Many find relief from the summer heat on the Montenegrin coast, and those who cannot do so due to business or personal obligations "grab" an oasis of shade in the pearly waters of the Morača, Zeta, and Cijevna rivers.
Although meteorologists have been measuring somewhat milder temperatures in recent days, the number of visitors to the riverbanks confirms that the beaches in the Zeta-Bjelopavlić plain are a symbol of good fun, socializing, and friendly conversations.
Often there are also acrobatics from high river jumps. There are also some "aerial acrobatics", and the riverbed is additionally filled with thunderous applause from visitors - locals and tourists. Even if the unsuspecting athlete is a favorite among everyone, the shouts of support never end.
Families who cherish the tradition of "escaping the city" often see rivers as a great opportunity for a picnic, complete with the sounds of the river and the "fight" of grasshoppers with other insects. Those who like to sunbathe, with their favorite book and sunscreen applied, and soft music, indulge and enjoy the benefits of nature.
Everyone loves Zeta.
The "Vijesti" team, which accompanied a ten-year-old boy to the Zeta River in the Rogami settlement, found out that stories about the most beautiful summer days by the river are not a myth.
According to him, he is used to the river beach being visited by locals, foreigners, and the media, because “everyone loves to swim in Zeta.” He happily showed reporters how his group was having fun and pointed to the shade, right by the river, in case “we wanted to escape the heat.”
"Every day my friends and I swim here. There are visitors from all over," he said.
In addition to the boys, visitors from neighboring Albania also found safety on the beach from the thirty-degree heat.
One of them, Aleksander He said that it was his first time coming to Podgorica, but that he couldn't help but visit the city beach in Rogami with his friends.
He had heard only good things about it from the locals, and he was enchanted, as he says, by the cleanliness in that part of Zeta. The water, he pointed out, was quite adequate, and he added that he planned to visit "at least one more time before he went back."
And for a fellow citizen Danica Kovačević Rivers, she emphasized, are one of the rare natural oases, "where you are allowed to mute your phone and be out of time for a few hours."
Although he prefers to stay on the coast, rivers are a good alternative, he claims:
“Sometimes I like to go to Zeta. Even though I don't swim much, I like to be with friends in nature. It means a lot to me to hang out and cool off a bit when we don't have the opportunity to go to the sea.”
The charms of the untamable Cijevna
Lovers of city beaches and cool river streams should not miss the untamed Cijevna. Pearly clean, it is perfect for all visitors looking for refreshment outside the city.
Families with children, the occasional tourist, a waiter deftly walking over rocks carrying drinks and food, as well as thunderous laughter - these are scenes seen every day on the banks of this river. The occasional shy couple in love, as well as the smell of beautifully prepared and cooked food, brighten the picture.
Owner of a restaurant right by the river Edo Ljuljanovic He told "Vijesti" that families with children like to visit the beach, especially on weekends. He said that the attraction of the beach is also contributed by the fact that sun loungers are free, so people often ask for one more.
"The price of drinks ranges from one to two euros. Many families visit this beach. So far, there have been no incidents. The whole of Podgorica sometimes comes here," said Ljuljanović, adding that "there have been fewer bathers in the last few days due to the bad weather."
Some of the family members, who were interviewed by reporters on the shores of Cijevna, said that it was their first time on that beach. They stressed that, having learned from the positive experiences of their friends, they had no regrets.
However, there are also those who have almost "grown" with the natural course of the defiant Cijevna River.
Milena Stijepovic She is one of those who visit it regularly. During the summer, she said, she loves to enjoy the river beach with her family, children, and friends.
“It has become a tradition of sorts. We always enjoy it as if we were visiting it for the first time. The water is exceptionally clean in the morning, there are no crowds, so everything seems peaceful and relaxing. Children love rivers, this contact with nature brings them a special joy. We adults also feel how we harmonize with nature, as if our pace slows down, our thoughts clear and everything falls into place.”
She emphasized that she doesn't need anything spectacular, but that "water, stone, shade, and good energy are more than enough."
"Cijevna gives us all of that. We feel free, connected to each other and to the environment. That's what we value the most," said Stijepović.
Tourists choose Skaline
The Morača River, which runs along Podgorica, offers several beaches to the capital's residents. When temperatures exceed the critical 40 degrees, many "run" to cool off and hang out at one of them.
The beach under the Blaž Jovanović Bridge, in Skaline, is extremely attractive - both for locals and tourists. The beautiful picture is completed by a small bar where beach visitors can cool off with a drink. Piña colada, martini, soda or just cold coffee, it's up to the bathers to choose how they will fight the fierce Podgorica heat.
Tourists, enchanted by the energy of Podgorica, most often choose Skaline as a place to take a short break with a book and a good drink. However, foreigners are not the only ones who enjoy the ambiance of this urban oasis.
Podgorica woman Jovana Vukčević believes that the beaches at Morača are beautiful, but that it would be necessary to revive them with "interesting events and entertainment programs."
Although swimming in rivers is a temporary "salvation from the heat," Vukčević emphasizes that she still prefers the sea. She adds that she doesn't mind the crowds on the beaches and is happy that "the city is alive despite the heat and humidity."
"The taste of salt water and the smell of the sea relax me and take me back to my childhood. I'm especially glad that the sea has a calming effect, and I also prefer it sometimes, because there are no strong river currents. Although rivers and riverbanks have their own charm, I prefer the sea. It simply gives me a special feeling of freedom and relaxation. This, however, does not mean that beaches should be devoid of content. I hope they will make an effort to organize at least night parties with acoustic live bands," said Vukčević.
More than 25 thousand swimmers at the pool since June
The local company "Sportski objekti" told the editorial staff that 25.342 citizens visited the city pool.
"During the same period last year (June 2 to July 28, 2024), a total of 25.577 entries were recorded at city pools, indicating a slight decline in attendance in the current year," they said.
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