What is the attitude to Russian tourists in Montenegro? Pros and cons of migrant life in Montenegro: a Balkan tale for Russians. What does it give to Montenegro itself

Just as the Russian-speaking population has its own idea of ​​Montenegrins, the peculiarities of their character and mentality, so Montenegrins, as a rule, are dominated by certain stereotypes about Russian people, sometimes the most incredible.

Moscow, Image by Shutterstock

In general, historically, these two, Montenegro and Russia, are linked by rather friendly relations. The Russian rulers provided financial support to the Montenegrins, the Montenegrins served in the Russian navy. Actually, therefore, for a long time, the Montenegrin people, as it were, united themselves with the Russian, considering them literally a fraternal people.

This is confirmed by the well-known saying “There are two hundred million of us and the Russians,” which can often be heard said with a friendly smile and from the heart. Also, both peoples attach a certain importance to the fact that most of the population of both countries belongs to the Orthodox faith.

However, as time goes on, ideas about Russians are changing. It so happened that from a certain point the Russians in Montenegro literally flooded the coastal part of the country, buying up, staying for permanent residence, organizing a joint business with the Montenegrins. In addition, Montenegro has become one of the most popular tourist destinations for Russian-speaking travelers.

All this affected the opinion of the Montenegrins about the Russians. Moreover, if a survey among local residents about what they think about Russians is carried out in the northern regions of the country, then the views there will still be quite idealistic and benevolent. As for the coast, here the Russians themselves have made a lot of efforts over the past few years to spoil the impression of themselves as much as possible.

In addition, many stereotypes about them can even be called international, that is, they think about Russians in other countries, not only in Montenegro.

The first thing they tell you about the Russians here is that they are all unusually rich. Such confidence comes from those years when the country was covered by a massive boom in the purchase of real estate by Russians in these parts. Montenegrins passed on from mouth to mouth about how the "Rus" brought millions of euros in suitcases, buying up even those plots of land that had been unclaimed for many years.

Associated with this is the stereotype that if you are Russian, then you probably have a lot of rich acquaintances. That is, it is better to make friends with you, if one of them has not yet bought real estate in Montenegro, and there will be an opportunity to make a good deal. One cannot deny a certain consumer attitude of Montenegrins towards Russians in such situations.

By the way, their very common arrogant behavior reinforces the confidence of the Montenegrins in the wealth and significance of the Russians. Hearing the command tone and seeing the downward glance, Montenegrins ask themselves the question: “Who is this domineering man? Probably, he occupies some kind of high position and is used to everyone obeying him? " And learning that there is nothing like this at all, Montenegrins are rightly doubly offended, again discussing such stories with each other and adding negative features to the image of Russians in their minds.

Another equally widespread stereotype about Russians is, of course, their boundless love for vodka. The fact that Russians love to drink is such an axiom for Montenegrins that you will never be able to convince them. On this occasion, again, I recall how sometimes really ugly in this regard Russians show themselves on vacation.

And of course, all Russians love the cold! For unknown reasons, this stereotype is also quite widespread in the world, and it does not occur to people that the presence of severe frosts on the territory of Russia does not at all mean that Russians are overjoyed about this.

Rather, on the contrary, a Russian person who is accustomed to conserving heat will find it unacceptable for Montenegrins to fall asleep in an unheated room, the temperature in which tends to zero. As a reminder, there is no central heating in Montenegro, and electricity is quite expensive. Living in such conditions is not comfortable for Russians, to put it mildly.

However, in this matter, the confidence of the Montenegrins is unshakable. As the main proof of their innocence, they cite numerous examples of Russian people bathing in winter, autumn and spring c. If you see that in December someone enters the icy sea, then you can be 100% sure that he speaks Russian. It still shocks and impresses the locals to this day.

Perhaps a consequence of this is the conviction of the Montenegrins that the Russian mafia is the most powerful and strongest in the world. Well, since ordinary people have such a temper.

Another common stereotype is not the best opinion about Russian girls, about their some promiscuity and easy accessibility. And again I want to say that, perhaps, this is partly the fault of the girls themselves. After all, sometimes they come under the hot sun of Montenegro in romantic dreams of sporting handsome brunettes, not averse to starting a small resort romance.

Montenegrins, having a completely natural interest in our beauties, discover for themselves the possibility of relations without obligations, which are categorically impossible with local residents in this country with a rather patriarchal way of life.

Also Montenegrins, famous for their hospitality and openness, are puzzled by the attitude of Russians towards their guests. They are simply amazed how this is possible: ask the person who comes to visit you not to smoke in the house. That is, what seems absolutely normal and natural to Russians is perceived by local residents as disrespectful behavior.

And Montenegrins who have visited Russia are surprised to tell each other that Russians little and reluctantly communicate with their relatives. The fact is that families in Montenegro are very large, and good relations are maintained with all relatives, even the farthest. And besides, in Montenegro, it is customary to be friends with neighbors, and they do not understand the reluctance of Russians to even know them by sight.

However, in the main, the impression of Russians is, of course, determined by the Montenegrins by the communication that they have with specific people. Since both countries generally support the direction of mutual friendship and respect. In support of this, you can see monuments to Russian prominent figures in Montenegro, as well as the Moscow Bridge, which has become a symbolic link between the two capitals - Moscow and Podgorica.

Recently, I am often asked about whether it is safe to vacation in Montenegro in 2017. This question is asked by tourists for various reasons, so I try to give answers based on the essence of the question. For example, to those tourists who are worried about Russophobia in Montenegro, I say that in this regard, vacation in Montenegro is not dangerous, unless, of course, provoke local residents with some political antics. In general, if you are asking a question about whether it is possible to go to Montenegro now, only out of fear of a bad attitude towards you from the locals, then we advise you to read another article on our website devoted to just. If you are asking a question about whether vacation in Montenegro is dangerous in terms of diseases and other emergencies that are not related to Russophobia, then this article is for you.

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Is vacation in Montenegro dangerous?

Do I need insurance in Montenegro

In recent years, the countries of the Schengen zone, pardon the harsh word, have completely "gotten sick": either they refuse a visa, or they will issue it late. Show them the insurance, confirm the hotel reservation. And in the consular department - queues, queues ... In general, "Dunka is not allowed into Europe," as the heroine of a popular Soviet play once complained. And at the same time, they are playing Vanka. What is left? The tested Russian remedy is an asymmetric answer.

In recent years, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Cuba and a number of other countries of the far, very distant foreign countries have become visa-free for Russians. Many cannot afford to dash thousands of kilometers: we are not "Roquefort" what! And if, in addition, you managed to carve out just a week or two, or half a month remains until the expiration of the passport? Then your chance is Montenegro.

Feel free to take a ticket for the next flight, and you will be welcomed here as family - no one will even hint about a visa (checked). When you enter Montenegro, no monetary levies are made, only upon departure there is an "airport tax" - 15 euros. By the way, convenience for travelers: the euro is today's Montenegrin currency.

In recent years, Vnukovo Airport has become a "resort" airport: charters to Antalya, Hurghada and other Sharm El Sheikhs leave from here. Registration begins for my Tivat - a town located in the south of Montenegro, near the Adriatic Sea. I hold out my ticket and hear: "This is not your flight! Go to the next counter!" I stand in one more line and again: "Your flight is next!" Wow, three flights to little Tivat at once! ..

When you fly up to it, you expect to see black mountains - and indeed, here they are, at a glance. They appear black because they are covered with dense forests. Once upon a time the Adriatic was dominated by Venice, "the mistress of the seas", and in the Italian manner the country was called Montenegro (in translation - the same Montenegro).

Passengers reaching for passport control counters are mostly "planned" tourists. Among others - "ladies with a dog". The beloved dog is transported in a large plastic cage, and they themselves are in slippers on their bare feet; feel at home. At the luggage belt, several teenagers huddled in a flock. Having removed the covered bicycles from the transporter, they immediately assembled the "steel horses" and set off along the mountain passes. Someone is leafing through a phrasebook: "lepo" - pretty, "praise" - thank you, "pray" - please, "cruel pich" - alcoholic beverages. The official language is Serbian, but many Montenegrins speak or at least understand Russian, and restaurants always have a menu in Russian.

From the airport to Tivat - 10 minutes drive, and now - the first acquaintance with the town, standing on the coast of the bay. The Bay of Kotor, home to the largest fjord in the Mediterranean and the southernmost fjord in the northern hemisphere, cuts into the land for 28 kilometers. It is this bay that has long been a haven for sailors who preferred to wait out here storms and storms. Many creative people came here for inspiration. At different times, Byron, Bernard Shaw and many others have been here.

During the collapse of Yugoslavia, the territory of Montenegro was not affected by the war, but for a long time it was in an international blockade. Industrial enterprises did not work, beaches and hotels ran wild. The result was unexpected: the ecological situation in Montenegro has become one of the best in Europe. Tourism has only recently begun to revive, but it is booming: hotels are bought and reconstructed by Austrians, Slovenes, Russians (where can we go without them!).

There are several hotels in Tivat, but prices are high - from 30 euros and more. But on hotels the light did not converge like a wedge: let's look for a haven in the private sector, it is well developed here. I walk along a quiet street and see an inconspicuous sign: "Sobe. Apartament. Zimmer". This means that the owners are renting out the room. "Issue price" - 10 euros per day. Pay in advance, passport may not be asked; key to the room in your pocket. Now we need to decide on the terrain.

Tivat is called the "Gates of the Boko-Kotor Bay". “God created the world for 6 days, and on the 7th day he slowly created this fjord at the very foot of Lovcen,” says the local apocrypha. Today, a cozy town is freely spread on this place. It is surrounded by a unique park in which exotic plants grow, which for centuries were brought here by sailors from distant wanderings.

In the evening, the entire "establishment" spends its leisure time in restaurants on the embankment. The signature drink is "Vranac", a high-quality dry wine, the name of which translates as "black horse". And if under the vine (local chacha) you will be treated to "pig's cookies", do not rush to turn your nose up - a huge juicy chop is waiting for you.

Tivat is located on the shores of the bay of the same name under the Kalac hill (400 meters above sea level). The ancient church of St. Anthony (1373). For centuries, the town was a "quiet backwater", and from the second half of the 19th century its intensive development began. During the era of Austro-Hungarian rule, the Naval Arsenal was built in Tivat - a plant for the repair of naval ships.

There are small islands nearby: the Island of Flowers and the Island of St. Brand. The first is a small oval peninsula about 300 meters long. It was connected to the land by a natural narrow and low strip, which was flooded at high tide. So the Island of Flowers was also a peninsula at the same time. It contains the ruins of the Benedictine monastery of St. Michael, and now archaeological excavations are underway here.

Nearby is the island of St. Mark (Stradioti). The name comes from the times of the Venetians, when there was a camp of Venetian soldiers of Greek origin (stradiotes - soldier). Today on the island is the tourist village of St. Brand, founded in 1962. Nearby there is another small island - Gospa od cute. On it stands the monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos, founded in the 17th century and restored in the second half of the 20th century.

Bernard Shaw, when visiting the Bay of Kotor, wrote to his wife a short but comprehensive letter: "Greetings from the most beautiful corner of the whole world."

From Tivat you can go to the "small circumnavigation" - to go around the coast of the fjord counterclockwise. The first town on our way is the ancient Kotor, which lies half an hour's drive from Tivat. The Adriatic coast of Montenegro, stretching from the Croatian to Albanian border, is incredibly picturesque. The main pearl is the Bay of Kotor. Kotor itself, an ancient, small and very cozy town, is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Kotor has long been a coastal trade center where goods were exchanged "land-sea". It was expanded and strengthened during the reign of the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Justinian (527-565, originally Illyrian, from a peasant family). However, Kotor appeared even earlier - 20 centuries ago. Since the time of the ancient Illyrians and Romans, this village has been known as Akruvium and then Katarum. From the end of the 5th to the 10th century, Kotor was ruled by Byzantium, and in 1185 it was incorporated into Serbia.

In 1371, Kotor was captured by the Austro-Hungarians and then by the Venetians. Subsequently, the town was "mastered" by Austrian, Russian, French and Italian troops. In the 17th century, there were 13 churches and 7 monasteries in it; now there are 10 temples left. The cathedral was built in the 12th century on the foundations of an ancient temple from the 9th century. The cathedral was consecrated in honor of the patron saint of the city - St. Tryphon (Tripuna). It is worth noting that the temple is 313 years older than the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow.

Local tradition says that in the 9th century, some navigators brought the body of St. Tryphon. Hiding from the storm, we entered the bay, but could not get out of it - the storm did not subside for several weeks. "If the saint does not want to leave our city," the local residents decided, "let him remain here forever and be venerated forever." So St. Trifon became the patron and defender of the Brotherhood of sailors of Boka Kotorska, which still exists today. In the old city, surrounded by high fortified walls, stands an 18th century palace that once belonged to a Lombard family. In 1804-1806, this building housed the Russian consulate, as indicated by the inscription on the memorial plaque.

The Russian influence is felt in the town today: in the former palace of Pima (XVII century) the restaurant "Lights of Moscow" is located. However, "Uncle Sam" also reached out here: the reconstruction of the lower part of the fortress hanging over the city was carried out in 2004 with the money of the American "Fund for Cultural Preservation". After that, the words of Josip Broz Tito, carved above the city gates, look a bit anachronistic: "We don't need someone else, we won't give up ours. 11/21/1944."

It is better to climb to the top of the hill crowned with a fortress in the morning hours, before the midday heat. And look carefully at your feet - snakes are found here. And below, near the fortress wall, there is another "danger sign": an advertising banner with a shocking inscription: "Swiss chilled tea with marijuana." And the image of the corresponding green seven-leafed plant.

It is clear that Montenegro is not Holland, and drugs are prohibited here. And advertising is just "enticement". The cafe is located on the terrace, you cannot see it from below, and you need to intrigue the potential client so that he climbs the stone stairs to the top. And there - the usual menu, the usual service. And a wonderful top view of the roofs covered with red tiles ...

From Kotor we will continue our way to the town of Perast. The mountains wedge into an emerald-blue bay, forming cozy coves-beaches. Along the banks there are fortified cities, the history of which goes back millennia. Ancient Perast inherited its name from the Illyrian tribe Pirusti, who lived in this area in the ancient era. Ancient chronicles mention Perestum, who was in the possession of the Benedictine monastic order, whose monastery was located on the nearby islet of St. George (San Giorgio). The city developed as a maritime merchant center, but in 1571 it was attacked by the Turks. However, he soon came under the rule of the Venetians and became an outpost in the fight against the same restless Turks.

The inhabitants of Perast have long been famous as experienced sailors. In 1367 a shipyard was founded here, and in the 18th century the city became a major maritime and trade center. In front of the local cathedral, there is a bust of the famous naval commander Marko Martinovic (1663-1716). At the local naval school, he taught sailing and Russian cadets. Brave sailors from their travels brought valuable items and built stone houses in Perast. Therefore, Perast is a real city-museum, reminiscent of the era of sailing ships.

The tiny seaside towns of Risan, Perast, Kotor, Budva, founded by Illyrian pirates and Romans, have a unique medieval flavor - an abundance of narrow streets opening onto spacious squares, Catholic churches adjacent to Orthodox churches, palaces and fortress walls from different eras.

In front of Perast there are the islets of Gospa od Skrpela and St. George. Each of them has its own story. The first is an artificial island formed by a stone embankment and the remains of ships around the underwater rocks. It houses the temple of the same name, built in the Baroque style in the years 1630-1722. In the sacristy of the temple there is an altar painting from the middle of the 14th century: it was embroidered by the parishioner Hyacinta Kunich from Perast for 20 years, awaiting the return of her betrothed from a sea voyage.

On the island of St. George, as usual, the eponymous temple rises. The Swiss artist Arnold Becklin painted there one of his most famous works - the painting "Isle of the Dead". It was kept in a Benedictine monastery founded in the 17th century. Boka-Kotorska "round the world" ends in the resort town of Herceg Novi, the largest one at the entrance to the bay. It was founded by the Bosnian king Tvrtko I (1383-1391) to provide an outlet to the sea. And then, as often happened in these fertile places, the city passed from hand to hand. In 1481 it was captured by the Turks, in 1538 - by the Spanish-Venetian-papal fleet. Subsequently, the city passed under the rule of Venice, Austria, Russia and France.

Herceg Novi, with about 15 thousand inhabitants, is one of the most famous and visited tourist centers of the Adriatic. It is a city of typical Mediterranean architecture - with narrow, steep and winding streets and low stone houses. The city walls of the former fortifications in the past protected the population from various dangers. Numerous architectural monuments remind of the turbulent historical past. On the foundations of the Spanish fortress "Spanela" the Turks built "Gorni grad" and "Kanli kulu". From the reign of the Venetians, "Forte Mareo" and "Citadela" remained here.

The city has a rich museum, archive, scientific library, art gallery, Orthodox Church of the Holy Archangels. The "Russian trace" is also noticeable in it, quite modern. On one of the streets the eye rests on the Volga real estate agency, on the other - on the Russian House. Typical advertising text: "Full legal support for the purchase and sale of objects. We provide assistance in creating your own business." Ours will teach!

The western outskirts of Herceg Novi joined the resort town of Igalo. Here rheumatism and disorders of the musculoskeletal system are treated. At the entrance you can see the villa "Galeb" - one of the residences of Marshal Tito, who loved sea resorts. The local park has an unusual exhibit: a railway carriage. This is a monument to a bygone era: from 1901 to 1968, trains ran along the banks of the Boka.

In the morning on the radio advertising in Russian - all about the same real estate, with "legal support". A flock of schoolchildren is moving towards them, having fluttered out of a double-decker tourist bus. They say in "Novorusskiy": "No, really cool sneakers!" On board the bus there is an advertisement: "Get more expensive (travel) with us!" and "home port" - Vinnitsa. The Fuhrer, sitting in a bunker near Vinnitsa, never thought that everything would turn out like this. Neither Stalin nor Tito could have known about this ...

And now we will go from Tivat outside the Boka Kotorska fjord - to the southeast, to the Adriatic coast. This time our goal is the most popular resort in Montenegro - Budva, which bears the proud name of the "Montenegrin Riviera". Today the local people have "their own exit": before the Montenegrin could not imagine life without a horse, and now - without a car. Passenger traffic between the towns is not that intense, and every bus that comes is taken by a light assault. A Montenegrin enters the bus and freezes on the steps. The conductor asks: "Go to the salon!" He answered: "Did I buy a ticket to walk?"

Half an hour drive, and here is the "bus village" Budva. It occupies the central part of the Montenegrin coast and is one of the most popular resorts and one of the sunniest cities on the Adriatic. The ancient city with a labyrinth of streets, numerous cafes and shops is surrounded by impressive fortress walls.

Budva has a rich past: the village of Butua was founded in ancient times. It is rightfully called Greco-Illyrian, since both Greeks and Illyrians lived here, as evidenced by archaeological finds from the Budva necropolis. In the 2nd century BC. Budva was captured by the "Latins", and after the collapse of the Roman Empire, it came under the rule of Byzantium. Her reign lasted for several centuries, and in 1184-86. Budva became part of the Serbian state. Since the 15th century, the "parade of sovereignties" begins: Venetians, Turks, French, Austrians, Italians have "noted" in Budva. In the old part of the city, church buildings have been preserved: the church of St. John (VII century), the Church of Santa Maria (IX century) and the "youngest" Church of the Holy Trinity (1804).

On a small square, there is a fragment of an ancient Roman column with a Latin inscription. And nearby - the office of the same annoying "Real Estate" with advertising in Russian: "We will help you make your dreams come true: to buy a house by the sea, a summer house in the mountains, an apartment overlooking the Jadran (Adriatic Sea), buy a yacht, a boat. open a company in Montenegro, develop a business plan, an investment project, find a reliable and competent lawyer? We will help you with this too. "

Near the embankment there is a line of snow-white boats and sailing ships with a notice in Russian: "Yacht charter". Full impression: Russia is a country of universal yachtsmen, which, of course, is a bit of an exaggeration. And the most marvelous view of the old city opens from the area of ​​the cafe "Masha". This "food block" competes with the "Pushkin" cafe, decorated with the well-known profile of the poet.

Why do Russians burst into Montenegro? Some see it as an improved version of the Crimea, where they do not cheat in konoba restaurants (snack bars), do not hiss in the back: "Moskal!" - and they don't play songs about "Vladimirsky Central". Others are a cheap sequel to Croatia, only with sandy beaches instead of stone ones. In fact, this is a blessed place with majestic nature, clear sea, mild Mediterranean climate and rich history, which, I suspect, I have fed you a little ...

However, Montenegro is being mastered not only by Russians. I walk past a group of tourists getting off the bus, and I hear a snippet of the phrase: "You are cheaper here gold!" I look at the bus - we arrived from Lutsk (Ukraine). However, for the Montenegrins, we are all brothers-Slavs.

In the early 1990s, Russians went to a foreign land to earn money, now they are going to spend. And their place is slowly being taken by the Chinese. On one of the squares of the old city there is a building of the historical archive, next to it - "Kitteski restaurant" Hong Kong. In another restaurant, young Chinese women rehearse the evening show. I go to the Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. Marvelous frescoes from two centuries ago, an old iconostasis with the Crucifixion above. And at the foot of the Crucifixion ... there are two wriggling dragons! Is it possible that this is also the “hand of Beijing?” Although it is unlikely - the old square is divided into “spheres of influence.” A nimble gypsy woman asks for alms at the Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary, a lame Albanian woman asks an Orthodox. These pesky "pros" keep a group of German tourists out of their way.

On the outskirts of Budva, there is the Podostrog Monastery, a favorite place of Montenegrin bishops. From the old town in just a few minutes you can reach the island of St. Nicholas by boat. Mini-road trains with open trailers run in Budva. They leave from the walls of the Old City and move along the embankment, stopping at tourist sites - restaurants, cafes, discos, beaches.

Along the coast between Budva and St. Stefan has boats with a semi-closed lower deck and an open upper deck. A single fixed-route ticket costs € 5 and is valid all day. You can go ashore at any stop (swim, sunbathe, have a snack), and then take another boat and return; an approximate break between the boats is half an hour, a loud megaphone announces the arrival of the next boat.

Not far from Budva is one of the most elite holiday destinations on the Adriatic - the island of St. Stefan, connected to the shore by a paved path. As noted in the guide, "the city hotel St. Stephen has been renovated and equipped to the maximum comfort of the objects of the old fishing village." One feels that the translator is not a native speaker of the Russian language, but only a user.

In the 15th century, local residents built a fortress on the sea rock to protect the population from pirate attacks. In the 19th century, a narrow dam was brought up to the island. In 1954, the remains of the fortress were turned into a hotel city, and the exterior of the old buildings was left unchanged, and the interior was a magnificent hotel apartment. Another pearl from the guide: "As an urban entity with its appartmans, restaurants, together with specialties, exhibitions and demonstrations, is the only one on Mediteran." Almost everything is clear, and "Mediteran" in translation from "French-Serbian" means "Mediterranean".

St. Stephen looks like an old town with bastions, streets, squares, two churches, naturally dedicated to St. Stephen. There was also another church - in the name of Alexander Nevsky, but during the restructuring a restaurant was erected in its place - spiritual food was replaced with delight for the womb. Only icons in one of the halls remind of the church. Once in Montenegro (possibly on St. Stephen) Lord Byron visited. In those days, they expressed their impressions flamboyantly, and the poet also could not resist, issued the following text: "At the moment of the birth of our planet, the most beautiful meeting of land and sea took place in Montenegro ... When the pearls of nature were sown, a whole handful fell on this land."

At one time, Sophia Loren, Sylvester Stallone, Bobby Fischer, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Claudia Schifer, Indira Gandhi, Gamal Abdel Nasser and even Leonid Brezhnev rested on the island. The impressions of the latter did not reach the descendants, but it can be assumed that Leonid Ilyich expressed "deep satisfaction" from being on the "small land". Or maybe he said something more original - we know how. By the way, in 1955, during Tito's visit to the Soviet Union, on the platform of a railway station in one of the Siberian cities, according to rumors, the following banner was posted: "Warmly welcome dear comrade Tito and his clique!"

Tourists from nearby towns and hotels come to St. Stephen on excursions. If VIPs have settled on the island, then you can only walk along the dam to the "small land" and drink some water from the source. And then "attach" to the iron lattice, reliably blocking the entrance to the island. If the "reservation" is canceled, then accommodation in St. Stefane will cost from 1000 euros for 10 days. "St. Stephen" is amazingly beautiful, but the years take their toll. Most of its rooms are no longer as elite as under Tito, and resemble an aged obkom dacha. However, some Russians like this nostalgia.

Right next to Sveti Stefan on the coast there is another unique place - a park that once belonged to the Serbian royal family, with a beach called Queen's Beach. According to some reports, this crowned lady swam in the bay, according to others - sitting in an armchair, admiring the sea. The hotel, located in the park, is naturally also called "Royal Beach".

Hardly anywhere else in the world, Russians are treated with such warmth as in Montenegro. This did not include Soviet tanks in either 56 or 68. Russian with Montenegrin - brothers forever! First of all, because Montenegrins are the most real Orthodox Slavs, however, living in the mountains. Let's add here the centuries-old ties between our peoples, the proximity of linguistic cultures.

Common mentality also makes us similar. It is enough to compare the Russian proverb "Work is not a wolf, it will not run away into the forest" and the first of the "10 commandments of a Montenegrin man": "A man is born tired and lives in order to rest." And if in the West since the time of the Cold War there has been a horror story: "The Russians are coming!"

Archimandrite Augustine (Nikitin)

What dangers await Russian tourists in Montenegro in 2017?

In the spring of 2017, many Russian TV channels launched a large-scale campaign against Montenegro due to the imminent entry of this country into the NATO military bloc.

Is it safe in Montenegro?

Montenegro is a country where there is no street crime at all. You can walk freely at any time of the day in any city without fear for yourself. Over the past few months, our employees have traveled throughout Europe and the United States, and we dare to assure you that Montenegro is safer than any of the European capitals.

There are no disadvantaged areas here, and in the far corners of the country, having learned that you are Russian, they will certainly offer brandy and a sincere conversation at the table. In Montenegro, you can often see children walking until the night without their parents. An extremely reverent attitude towards children is one of the features of the Montenegrin mentality.

Are the beaches in Montenegro clean?

Montenegro is rightfully one of the most popular tourist destinations among Russian tourists. The clear sea and beaches are one of the reasons for the high demand for holidays in this country. It should be noted that in the tourist capital - Budva, in July and August, the water is really not very clean, as in any similar cities of Sochi, Yalta, Pattaya.

But there are the remaining 290 kilometers of beaches in Montenegro, which annually receive the prestigious Blue Flag rating, which confirms the compliance of the beach with the highest European standards of quality and cleanliness.

What is the attitude towards tourists from Russia in Montenegro?

Here are some facts:

In Montenegro, it is easier to talk in Russian with a waiter or taxi driver than in English

It is home to about 20 thousand citizens of Russia and the same number of foreigners from other countries. And the population of the country is about 600 thousand.

Citizens of Russia and Ukraine can travel to Montenegro without a visa.

In 2017, the period of visa-free stay in Montenegro for tourists from Russia was increased from 30 to 90 days

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro in March of this year made a statement in which he assured that the country's policy towards Russian citizens remains unchanged, regardless of any political events

But Montenegro will soon join NATO?

Have you vacationed in France, Italy, Czech Republic, Greece, Croatia or Turkey? All these countries have been active members of NATO for decades. And nevertheless, their doors are always open for Russians! The population of the country is very warm towards tourists from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, emphasizing the fraternal ties between our countries. And no policy will be an obstacle to this.

How to be?

We are periodically frightened by the bad attitude towards Russians from Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, depending on how convenient or inconvenient it is for our politicians. Now Montenegro has been added. You should not indulge their games and deprive yourself of the sea and the sun, for the sake of people from TV, whose children permanently reside in the NATO countries of the United States, England, Montenegro and the French Riviera.

Let us express the opinion of the majority of our guests - many Russians have long been living on the principle of “contradictory”, so if Lyudmila Prokofievna said that bad boots are definitely good ones, we must take them!