← Boka Marathon·2 nights

Cetinje: The Old Royal Capital Above the Bay

A museum town about 650 m above sea level, with the former royal capital's residence and monastery, suited to cold or wet days.

Duration2 nights
TransitRoad from Kotor into the mountains; check winter bus times and conditions
DepartsKotor

After the Boka Marathon: Cetinje

The Route: Kotor → Cetinje → Kotor or Podgorica Logistics: The road climbs from the bay. Check winter bus times, or book a driver and ask about road conditions. Marathon Month: December Duration: 2 nights

Kotor ──(road, climbs from the bay)──> Cetinje (2 nights)
                                          │
Podgorica or Tivat airport ◄──(road)──────┘

Cetinje is about as far from the Bay of Kotor as Montenegro gets in character. The bay is Venetian and coastal. Cetinje is a town on a high plain, and its main attractions are museums.

December in Cetinje: the town stands at about 650 m, so it is colder than the bay. Pack a proper coat, and check the forecast for the road as well as the town.

Getting there

No verified December bus time or journey duration was found. Ask your hotel in Kotor, or book a driver and agree the price and the return time.

The two days

Ivan Crnojević founded Cetinje in 1482 and a monastery in 1484. The Petrović dynasty began its rule in 1697. Montenegro's independence was recognised at the Congress of Berlin in 1878, and the country was proclaimed a kingdom in 1910. The town is the former royal capital and keeps an honorary capital status, and the official residence of the president of Montenegro, the Blue Palace, is here.

The National Museum of Montenegro groups several collections: the State Museum, the Njegoš Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the History Museum and the Art Museum. The Museum of the Cetinje Monastery is a separate institution. The royal residence Biljarda dates from 1838.

Start with one museum. A second can wait until the next morning, when your legs will thank you. Check winter opening hours and admission before you set out.

Where to eat

Ask your hotel for a restaurant that is open on the day. Seasonal places in a small mountain town may keep short hours.

Getting home

Podgorica airport and Tivat airport are both options. Check the road time to each, and add a wide margin in winter.