, and it was passed through the hands of the Ottoman Empire, the Albania Veneta,
01:52and even the Republic of Venice.
01:59Number 9. Lake Skadar. As the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar sprawls
02:29across both the Montenegrin and Albanian borders. This long, snake-shaped lake flows through lush
02:36valleys, steep mountains, and even around floating islands. It's also one of the country's biggest
02:41nesting grounds for birds. There are over 280 different species that call Lake Skadar home,
02:48including the Dalmatian Pelican and the Great Crested Grebe. The best time for bird watching is
02:53from late spring to autumn. However, you'll still be able to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities
02:59at any time of the year.
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04:49Number 7.
05:02Mount Lovsgen.
05:03One of the most striking natural features in Montenegro, soaring Mount Lovsgen is capped
05:08by two mammoth peaks of granite.
05:11Part of a national park, Mount Lovsgen inspired Montenegro's name and is a symbol of national
05:17pride.
05:18Climbs to the top of the mountain offer panoramic vistas of the fortified city of Kotor surrounding
05:23hills and the Bay of Kotor.
05:25With its circular viewing platform, the nearby Niegos Mausoleum is a destination for sightseers
05:31as well as for those who want to pay their respects to the poet and philosopher buried
05:35there.
05:48Number 6.
05:53Settinje.
05:55Founded in the 15th century, Settinje is best known for the many European embassies built
06:15when the city served as Montenegro's capital.
06:17During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town's inland valley location at the edge
06:23of the Ottoman Empire made it a strategic spot for diplomacy.
06:27Today, the elegant mansions constructed in the continental architectural style have been converted
06:32into museums, academies, and administrative buildings.
06:36Other interesting sites include the 15th century Vla Church with its fence made from Ottoman
06:42rifles and the Settinje Monastery with its collection of early Christian-era relics.
06:47Number 5.
06:55Ostrog Monastery.
06:57Situated high up in a giant rock, the Ostrog Monastery is the country's most unusual architectural
07:03site and a major Christian pilgrimage destination.
07:07The entire monastery was carved out of a cave in a nearly vertical mountain cliff with only
07:13the whitewashed façade left visible.
07:16Built in the 17th century as a refuge against the Ottoman Empire, it houses the remains of
07:21its founder, who was sainted after his death in 1671.
07:25The monastery includes two inner cave churches, ornamented by frescoes, some of which were painted
07:31directly on the rock walls.
07:33Number 4.
07:44Perast.
07:46Located to the northwest of Kotor and sharing the same gorgeous fjord-like bay, pretty Perast
07:51is a small town notable for its stone-crafted villas and historic churches.
07:56Two of the city's picturesque chapels are situated on tiny islets, Our Lady of the Rocks and St.
08:02George.
08:03Back on shore, the Church of St. Nicola is worth a visit for the pleasant views that a climb
08:08up to the belfry offers of the town and bay.
08:11While there's no beach on this bayfront city, the stone jetties along the waterfront are popular
08:16places for sunbathing and relaxing.
08:44Number 3.
09:02Dermator National Park.
09:04Situated in the Dynaric Alps, the thickly forested Dermator National Park is a paradise for nature
09:10lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
09:12The park includes the high-altitude peaks of the Dermator Massif, 18 Glacier Lakes and
09:17the Terra River, home to the world's second deepest gorge.
09:22Skiing and snowboarding are the main activities in winter, while whitewater rafting, camping
09:26and hiking attract visitors in the warm weather season.
09:30The park's wildlife includes wild boars, brown bears, and the most varieties of butterflies
09:35found anywhere in Europe.
09:37Skiing and snowboarding are the only one that is found anywhere in Europe.
10:12Number 2.
10:36Boudva.
10:38Located on the center point of Montenegro's coastline, Boudva boasts a picturesque old
10:42town, an abundance of beaches, and several important cultural institutions.
10:47Dating back over 2,500 years, it's one of the oldest preserved villages in the country.
10:54It's the city's vibrant nightlife, however, that makes Boudva the most popular place to
10:58visit in Montenegro.
11:00By night, revelers crowd the city's many bars, clubs, and restaurants, and then spend the
11:05day relaxing at one of the many beaches in the region.
11:45Number 1.
12:07Kotor.
12:08Considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic coast, the fortified
12:12town of Kotor is tucked against the steep mountains surrounding the deep channels of
12:17the Bay of Kotor.
12:18While Kotor's architecture reflects the various empires that ruled over the region, it is
12:23best known for its Venetian-flavored Old Town, which is dominated by the 12th-century cathedral.
12:29The church's carved stone altar is an exquisite example of the stonemasonry skills Kotor was
12:34known for in the Middle Ages.
12:36Treks up the upper town walls to Kotor's hilltop fortress reward hardy hikers with breathtaking
12:42views of the city and Deepwater Bay.
13:12There you are for
13:17, the the the big mountains.
13:20The the the forgotten mountains.
13:25The the coast coast of ν¬
13:41I'll see you next time.
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