Sail Montenegro

A Yacht Charter in Montenegro: Small Country, Big Appeal

A charter sailing holiday in Montenegro typically starts and ends at Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage listed walled city at the head of the bay of the same name. Kotor is often compared to Croatia’s Dubrovnic for its architecture and Roman-era origins: a smaller, much less crowded version of the busy tourist magnet just up the coast.  Connect with your charter boat at its berth in the shadow of Koto’s walled old town.

Set Sail in the Bay of Kotor

Between Kotor and the open Adriatic, travel through the sunken river valley of the Bay of Kotor (not as often described a fjord; they are formed by glaciers). The bay is dotted with interesting places to visit, either on the way out or when returning to base.  

Perast is a popular stop, a once important trading centre that had a close association with Venice when that city dominated European trade. . Tie up along the quay, step ashore and explore this ancient settlement, its single main street packed with church buildings, palatial residences and marketplaces to explore.

The Adriatic Coast of Montenegro

Montenegro is said to have 117 beaches along its 73 kilometres of coastline. One of the best is at Sveti Stefan, which can if desired be reached in an easy day’s sail from Kotor. Sveti Stefan, a resort destination as well, is the recommended southernmost point on a Montenegro charter. That’s an indication of Montenegro’s compact nature for cruising.

Just to the north is Budva, where there are good facilities of overnighting, with its natural harbour including marina, attractive walled city and more great beaches.  Take advantage of the time you have available to travel inland for a taste of what else Montenegro has to offer. It’s an hour’s drive from Budva to Skadar Lake National Park. Or go by bus, which requires a change at Petrovac.  At Skadar there are hiking trails and bikes for hire, or if you’re missing the water so much, take a boat trip on the lake.   

In this Compact Sailing Zone, Everything is within Reach

Back in the Bay of Kotor, just inside the entrance you come to Herceg Novi, another popular stopover with its sheltered anchorage, a most pleasant town to visit. The best marina facilities within the Bay of Kotor are at Porto Montenegro, Tivat, branded as an “exclusive marina & yachting paradise.”  

Perhaps at the end of your charter a little luxury is what you’re looking for. Or perhaps you’d prefer to spend more time in less commercially developed parts of Montenegro. Whichever spot you chose, you’re never far from whatever takes your interest in this small sailing destination with big appeal.

A note on the Montenegro sailing area: Montenegro may use the Euro as currency, but it is not (yet) part of the European Union. Charters in Montenegro are restricted within the country’s borders. Please do not consider crossing into Croatia or Albania on charter.