Sailing in Montenegro
Sailing in the Adriatic can be the ideal way to unwind and experience a little different vacation in Montenegro if you want to start the summer off in a less formal and sophisticated manner.
Another fantastic location for sailing in the Mediterranean is Montenegro, which has a rich history and provides distinctive landscapes. Montenegro boasts the most yacht-friendly legislation in all of Europe, making it the ideal destination for a cruise. The designated Port of Entry is in Porto Montenegro, where a customs and immigration office is right next to the marina.
Although Montenegro’s scenery is more hilly than Croatia’s, it has many positive qualities and offers stunning Balkan scenery. There is about 70 km of sandy beaches along the more than 290 km (180 miles, 156 NM) of pristine coastline. More than 250 days a year of sunshine and typical Mediterranean wind patterns make Montenegro a fantastic place for sailing.
Despite having a spectacular coastline, Montenegro only really became a sail-tourism destination in the 2010s. However, how fast have things changed? The nation has appeared in a variety of upscale lifestyle magazines and acquired a desirable sheen. It all began with the development of a chain of world-class marinas all along the coast. Being brand new, they boast all the mod cons and luxury extras, as well as being monster-sized and specifically able to cater to the growing number of sailing boats who wanted to find somewhere to moor up in the Med.
What do you expect from sailing in Montenegro?
Are you hoping for a lengthy coastline dotted with especially lovely islands, a taste of life in traditional coastal towns in Montenegro, pristine beaches, your secret spot on the island, fishing villages, and restaurants serving up authentic seafood dishes, or opulent marinas?
Some marinas, like those in Tivat (Porto Montenegro), Herceg Novi (Portonovi), Bar (OMC Marina), Meljine (Lazure Marina), Luštica Bay are modern, well-equipped, and primarily focused on luxury yachting, which is flourishing throughout the nation. After a day at sea, you can shop in upscale stores, dine at renowned establishments, or unwind in cocktail lounges.
Practically no outside clothing is worn here. A few of the marina’s highlights at the Porto Montenegro Yacht Club were the famed luxury pool and morning yoga on a floating raft.
Montenegro is an ideal new destination for sailing
Why? Due to its breathtaking scenery, favorable sailing weather (240 days of sunshine annually), and multimillion-dollar investments in luxury marinas, two of which—Porto Montenegro and Luštica Bay—offer enormous anchorages for superyachts up to 250 m in length. Luštica Bay is also part of a complex that includes the most opulent five-star hotels and a golf course. Do you concur, or what?
This region of the Adriatic experiences consistent breezes that are primarily from the south and, during the summer, from the maestral wind. If you are a beginner, the Bay of Kotor region is appropriate for you since it provides a natural shelter perfect for peaceful sailing!
What to see in Montenegro by sailboat?
What to see in Montenegro by sailboat?
You could cruise the Bay of Kotor for a week just as easily as you could sail around the Montenegrin coast. Allow the wind from the Mediterranean to carry and direct you. From where do you begin? The Bay of Kotor, which contains Tivat, Kotor, and Herceg Novi, and the coasts of Budva, Bar, and Ulcinj make up Montenegro’s Adriatic coast.
The beauty of the scenery is the main draw for sailing in Montenegro. Its 90 km of the fjord is bordered by gorgeous mountains, and part of its coastline is a Mediterranean coast populated with Mediterranean settlements. And you can have both in a regular sailing week. A fantastic area for sailing.
In Croatia and Greece during the high season, there are so many visitors on land and by water that everything is very busy. In contrast, Montenegro is still (just) off the beaten tourist path, making it a wonderful destination for exploration and escape. You can be the first member of your sailing club, circle of friends, or family to sail here – just be careful not to brag too much about how extraordinary it is!
Since the beginning of time, people have traded around the Mediterranean, and Montenegro has undoubtedly played a part in that. There are ancient villages to explore (some of which are even now deserted), beautiful village squares to sit in and enjoy an ice cream, wartime bunkers to sail past, and thriving beach resorts to anchor near and dive into.
In four cities: Tivat (Porto Montenegro, Kalimanj), Budva, Kotor, and Herceg Novi, marinas are available. Trate Bay, Krue Coves, Oblatno, Maljevik, Bigova, St Marko Island, among others, are all desirable places to dock.
Tivat
In the middle of the Bay of Kotor, in the southwest of Montenegro, is a little town called Tivat. Tivat is one of the most well-liked tourist sites in Montenegro and one of the most stunning nautical ports in the southern section of the Adriatic because of its appealing location and close proximity to the airport. The Tivat Porto Montenegro marina adds to this location’s attractiveness.
One of the most opulent marinas on the Adriatic is located in Tivat Port, Montenegro, and it serves as a representative of the country’s tourism industry. The marina provides 450 moorings for boats ranging from 12 to 180 meters. Within the marina lies the opulent Regent Porto Montenegro hotel.
Along with the marina, the Porto Montenegro resort offers a wide range of sports, recreational, and cultural activities and events to satisfy the needs of yacht owners, crews, and other visitors. The resort was created to accommodate all of these needs.
Visitors will be in awe of the huge variety of things Tivat has to offer during their stay. Do you enjoy a leisurely trip on the Boka? Tivat is the best place for you if the answer is yes.
All visitors to this seaside city enjoy sailing as one of their favorite pastimes. One of your most treasured holiday memories will be a new perspective of the location as well as the lush vegetation.
Boka Kotorska
The fact that sailing aficionados flock to this location is not a coincidence given how exciting the Bay of Kotor is to sail through.
The bay initially appears little to you, but it quickly enlarges to a height of more than a thousand meters, spreading out into four bays and a plethora of coves. convincing enough? As the course changes constantly, admiration and wonder grow in height and width. Small fishing communities and settlements along the Bokej coast are shielded by a natural wall. It also serves as the backdrop for a photograph of two islets in front of the well-known town of Perast.
The Old Town of Kotor, like the majority of Kotor Bay, is protected by UNESCO as a site of important cultural importance. When you visit Kotor, it will seem like home right away because of all the events, festivals, and carnivals that are held there and the contagious Mediterranean vibe that permeates the entire city.
Churches, imposing structures, palaces, and museums can be found in Kotor Old Town, which lends it a certain beauty. You want to stop time and just be as you stroll down the winding stone streets with just-washed bed linens hanging from the windows.
You can ascend the San Giovanni city stronghold to take in the breathtaking views of Kotor, an experience that will live forever in your memories.
Herceg Novi
It will charm you with sunshine and quiet, historic strongholds, and countless picnic areas because it is tucked away in vegetation and flowers. Can you picture all its splendors—the secluded bathing coves, intimate harbors nearby, diving hotspots, Mamula Island, historic stone homes in mountain communities, and customary flower festivals?
Don’t even try to envision too much; rather, visit and explore Herceg Novi! Learn more about the top-notch D-Marin Portonovi Marina, which has more than 200 berths and can accommodate yachts and superyachts up to 100 meters in length.
The Forte Mare Fortress, one of the top Herceg Novi attractions, is spectacular and impossible to miss! On top of a rocky outcrop, the stone Mare Fortress, built in the fourteenth century, overlooks Herceg Novi Bay. The majestic and powerful fortifications offer breathtaking views of the sea and the Bay of Kotor.
The Blue Cave sometimes referred to as the Blue Grotto, is a cave on the Luštica Peninsula that can be reached from Herceg Novi by boat in just 20 minutes. The stunning iridescent hues that light up the waters inside the cave give it its distinctive appearance.
Budva
Budva, with its fortified city walls and lengthy, fascinating history, is one of the most significant towns in Balkan history and is situated on a peninsula that juts out into the azure waters of the Adriatic. The region’s geography also includes many islands and a bay in addition to the peninsula.
There are 17 gorgeous beaches along the 21-kilometer (13-mile) long coast that surrounds Budva. This region of Montenegro is the hub of tourism because of the abundance of beaches there and the region’s exceptional climate.
Approximately 6 km away from Budva, the little island of St. Stefan is attractive. Although the island is now a luxurious resort, a trip there (ideally by boat) is still worthwhile to take advantage of the scenery and adjacent fantastic beaches.
The fact that you can reach the sea whenever you want is one of this town’s greatest advantages. You may access the beach, the harbor, or the square within a minute of the water via a number of rampart exits. Even though it is not visible, the town’s sound and fragrance constantly serve as a reminder of your location. The hills visible from the walls and the island of St. Nicholas, as well as the Mediterranean vegetation, palms, and pines, are what truly decorate Budva.
Climate & Weather in Montenegro
The weather on the Montenegrin coast is Mediterranean, and the sailing season lasts from May to September. A comfortable 29°C is the summertime average temperature. The Maestral and Jugo winds are most common, coming from the northwest and southeast, respectively. Sailors should avoid anchoring in bays exposed to the Northeast because the Bora might quickly form from that direction and produce difficult conditions. A milder, continental climate prevails in the northern and central interior regions of Montenegro.
Even while the country’s sailing and tourism industries are expanding and new hotels and marinas are being developed, Montenegro is still mostly unaffected by mass tourism, especially when compared to a country like Croatia. You’ll find a wild, unspoiled, and largely unexplored area that is both welcoming and aesthetically magnificent. Although it might not be very big, its beauty will have a big impression and make sailing there a genuinely memorable experience.
Pick your destination
If you need your custom tailored sailing, feel free to contact us.
Montenegro route
If you are hoping for a lengthy coastline dotted with especially lovely islands, and a taste of life in traditional coastal towns then your destination is Montenegro. With pristine beaches, your secret spot on the island, fishing villages and restaurants serving authentic seafood dishes, and opulent marinas, you will enjoy the best Montenegro sailing experience. Book now!
Croatia routes
Sailing in Croatia is like a trip across time, cruising the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. The landscapes of Brijuni, Telašćica, Kornati Islands, Vransko Lake, Krka Falls, Lastovo Islands, and Mljet are extremely impressive and well worth visiting. Enjoy charming villages as you discover dozens of islands scattered off the Croatian Coast. Book now!