There only a few destinations in the Mediterranean not that much exposed to international tourism. One of these is definitely Montenegro, an enchanting place that combines the best of Balkan culture and roots with an uncontaminated sea and surrounded by medieval villages, ancient fortresses and luxuriant woods. An ideal destination to explore on a sailing boat both for young people who can enjoy many outdoor activities and for families, since the tranquility and relaxation that you can experience in these magical places is almost surreal. For a sailor who explores these jagged coasts dotted with enchanting islands and islets, there is no shortage of nautical services that are among the excellences of the Mediterranean.

Day 1: Aci marina Dubrovnik, Komolac, boarding

The incredible scenery around Aci Marina Dubrovnik, surrounded by high mountains in the narrow and long bay of Rijeka Dubrovacka, is the starting point of this sailing cruise in the southern part of the Adriatic. The route will take you to neighboring Montenegro, a country quite small but rich in natural beauty, historical heritage and modern facilities for sailors and a splendid nightlife. But before you drop your moorings, there are a number of treasures to discover in the beautiful old town of Dubrovnik and its beautiful surroundings. So, take advantage of this opportunity and take an evening walk through its narrow, cobbled streets and experience what it was like to live within the massive and fully preserved fortified walls of the city several centuries ago. Every single stone testifies to its opulent tradition and tells the incredible story of the Dubrovnik Republic and its citizens.

Day 2: Aci Marina Dubrovnik – Cavtat, 12 miles

Let the charming little town of Cavtat be your first overnight stop on the way to Montenegro. It is only 12 miles away from the Aci Marina, so while sailing you will have plenty of time to adjust to life on board, but also to enjoy a splendid view of the fortifications of the old city of Dubrovnik from the sea. Be sure to drop anchor and swim in one of the many beautiful places on your way, on the island of Lokrum or somewhere in the bay of Župa Dubrovacka (Župski zaljev). After the hectic atmosphere of Dubrovnik, Cavtat offers a much quieter setting to spend a night. Boat berths are usually occupied by many super yachts, but if you arrive early enough you can perhaps get a spot on the waterfront in Luka Cavtat bay. Otherwise, anchoring in the bay itself is another convenient solution, as well as in the northern bay of Tiha, just around the beautiful Cavtat peninsula. In addition to the ancient Roman remains and other interesting places to visit, there are also many cafes and restaurants to finish off the first day of the cruise pleasantly.

Important: in Cavtat there is also a maritime border office and a harbor master’s office where it is necessary to carry out the formalities before leaving Croatian waters. Keep in mind that it is necessary to do this the next morning, just before setting sail for Montenegro, because after that time it is not allowed to stop or anchor in the Croatian territorial sea, except in case of emergency or propulsion failure.

Day 3: Cavtat – Budva, Montenegro, 35 miles

After completing the paperwork for leaving Croatia in Cavtat, set to sail for the southeast and get ready for a nice distance of 35 miles of open sea navigation. Just follow the high and steep coast that isn’t suitable for anchoring, in any case you mustn’t stop here, and after passing Cape Oštra you will enter the Montenegrin waters. It is forbidden to stop along the road here too, before checking in at the border office and completing all the paperwork at Marina Zelenika in Herceg Novi. The next stop is Dukley Marina Budva, right next to the old town of Budva, whichi is the only mooring available here. Therefore, it would be smart to book a berth in advance. But for sure you won’t be disappointed as Dukley is an excellent marina with a great location and all the facilities and services needed by boaters. When you finally moor safely, the small but quite attractive medieval city complex, completely built in stone, awaits to amaze you.

Budva was founded by the ancient Greeks, then occupied by the Romans who left behind many remains that can still be seen. In the old part, in addition to the churches and fortresses, you will find numerous nice shops, museums and boutiques, as well as excellent bars, taverns and restaurants. Furthermore, the Budva Riviera is the most popular tourist destination in Montenegro thanks to the 35 beautiful sandy beaches and countless hotels and resorts.

Day 4: Budva – Porto Montenegro, Tivat, 24 miles

From bustling Budva it is 24 miles to the next destination, Porto Montenegro, located in the part of the vast Boka Kotorska bay, Tivat bay. But before sailing to this magical fjord-like place, surrounded by beautiful and mighty mountains, on the southern side of the Luštica peninsula you will find one of the many bays and beaches and take a break for a swim. Near the bay of Vucja there is also a beautiful blue cave known by the name of “Plava špilja”, which is worth visiting, as well as Mirišta beach. When you pass the Mamula islet, recognizable by the interesting 19th century circular fortress, you enter the famous Boka Kotorska bay. This surprising and strangely serene area, deeply indented in the mainland of Montenegro, consists of four parts named after cities located in them. Sailing in its calm waters is a truly unique and exciting experience, while passing by picturesque settlements with small ports, ancient stone palaces and monasteries that are the testimonial of the extraordinary rich past.

The pleasant experience will without doubt continue after you have tied your boat securely in Porto Montenegro, one of the best and most luxurious marinas in the Mediterranean. It was built on the site of an old military base and shipyard, which can be discovered in a dedicated Naval Heritage Collection museum, whose biggest attraction is a real P821 submarine. Other Porto Montenegro attractions include the luxury hotel ‘Regent’, local specialty and fashion shops, superb bars and restaurants as well as the attractive Yacht Club Pool & Beach.

Day 5: Porto Montenegro – Kotor, 8 miles

Only 8 miles away is your next destination, the “capital” city of the bay, the attractive Kotor, for which you have to pass through the Strait of Verige 2,300 meters long and only 340 meters wide at its narrowest point. The entire bay of Boka Kotorska takes name of this city, even though it is located right at the furthest part of the bay, under the steep slopes of the surrounding mighty mountains that reach nearly 1900 meters in height. After passing the Strait of Verige you will enter the second part of the bay, even more beautiful and mystical, with fewer settlements, but much richer in natural phenomena and abundant heritage with a turbulent history. You will first meet two beautiful nearby islets with belonging churches, St. George and the Our Lady of the Rocks localy known as ‘Gospa od Škrpjela’, renewed in the first half of the 17th century and which you can visit. Before docking at the port of Kotor you can stop in one of the many picturesque towns such as Perast, known for its glorious captains and numerous stone palaces and chapels, or Risan, Prcanj and Dobrota.

In old town of Kotor you will find a labyrinth of cobbled streets, Baroque and Renaissance houses, palaces and churches protected since 1979 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In reality, the entire bay is under a somewhat milder protection regime. For stunning views, take the 30-minute stair climb to the 16th-century fortress of St John (locally known as San Giovanni) which overlooks the town and bay, or hire a car and drive up the mountains to the nearby village of Njeguši to try a slice or two of domestic smoked ham and/or well known njeguški cheese or even to the magnificent Lovcen National Park to enjoy a different kind of wild nature landscape. Montenegro is called a “wild beauty” for a reason.

 

Day 6: Kotor – Herceg Novi, 12 miles

Some of the aforementioned activities can also be done the following morning, before leaving Kotor, as only 12 nautical miles remain to sail back to the port of Herceg Novi. There are many other things to discover in and around Kotor, just ask the cheerful locals and they will gladly guide you in all the secrets of the bay and its settlements. On the way to Herceg Novi, but before entering the Verige Strait, head less than 2 miles towards Risan, known for the remains of classical culture and dominated by a Roman villa with beautiful mosaic floors. The surprising Sopot spring waterfall also occasionally appears near Risan. If you are not lucky with the waterfalls, you will surely be more than happy if you visit the exquisite Catovica Mlini restaurant in Morinj, located in an old mill with spectacular scenery.

In Herceg Novi the moorings are possible in the harbour located on the large promenade, just below the cliff with a wonderful old town surrounded by walls: a beautiful blend of Romantic, Byzantine and Oriental architectural styles, due to the various occupations throughout history. There are several historic towers such as Forte Mare, Sahat and Kanli kula, as well as many shops, bars or restaurants. Herceg Novi attracts a lot of artists, painters, musicians or writers, so it hosts several international festivals.

Day 7: Herceg Novi – Aci Marina Dubrovnik, 35 miles

Do not forget to complete the border formalities in Herceg Novi and try not to be too late, as there are approximately 35 nautical miles of navigation to the base in Dubrovnik. In fact, after 23 miles Cavtat should be an intermediate stop where the return procedure to Croatia must be completed. Another 12 miles remain to the marina of the Aci, but since your mooring awaits you there, there is no need to rush. You have all afternoon to further explore the wonderful Dubrovnik archipelago, to find a secret bay for your last day on the boat and to unwind from this long and intense journey.