Category: Travel Guides

Time to shine the spotlight on one of our favourite places in Montenegro — Virpazar. It's beguiling, but often misunderstood. Some travellers pass through without giving it a second glance, or expect somewhere as grand as Kotor (it's not). But for anyone who takes the time to truly experience it, this tiny town at the edge of Lake Skadar National Park has a character all its own — one that blends history, nature, and local culture in a way that’s increasingly rare. As the proud owners of Villa Miela Lake Retreat, perched not far away on the hillside, we’ve called this place home since 2008. Here’s why we love Virpazar, and our favourite things to see and do here. It's the Gateway to Lake Skadar National Park If you want to explore Montenegro’s largest national park, Virpazar is the perfect base. Sitting at the confluence of three rivers, on Lake Skadar's southern shores, it’s a hub for boat tours, kayaking adventures, and birdwatching. Even if you’re just stopping for a coffee at one of the cafes, bring your binoculars, as you’ll likely see herons, or even kingfishers flitting across the water. A Town with History at its Core Virpazar’s history stretches back centuries, and its very name tells you something about its origins. ‘Vir’ means confluence of rivers, while ‘Pazar’ (from Bazaar) reflects its past as a bustling market town in Ottoman times. But its historical significance runs deeper than trade. On 13th July 1941, Virpazar and nearby Godinje village became the birthplace of the first uprising against fascist occupation in Montenegro — an event now commemorated by the striking socialist-realist monument at the town’s centre. That date remains Montenegro’s Independence Day, marking Virpazar’s place in the country’s proud history. Great for Outdoors and Nature Lovers For those who love