Date of publication 27/05/2026
A journey through Montenegro’s most fascinating curiosities
Before enjoying your vacation at the best hotels in Montenegro, we invite you to explore some of its most intriguing facts. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this small Balkan country boasts nearly 185 miles of coastline and a wealth of fascinating sights, including the Bay of Kotor and the Tara Canyon.
Mysterious dancers, time capsules, endless stairways, and ghost towns: in the following lines, we’ll share curious facts about Montenegro that will only deepen your desire to visit. We’ll also explain the origin of its name and why staying in Budva, Herceg Novi, and Bar changes everything.
Budva: much more than the “Saint-Tropez” of the Balkans
The legend of the bronze ballerina
Family-friendly hotels in Montenegro, such as Iberostar Waves Bellevue, become a comfortable and fun gateway to its stories. The bronze ballerina of Budva stands on a rock by the city’s seafront promenade. Sculpted by local artist Gradimir Aleksic, it brings to life a tragic Montenegrin legend. It is said that, day after day, a young woman waited there for her fiancé, a sailor lost at sea who never returned. Touching the statue is believed to bring good luck, especially in love. Find inspiration for your next family trip with this guide to Budva.
Stari Grad: a time capsule with 2,500 years of history
Hotels in Budva make it easy to explore places as unique as Stari Grad, the old town. It may seem unbelievable, but this walled settlement, which preserves the legacy of the Venetian Empire, has a history spanning 2,500 years. Walking its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time. Here you’ll find the Square of the Poets, where literary readings and events are held; the striking Church of San Juan; and, nearby, Mogren Beach and St. Nicholas Island, accessible by water taxi. From the Citadel, you can take in one of the most beautiful sunsets of the trip.
Herceg Novi: the city of 100,000 steps and gardens from around the world
A botanical garden created by sailors
Some of Montenegro’s best beaches are located in Herceg Novi. Beyond that, the entire city feels like a vast garden brought from afar. In the past, sailors returning from long voyages would bring back seeds and plantsas souvenirs. Over time, green spaces filled with a wide variety of species began to take shape, true Adriatic oases where native flora blends with exotic varieties. During your stay at hotels in Montenegro, take time to relax in the Botanical Garden of the City Museum (Gradski Muzej), home to more than a hundred plant varieties, or in Boka Park, where tropical and subtropical species thrive.
The challenge of its endless stairways
100,001. That is the number of steps you could climb in Herceg Novi if you chose to. Would five days in Montenegro be enough? Each step leads to a new surprise: photogenic spots with Mediterranean charm overlooking the horizon, historic cafés, and elegant palaces. Some of the most notable stairways are those scattered throughout Stari Grad, the ones leading to Kanli Kula, also known as the Bloody Tower, and the city’s most famous and photographed: the October 28 Steps, which connect the lower part of town with the main square.
The fortress that changed hands six times
Hotels in Herceg Novi provide privileged access to this fortified city, shaped by six major powers throughout its history. The town was founded in 1382 by the Kingdom of Bosnia under King Tvrtko I. For more than two centuries, it remained under Ottoman rule. Later, the Spanish Empire, the Venetian Republic, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire all left their mark. In the 19th century, both the French and Russian Empires briefly occupied the area. Stay at Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi, a four-star beachfront resort with a multicultural culinary offering, and discover all these historical layers.
Bar: home to the oldest olive tree in Europe
Stara Maslina
In a protected Mediterranean garden in Stara Maslina, near the hotel area of Bar, stands the oldest olive tree in Europe and one of the oldest in the world. According to botanists, this remarkable Olea europaea specimen may be over 2,000 years old. In Montenegrin, “Stara Maslina” means “old olive tree.” Its twisted, branching trunk gives it a wise, timeworn appearance, and its canopy stretches over 33 feet in diameter. Even today, it continues to produce olives. Entry to the site requires a small fee.
The ghost town of Stari Bar
Make the most of your stay at hotels in Montenegro by stepping into settings like the ghost town of Stari Bar. After centuries of conflict between Montenegrins and Ottomans, culminating in its liberation in 1870, the town was left so devastated that its inhabitants founded the new city of Bar. An earthquake in 1979 caused further destruction. Still, many structures remain standing. Today, they form an uninhabited landscape with around 600 preserved buildings from Roman, Byzantine, Slavic, and Venetian periods, showcasing architectural styles from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque, alongside Eastern influences.
A train that crosses the sea over a lake
In what was once Elizabeth Taylor’s favorite destination, there is a train that seems to cross the sea over a lake. The full journey, costing under 25 euros, begins in Belgrade. In its final stretch, it passes over Lake Skadar, the largest lake in Southern Europe, located on the border with Albania and home to more than 250 species of water birds. Iberostar Selection Montenegro stands out among beachfront hotels in Montenegro for its five-star sustainable philosophy, helping protect the surrounding natural environment. It features a private beach, elegant suites and villas with views, and a 39,800-square-foot spa dedicated to wellness, treatments, and fitness.
General curiosities that make Montenegro a unique destination
A country that uses the euro without being part of the eurozone
All-inclusive hotels in Montenegro are one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, but it is important to distinguish between its geographic location and its economic and political structure. This Balkan country is neither part of the European Union nor the so-called eurozone. However, in 2002, it unilaterally adopted the euro as its official currency. After a brief period using the German mark, the euro became its only legal tender. This practice is permitted by the European Central Bank in countries that do not issue their own currency or print money, helping to ensure price stability.
The Tara Canyon
Nicknamed the “Tear of Europe,” the Tara River Canyon, located in Durmitor National Park, is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world. Its striking depth of 4,265 feet unfolds among forests, natural rock walls, and the flow of its crystal-clear waters. The best way to take it in is by following the road that runs parallel to its main stretch. For those seeking adventure, hiking and trekking routes are available. Montenegro’s wild side reveals itself in places like this and the sunlit Bay of Kotor, both easily accessible from Iberostar accommodations.
The “black mountains” that gave the country its name
The “black mountains” that gave Montenegro its name are located in the Dinaric Alps, within the mountainous landscape of Lovćen National Park. Specifically, the area covered by the pine forests of Mount Lovćen is so dense that, from a distance, it appears almost black. This optical effect is due to the closeness of the treetops. Complete your stay at hotels in Montenegro by exploring other unforgettable destinations across the country.
