Ada Bojana: Montenegro's Island Paradise

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Eez-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Go-vo-ree-teh lee eng-les-kee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseŽelio bih vidjeti meni, molim
  [Zheh-lee-oh bee veed-yeh-tee meh-nee, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vye-lee!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-moh-ch!]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh!]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/sna mi je
  [Boh-leh-stahn/snah mee yeh]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dam]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-stah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je preškupo
  [Toh yeh preh-shoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoo-stee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...?
  [Gdyeh yeh...?]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-dre-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh slye-day-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)
  [Yehd-noo kahr-too (doh ....)]

Ada Bojana is a river island formed during the late 19th century by the deposition of sediments at the mouth of the Bojana River, which flows into the Adriatic Sea. The island was created following a shipwreck of a merchant ship named 'Merito'. Over time, sand deposits around the wreck gradually built up, resulting in the creation of the island as it is known today.

Due to its strategic location at the mouth of the Bojana River, Ada Bojana played a crucial role during the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods. The island served as a key point for monitoring naval routes and controlling maritime trade. Military outposts and fortifications were established to secure the region from invading forces and pirates.

Fishing has been a significant part of Ada Bojana's culture and economy for centuries. The island is renowned for its traditional fishing methods, particularly the use of 'kalimera' nets. Local fishermen have passed down their techniques through generations, contributing to the cultural heritage of the area. The abundance of fish in the Bojana River and the Adriatic Sea provided a stable livelihood for the island's inhabitants.

In the mid-20th century, Ada Bojana began transforming into a popular tourist destination. Its unique triangular shape, pristine beaches, and serene environment attracted visitors from around the world. The island became particularly famous for its naturist beach, established in the 1970s, which drew naturist tourists seeking a liberating and natural experience. This shift towards tourism brought economic growth and new cultural influences to the island.

Ada Bojana is known for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. The island's wetlands and surrounding waters provide habitats for numerous bird species, making it a vital spot for birdwatching. In recent years, conservation efforts have been implemented to protect the island's natural environment and preserve its unique ecosystems. These initiatives aim to balance the tourism industry with sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health of Ada Bojana's natural resources.

Ada Bojana is accessible by flying into Podgorica Airport, which is approximately 85 kilometers away. From Podgorica, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Ada Bojana. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Podgorica to Ulcinj, the nearest town, and then a taxi or local transport to Ada Bojana. The journey takes about 2 hours by car and a bit longer with public transportation.

Once in Ada Bojana, getting around is relatively straightforward. The area is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle, which can be rented locally. For longer trips, taxis are available, and negotiating the fare in advance is advisable. Car rentals are also an option for those looking to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace.

The official currency in Montenegro is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are available in Ulcinj and near Ada Bojana, but having some cash on hand is always a good idea.

Ada Bojana is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Petty theft can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facilities are in Ulcinj, which is about a 20-minute drive from Ada Bojana. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Ulcinj where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; visiting religious sites with appropriate attire is highly recommended. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using local transport. Don’t be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day) and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and traditional Montenegrin dishes. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Ada Bojana like a local, visit the local markets and try fresh seafood from local vendors. Engage with the local fishermen and try to learn about their daily routines. Don’t miss the stunning sunsets from the beach, which are a favorite among both locals and tourists. For a unique experience, consider taking a boat tour around the island to explore its natural beauty from a different perspective.