Boka Bay - The Bride of the Adriatic

When someone asks me why I love Boka so much, I’m not sure I can give the right answer. There is so much beauty in that "Bride of the Adriatic" - as Aleksa Santic, the famous Yugoslav poet wrote, it is simply impossible to choose from where to start writing.

Should I write about a very interesting history and cultural heritage or a beautiful nature, romantic landscapes or lovely beaches ... In fact, first I’ll try to introduce Boka the shortest way possible.

It is a bay of the Adriatic Sea in southwestern Montenegro. The Bay consists of four smaller bays represented by the cities Herceg Novi, Tivat, Risan and Kotor. Boka bay is also called the southernmost fjord in Europe, but it is actually a ria. Above the bay rise mountains Lovćen and Orijen.

The most impressive city Kotor is mentioned for the first time in the age of ancient Rome, in 168 BC. Today Kotor is the old town with fortress above the city and is a UNESCO site. It is a very popular port for cruise ships.

Next to Kotor is Risan, a town founded in 3rd century BC. It was established by Illyrians and was the capital of the Illyrian state where Queen Teuta ruled. Near the town, an archaeological cultural monument Lipci Rock contains prehistoric drawings that were created almost 3000 years ago.

Between Kotor and Risan is a small beautiful town Perast with the charming islands of Gospa od Skrpjela and St George near the town.

Tivat, also established by Illyrians, has many traces originating from the Roman period. Today Tivat is a modern city and a place where the luxury yacht port Porto Montenegro is located.

Herceg Novi is founded much later, but it does not miss the cultural and historical heritage. The walls, clock towers, fortress and a large number of churches make this city particularly interesting.

The tumultuous history and maritime that was the basis of life left the mark to a great cultural heritage that you will soon read more about, as well as the splendid nature and the mountains surrounding this beautiful bay.