20 best things to do and see in Montenegro

(CNN) — Heroic-looking highlands, pretty blonde bays overlooking the royal blue Adriatic Sea, antique Venetian villages and UNESCO walled cities. Montenegro might be small, but this gorgeous nation has a huge array of natural and man-made wonders. Once overlooked in favor of more well-known Mediterranean nations, Montenegro is fast gaining a reputation as a great place to travel. It’s easy to see why. Mountainous hinterland nestles deep canyons, gushing rivers, glacial lakes and primeval forest, popular for adventure activity. The serpentine coast skirts glistening ports, from palazzo-embellished Perast in UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, to Tivat, a swanky super yacht marina. New cruise ship routes, more flights, a popular land border with Croatia and whisperings amongst trailblazing travelers are drawing an influx of tourists to this honeypot. Abuzz with new five-star luxury hotels, such as the highly anticipated Chedi, and new high-end international restaurants, headlined by Nobu, Montenegro is the emerging must-see destinations of the Adriatic. Here are the 20 best things to see: 1. Budva

Beaches, glitz and history blend in equal measure in the most-visited destination in Montenegro. Budva Riviera is a playground of shiny super-yachts and pulsating nightlife. By day, it’s glamor at the beaches. Jaz beach is effervescent during Sea Dance Festival in summer. Ancient history is there in the waterfront stone old town, Stari Grad, where marble streets and Venetian walls jut out of crystalline waters. Views from the Citadela are unparalleled, by day or while dancing the night away. An amble through Budva Museum, the town walls, churches and Gallery of Modern Art allows sense of place. Tip: For a breather, head six kilometers out of town to the charming village of Krapina, a hidden nature’s oasis unknown even to many locals. Pojata makes a charming lunch stop. 2. Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is glorious coastal town with varied architecture and an interesting history. The fortified city acts as gatekeeper to the Unesco Bay of Kotor, Montenegro’s crowning glory. Stari Grad’s soul-stirring feat of enchanting churches and centuries-aged fortresses is given new lease of life by buzzing cafes, restaurants and bars. Swimmers will delight in pristine waters at the pebble bay. Olive groves burrow the 300 meter-long Žanjic beach, while Uvalo Veslo is for adventurers seeking cliff-jumping and strong swimming currents. Tip: For a touch of the quaint, Rose village hamlet at the tip of the peninsula serves a clutch of authentic summer al fresco dining spots, with glorious views. 3. Lake Skadar

Lesser-known and a true Montenegrin highlight, Skadar forms the largest freshwater lake in the Balkans, straddling Montenegro and Albania. The former summer residence of the Montenegrin royal family is a wildlife wilderness and birder’s paradise, comprising rolling green Karst mountains, floral fields and lily-strewn lakeshores. Boat tours traverse the wetlands from between one to six hours, taking in island monasteries, traditional fishing villages, fortresses, ancient monuments and hidden beaches. All this is reinforced by 260 species of bird, 50 species of fish and three types of resident snake. Tip: Visit lakeside villages for a feel of the battleground that was Skadar Lake, contested during the 13th century Turkish invasion. Several villages have a strong Albanian flavor, with mosques and bilingual residents. 4. Tara Canyon

A 150 meter-high bridge on the Tara River is widely known as one of the most beautiful in the world. Clad in dense pine forests and clear lakes, the 82-kilometer canyon is one of the world’s deepest and largest, splicing the mountains of Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Celebrated whitewater rafting, jeep safaris, canyoning and zip-lining satisfy the adrenaline junkies, but for those wanting a bird’s eye view, head up Mount Ćurevac. Tip: Rafting the Tara Canyon is a famed activity. Various levels and durations make it open to most. Rafting Montenegro offers a huge variety of tours at various adventure and price levels. Choose a reputed operator for safety. 5. Durmitor

Created by glaciers and crisscrossed by underground streams and rivers, the Durmitor National Park limestone massif spans 39,000 acres across north-western Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Switchbacks and hairpin bends make an exhilarating drive, past glacial lakes and rocky outcrops, including the tallest peak in Montenegro, Bobotov Kuk at 2,523 meters. This segment of the Dinaric Alps is embodied by captivating peaks, protected forests sheltering bears and glacial lakes embedded in the Tara River Basin Biosphere Reserve. Eighteen glacial lakes known as “mountain eyes” bejewel the land, of which Black Lake is largest. The park also houses 12-16th century Stecci; elaborately decorated carved tombstones and blocks. Tip: Take passports along, as drives can cross borders. Trekking, mountaineering, affordable Alpine and Nordic skiing, fishing and camping are great ways to experience Durmitor. 6. Kotor

Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a living breathing museum. The rabbit warren Old Town is a showcase of crumbling churches, Venetian-inspired architecture where the palazzo of wealthy seamen dot the shores. The region’s proud seafaring history is portrayed in the Maritime Museum of Montenegro, one of the most comprehensive museums on the Adriatic coast. The beauty of Kotor lies in its ancient relics brought to life by locals who still inhabit the town and frequent it’s offerings. A steady 1,200 meter ascent of the 14th century town walls rewards visitors with magazine cover views across the deeply-indented fjord-like Bay of Kotor, coined Boka Bay. Tip: No coastal trip is complete without sampling local delicacies. Visit the waterfront Galion restaurant for squid-ink risotto, seafood bouillabaisse and monkfish dishes, washed down with Vranac Montenegrin wine. 7. Njegos Mausoleum

Extreme altitudes and two distinct climatic zones, Mediterranean and Continental, make Lovćen National Park a rugged and craggy landscape. Located in the rocky Dinara Alps, on the second highest peak 1,675m above sea level, the park is home to the mausoleum of former Montenegrin ruler Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. Housed in a marble chapel, up 461 steps, is a winged granite eagle bearing his remains. Above it, 200,000 gilded tiles create a dazzling gold ceiling. Views from here are dazzling and dizzying. Tip: Nearby Njeguši village, birthplace of the Petrovic dynasty, is the place to indulge in divine home-made cheese and prosciutto smoked hams, made the local way. 8. Ostrog Monastery Carved into a sheer vertical cliff, the piercing white Ostrog Monastery is a sacred pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians and entire gamut of religions. The incredulous feat of architecture is surrounded by bountiful scenery of the rolling Zeta valley. Founded in the 1600s, by the Bishop of Herzegovina Vasilije, whose remains are enshrined in the upper cave church, the monastery’s inside walls are covered in antique painted frescoes. The ancient upper monastery houses two spectacular churches and is widely considered a miracle, as nobody knows how it came to be. Tip: The lower monastery has bunks, mats and blankets for summer visitors wanting to spend the night. A natural spring behind the monastery provides refreshing water. Modest clothing is needed to enter the shrine. Tour buses operate day trips here from most popular spots in Montenegro, at around €25. Or take the train to Ostrog station and hike up for an hour. 9. Sveti Stefan

Sveti Stefan island graces global magazine covers. It’s easy to see why. A red-roofed tangle of irregularly shaped whitewashed stone villas is suspended above turquoise sea, linked to a pink-sand beach by a jetty. Formerly a fishing village jutting out on a peninsula, the walled island was a haven for families needing protection from invading Turks and pirates in the 1400s. Churches and ancient inscriptions are peppered throughout. Tip: Now owned by the exclusive Aman resorts, only paying guests can enter the island, but a reservation at the on-site Nobu restaurant is good way to get a look in. Nearby, Crvena Glavica is a set of seven beaches of coarse flame sands, where clothing is optional. 10. Perast This eye-catching stone town of Perast is a photogenic marvel of palazzos, exquisite from every angle. The highlight floats offshore, where two picturesque island churches take centre-stage. Boat trips depart regularly from Perast. Tip: Feast at Hotel Conte, a beautifully appointed and authentic waterfront property with residences on the Bay of Kotor. The seafront terrace serves extravagant seafood platters, fresh from the Adriatic. 11. Island Churches, Kotor

Seen from any panorama across the Bay of Kotor, two showstopper islands drift off the coast of Perast. The lush 9th-century Benedictine abbey of Sveti Djordje or St George, clad in elegant cypress trees, and 15th-century Our Lady of the Rocks church are photogenic visuals. It’s believed the church was erected by locals depositing stones around a rock apparition of the Madonna and Child. Inside, the 1630 narrow church is adorned in paintings, donated silver votives and a precious hair-woven image of Madonna and Child. Regular boat trips are the best way to get up close. Tip: Time a visit with the annual Fašinada festival, on July 22, to witness a spectacle of hundreds of rowboats symbolically reinforcing the foundations followed by a vibrant sailboat regatta. 12. Ulcinj

The southernmost town of Ulcinj, near the Albanian border, offers a unique Eastern feel owing to its former Ottoman control. At the fall of the Ottoman navy, Ulcinj became a notorious pirate lair. Today, the town is a curious mix of mosques, minarets and prominent nudist beach. Standing over the town, Sailor’s Mosque, a former lighthouse, offers sumptuous views. Stari Bar makes a fascinating stroll past Arabic inscriptions, Turkish baths and clock tower confirming the comingling of East and West. A purportedly 2,000-year-old olive tree stands testament to the evocative evolution of Ulcinj. Tip: Hidden wonders lie offshore. Deep-sea fishing and diving are popular activities, amongst historic ancient shipwrecks brought down during the centuries-endured piracy boom. 13. Biogradska Gora While the coastline sees much of Montenegro’s action, Biogradska Gora, the smallest of the National Parks, is one of only a handful of primeval forests left in Europe. Virgin tracts of jungle, centuries-old trees, soaring glacial lakes, tall mountains and wildlife grace the inland park. But the highlight is Lake Biograd, shrouded in foliage, with its still waters mirroring the lush rugged surrounds. Popular activities include mountaineering, skiing, camping, trekking, four-by-fouring and mountain biking. Tip: It’s easy to drive through the national park, but for those wanting to hike or trek, well-marked trails start at Biograd Lake. Camping is allowed and there are some accommodation huts, for those wanting to stay and explore. 14. Cetinje The honorary capital of Montenegro is charming in its authenticity. It’s a short drive in from the coast at Budva to the 15th century former royal capital and cradle of Montenegrin culture. Oozing heritage reminiscent of its heyday, Cetinje is historically glorious without the flash. A walking tour is the best way to explore sights in this compact center. The monastery houses relics of St Peter of Cetinje, a bishop credited with defending the country against enemies. Not to be missed are the museums such as the sprawling National Museum, Blue Palace and current home to the President, stone Vlach church, royal theater and notable foreign embassies. Tip: Four kilometers from Cetinje, Lipa Cave is a sprawling underground lair of passages, pillars and spikes. Options to explore include everything from a brief and easy visit to an adventurous arduous day reserved for the fit. 15. Lustica Bay A brand new town is being built on the coast of Montenegro. Situated on Luštica peninsula in the northwestern bay of Trašte, it’s a show of emerald Adriatic seas backed by jade mountains. Year-round sunshine, olive groves, crystalline waters and forested hills give it an island feeling, yet with proximity to three airports. The town will feature more than a thousand homes, villas and townhouses, two marinas, seven hotels, championship golf course and a host of recreational and medical facilities. Most highly anticipated, the brand new Chedi Luštica Bay will be the largest five-star luxury hotel in Boka Bay, set to open in 2018. The Asia and Far East established hotel group, synonymous with chic, luxurious, design-led style, is set to raise the hotel standards in Montenegro. Tip: Another luxury five-stary hotel set to raise the bar is the One & Only Portonovi. Elegantly positioned at the entrance to Boka Bay, this is set to be a haven of nature and luxury, with a pool stretching into the Adriatic coastline. A nearby state-of-the-art marina and private jet airports will steer in luxury travelers when it opens in 2018. 16. Podgorica

This ancient city oversees the confluence of rivers Morača and Ribnica. The capital city of Montenegro is a jumble of architecture and unsubtle buildings, from glitzy new shopping centers to Ottoman curios. Stara Varos is the Ottoman Turkish heart, with hints at it’s buzzing past. Mosques stand today. The striking new Orthodox cathedral features a large dome and tall gold crosses, shooting into the skyline. Controversial frescoes are worth a marvel. Tip: An easy day trip from Podgorica is Niagara Falls (or Nijagarini vodopad), a pretty natural waterfall just 10 minutes by car or taxi from the town. Visitors swim in the pools in summer. 17. Porto Montenegro

Forget the French Riviera, Porto Montenegro in Tivat is a glamorous port attracting yachts from across the globe. Courtesy National Tourism Organization of Montenegro The youngest kid on the tourist scene is a stark contrast to the ancient fishing villages of the Bay of Kotor. Positioned on a sunny peninsula at the foot of Mt Vrmac, Tivat was once the region’s center of salt manufacturing and a strategic naval base. Today, it hosts an international airport and is undergoing a jetset-lifestyle renaissance thanks to its new superyacht marina. Porto Montenegro, a massive redevelopment of the old naval base and shipyard, is a burgeoning tourism hub, drawing in huge foreign investment and the international nautical community. Tip: It’s impossible to miss the regal Regent Porto Montenegro hotel, an elegant boutique building occupying a strategic corner of the marina. Coffee and cake refueling stops are a must here, before visiting the Naval Heritage Collection museum. The Regent spa is unadulterated bliss on the harbor, while the cuisine is of international gourmet standard. 18. Sveti Nikola An offshore island languishing in the Adriatic Sea sunshine, lush and uninhabited Sveti Nikola is Montenegro’s largest island. With deer as the only permanent residents, it’s a popular getaway for locals and tourists in the summer, who cross on regular boat ferries from Budva. A small 16th century church, Crkva Sveti Nikole sits in the island. Tip: It’s known locally as Hawaii, but don’t be fooled. There are no sandy beaches. But the waters are warm and rocky shores have a raw charm. A water taxi from Budva costs €3 return per person for the 10 minute crossing. Food and drink is available on the island. Look out for deer roaming freely and fish lapping at the feet. 19. Blue Grotto Cave, Lustica Peninsula As light hits the waters, it refracts emitting a luminous shade of blue, giving the Blue Grotto its name. Swimming or boating in these vibrant waters feels magical. Blue Grotto is on cruise ship itineraries, so summers can get busy. Tip: Visit during off-peak time where possible, when there’s nothing better than grabbing an oar and kayaking into the 9-meter tall cave, without the hefty summer tourist throngs. Kotor Bay Tours have group itineraries by boat with skipper. 20. Mount Orjen The highest mountain on the Adriatic coastline is a Dinaric range of limestone straddling Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The slopes are a haven for skiers in winter and trekkers in summer, with a range of activity levels and trails. From Herceg Novi, there are mountain huts with information on trails and accommodations. The Coastal Mountain Traversal path is an epic 180-kilometer trail from Mount Orjen to Bar. Help can be arranged with guides and routing via the Mountaineering Association of Montenegro. Tip: Hiking through the sea of stone is pitted with deep caves. A guide is essential for certain regions, for safety and exploring hidden parts or geology. Anisha Shah is a journalist and photographer, specializing in emerging destinations travel, from Mozambique to Myanmar. After six years as a BBC radio and TV journalist, she is now freelance and has been published across media outlets including CNN, Africa Geographic and Huffington Post. Tweet her @anishahbbc [https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/montenegro-things-to-do/index.html @anishahbbc]