LAKE SCUTARI

Lake Skadar National Park, Montenegro

The largest lake in the Balkans and also the only national park with a wealth of aquatic ecosystems.

The sub-Mediterranean climate offers ideal conditions for life, especially for birds. It is the perfect habitat for 281 bird species, which is why the lake has been designated an Internationally Important Bird Area (IBA) and is on the RAMSAR List of Aquatic Habitats of International Importance (RAMSAR). The park is home to 48 fish species, 50 mammal species (the only aquatic species is the otter), numerous amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Plant life is diverse both in the lake itself and its surroundings, as you notice when you stand on the water, immersed in the surrounding vegetation, or glide across the carpet of water lilies on the paths leading to the lake.

Driving along the road to Rijeka Crnojevic , you can't miss the breathtaking view, the most photographed of Lake Skadar . It's called Pavle's lookout, and it's among the most beautiful you'll find while visiting Montenegro.

RIJEKA CRNOJEVIC

The town on the river of the same name is one of Montenegro's most characteristic towns, and is a must-see for anyone traveling through these parts.

Rijeka Crnojevića is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Lake Skadar. In ancient times, it was on a very important trade route and was Montenegro's most important port. The old stone Danilo I Bridge, built in 1853, is impressively beautiful.

A day is enough to visit this place, but if you want to delve deeper into this wonderful area of unspoiled beauty, it would be nice to spend more time. It's only 16 km from Cetinje. Upon arrival, you'll feel like you're in a place where time has stood still. It's still a place steeped in history.

Rijeka Crnojevica, along with neighboring Zabljak Crnojevica, was the winter residence of the famous Montenegrin Petrović dynasty; the birthplace of St. Peter of Cetinje is also located here.

Before the Balkan Wars, this picturesque place was full of manufacturing shops, and the first pharmacy in Montenegro opened here. It was an important center of the equestrian industry before the collapse of the former Yugoslavia. The winding road that connected Podgorica (then Titograd) to Cetinje was abandoned in 1982 with the construction of the new road that still connects Podgorica, Cetinje, and Budva today. For several decades, the areas around the lake, including small towns, suffered severe decline, cut off from the new infrastructure, and only small village life survived. Only with Montenegro's independence in 2006 did they slowly become tourist attractions. Many internationally renowned artists subsequently purchased and renovated the old houses, including Emir Kusturica, the famous director.

What can you do once you arrive?

You can enjoy a rich food and wine offering, including tastings of local wines and traditional dishes, such as the famous fish soup and the unmissable dish of carp dried according to ancient tradition.

The unmissable experience is a tour on a tourist boat, or you can book a private boat trip , or even better, for those who prefer to stick to tradition, rent a traditional wooden kayak. You'll encounter solitary fishermen, photographers snapping endless photos of the tranquil surrounding nature, and sometimes hunters. If you hire one of the local guides, you can visit villages and enjoy the authentic hospitality of the people who still live there. If you're like me, you'll dive into the dark, beautiful waters of the lake—there's nothing like a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.

VIRPAZAR

Another pearl of Lake Scutari to visit.

Virpazar is an old fishing village. It can be reached from both Podgorica and Bar. Like Rijeka Crnojevic, it also offers an excellent starting point for excursions to Lake Skadar.

This village, too, due to its geographical location, was very important for trade in ancient times. There are tangible remnants of the past, such as the beautiful Besak Castle, built by the Turks in the 15th century and used during World War II as a stronghold against the Italian occupation. It sits atop a hill, reachable with a short walk, and offers a wonderful view of the village below.

It hosts the famous "Vino e Ukljeva" (Wine and Pilchard) Festival, which takes place every December, where you can enjoy excellent food and drink wine, all in an atmosphere of music and dance.

Virpazar is located in the Crmnica region, also famous for its indigenous wines, including Vranac.

It also offers the possibility of tasting grappa made from grapes and not from must.

And it's so good it's easy to get drunk.

Of particular beauty for those fascinated by the past, there are some beautiful fortresses scattered around the lake that deserve a post of their own.