Montenegro, or Crna Gora in Montenegrin, is a country with a unique charm. The mountains rise dramatically from the rocky shorelines of the deep-blue sea, creating a picturesque landscape. The coastline is adorned with quaint villages and cottages, while the mountain peaks stand tall against the sky. This gem of a country attracts tourists, investors, and those seeking a unique travel experience. Montenegro, often referred to as the playground of the Russian mafia, is a place of intrigue and beauty. 

Many tourists visit the coastline around Budva and Kotor. However, I ventured out and visited other cities. One city is Bar. Unfortunately, Bar is not a tourist destination but a main port for the former countries of Yugoslavia. The only tourist attractions are the ruins of Old Bar and the 1,000-year-old olive tree. Some ruins, like the aqueduct, church, clock tower, and theatre, have been restored. However, the fortress walls are crumbing. The other sight is the oldest olive tree in Europe, which is very difficult to find. Montenegrins seemed to be adverse to posting signs.

Montenegro

• The country's area spans 5,019 square miles, making Montenegro the 160th largest country in the world.
• The currency is the Euro, although Montenegro is not part of the European Union.
• The capital is Podgorica.
• In 2011, the population was estimated at 625,000.
• Podgorica is the country's largest city and financial, manufacturing, and political hub.
• The tourist destination for foreigners is along the coastline of Montenegro.

Budva is a miniature Dubrovnik and a major tourist destination. The central attraction is Old Budva, a five-hundred-year-old fortress that was converted into a shopping mall. Along the narrow, stone streets are shops, cafes, stores, and restaurants. As one walks along these cobbled streets, one hears a plethora of languages, like Montenegrin, English, and Russian. 

The coastal cities attract foreign investors. The mountains inch against the Adriatic Sea. Subdivisions and communities are springing up along the mountainside, offering homeowners fantastic panoramic views of the blue sea and rocky shorelines. I was surprised to see coastal properties selling for as low as 500,000 Euros. Furthermore, the Montenegrin government offers citizenship to anyone who invests at least 500,000 euros into the country. Consequently, Montenegro has a booming construction industry. 

Strolling along the docks at the marina reveals the influx of wealth. Many expensive yachts, vessels, and boats are docked there, and their wealthy owners socialize in the city. The Government of Montenegro wants its country to become the top tourist destination and vacation spot, and it just might succeed.

Kotor is another old city in Montenegro. It is a fortress built against a mountain. Like Budva, Old Kotor was converted to a shopping mall with restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars spread along the narrow, dark stone streets. 

Old Kotor has one activity that the other coastal towns lack: mountain hiking. Several trails lead from the back of Old Kotor to the peak of the first mountain summit. At the top of the peak is St. John's Castle. A staircase with 1,350 steps leads all the way to the top, which has a dizzying height of 1,200 meters and several spots with gaping holes and loose stone steps. 

An old church is located halfway up the mountain. Ironically, the name of the church is Church of Our Lady of Health because one has to be quite healthy to reach this church. A warning sign is posted two-thirds up the mountain, warning hikers of the danger of hiking beyond this point. Once at the top, one gets a spectacular view of Kotor and the bay.

Kotor is another old city in Montenegro. It is a fortress built against a mountain. Like Budva, Old Kotor was converted to a shopping mall with restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars spread along the narrow, dark stone streets. 

Old Kotor has one activity that the other coastal towns lack: mountain hiking. Several trails lead from the back of Old Kotor to the peak of the first mountain summit. At the top of the peak is St. John's Castle. A staircase with 1,350 steps leads all the way to the top, which has a dizzying height of 1,200 meters and several spots with gaping holes and loose stone steps. 

An old church is located halfway up the mountain. Ironically, the name of the church is Church of Our Lady of Health because one has to be quite healthy to reach this church. A warning sign is posted two-thirds up the mountain, warning hikers of the danger of hiking beyond this point. Once at the top, one gets a spectacular view of Kotor and the bay.