Campsites in Beautiful Montenegro
Montenegro is also called the Land of the Black Mountains. This small country is located in the Balkans and is capturing the hearts of more and more travellers. With its natural beauty, charm and hospitality, it is a popular destination for a camping holiday. It is also a country that has not yet been discovered by mass tourism, which means that you can still experience the authenticity of Montenegro in many locations. To put it briefly, if you are looking for the beauty of nature and peace and quiet, then consider a campsite in Montenegro!
A Small Country with a Great Countryside
The rocky mountains, green valleys and clear blue lakes: Montenegro causes the hearts of nature lovers to beat faster. The country is also next to the Adriatic Sea and has a coastal strip of 300 kilometres that is characterized by vast sandy beaches and impressive rock formations.
Despite the country’s modest size, the landscape is very varied. The Durmitor National Park is one of the highlights of Montenegro. This park has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List with good reason. If you are looking for an outing while at the campsite, a visit to this park is an excellent option.
Affordable Camping
Another advantage to the lack of mass tourism in Montenegro – in addition to the tranquillity and authenticity – is that it is budget friendly. Compared to other European destinations, Montenegro is in most respects considerably cheaper, with affordable campsites that offer good amenities. Along the coast in particular, campsites have large restaurants as main sources of income, allowing you to enjoy local dishes at an affordable price. And, in Montenegro, you also pay very little for public transport and activities.
Historic Traces
Montenegro has a rich culture and history, formed by various peoples. Today the country is greatly influenced by the culture of its neighbours Croatia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Albania.
The very first inhabitants of the area, however, were the Illyrians, who first lived here between 650 and 135 B.C. This Indo-European empire left behind various settlements, the ruins of which you can still view today.
Later, under Roman rule, theatres, temples and forts were built. The arrival of the Slavic tribes in the 6th and 7th century had a lasting influence on language and culture. In medieval times, the Venetians were the ones who dominated the coastal areas.
Their architecture and forts are still prominent in places like Kotor and Perast. There also still traces of the period during which Montenegro was part of the Ottoman Empire. The mosques and bridges from that time can still be admired.
Dishes from Montenegrin Cuisine
While on holiday, you will also want to taste what it is that makes the country so special. Montenegro has a varied history and the cuisine it offers is therefore a melting pot of various influences:
- One of the favourite dishes is ćevapi: small, grilled meat sausages, often served with fresh bread, onion and a creamy cheese called kajmak.
- Another speciality is burek, a savoury pie filled with meat, cheese or vegetables.
- Fish-lovers will enjoy the Adriatic seafood, with dishes like crni rižot, a black risotto tinted with squid ink.
- And for those who love sweets, there is priganice. These are small, fluffy balls of dough sprinkled with sugar or honey, often served on festive occasions.
Practical Tips
Are you curious as to which languages are spoken in Montenegro? The official language is Montenegrin, which closely resembles Serbian or Croatian. In the coastal areas, people usually speak English or German as well. Out in the countryside, Google Translate can assist in overcoming language barriers. The mobile network is excellent; for a small fee, you can purchase a SIM card that allows unlimited internet.
When packing for your camping holiday, it is important to take the changing weather into account. The summers are warm and sunny but, in the mountains especially, it can cool off quite a bit at night. Make sure you take along light clothing for the daytime and warmer layers for the evenings.
Book Your Pitch at the Campsite
In Montenegro, camping allows you the opportunity to embrace the natural beauty, the rich history and the local culture of this country at a reasonable price. If you are looking for an adventurous holiday destination with a touch of undiscovered charm, then definitely consider booking a campsite in Montenegro. It is the way to enjoy all the beauty that this Balkan country has to offer.
Fuel
Petrol (Euro super 95, Bezolovni 95, 95 unleaded and Euro super 98, Bezolovni 98) is widely available, as is diesel (Eurodizel). LPG is available at a reasonable number of petrol stations, mainly at Jugopetrol’s EKO petrol stations. The Italian adapter (dish) is used for refuelling with LPG. There are sufficient petrol stations along the coast, with less petrol stations inland. Most petrol stations are open from 8:00 to 20:00 at least and the petrol stations along motorways are often open day and night. Often there is full-service at the pump. A small filled reserve tank is permitted duty-free.
Charging
There is a limited number of charging stations, mainly by hotels.
Mountain roads
Most mountain roads are narrow, with lots of curves and some steep parts. In the winter, the mountain roads can be hazardous due to snowfall and sleet.
Infrastructure
In Montenegro, the main roads and motorways are generally in good condition, especially in urban and tourist areas. However, in mountainous and remote regions, the road may be narrower and less well maintained, with seasonal challenges of snow and ice, especially during the winter months. Traffic can be a problem in cities and tourist areas.
Ferry services
There is a ferry between Italy and Montenegro: from Bari to Bar, the most important port.
Traffic regulations
Dipped headlights (or daylight running lights) are mandatory during the daytime. Traffic coming from the right has right of way at equal intersections unless indicated otherwise by traffic signs. Within built-up areas, buses leaving a bus stop have right of way. Traffic on a roundabout has right of way when indicated by a priority sign. On mountain roads, uphill traffic has the right of way over downhill traffic. Children under 12 years of age may not be seated in front. Children up to 3 years of age may be seated in front but must be in a child’s seat and the airbag must be switched off. Children under 5 years of age must be transported in a child’s seat. The police often do checks, so it is advisable to keep to the recommended speed.
Special regulations
A green traffic light will begin to flash before turning amber. Drivers are only allowed to use mobile phones in hands-free mode. If children are getting in or out of a school bus, you may not pass. You are most strongly advised not to drive after dark. The majority of the roads are unlit, with only the major main roads lit. The street lights also often fail.
Mandatory equipment
A warning triangle in your car is mandatory. When pulling a caravan or trailer, two warning triangles are mandatory. It is also mandatory to have a safety vest and a first aid kit in the vehicle. You are advised to have a spare tyre and equipment to change the tyre in the vehicle. Also recommended: replacement light bulbs and a towing cable.
Caravans and motorhomes
A motorhome or car-caravan combination may not be more than 4 metres high, 2.50 metres wide and 18.75 metres long (the caravan itself may not be more than 12 metres long).
Bicycles
A bicycle helmet is mandatory. Children up to 8 years of age may be transported in a special bicycle seat on the bicycle and must wear a helmet as well. Wearing headphones or earbuds while on the bicycle is not permitted. Wearing a safety vest is mandatory outside of built-up areas, in the dark and when visibility is poor. Cycling side by side is not permitted.
Tolls
There is a toll road between Pordgorica and Matesevo. Toll must also be paid for the Sozina Tunnel between Podgorica and Bar.
Breakdown or accident
Place the warning triangle at least 50 metres behind your car. On motorways vehicles may be towed only until the first exit. The vehicle that is towing must place a warning triangle at the front and the vehicle behind must place one at the rear. Both vehicles must have their hazard lights on. In the event of a breakdown, call the emergency number of your breakdown assistance provider.
Camping
Montenegro is a country for the adventurous campsite visitor. Old-fashioned camping is possible at small-scale campsites where you will be warmly welcomed. The population is friendly and hospitable. Campsites are focusing more and more on campsite visitors from abroad. Please take into account that the level of amenities is lower than in conventional camping countries. Camping for free outside of official campsites is not permitted.
Practical
Protect yourself against ticks; they can pass on diseases. Avoid contact with mammals in connection with the risk of rabies. You are advised to only eat fruit you have peeled yourself and well-cooked meat and fish. A SIM card for a month of internet access can be purchased at petrol stations. This is an inexpensive way to use the internet during your trip.
