Seven ideas for a perfect autumn day at sea

Those who visit the coast exclusively in summer are missing out on a lot. The true colors of life at sea can only be seen when everything is quiet and back to normal. When the clock ticks slower and there is time for everything. Only then do the locals, streets and squares show their true colors: dreamy and melancholic, but still warm and cordial.
If you are looking for romance and long walks, there are some places on the Montenegrin coast that are real little havens during the autumn and winter period. The smell of the sea, the wealth of nature and forests, interesting history, delicious food...

Where and how to spend a perfect autumn day at sea?

Here are seven ideas, created in cooperation with the #ShareMontenegro community on Instagram.

1. Chestnut forest, Gornji Stoliv

What would autumn be without chestnuts? You must walk through the chestnut forest in Boka Kotorska, say our companions.
Namely, on the road that leads from Donji to Gornji Stoliv, there is a beautiful chestnut forest. The path that connects this two Bokelje settlements is stone, stepped and passes through the forest. It takes about 40 minutes to get to Gornji Stoliv. walk and a real autumn idyll. 

It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes ?

2. Portonovi

A new luxury settlement on the Herzegovina riviera is preparing real magic this fall and winter. Everything starts with the symbolic lighting of the lights on December 3, and then you will be greeted by the Holiday Bazaar, light spectacle, concerts, plays...

It's the right time to take a look at one of the most beautiful and luxurious corners of Montenegro.

photo: Portonovi Instagram 

The calendar of events in Portonovi can be downloaded from THIS link.

3. Ulcinj Saltworks and Tivat Saltworks

Although only 293 km long, the Montenegrin coast has two very important bird habitats. It is about the nature reserve Tivatska solila and the nature park Ulcinjska solana.

If we know that autumn is the period of migration, it is clear why now is the right time to visit them.

On the Tivat salt flats you will see egrets, little cormorants, spoonbills, white herons, cranes, flamingos and other world-weary fliers who have found peace here. The Ulcinj Salt Lake is known as a paradise for flamingos that stay here all year round, and apart from them, you can see various types of woodpeckers, pelicans, terns, herons and even 250 more species of birds, including ringed ones from all over the Mediterranean.

photo: Robert Janković 

Both places are true oases of untouched nature, so we recommend a visit even if bird watching is not your hobby.

4. Lustica Peninsula

We are sure that you have already visited Bjelila, Krašiće, Rose or Blue Cave, but the Luštica peninsula hides much more than that.

Autumn is the right time to visit forgotten, rustic villages, fortresses and viewpoints and discover the secret of life on the peninsula, which is located at the very entrance to the Bay of Kotor.

You will see how to live off the olive tree, faith and ingenuity (characteristic of the people of Luštica). You will find out that it is possible to build a church in one day and from where as many as 28 religious buildings on the peninsula. Try the wonderful "maginjača" brandy and delicious homemade snacks. And much, much more. 

photo: Klinci Village 

You can visit Luštica by taking a circular drive on the panoramic road "Life on Luštica", and you can download the map from THIS link. Numerous hiking trails ideal for an autumn adventure are marked on the map.

5. Island of Sveti Nikola, Budva

This December, experience something different - a walk on the island with the most beautiful beaches in Europe ?

The island of Sveti Nikola in Budva is known for its beaches, which were even included by the prestigious "Forbes" among the nine most beautiful in Europe. Although beautiful, the beaches make up only a small percentage of the island's surface. Most of it is occupied by lush Mediterranean vegetation - pine and spruce forests, which were once a natural reserve for animals such as deer, mouflons, rabbits, pheasants... Today, you can only meet goats on the island.

And enjoy the unreal vistas and silence - which is not so characteristic of Budva. Real paradise! 

photo: Lokalni hodači 

The trail has recently been marked, is about 3 km long and is not demanding, although there are a few climbs. Let us know your impressions!

6. Gornja Lastva

An indispensable suggestion for an autumn walk is the Vrmac hill - a pedestrian's paradise in Boka Kotorska. We have already mentioned Gornja Stoliv, but we must not forget Gornja Lastva, which is located on the sunny slope of this hill. The village is decorated with stone houses surrounded by beautiful gardens and the church of St. Marije is more than half a century old. Behind it is the old olive mill, which is still in operation. Of course, from here there is an unreal view of the Tivat Bay.

photo: Vedran Ilić 

7. Old Bar

Finally, we recommend that you visit the old town this December, which is attracting increasing interest from tourists - Bar.
Stari Bar is located at the foot of Mount Rumija, protected by steep cliffs. Its ruins hide a rich history, captivate with beauty and intrigue with mysticism. After being damaged during the liberation and the devastating earthquake in 1979, it was never fully restored. Considering that it is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, it is a true open-air museum.

photo: Adnan Seferovic 

Another reason to visit Stari Bar this December is the Bar Olive Festival. The popular "Oslinijada" - an exhibition of olive products, as well as other local specialties, will be held this weekend on December 3 and 4, weather permitting. Check out why this event is one of the most visited in Montenegro!

Cover photo: Gornji Stoliv, Andrey Fox

Source: Share Montenegro