Montenegro, a hidden gem nestled between the well-trodden paths of Croatia and Greece, offers a Mediterranean landscape that mirrors Norway’s dramatic beauty. With its majestic mountains plunging sharply into deep fjords, the scenery is both awe-inspiring and serene.
We starting the day driving out of Kotor, up a mountain and down to the other side where we stopped at a peaceful inlet for a private kayaking and paddleboarding tour. We spent about an hour paddling from our launch point to the renowned Blue Cave, aptly named for its crystalline waters. The cave’s allure drew numerous local speedboats, a bit hectic inside, but the vibrant blue hue of the water was still mesmerizing.
Our next destination was the Black Cave. Unlike the Blue Cave, this one was free of speedboats as it was shrouded in absolute darkness. Initially, we couldn't see anything, but after several minutes of acclimating to the darkness without the aid of cameras or phone lights, we could begin to discern the subtle contours of the cave’s interior.
Returning to our starting cove near a campground, we joined the locals in leaping into the crystal-clear waters from the surrounding boulders. The refreshing splash into the azure sea was a perfect finish for our paddling adventure.
In the afternoon we ventured out again to ride a cable car that ascended to one of the region’s highest viewpoints. The panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and fjords were breathtaking. At the summit, there's an alpine coaster ride with spectacular drop-offs overlooking the fjord. Additionally, the area was adorned with trails blanketed in wildflowers, offering miles of picturesque hiking. All in all, Kotor was our favorite stop so far and a very hard one to top for both natural beauty and accessible multisport activities.
