Montenegro, a small Balkan country with rugged mountains, medieval villages, and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline, offers a unique and captivating sailing experience. This article presents a simple one-week yachting route in Montenegro, starting and ending in Kotor, which is suitable for beginner skippers and equally enjoyable for experienced captains.
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Day 1: Arrival in Kotor
Upon arrival at Tivat airport, a half-hour drive will take you to Kotor.
The marina in Kotor is more of a port that provides services related to yacht parking.
It consists of a promenade and one pontoon, which can accommodate up to 80 yachts up to 25 m long. The marina is located at the entrance to the old town of Kotor, opposite a weekend market. A supermarket is about 10-15 minutes walk from the pontoon.
Before setting sail, take the time to explore the Old City and climb the fortress wall to the fortress of Saint John.
Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a romantic city nestled against the mountains at the edge of a narrow bay. Its Venetian-influenced architecture, narrow streets, and squares paved with marble slabs make it a charming destination.
Day 2: Kotor to Herceg Novi
The journey from Kotor to Herceg Novi is a short 15 nautical miles.
The shores of the Bay of Kotor are breathtakingly beautiful, and the passage offers a chance to get close to the island of Saint George.
Herceg Novi is a small harbor on the north side of Herceg Novi Bay, the first of three bays that form the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro.
The harbor can accommodate about 40 yachts up to 20 meters and provides good shelter from all winds, except for strong southern or western ones.
Day 3: Herceg Novi to Budva
From Herceg Novi, the journey southeast to Budva is 20 nautical miles. Budva is known for its clear water, clean beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
The historical center offers museums and ancient buildings, and the vicinity boasts Christian churches and picturesque islands.
Day 4: Budva to Bar
The passage from Budva to Bar is approximately 16 nautical miles. AD Marina Bar is the southernmost yacht marina in Montenegro.
It has 900 yacht parking places on the water and 250 places on the shore. The marina is located in the center of Bar next to the city beach.
Day 5: Bar to Bigova
From Bar, the return journey to Kotor begins. The nearest parking lot is Bigova, 25 miles away.
Bigova is a bay and a small village in the southeast corner of Gulf of Trust.
There are three options for mooring yachts in Bigova, including a small pier, buoys owned by a local restaurant, or at your own anchor closer to the entrance to the bay.
Day 6: Bigova to Krtole Bay
The journey from Bigova to Krtole Bay is 18 miles. Bay Krtole is located in the southeastern corner of the Tivat Bay.
Depths in the middle of the bay reach 22 meters, making it suitable for anchoring.
Day 7: Krtole Bay to Kotor
The final leg of the journey takes you back to Kotor, 11 nautical miles away. Before returning the boat, it’s advisable to refuel in Marina Porto Montenegro in advance.
In conclusion, while Montenegro may not boast a variety of sailing routes due to its compact size, it offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning coastline, historical towns, and beautiful marinas. This one-week itinerary allows you to explore the entire coastline at a leisurely pace, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned sailors.
From the romantic city of Kotor, the beautiful shores of the Bay of Kotor, the vibrant nightlife of Budva, the southernmost marina in Bar, the tranquil bay of Bigova, to the serene Krtole Bay, each destination offers a unique experience.
Whether you’re a fan of historical architecture, pristine beaches, or simply the open sea, sailing in Montenegro is sure to leave you with incredible memories. So, set sail and explore the Adriatic coast of this charming Balkan country.
Remember, this is just one of the route options.
You can alternate and supplement the points of your route depending on the weather conditions and your personal wishes.
Happy sailing!
