Fjords and lakes of Montenegro

The first thing to notice is the crazy driving in comparison with Croatia / Slovenia / Italy / France. It takes some getting used to especially as some drivers creep up behind you, honk their horns and wave frantically (in a happy greeting way) while overtaking. Apart from the honking, the space given when overtaking is similar to that in the UK. The volume of traffic is a fraction of I’m used to at home. It always amuses me when I ask if German or Dutch cyclists have they considered a tour in the UK. “Oh no”, they often say, “Its far too dangerous..”

The first part of the coast is lined with busy small resort towns. They cater mostly of locals and day trippers. The price of snacks and treats is less than Croatia and this prompted a buying frenzy of pastries and ice creams followed by an increased risk of diabetes.

More like a ship.. Take a look at the people working on it and the boat to the bottom left to get an idea of scale..

Next is the deep water fjord where warships used to dock during the cold war, now rebranded as a tourist destination. Took a car ferry from Bijela onto a quiet section of road past clusters of restaurants, bars and guesthouses. There are some very pleasant places to stay, I would even consider a return trip as there is much on offer.

Me making camp for the night

The town of Kotor is one of the most spectacular towns I have encountered on this trip. After leaving the bike with a shop keeper who sells boat supplies I was free to explore on foot, which is the only way to navigate the walled old town. The walkway up to the fort has offers some spectacular views.

You've been warned..

Then into the mountains for the next destination,  Budvar.

Camping next to a rarely used church

Explored the narrow streets of Budvar old town in the morning before the crowds arrived.

View from the citadel

A person I met said about the food, "what's there not to like about grilled fish"

Budvar beachfront. Clubs, restaurant, bars..

Then into the mountains to get to an inland lake and national park called Skadarsko jezero. Many people have set themselves up as wine growers and distillers. I bought 1 litre of wine and 1/2 litre of Reijki, of schnapps. The wine as full bodied and the schnapps was highly flammable! They both tasted great.

The grower and distiller of the wine and schnapps

The inland lake looking towards Albania

Figs drying in the sun, of which there is plenty

Tobacco plants, not sure why more people don't grow this.. It must be profitable

Albania border is a few hundred meters behind me, although the crossing is in the valley below