Its time to leave Sicily and head to my next destination. I’m looking forward to the change although I go with a heightened sense of curiosity. You see, Podgorica is Europe’s second least visited capital city! Only 30,000 people go there each year. The word ‘boring’ seems to be synonymous with the city. My travel day Trapani to Podgorica Montenegro is off and running.
Marsala to Trapani
I realized a few days ago, that the day I am travelling is a holiday in Italy. I was planning to take the bus to the airport for €2.50 however buses are not running. With the help of my Airbnb host, I have inquired with several companies and the cheapest ride I can find for this 20-minute journey is €30. Uggg.
My car arrives on time, and I’m whisked off at 5:30am. The streets are empty of course, as is the airport when I arrive. The sun is just rising and makes a beautiful backdrop as I decided to remain outdoors and get a few steps in before my flight.
Trapani TPS
Trapani Airport is a tiny regional one. It’s actually an Italian Airforce base that has opened up to allow a few smaller airlines in for commercial purposes. The terminal is equally small with one café before security.
After passport control and into the departure lounge now, there is one place to eat and another to shop. I notice the Florio canned tuna that I couldn’t afford at the winery, is being sold here for €22 PER CAN. At the winery it was €12 🤯
Trapani to Rome
I am flying with Ryanair from Trapani to Rome on my first leg of the day. The flight is exactly what I expect having flown with this company a few times this year. Views leaving Sicily are gorgeous and I’m happy to have a window seat.
Rome FCO
This is one of my favourite airports. Its bright, easy to navigate, has beautiful and interesting art and a cultured atmosphere. I arrive into Terminal 3 and am leaving on my next flight from Terminal 1. After collecting my luggage, I begin a slow and lazy wait. I have six hours to kill, so begin looking for somewhere to while away the time.
First stop is coffee and a pistachio cornetto at Bonci, and then a long lunch at Rosso Pomodoro. The coffee is fine and the lunch just ok. The pizza crust, that should be cooked and possibly crunchy is soggy mush. I see another patron complain about his and ask for a new pizza entirely.
To make matters worse, when I go to pay, a €3.50 ‘service charge’ is added onto the €23 bill. Unfortunately, I am not quick witted enough to ask them to remove it and instead head to the check-in counter. After I have been relieved of my suitcase I pass through security and into the departure lounge. Sitting to enjoy yet another coffee, I admire the artwork around me and people watch to my hearts content.
Rome to Podgorica
Flying on Air Montenegro for the first time I’ll admit I am a teensy bit nervous. The relatively new company was founded in 2021 and has only three aircraft to its name. The one parked at my gate is solid white, not even a mark or name to say what the airline is. On board the plane is somewhat clean. None of the seat belts or rows has been straightened up from the previous flight.
As we leave Rome, I am thrilled to be able to see the city from the air for the first time. I try desperately to spot the Colosseum and any other features I have come to love about Rome. This flight is about one hour in duration and along the way I am provided with a small bottle of water and a fig biscuit. A lovely gesture from the friendly staff.
Podgorica TGD
Flying over Montenegro is absolutely gorgeous.
I spot the city as it stands out quite obvious within an arid plain surrounded by bare stone mountains. The one monument I know from prior reading is the Millennium Bridge and I can see it easily.
The terminal is small but bright. My luggage arrives, always a blessing. I have pre-booked a ride to my Airbnb on the advice of my host. She has told me not to take the airport taxi’s and there is no public transportation that services the airport.
As is typical with so many destinations these days, the first mistake to befall tourists is often the taxi scams at the airport. My driver is waiting for me; I’m carried off into this foreign city that I’m excited to explore and find out exactly how boring it really is.
