Montenegro
As many have explored Croatia in the last decade, I am often asked for a similar destination, with all the attractions but perhaps in an area less travelled. Montenegro is a relative newcomer to yacht charter and arguably an experience like Croatia was 10 – 20 years ago.
Similar stunning mountainous topography and 15th -18th century architecture makes it one of the prettiest charter destinations.
If you have two weeks, it is possible to combine both Croatia and Montenegro. Most choose to start and return to Dubrovnik making the easy transit in Cavtat before exploring the protected stunning bays in the Gulf of Kotor.
For a one-week charter, starting in Kotor or Tivat allows little time to leave the gulf which winds close to 20 miles inland offering many interesting and protected anchorages.
The Gulf consists of three large basins, Hercengnovski Zaliv, Tivatski Zaliv and Kotor Zaliv. The mountains surrounding these basins are steep and high (over 1,000 meters in places). At the furthest point inland is the medieval township of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site with winding streets and town squares, churches, cathedral’s and a very interesting maritime museum. At least a day should be spent exploring the old town with its encircling walls.
Outside of the gulf there is 40 miles of coastline to explore with Ulcinj the furthest southern port in Montenegro, about 8 miles north of the Albanian border.
The townships of Bar and Budva offer full-service marinas and facilities however there are some very interesting anchorages along the coast albeit many offering limited protection.
Budva is a charming walled town and a good place to leave your yacht to explore the national parks and lakes inland, with day tours offered at the quay.
Only a few miles south, Sveti Stephan is known for its award winning 6-star hotel located on a protruding peninsula. It is connected to the shore by a causeway lined beach and it is possible to anchor in the nearby southern bay.
Yacht availability is quite limited in Montenegro for this season, but we already have many charters locked in for 2020 where there is still some good availability. Monohulls up to 50’ and catamarans up to 45’ available or if you can push to 2 weeks (and a Dubrovnik pick up) there is a wider choice of vessels. Visit our page on Croatia yacht charters.