Since the summer of 2017, fewer and fewer people have been flocking to the French Riviera, one of France’s most exclusive destinations, according to reporting by The Guardian. You might even go as far as to say this south of France former-favourite is now so last (last) season.
But why is the French Riviera, so long in vogue, now falling out of fashion? Well, the rising cost of fuel and not-so-favourable tax rates are to blame, apparently. It looks like there’s no better time for the uber-wealthy to cast their nets wide in the hunt for a new and even better European getaway destination then. And the number one place we think you should have on your radar? Forget Monaco, and don’t even think about San Marino. You need to head to Montenegro.
Why?
Well, let’s give a bit of background first. Montenegro, a tiny nation which only split from its Balkan big-brother brother, Serbia, in 2006, has since established itself as the must-visit European destination of the moment.
Not only does it sit right on the gorgeous Adriatic coast—if you’re not familiar, it’s all turquoise oceans and bobbing yachts—Montenegro has a wealth of natural beauty hidden inland too. There’s the Mrtvica Canyon and Lovćen National Park, as well as the quite charming (and UNESCO recognised) town of Kotor too.
And skiing is also an option. In fact, Montenegro is made up of 90% mountainous terrain, according to this feature on skiing in Montenegro over at The Telegraph.
But we doubt it’s the outdoorsy appeal of the country that draws the luxury holiday clientele. No, that’ll be thanks to recent investment which has pumped money into the Montenegro tourist industry and sparked the development of numerous luxury hotels and swanky fine-dining restaurants (especially in the gorgeous Porto Montenegro). Across the country, you’ll also spot multi-million pound properties being developed, set against the dramatic, and still to be developed, landscape of this petite but promising place.
Beyond the beauty, the luxury and the skiing then, what more does Montenegro have to offer? Well, superficial this spot is not. In fact, it’s widely touted as a soulful alternative to soulless Monaco and the French Riviera, known for having welcoming residents and top-notch, high-quality Mediterranean dining.
Skip vacation and skip straight to relocation
However, why merely holiday in Montenegro when you can make it your year round destination? While The Guardian discussed the pros and cons of relocating to this Balkan country back in 2006, there’s a strong case to be made that now is the best time to actually do so.
After all, up-and-coming destinations, suited to the uber rich and wealthy, don’t stay up-and-coming for long. (Um, hello, French Riviera!) So, strike while the iron’s hot and get yourself there ASAP.
Here are a few surprising snippets of info you might want to consider before moving to Montenegro:
- Montenegro doesn’t have a single motorway, although plans have been afoot to develop one for some time. Even so, you might need to invest in a car more suited for off-road environments…or upgrade your suspension.
- Prepare for a slower pace of life. Montenegro is a laid back place, even in and amongst all the five-star luxury.
- You may want to brush up on your German, because it’s apparently more common than English in some parts of Montenegro. Although, this depends where you go.
- Montenegro may not be in the European Union, but they do use the Euro. However, if you’re British, the EU issue could become a moot point anyway in the very near future.
- And and a fun fact – Montenegro is currently one of the only countries in the world without a McDonalds!
One very important factor to consider if you’re hoping to move to Montenegro though is that only a few airlines fly direct from the UK. According to Travel Supermarket, you can get from London to either Tivat or Podgorica airports direct, but from any other UK destination you might struggle.
In fact, you’re typically better of heading to Croatia and then making your way from there. That’s why we recommend packing light for the flight—because you’ll probably have to factor in extra travel on either side—and instead, have your belongings shipped over. If you head to buzzmove, you can compare any number of international removals companies that are all vetted and insured at the click of a button.
What are you waiting for? Montenegro will probably be around for some time to come, but this opportunity to get in while the going’s good might not!
