We Moved to Montenegro
- March 30, 2023
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Seung
Hi everyone, Ari and Seung here. Whether you have been following us for the past few years or recently, thanks for joining in on our journey throughout Europe. It has definitely been a very eventful year so far. We began our digital nomad journey this past January initially starting off in Sevilla, Spain and moving our way to Lake Como, Italy. While we love Western Europe, sadly we have American passports and are not allowed to stay in the Schengen Zone longer than 90 days in a 180 day period. The Schengen Zone is different from the European Union as this encompasses 27 European nations that have abolished all border controls. This is mainly all your Western European countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc. Some notable countries that are NOT in the Schengen area are Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, and MONTENEGRO.
So here’s where our story begins. We took a flight from Milan, Italy on the 11th of March to Podgorica, Montenegro. There isn’t too much to do in Podgorica but interestingly enough this is the capital city. We got in our taxi and zoomed to the coastal town of Kotor where we are now. Kotor is a charming town located in the famous Bay of Kotor (creative, we know). It’s a city that has preserved its medieval architecture which encompasses its old city walls along with its astonishing fortress that overlooks the city. It is quite a marvel of a place and something out of a fairytale. We wanted to visit this city in the summer of 2021 when we went to Dubrovnik, Croatia, but sadly did not have the time. Life has a fascinating way of working out though as here we are for the next three months. If you have been to Dubrovnik, Croatia, Kotor seems like a miniature version but it seems to have a more authentic feel to it.
If you happen to visit this city, here are some of the top things you can’t miss that we have been enjoying the past few weeks so far.
St. John’s Fortress
This fortress was built in ancient times but was completely finished by the Venetians in the 16th century. It towers over the city and offers the most beautiful views over Kotor and the bay. Since we are here in the off season, the entrance is free but we’ve heard that in peak seasons you must pay 8 euros to enter. However; there is a secret way inside that we’ll discuss next.
The Ladder of Kotor
This trail is located behind the old town and has a combined 70-80 switchbacks. It’s a very challenging hiking trail but very worth it in our opinion. This hike takes you way beyond the fortress to the top of the mountains, where you can get an out of this world view of the Bay and surrounding area. In the last paragraph we talked about a secret entrance to the fortress. About 1/4th of the way of this trail you will see a path that winds to the right towards the fortress where there is a small ladder that allows you enter for free. We’ve heard that sometimes there is a guard that is posted up here but we have yet to see one. I would advise going early in the morning before the fortress opens at 8 am.
Riva
Many coastal cities in Europe have a promenade or riva and Kotor is no different. We love this place as you can walk along the blue ocean water of the bay. There is a small beach (yes it is pebble) that many relax at. We love taking morning and afternoon strolls along this place as it’s just very relaxing and has some amazing views.
Old Town
Europe has so many old towns but Kotor’s is special. It’s very well preserved so all the buildings inside are not destroyed or run down but in great condition. We love to just get lost inside the little alleyways and find little shops. Kotor is also known for its cats, so if you love cats there are so many just chilling in town and especially within the city walls of old town. You can get on the city walls as well as there are two entrances. It is not a wall that you can walk in a loop like in Dubrovnik, Croatia but it is free to do and gives a unique perspective of the city.
Restaurants and Bars
BBQ Tanjga
This is hands down the best place in town to get meat. It’s a butcher shop that is also a restaurant and has some of the best Balkan meat platters we’ve had in ALL of the Balkans (and we’ve been to Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro). Located just a little outside the south city gate near the main bus station, you can’t miss this place. Their Cevapi is just mouth watering.
Restobar Taraca
This place is a healthy option for town especially if meat isn’t your thing. This was actually the first place we ate in this city and we’ve been regulars every day since. They have an awesome breakfast menu with some delicious juices and smoothies. Their lunch and dinner menu consists of a small meat selection, pasta, and a variety of vegan dishes. We aren’t even vegan and we love coming here.
Authentic Pub Bandiera
This is our favorite bar in town. It has the best prices, the best atmosphere, and is tucked away in a gorgeous part of the old town just at the far southern end. It’s never too busy and the workers are always so friendly. We love this place so much. To put it into perspective; at the time of writing, the Aperol Spritz here is 4.60 euros while anywhere else in Old Town is close to 7-8 euros.
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