Maritime Whispers and Adriatic Dreams

Stand atop ancient walls with the Adriatic Sea unfolding beneath you. Listen to the whispers of maritime legends, with the scent of sea salt enveloping you. Welcome to Montenegro, a land where every stone and wave tells a story. Join me on a journey through the heart of my homeland.

Kotor, the way you need to feel it

I was born in Kotor.

While the mention of Kotor typically conjures images of ancient walls and bustling streets, come with me to venture slightly further to Dobrota. This coastal gem stands as the pulsating heart of our maritime legacy. Celebrating its 65th year, the Maritime Faculty goes beyond imparting nautical knowledge to future generations; it embodies the rich sea-faring saga of our town — a living archive of maritime culture.

In Dobrota, the sea is more than a livelihood—it’s a legacy. Here, the art of seafaring is passed down through generations, with each household having its tale of the vast oceans. A stroll along the promenade might reward you with spirited discussions between seasoned sailors, their stories as captivating as the rhythmic dance of their nets in the morning light. Even after circling the globe, these mariners anchor their hearts in Dobrota, their retirement years as profoundly intertwined with the sea as ever.

Continue your wanderlust past the Marine Biology Institute’s doors, claim a spot on a pier, lay your towel and soak in vistas of venerable captains’ mansions.

Views from Above, Tastes of Home

I lived on the 7th floor of an apartment building with a view of the entrance to Kotor Bay. I vividly recall my grandfather heading to the food market near the old town of Kotor, selling farm-fresh eggs. This wasn’t necessarily his coming-out-of-retirement job but a showcase of his desire for connection, even in his later chapters.

Hurry along to the bustling market where, amidst the morning’s catch, the smelt emerges as stars — a prized delicacy that disappears as quickly as it arrives. Savour them fried alongside a rustic salad of potatoes and onions and taste the simplicity and richness of our local cuisine. This dish, more than any other, embodies the essence of my homeland’s culinary tradition and remains my all-time favourite.

In the afternoons, my grandfather sketched ships entering the bay from our terrace, his drawings capturing everything from majestic sailboats to the tiniest vessels. Each sketch was a dream of distant lands, ignited by the ships’ farewells.

Muo: A Slice of Summer, A Slice of Culture

If you draw a straight line across the sea from Dobrota, you will find Muo. My childhood summers were spent with my grandparents out on the pier. Days and nights unfolded here, filled with dining, playing, and sleeping under the starlit sky.

I always wondered how my grandparents and cousins spoke Italian fluently, although they never learned it in school. My grandmother told me they used to sell ice cream next to the house, and Italian tourists would buy it and sit with them on the pier while eating. They would talk, share their life stories, and become regular guests every summer. Conversations and friendships blossomed on that pier, birthing lifelong bonds across borders. Words like Naples, Trieste, and others still resonate, painting strokes of Italy on our Montenegrin canvas.

Navigating Montenegro’s Landscapes

While a car journey unveils Montenegro’s scenic splendour, there’s something uniquely enchanting about the coastal bus from Kotor to Tivat. Grab a window seat on the bus and allow the landscapes to unfold in their majesty; each view is a postcard coming to life, inviting you into Montenegro’s heart through the most picturesque routes imaginable.

As you make your way around Montenegro, pause on a pier, watch the boats glide, and immerse yourself in the maritime narratives that ripple through our seas.

Ready to dive into the heart of Montenegro and create your maritime tales? Start planning your journey to Boka Bay and beyond with The Chedi Luštica Bay. Embrace the adventure of Montenegro: Pause on a pier and let the sea’s stories enfold you. The Chedi Luštica Bay’s ‘Stay Longer and Save‘ offer — is designed for you to intimately experience the enchanting Adriatic dream woven into the very fabric of this nation.
Be a part of this living, breathing mosaic of culture, nature, and unbridled beauty—a captivating journey that promises more than just memories; it offers a feeling of being truly alive.

Inspired by A Personal Narrative by Leonarda Dedic, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Chedi Luštica Bay