Choose your Montenegrin adventure

Montenegro has it all – as well as sun, sea and sand, there’s also an activity to suit every thrill-seeker.

Francesca Lee-Rogers highlights the adrenaline-laced pursuits on offer in this Balkan paradise

AN UNDERWATER WORLD

Montenegro is fast becoming known as one of the best places to scuba dive in Europe. The many diving centres available offer courses from beginner level to advanced and Professional Association of Diving Instructors standards. Once up to speed, divers can observe the rich local marine life, which includes several types of coral and a multitude of fish species. Those who wish to try something a little bit different, or like to push themselves out of their comfort zone, can try one of the many variations of the sport, including night diving and drift diving, where the diver is transported by the current or tide.

Wreck diving is another variation on offer, and if this takes your fancy then you certainly won’t be disappointed: over the centuries, many military and merchant ships have sunk in Montenegrin waters and these make for exciting expeditions. Two examples include the Tihany steamship and the wreck of patrol ship PBR 512. The former sank in bad weather in 1917 near the island of Mamula, and the latter, once part of the Yugoslavian navy, was decommissioned in 1972 and used for missile target practice until she sank in 1983 in Žanjic Bay, near the Bay of Kotor. The waters off the coastal town of Ulcinj also conceal many shipwrecks, bearing witness to numerous battles defending the Adriatic shores.

Other diving sites include the old fishing town of Petrovac, which features many picturesque coves and small sandy gulfs. Donkova Seka reef, located next to the islets of Katič and Sveta Neđelja, is also well worth putting on the list, for its varied marine life and the number of different diving sites available. Finally, the Luštica Peninsula’s own Blue Cave – which takes its name from the way the light reflects the water, making the cave itself appear blue – is a must-visit.

Have you ever dreamed of flying? Why not do the next best thing and learn to paraglide? Alternatively, if you’re short of time, you could take part in tandem paragliding. Whether you take off in the Montenegrin mountains or from a boat in the Adriatic Sea, it’s a breathtaking way to view the local landscape.

ABOVE AND BEYOND

The Montenegrin winter sports scene is gradually gaining international traction. Even though you might not immediately associate the country with skiing or snowboarding, it has good options – without overly crowded slopes. Those who have skied or snowboarded the Alps many times might be surprised at what Montenegro has to offer. Its two main ski resorts, Kolašin (1,450m) and Savin kuk (1,515m) are both located in the vicinity of two mountainous national parks in the north of the country, Biogradska Gora and Durmitor.

Smaller resorts are also dotted around Montenegro’s mountainous region.

Thrill seekers will be enthralled by off-piste skiing and snowboarding. Žabljak and Sinjajevina are becoming known for adventurous options such as snowkiting (a kite is used to glide over snow and to power large jumps). As well as skiing and snowboarding, make the most of the wintry weather by ice skating, tobogganing or taking in the sights from a snowmobile. And après-ski? Sip on hot šljivovica (plum brandy) while gazing out over the mountains.

WET AND WILD

Instead of lying by the pool in the sunshine, why not cool off by white-water rafting? Montenegro boasts one of the deepest canyons in the world; the Tara Canyon, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is situated in the north of the country, where the River Tara forms part of the border with Bosnia. The canyon is a perfect spot for this team sport; whitewater rafters can enjoy the stunning scenery and tumbling torrents on some of the most exciting rapids from Brštanovica to Šćepan Polje. In April, May and early June, high water flows attract adventure seekers; in July, August and September, the water levels generally drop, making the activity more family-friendly and suitable for groups.

Allow three hours for the experience, and factor in the journey, as the Tara Canyon is more than three hours each way from Luštica Bay. However, it’s a picturesque trip and the route passes the crystal-clear Slano and Piva lakes – so be sure to take your camera.

INTO THE BLUE

What better way to explore the 293-kilometre Montenegrin coastline than to sail along it? The dramatic and impressive Balkan landscapes make for pinch-me moments and an unforgettable experience. Novices can learn to sail in the Bay of Kotor and those with more experience can voyage to hidden beaches and coves that can’t be reached on foot – or set sail down the coast and visit Montenegro’s north-westerly neighbour, Croatia, to discover two countries in one trip.

PUT YOUR BOOTS ON

The Gulf of Kotor region is a walker’s paradise where hiking paths are lined with classical rural architecture, and overlook sweeping vistas across the ancient settlements of Risan, Kotor, Perast and Tivat. From the Vrmac ridge, you can see Kotor on one side, and Tivat on the other, while the green hills divide the main Kotor Bay into the bays of Herceg Novi, Tivat and Risan. The main walking trail follows the mountain ridge along a network of old valley paths; unsurprisingly, it’s also a mountain-biking hotspot.

Further inland in Durmitor, Bobotov kuk is one of the highest peaks in Montenegro. Hiking here is to be attempted only by the adventurous, accompanied by mountain guides. The climb to the top is a full-day feat, taking in the naturally dramatic peaks and rocky terrains that make up the Durmitor National Park. The challenge is worth it for the spectacular view.

For those not quite ready to conquer mountain peaks, the Luštica Peninsula has several established trails. One, for example, takes hikers from Plavi Horizonti beach to Bigova village. There’s also a stunning hike through the hills from Radovići to Žanjic beach.

SADDLE UP

Go where no vehicle can take you and explore Montenegro’s mountains, rivers and forests on horseback. You’ll be following in traditional footsteps – many families still keep horses, as their ancestors did years ago when the terrain made four-legged transport a necessity. Whether you’re looking to do a half-day hack or an eight-day trip, there are tours for everyone, with the majority taking place from the Komani highlands, Vučje and Lake Skadar. Those whose bucket list includes riding on the beach should head for Ulcinj’s sandy stretches.