Escape the stress at Bjelila, Montenegro: a post in pictures

There’s not much to it. It’s a huddle of old stone houses mainly grouped just off the road by the sea with some larger more recently built ones on the other side of the road. A small car park will greet you with the regulation large silver rubbish bins and a few skinny cats hanging around, so typical of Montenegro.

There’s a simple local restaurant called Porto Bjelila right opposite with a terrace overlooking the sea. Plus, a small hotel, Villa Kristina with a restaurant open to non-residents, which occupies a prime spot right by the water’s edge.

Stunning views at Bjelila in Montenegro

Walk from the car park and past the faded signs marking various holiday apartments and past a cluster of simple fishing boats and then you’ll come to a large concreted area where you’ll be met with the most gorgeous views of the bay with its small islands and mountains rising up all around in the background.

In the summer people gather to drink and eat at Villa Kristina with its little paved terraces right by the water. In the peak of summer they are full of people relaxing in the sun on loungers while young lads and teenagers, keen to impress, perform various versions of somersaults and jumps off the quayside into the clear blue water.

Stress relief at Bjelila

In the off season it is quiet, especially as Villa Kristina doesn’t open for the season until June. But even without a cold drink from the cafe to refresh you, it is still a gorgeous place to sit and take in the beauty of it all, watching the occasional little boat leave the village to head across the water to Tivat.

Keep silent company with a fisherman waiting patiently for a catch.

And remind yourself what life is really all about.

​And if you are thinking of heading to Bjelila on your next trip….

How to get to Bjelila in Montenegro

Bjelila is on the Lustica Peninsula about 15 minutes’ drive from Tivat airport and 20 minutes’ drive from Kotor. As you drive from Tivat along the main road to Budva, take the right turning at the large roundabout towards Lustica and Solila. (The left turning off the roundabout goes to the tunnel to Kotor). Follow this road for about 10 minutes passing La Perla hotel and villas until you see a turning right signposted Bjelila and Kracisi. Follow the road down the hill with the sea on your right and you’ll get to Bjelila in about 2 minutes.

Oh, and Villa Kristina is currently up for sale for a cool 2 million euros. So, if you want to be assured of a drink whatever the time of year, now’s your opportunity …