Between the mountains and the sea- Campsite Auto camp Lara

Campsite Auto camp Lara is situated in Kostanjica- a picturesque small village on Montenegrin coast, located on the coast of Bay of Kotor, which I first visited thanks to my husband, whose ancestors settled in the region a few centuries ago.

I found the name Kostanjica a bit strange for a settlement. However, it was immediately explained to me that the name came from KOSTANJ- which means chestnut, after whose fruit and a forest the pretty village was famous for and hence the special name.

I first came here over three decades ago, to this place between the mountains and the sea and it stole my heart forever. I was completely delighted by the beauty of Montenegro beaches and Bay of Kotor.

Our daughter, Lara also fell in love with her father’s homeland when she was just a little girl.

That falling for the place is experienced by everyone who comes to visit our home. They claim that and their multiple returns confirm.

I am taking you to a hidden place

When you arrive in Bay of Kotor (Boka) and want to stay at Campsite Autocamp Lara if you don’t catch a ferry ,which will take you from Lepetane to Kamenare (towns), where you just turn right and the road will lead you straight to the next village- Kostanjica, you can just go around. That way you will pass through some other wonderful places in Bay of Kotor and again arrive at this magical spot.

After getting used to plentiful greenery and smell of nature, which can make even the most indifferent of people feel alive again, many will enter into a yard of a stone made house on the sea, which can be seen from across the road from the village of Lipci.

Somewhere over the rainbow

I addition to the sea, the first thing that enchants people are shutters- screens- louvres of nice blue color that protect and beautify all 12 windows and seem like a renowned host greeting the guests.

I have been lucky enough to stay there much longer than most and continue the fascinating tradition that Todorovic family took away from the time and that kept them from being forgotten as many of similar estates were sold during 1990s but this house still speaks about the significance of family, history, culture and architecture of this wonderful region.

The stone made family house by which campsite Autocamp Lara is based is over 300 years oold, so we often joke that we have a privilege of sleeping in a museum.

Where do you go swimming, where do you collect shells?

Back as late as in 1970s, my in-laws opened a campsite. Children from the neighborhood and friends came there for the special atmosphere what was felt in the yard- between the mountains and the sea. Everything was full of life and positive energy. Yet, some circumstances led to closing the camp. Many years passed until the moment our family in a lively conversation on a winter day, reminiscing about the old times, suddenly decided to revive again the magic of that life.

In all modesty, we can claim it has been a success.

Beyond the moon, beyond the rain

Thanks to the tradition in this line of business, instinct, love and social networks our yard is one again full of people coming from all over the world. People who visit us love nature, camping and unusual travels.

Our family love meeting new people with whom we can share stories and memories. People from over 20 countries are found in our international yard during summer.

We can witness the fact that for our guests this is a very hospitable environment. After they immerse into magnificent views, unpack their luggage and set up tents or do things around their caravans and campsite itself, they enjoy. Everyone is involved- from the youngest to the oldest.

Campers are a special group of people- always prepared to help, react quickly- they are human and intelligent, really special.

A lot of things happen in our yard- many children learn to swim, new loves and friendships are born, recipes are exchanged, but campers also ride bikes or go kayaking around Bay of Kotor, go fishing, and some play with kites or fly drones, have birthday parties and do other activities that make them happy.

We are glad our ‘hobby’ is alive again and our motivation, drive is what makes it successful. It is all about a genuine wish for socializing and joy to be back in our surroundings.

Whoever wishes to touch this happiness between the mountains and the sea is always welcome to campsite Autocamp Lara.

 

                                                              Milica

 

 Somewhere over the rainbow

Where love shines

Somewhere there exists a land

Of which I dream of