As KORA continued down Montenegro’s spectacular coastline, we found ourselves once again trying and failing to capture the scenery in photographs. Towering mountains, rugged cliffs, and sparkling blue water seem to lose something in translation. Some places are simply better experienced than photographed.
The highlight of the day was our first dinghy adventure ashore. A short ride brought us to Hawai’i Beach, located on the island of Sveti Nikola near Budva. Nobody seems entirely certain where the name came from, but with crystal-clear water, beach bars, and swimmers lounging in the sun, it’s easy to see why someone thought it had a tropical feel.
Naturally, Doug arrived wearing his Hawai’i Beach Volleyball hat, which would have made Emily very proud!
First things first: cocktails. We claimed a table overlooking the water and settled into island time – or at least Montenegro’s version of it. One thing we’ve noticed throughout the Balkans is the soundtrack. Everywhere we go – restaurants, bars, marinas, beach clubs – seem to be playing a steady stream of 70s and 80s classics. One minute it’s Red, Red Wine, the next it’s Dancing Queen, followed by Must Have Been Love or Hotel California. Apparently the soundtrack of our youth is alive and well in Montenegro.
Then came the swim. The water was surprisingly warm, much warmer than we’d experienced so far this season. But while the beach was beautiful and the water crystal clear, the rounded pebbles underfoot made water shoes a very wise decision.
We finished our visit to the island with dinner by the water as the afternoon drifted toward evening. Good food, great company, and a spectacular setting – a pretty perfect way to spend a day on the Adriatic.
Back aboard KORA, the entertainment shifted to music, laughter, and several spirited games of Euchre. Not a bad way to spend an evening at anchor.
