For many of us, all the Balkan countries are on one face. Incendiary melodies, emotional and friendly people, delicious, with an excess of meat and vegetables food, beautiful nature and the warm Adriatic Sea - this is what kind of picture our imagination portrays when we say “republics of the former Yugoslavia”. But keep in mind that the country of the socialist camp broke up many years ago. During this time, the war passed. The formed states began their path of development, and have already managed to pass a considerable distance along it. Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia - they all became very different. Cultural identity and membership in the European Union - these two factors have greatly influenced the leisure infrastructure in the Adriatic countries. In the article we will analyze where to go on vacation to the Balkans. Which is better - in Croatia or in Montenegro? Photos from these two countries will help us make the right choice.
Criteria for benchmarking
Each person has his own requirements for rest. One is enough just the beach, the main thing is that it is sandy. Give others developed infrastructure and all-inclusive hotels. Still others are interested in excursions. Fourth are looking for where cheaper. Let's try to combine all the wishes of tourists and from these positions compare where it is better - in Croatia or in Montenegro? The main criteria in the analysis we will have are prices for vacations, an abundance of attractions, climatic characteristics, beaches, the attitude of the local population, the development of infrastructure, an entertainment program, the difficulty of entering the country.
An important factor in a successful vacation is the presence of a large number of our compatriots. If we want to avoid a specific vacation in Sochi or Anapa, then it is undesirable to meet the same thing on the shores of the Adriatic.
Ease of entry
This factor is very important. After all, if a visa is required for entry, then you should plan your vacation in advance. Residents of the regions will need to visit the embassy or pay intermediary agencies, and all this for pasting into the passport of the coveted brand. In this regard, for Russians, where is it better - in Croatia or in Montenegro? The first country not so long ago became a member of the European Union. Therefore, in order to enter Croatia for a vacation, you need to open a Schengen visa. So put in the budget of your vacation another thirty-five euros per person to enter the country. Montenegro (for now) maintains a visa-free regime for Russians.
As for the prices of airline tickets, then the two countries are the same. If we compare Montenegro and Croatia in terms of ease of entry for a Russian tourist, then, of course, the first state is in the lead. But there is one “but”. If you still open a Schengen visa, you will have a wonderful opportunity to see other European countries. From Croatia it is easy to get to Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy. Not to mention the neighboring Balkan countries.
Attitude to Russian
Tourism in Croatia began to revive much earlier and at a faster pace than in Montenegro. Now this country is a popular destination for travelers from Western and Northern Europe. Among this international, Russians are lost. Their relative number among representatives of other nationalities is small. Croatia is a Catholic country. The attitude towards the Russians here (in the light of recent political events), let's say, without unnecessary emotions. In order to feel at home at home, you should at least know a little English or other European languages. A completely different attitude towards the Russians in Orthodox Montenegro. This country has long been part of Serbia. But in the late 90s, many Russians bought real estate here. And the number of tourists from the CIS is great.
So, where is it better - in Croatia or in Montenegro to relax a Russian? If he knows languages, then in Croatia he will not be lost. In Montenegro, sometimes it seems that he did not leave Russia. Everything is like in the Black Sea resorts of the Caucasus (with all the ensuing pros and cons).
Where cheaper: benchmarking
Many tourists can now afford only a budget vacation. In Croatia or Montenegro - where is better? At first glance it seems that Montenegro in terms of budget holidays looks more attractive. In Montenegro, the euro is running. If we compare the prices of products or in public catering establishments, then everything in this country is even cheaper than in Russia. Lunch in a restaurant for two in Montenegro will cost an average of about twelve euros, and in a pizzeria - about five. In Croatia, the average food bill will be thirty percent higher. In addition, in this country, the currency is the kuna. Her course is more subject to fluctuations. It seems that in terms of prices when comparing, where is better - in Croatia or in Montenegro, the second country is in the lead. But here there is one “but.” In Croatia, a very large number of housing offers. Due to competition, accommodation prices are lower.
Where are the best beaches
Most tourists (including those from Western Europe) go to the Adriatic for the warm sea and the hot sun. In terms of climatic indicators, both countries are very similar, especially in summer. Croatia is located a little north. In addition, it is closer to the refreshing winds from the Alps. Montenegro (aka Montenegro) lies at the same latitude with the south of Italy. So you can not be afraid of an unexpected cooling in the summer season.
The hottest month for the two countries is August. And the highest tourist season is September. So in terms of climate it’s hard to say where is better. Croatia or Montenegro? This issue becomes relevant if we are interested in covering beaches. In the first country, there are catastrophically few sandy coasts. They are, but you need to "know the place." Mostly pebble beaches dominate. In some places, vacationers sunbathe on large boulders or concrete platforms. And down the stairs down the pier. So if you focus on the wonderful cover of beaches, Montenegro is the undisputed leader.
Where is it better, in Croatia or in Montenegro, to relax with children?
Going on a trip abroad with a child, we must take into account various factors. For example, where the baby will bathe. Agree, it is problematic to descend with the baby into the water from the pier along the ladder. But Montenegro is able to offer your child many wonderful sandy beaches with a gentle entry into the sea. So Montenegro is leading. In terms of ecology, both countries are the same. Clean air and beautiful nature are everywhere.
Now consider the factor of children's leisure. And what do we see? Water parks, dolphinariums, oceanariums and other entertainments are present in large numbers in Croatia. There the leisure infrastructure is more developed. In a Croatian hotel, for example, it is not difficult to hire a nanny for a child. And in Montenegro, this will be problematic. Hotels in Croatia, in order to lure customers from competitors, offer unprecedented discounts on accommodation for children. So a week-long vacation with the whole family will be eighty euros cheaper than the same in Montenegro.
Which is better - in Croatia or in Montenegro? Attractions
Interesting ancient monuments under the auspices of UNESCO are lacking in both countries. The same equal sign between Montenegro and Croatia can be put in terms of natural attractions. So a rich excursion program is provided for you, no matter what country you choose for your vacation.
In Croatia, it is worth visiting the city of Dubrovnik (open-air museum), Split with the Diocletian's Palace, the Colosseum in Pula, Plitvice Lakes, Krka River Waterfall. Must see Montenegro is Kotor, Perast, Budva, Herceg Novi. Among the natural beauties of the country, Skadar Lake cannot be ignored . It should be noted that Montenegro is a small country. Consequently, the distances to its key attractions are small. And Montenegro is especially attractive for tourists, if you compare the prices for excursions. In Montenegro, they range from fifteen to twenty-five euros. Traveling around Croatia is much more expensive. The tour costs from forty to seventy euros per person.
Leisure facilities
There is no doubt that Croatia is leading by this criterion. Tourists from Western Europe leave so much money in the country over the summer that you can update the hotel base for them at least every year. A more developed infrastructure for recreation is visible not only in the hotel service. In Croatia, a completely European way of life. Transport runs on schedule, people are welcoming, a sense of security and security is greater. But this cannot be a decisive factor in answering the question of where it is better to relax - in Croatia or Montenegro. Many tourists from Russia like Montenegro precisely for the warmth of local residents. Here you will not feel the language barrier and striking differences in lifestyle. As for hotels with the All Inclusive system, in both countries this food program is almost not practiced.
So where to go to the Adriatic?
Tourists who have even visited both countries cannot give a definite answer to the question of where is better - in Croatia or Montenegro. Reviews say that everywhere is good in its own way. Each country has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you have the means and time, you can combine holidays in Montenegro and Croatia in one trip. Montenegro's advantage is that it is a small country. You can leave it (at least, the coastal part) in a few days. If they come back here, then to a favorite vacation spot. Croatia can be visited for several years, and each time stop at another resort.