Often overshadowed by its Adriatic siblings, this Balkan beauty packs quite the island punch. From the man-made marvel of Our Lady of the Rocks, legend says was crafted rock by rock by devout seafarers, to the timeless aura of Sveti Dorde, whispering tales of centuries gone by, Montenegro’s islands are a delightful mix of history, mystery, and sun-kissed revelry. So, if you’ve got a penchant for picturesque panoramas and stories so rich they’d put a double chocolate cake to shame, it’s time to dip your toes into the island tales of Montenegro.
Montenegro’s Coastal Beauty
Montenegro’s coast, a mesmerizing stretch of the Adriatic, is where history, nature, and tales of sailors intertwine like the threads of an old maritime tapestry. Imagine azure waters that have witnessed the coming and going of Illyrians, Romans, and Venetians, each leaving behind a legacy as enduring as the rugged cliffs that stand sentinel over the sea. The islands in Montenegro? Ah, they are the cherries atop Montenegro’s sundae.
Take Sveti Nikola, often cheekily referred to as the ‘Hawaiian shirt‘ of Budva because of its lush landscape. Or Gospa od Škrpjela, a man-made marvel birthed from sunken ships and age-old legends. And let’s not forget Sveti Đorđe, with its monastery tales that could make even the sternest of historians raise an eyebrow over a glass of local “rakija.” Truly, Montenegro’s coast is where the past converses with the present, often over a sun-drenched café table with sweeping views of the Adriatic.
Island Adventures And Activities
The islands in Montenegro can be described as the playgrounds of yesteryear’s sailors, the muses of poets, and the getaway spots for modern-day adventurers like you and me. Fancy diving into history, quite literally? These waters aren’t just teeming with marine life but also whispers of times gone by. The sunken treasures of ancient shipwrecks near Mamula Island aren’t just a diver’s dream, but a historian’s aquatic library.
For those more keen on staying dry, how about a kayak tour around the craggy edges of Sveti Nikola? Legend has it, ancient Illyrians once did the same – albeit, in more primitive vessels – while reciting tales of sea gods and mermaids. Fast forward a few millennia, and we’re adding a GoPro to capture those Instagram-worthy shots, but the magic? Oh, it remains unchanged.
Foodies, fear not! An island escapade in Montenegro isn’t complete without indulging in the day’s freshest catch. Picture this: a seaside tavern on Gospa od Škrpjela, where every meal tells a story and every sip of the local “rakija” feels like a hearty Montenegrin embrace.
And if you ever feel the urge to stretch those legs, lace up for a trek on Lustica Peninsula’s lesser-known islets. You might not discover a new island (most of them have been accounted for!), but you’ll undoubtedly find tales and views worth their weight in gold.
Helpful Resources For Exploring Islands In Montenegro
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Most Beautiful Islands In Montenegro
Now that we covered some basics things you should know, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this article- the most beautiful islands in Montenegro.
Mamula- The Guardian Fortress
We start this list of the best islands in Montenegro with Mamula. Perched at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, Mamula Island stands like a seasoned sentry with tales as weathered as its stony facade. Now, don’t be deceived by its size; what it lacks in acreage, it more than makes up for in history and sheer character. The island’s strategic position in the Adriatric was spotted and utilized by Austro-Hungarian Admiral Lazar Mamula who built an impregnable marine fortress on the island in the 1850s.
But Mamula’s narrative isn’t all gallant guards and military maneuvers. Like many historical relics, it has its dark chapters too. During WWII, its echoing chambers were repurposed into a prison, where the walls, if they could speak, would whisper tales of endurance and hope.
Fast forward to today, and Mamula has been graced by the touch of modernity (there’s been chatter about turning it into a luxury resort), but its spirit? Oh, that remains indomitable. It’s like that one elderly figure in your life – a grandparent or a beloved old teacher – regaling tales of ‘back in my day’, while trying to get the hang of a smartphone.
If you’re looking for a fun tour of the area check out this guided tour that covers the Bay of Kotor, Mamula Island, and the famous Blue Cave.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of the best places to visit in Macedonia or our Serbia travel guide and our guide to Serbian castles.
Katič & Sveta Neđelja- The Twin Jewels
Tucked away near the quaint town of Petrovac, Katič and Sveta Neđelja twinkle in the Adriatic like a pair of earrings you’d find at an antique store – captivating, mysterious, and with a backstory that’d leave you spellbound.
First, let’s talk about Katič. It’s as if Mother Nature, in a particularly artistic mood, decided to carve out a diver’s paradise. With underwater caves and a marine life that’s both vibrant and varied, it’s not just a feast for the eyes but a playground for the adventurous soul. And oh, if those coral reefs could talk, they’d probably be gossiping about the countless sailors and pirates who’ve sought refuge in these waters over the centuries.
Then, just a stone’s throw away, sits Sveta Neđelja, which literally translates to “Holy Sunday.” Now, if Katič is the adventurous sibling, Sveta Neđelja is the spiritual one. Dominated by a quaint church, legend has it that it was built overnight (yes, you read that right) following a shipwreck. The sailors, thankful for their miraculous survival, decided to pay homage to the divine by constructing this sanctuary. Talk about a productive night!
Sveti Marko- The Lost Resort
Picture this: A tropical paradise, sun loungers stretching as far as the eye can see, and the soft hum of the Yugoslav elite, clinking their glasses filled with top-shelf rakija. That, my friend, was Sveti Marko during its heyday. Today? It’s like the Gatsby mansion after the parties have ended – opulent echoes of a bygone era, waiting for its next chapter.
Nestled in the cerulean embrace of the Adriatic Sea, Sveti Marko was once the poster child for luxury tourism in Yugoslavia. Think glamping before glamping was even a “thing.” The island was dotted with those iconic canvas yurts, blending luxury with a touch of the wild, making it the favorite hangout spot for the jet-setters of the time.
However, the wheel of history, often unpredictable, spun its course. The tumultuous 1990s saw the resort’s abandonment, as the echoes of laughter and music faded, replaced by the chirping of crickets and the soft whisper of waves. It’s like the island went on a sabbatical, took a gap year from being fabulous, to perhaps introspect.
But, and here’s the fun part, nature has a funny way of reclaiming its own. While the resort’s infrastructure may have receded, the island’s natural beauty is as radiant as ever. Olive groves stand tall, beaches beckon, and the waters… oh, they shimmer with the secrets of glamorous parties and moonlit dances.
Gospa Od Milosti- The Sanctuary Isle
Situated within the mesmerizing Bay of Kotor, Gospa Od Milosti or “Our Lady of Mercy” doesn’t just have a name that sounds like a prayer; it’s an embodiment of one. Historically, this spot was much more than a scenic escape. It was, and remains, a spiritual epicenter, with its monastery complex standing as a beacon for both the devout and the simply curious. Ah, and speaking of history, this isn’t just any regular monastery. We’re talking about structures that have withstood the tests of time since the 15th century. Yup, it’s older than your grandma’s secret cookie recipe!
Now, legend has it that sailors, upon surviving the capricious whims of the Adriatic, would drop by to express their gratitude. Can you blame them? If I were caught in a storm and made it to the shore, I’d be lighting candles, singing hymns, and perhaps doing a little thankful jig.
If you’re thinking of visiting Gospa od Milosti and this part of Montenegro, I warmly recommend this Boka cruise.
Ostrvo Cvijeća- The Floral Oasis
Nestled cozily in the Bay of Tivat, Ostrvo Cvijeća, or “Island of Flowers,” lives up to its name in the most fragrant way possible. The island isn’t just a treat for the eyes; it’s a symphony for the nose. Roses, irises, magnolias – the place is an aromatic wonderland, making you feel like Alice who took a wrong (or perhaps, right?) turn and ended up in Blossomland instead of Wonderland.
But here’s where it gets intriguing. Beyond its floral tapestry, the island is steeped in history. Monastic walls that whisper tales from the 7th century, remnants of a time when Byzantine monks found solace amidst its fragrant corridors. Later, during the times of the Venetian rule, it transformed into a defense point. That’s right, this blooming paradise was once a strategic cornerstone. Talk about beauty with a backbone!
Gospa Od Škrpjela- Baroque Artistry on a Bed of Sunken Ships
Legend – and by that, I mean age-old whispers and some quite detailed historical records – has it that local seafarers stumbled upon an image of the Virgin Mary and Christ on this very spot. Grateful for their safe returns from perilous voyages, they pledged an intriguing homage: they’d throw a rock into the sea every time they returned. Over time (and with a sprinkle of maritime enthusiasm), these rocks, along with scuttled ships, birthed an island. Talk about a DIY project!
But the allure of Gospa Od Škrpjela doesn’t stop at its unconventional origin. Atop its stone canvas rests a splendid Baroque church, a testament to the 17th-century artistry. This church, with its iconic blue domed roof and an interior adorned with over 68 paintings by Tripo Kokolja, a famed Baroque artist, is the cherry on the island’s sundae. It’s like walking into a Baroque art gallery, but with the added thrill of being surrounded by the azure Adriatic.
Sveti Đorđe- The Silent Sage
Now, if islands in Montenegro had personalities, Sveti Đorđe would be that enigmatic grandpa who sits in the corner of the room, pipe in hand, narrating tales of yore with a twinkle in his eye. Dominating the island’s landscape is the Saint George Benedictine monastery, a structure that has braved the winds of time since the 12th century. But oh, it’s not all saintly and solemn. The island also houses a cemetery, the final resting place for many a noble from the seafaring town of Perast. Let’s just say, it’s where the crème de la crème of ancient Montenegro decided to… dock permanently.
Peeling back the layers of legend, there’s a bit of a Game-of-Thrones-esque aura here. Whispers of an old curse that shrouds the island, tales of ships steering clear of its shores, and the occasional bell toll that echoes across the bay. It’s poetic, mysterious, and just the right amount of eerie.
Sveti Stefan- Montenegro’s Crown Jewel
This list of the most beautiful islands in Montenegro couldn’t be complete without Sveti Stefan. Ever wondered if there’s a place where time plays hide and seek, where cobblestone streets hum lullabies of epochs gone by, and where the sun seems to shine just a tad brighter, as if trying to outdo the brilliance below? Enter Sveti Stefan, Montenegro’s dazzling tiara that sits gracefully on the Adriatic’s shores.
The very sight of Sveti Stefan is like glimpsing a mirage: an ethereal island hamlet, tethered to the mainland by a slender isthmus, painted in hues of terracotta and olive green. It’s a postcard-perfect vision, but oh, there’s more to this place than its Instagrammable aesthetics.
Rewind a few centuries, and this island wasn’t the luxury haven it is today. Nope, it was a fortified village built to shield against marauding pirates. Brave villagers, fierce battles, and tales of heroism – this island has seen it all. From its humble beginnings as a 15th-century fishing village to its transformation into an upscale resort in the 1960s, Sveti Stefan has donned many hats, each more glamorous than the last.
Školjic- The Hidden Gem
Ever heard of the phrase, “Good things come in small packages”? If not, allow Školjic, Montenegro’s quaintest marvel, to eloquently demonstrate its truth. Tucked away like a secret whisper amidst the grand tales of its island siblings, Školjic is the definition of a hidden gem.
Historically, Školjic might not boast of ancient fortresses or celebrity-studded tales, but it offers something arguably richer: an untouched canvas of nature. Legend – or maybe just local chatter – says that this island was once the hush-hush escape for weary fishermen seeking solitude and a breather from their oceanic escapades.
Stari Ulcinj- The Ancient Echo
Nestled on Montenegro’s sun-kissed coast lies a relic that’s more than just stone and mortar; it’s a time capsule, an ode to history. Say “hello” to Stari Ulcinj, where the past doesn’t just whisper, it reverberates.
Stepping into Stari Ulcinj, or Old Ulcinj, feels a tad like stumbling upon a secret conversation between epochs. The ancient city walls, with their battle scars and sunlit patina, stand testimony to a time when the Illyrians called this place home. Yes, those Illyrians, the indomitable tribe that predates even the Romans! Picture this: Centuries-old cobblestone streets that have felt the footfalls of pirates, traders, and warriors. These very lanes have echoed with tales of Byzantine rulers, Venetian merchants, and Ottoman sultans.
Ada Bojana- The Triangular Paradise
When Mother Nature decided to get a bit artsy with her paintbrush, she crafted Ada Bojana, a ridiculously symmetrical triangle of tranquility lying peacefully at the southernmost tip of Montenegro. But to be completely honest, the triangular allure is just the tip of the iceberg. Ada Bojana is famous for its pristine beaches that seem to stretch into infinity and sunsets that make it seem like the sun is dipping its toes into the shimmering waters. Last but not least, if you’re a fan of wind surfing, with its sweeping winds, Ada Bojana is your El Dorado.
Vranjina- Montenegro’s Venice
Nestled on Lake Skadar, Europe’s largest bird reserve, Vranjina is an island turned peninsula, thanks to the tireless handiwork of our old friend, sedimentation. The natural process of sediment deposition tethered Vranjina to the mainland, but fret not, she remains as insular and unique as ever!
Historically, this spot has been a coveted vantage point for many. Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans alike cast envious glances toward its shores. If Venice is poetry in water, then Vranjina is a sonnet sculpted in lush greens and tranquil blues. While it doesn’t boast ornate palazzos, it more than compensates with its serene monasteries, some of which have whispered prayers and chants for centuries.
Now, for a dash of wit: if Venice had a less crowded, nature-loving cousin who ditched the flashy gondolas for rustic fishing boats, it’d be Vranjina. Instead of navigating through canals, one might find themselves meandering through a symphony of birdsong.
Grmožur- Montenegro’s Alcatraz
Built in the 19th century by the Ottoman Empire, Grmožur was originally a military stronghold. Its stout walls and strategic location made it a tough nut to crack. Yet, as history would have it, in 1878, the Montenegrins did just that – they seized the fortress after, rumor has it, getting the Ottoman garrison in a slightly tipsy state with some good old rakija. Cheers to strategic thinking!
Post its ‘lively’ acquisition, Grmožur transitioned from a military bastion to a prison. Though it didn’t house as infamous inmates as its American counterpart, it was no less dreaded. Surrounded by the waters of Lake Skadar, escape was a treacherous proposition, and perhaps there were no hidden spoons or crafty escape plans here, but the allure of mystery remains.
Lesendro- The Lake Guardian
Lake Skadar, nestled between Montenegro and Albania, is the largest lake in the Balkans. But smack dab in the middle of this vast watery expanse, you;ll find Lesendro, one of the tiniest islands in Montenegro. Now, some might say, “It’s just a fortress,” but it’s so much more!
Constructed in the 18th century, Lesendro was not just any fortress. Its purpose was clear: to defend Montenegro’s borders against the sneaky Ottoman Empire. And defend it did! While the Ottomans did capture it occasionally, the fortress, much like a stubborn mule, didn’t stay under their grip for long.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also want to check out our list of the most fascinating landmarks in Albania.
Honrable Mention: Luštica & Its Rustic Riviere
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Montenegro, Luštica is not an island but we feel it deserves an honorable mention here because this gorgeous strip of land that effectively cuts Kotor off from the Adriatic Sea and the atmosphere on Luštica feels very islandy (if that makes sense). Since medieval times, this peninsula was a coveted piece of real estate, frequently changing hands between empires, and even witnessing occasional piratical escapades.
What I personally like about Luštica’s coast is that it offers a more laid-back experience (unlike some other islands in Montenegro and the Adriatic in general). Whether you’re taking a lazy dip in the blue waters of Žanjice beach or exploring the mysterious Blue Cave, Luštica is the kind of place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to savor every moment .
Travel Tips For Island Hopping In Montenegro
Begin with the Bigger Names
Starting with the famed Bay of Kotor isn’t just about following the crowd. It’s like warming up at a party with folks you know before diving into deeper conversations with intriguing strangers. From here, the island of Our Lady of the Rocks beckons. Legend says it was built upon a pile of rocks thrown into the sea by local fishermen. Talk about DIY island-making!
Choose Your Vessel Wisely
Sure, mega yachts are flashy, but have you ever tried squeezing one of those behemoths into a hidden cove? Opt for something agile, like a speedboat or a sailboat, especially if you want to discover those off-the-beaten-path spots without scaring off the local fish.
Local Grub and Grog
You haven’t truly experienced an island until you’ve tasted its food, sipped its wine, and tried to learn a local dance (bonus points if you don’t twist an ankle). Islands in Montenegro offer delightful local dishes, often seafood-centric. And as for drinks? Pro tip: Rakija is both a welcome drink and a conversation starter (or ender, depending on the quantity)!
Footwear Follies
Island terrain can be unpredictable. From cobblestones with a history older than that of some countries to the sneaky pebbly beaches that feel like a foot massage gone wrong, your choice of footwear matters. Something versatile, comfortable, and water-resistant is ideal. And remember, heels and historic islands have a love-hate relationship. Mostly hate.
Time Travel (Well, Sort Of)
Some of these islands in Montenegro offer a trip back in time. Ever heard of Sveti Dorde? It’s not just an island; it’s a centuries-old time capsule! Monasteries, legends, and possibly a ghost story or two await.
Sun’s Out, Buns… No, Sunscreen Out!
Montenegrin sun can be surprisingly sneaky. While basking under its warm embrace, always layer up with sunscreen. And maybe pack a stylish hat? It’s the intersection of smart and chic.
Lost and Found
While Google Maps is a modern marvel, when it comes to islands in Montenegro, sometimes local knowledge trumps satellites. Chat up locals, listen to their stories, and maybe you’ll find yourself on a hidden beach that’s missing from the popular lists but overflowing with charm.
How did you like our bucket list of the most beautiful islands in Montenegro? Did you ever visit any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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