An insider’s guide to a Montenegro yacht charter

Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, the petite country of Montenegro is certainly a hidden gem. From the calm-as-glass Bay of Kotor to the long sweep of golden-sand beaches in Budva and the fine dining and nightlife in Tivat, it’s a gem that’s worth discovering on a luxury yacht charter.

Montenegro travel is defined by a mix of history-rich villages, bountiful beaches and protected cruising grounds. Set in the Adriatic Sea within close reach of Italy, Croatia and Greece, it’s easy to tie in a visit to Montenegro during a Mediterranean yacht charter. 

Between January and March, Montenegro offers a different take on a winter yacht charter destination for yacht-to-slope skiing. Montenegro has nearly a dozen ski resorts with 61 kilometres of slopes found within a few hours' drive — or shorter helicopter ride — from the coast. 

Painted in a pink facade and surrounded by lush gardens, the former winter palace of King Nikola Petrović is now home to The Centre for Modern Arts in Podgorica, which displays exhibits from international and local artists alike. At the nearby Podgorica Museum and Gallery, remnants of the old royal capital can be appreciated with the historical artefacts on display. Just outside of the capital, you will find the Roman ruins of Doclea, which UNESCO calls ‘the most significant archaeological site in Montenegro.’ Ruins of the temple's toppled stone columns and gates of origin to the Roman city are still recognisable. 

Yacht charter holidays in Montenegro might feel like to going back in time to visit the French Riviera before it became the haute destinations that it is today. Clear cerulean seas meet dramatic cliff sides, which are punctuated by calm beaches. Charter guests will be treated to pretty seaside towns lined by old stone buildings and waterfront eateries serving up fresh seafood.  

Across from Our Lady of the Rocks on the shore is the charming town of Persat. Take the tender to shore and wander among its 17 Baroque palaces, 19 churches and historic sandstone mansions. Founded during the rule of the Venetian Republic, the tiny town was settled by wealthy fisherman and mariners. It remains one of the best-preserved towns along the Adriatic.  

Further south, the bay narrows again and is framed by tall mountains reaching up high overhead. You’d be forgiven for thinking you are cruising a Norwegian Fjord. At the very end of the bay, the medieval town of Kotor is built beneath limestone cliffs and surrounded by fortified city walls. Stretch your sea legs with a walk up the moderately challenging Kotor Fortress hike, which leads to a lofty lookout point for expansive views over the bay.

Perhaps the most iconic beach on the Montenegro coast is Sveti Stefan. Two red-sand beaches frame a narrow road that leads out to the fortified island of Sveti Stefan, which looks like something out of a fairytale. Due north along the coast from here is Queen’s Beach, where Villa Miločer, the former summer residence of Queen Marija Karadjodjevic, now houses the ultra-luxurious Aman Sveti Stefan hotel. Visit the spa to unwind with restorative treatments featuring local herbs and medicinal spices.  

A hidden secret of Montenegro is its surprisingly wonderful wines. Vineyards thrive in Montenegro thanks to its microclimate and fertile lands. Wine regions span from the coast to Lake Skadar, and there are even wineries found near the capital of Podgorica. Wine lovers will enjoy having a private tour of some the country’s many cellars and wine tasting at the vineyards from the waterfront Savina Winery to sprawling grounds of the Plantaze Vineyard, the largest in Montenegro, which has three wine cellars.