Day 1: Bus to Montenegro

Weather Update: Sunny: Cold Wind. High 14c

Elevation Above Sea Level: 16 Metres

Crossing Borders: From Shkoder to Podgorica

I caught the bus from Shkoder to Podgorica, Montenegro, for €10, then another for €8 to Kotor. The journey through the snow-capped mountains was stunning, with views that made the ride feel much shorter than it was.

At the Montenegro border, the crossing was surprisingly effortless—a nod, a handshake, and laughter all around. The relaxed atmosphere set the tone for what was to come.

Climbing to New Heights

After leaving the border behind, the bus climbed even higher, reaching the highest point at 884 meters (2,900 feet). The scenery here was breathtaking yet rugged, reminding me of Israel’s rocky countryside. The descent was a different kind of adventure—an hour of winding roads, twisting and turning down the mountains until we finally reached the Adriatic Sea.

The Road to Kotor: A Journey Through Time

The Cetinje to Kotor Panoramic Road is fully paved, stretching 36.3 km (22.55 miles) from the historic town of Cetinje—a cultural and historical gem—down to Kotor, a city of legendary sailors and traders. This road has deep roots in history, following an ancient Roman caravan trail. In the 1880s, a wagon route was carved from the mountainside, and by 1897, the Austrians had transformed it into the road we travel today.

Arriving in Kotor: A First Glimpse of the Old Town

Stepping off the bus at Kotor station, the cold wind immediately bit into my face, though the temperature sat at a relatively mild 14°C. Walking downhill towards the harbour, I couldn’t help but be in awe of my surroundings. To the right, the lower walls of Kotor Castle stood firm against the mountain, and looking up, I saw the castle walls snake their way to the summit at 280 meters (919 feet).

Straight ahead, the harbour spread out before me, filled with boats of all sizes, including a cruise liner, a reminder that even in winter, Kotor still attracts visitors. In summer, the town can see up to four cruise ships per day, an overwhelming number for its medieval infrastructure, but today, the streets were blissfully quiet—perfect for exploring.

An Afternoon in Kotor’s Old City

I spent the afternoon wandering the narrow stone streets of Kotor’s Old Town, a perfectly preserved medieval maze built between the 12th and 14th centuries. The town felt timeless, with every alleyway and square whispering stories from the past.

Back at the hostel, I had an unexpected but meaningful conversation with fellow travellers about the rising issue of fly-tipping and the litter scattered across Montenegro’s countryside. It was frustrating to hear how such a naturally beautiful place was struggling with pollution, something that stood in stark contrast to the landscapes I had travelled through today.

What’s Next? Scaling Kotor Castle

With the day done and dusted, tomorrow’s plan is set—I’ll be climbing Kotor Castle. Fingers crossed the wind dies down overnight because I’m ready for some epic views.