Welcome to the second entry of Hidden Gems where today I will be talking about Montenegro. They recently gained their independence in 2006 making them one of the youngest countries in the world. Despite the young age, it is a country with a rich history. However, it is mainly a history of being conquered that dates clear back to ancient Rome. However, this history of being conquered means that the country is full of medieval forts and other ruins for your adventurous heart to explore.

Why you should travel here

Due to its young age, Montenegro is a fairly unknown country, and because of that it is one of the cheapest countries to visit. Its neighbor, Croatia receives much more attention, but Montenegro is cheaper and has a coastline with the Adriatic Sea that is just as beautiful.

It is also home to the Tara River Canyon, commonly called the Grand Canyon of Europe. You can also go white water rafting down the Tara River, allowing for some great views and a fantastic adventure.

Things to do

1. Kotor Old Town and Bay of Kotor

Here you can have the pleasure of visiting a medieval-style city, complete with beautiful cobblestone streets and countless historic buildings. One of the must does is, to take the hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress. From here you get stunning views of the entire city and the bay of Kotor. You also will be greeted by goats along the way. Just be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

And maybe hiking isn’t for you. Maybe you’re a cat person. If you are then this city should be your dream destination. It is a local legend that petting a cat brings good luck, and the city is full of roaming cats that are cared for by the locals. You can also visit the city’s Cat Museum to see all things cat-themed.

2. Our Lady of the Rocks, the floating church

This is another place steeped in history. The legend is that the sailors would drop a rock in the water after a prosperous voyage. And they did this until the island emerged, which isn’t too far off from the truth. It is an artificial island, which was built by a bulwark of rocks and by sinking old and seized ships loaded with rocks. There is also a gift shop and a museum attached to it. So if learning about religion, or you’re Catholic this could be a good place for you.

3. White Water Rafting on the Tara River

Maybe learning about the history of a place isn’t for you. Maybe you need something more adventurous. In Montenegro, you can take this fantastic rafting trip. Be warned, it is considered one of the tougher rafting trips you can do in Europe with rapids ranging from 3-5. However, the class of the rapids does vary throughout the year. They tend to be at their strongest during April-May, and at their weakest in September-October. These rafting trips also range from single-day trips to three-day trips.

4. Visit the Tara River Canyon

Now maybe white water rafting is too much, but don’t worry that isn’t the only way to see this part of the world. There is a scenic drive for your more leisurely viewing pleasure in which you will cross the Tara bridge. Near the Tara Bridge, there is also a zipline adventure, and ziplining is always a good choice no matter where you are in the world. But here you will get to ride a zipline that spans the width of the canyon and is 150 meters above the canyon floor. There are a number of tour options offered for that, so you would just need to find the one that fits your budget.

5. Mount Lovcen

Visit, Mount Lovcen, Montenegro’s symbol of statehood and national identity. This is also the place where Petar II Petrović Njegoš was laid to rest, and to the Montenegro people he is considered a beloved hero. At the end of the hike to the peak, you will find this lookout point that is depicted. From there you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the country below. The Mountain is now considered a National Park. There is also a large public cookout area if you’d like to have a picnic, and an adventure park to play on. The mountain itself is also close to the city of Kotor, so if you find yourself there, you should consider a quick trip to Mount Lovcen.

6. Stay in the Sveti Stefan

See that island right there? Yeah, that's all a 5-star resort. The Aman Sveti Stefan was once a historic medieval village before being turned into this beautiful resort, and the resort has kept many of its unique features. You can still find cannons posted at key locations, and in the rooms, you’ll find exposed rock walls. Across that walkway, connecting you to the mainland is where you’ll find some of the nicest beaches in Montenegro. Aman is also a European resort chain known for its top-of-the-line service and delivery of luxury products. You can expect nothing but the best from them. Be warned, a stay here however is not cheap and can cost well over $800 per night. You won’t find another hotel quite like this one in Montenegro though.

In Conclusion.

Montenegro is a young country that is becoming less hidden by the day. More and more people are traveling here as it grows in popularity, thanks to its beautiful coast and amazing scenery. This is also a cat lover paradise as the Montenegran people probably love cats more than you do.