best place to visit montenegro

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

An insider's guide to Montenegro, Europe's up-and-coming summer hotspot

By Jonathan Wiggin

If I could go back in time, instead of landing in Montenegro 10 years ago on a rainy winter’s night on a plane from Moscow, I would choose to arrive under a summer sun. I'd recline on the deck of a classic  sailing  yacht, a glass of Champagne in hand, to experience the perfect combination of awe and self-satisfaction as the boat breaches the narrow strait that marks the entrance to the majestic Bay of Kotor. Here the sky and sea are the same clear blue as the cupola of an island church ahead of me, and limestone mountains rise like ancient walls on every side, just a narrow fringe of terracotta-roofed village houses, small  beaches , merchants’ palaces and the bobbing masts of moored boats dividing them from the clear, calm water in which they cast their rippling reflections.

I spent much of the last 10 years living in a Montenegrin village. While for me what makes the country special is the wild beaches, hidden paths, and locals endlessly inviting me to join them for moonshine far too early in the day, I also love the world of superyachts, trendy boutiques and  beach clubs  just 20 minutes away.

There is a slower approach to life here, and beyond its breath-taking landscapes and a rich cultural heritage that combines Orthodox, Catholic, Italian and Ottoman influences, Montenegro offers a sublime synthesis of modern comfort and rural charm not yet rubbed overly smooth by the passage of a surfeit of tourists, making it somewhere you should put near the top of your list of places to visit for a  summer holiday  this year.

To help you plan, here are some of the best places to visit in Montenegro.

Kotor and the bay

Presiding over one of the world’s most perfect natural deep-water harbours – at the end of an inland bay that gives any Norwegian fjord a run for its money – Kotor’s cobbled streets, Venetian Republic palazzi, ancient  town  walls and eponymous fortress are unmissable. Beyond the walls, a string of white stone villages made up of sailors' and fishermen’s cottages and the imposing homes of their captains. The beautiful churches where they prayed for a safe return before each voyage hug the shore of the bay.

Things to do in Kotor

Stroll around the walled old town and take a break under a stately poplar tree planted after the great earthquake of 1667 in quiet Cinema Square before heading up a narrow alley of 16th-century houses. Make your way up the 1,350-odd steps to the top of the fortress that looms 280 metres above the town, before taking a slow drive along the coast to the village of Stoliv, then taking in the extravagant Italianate Church of the Mother of God and making time for lunch at waterside Mademoiselle in Prcanj on your way.

Where to stay in Kotor

In a renovated 17th-century building in Kotor old town, the small boutique  Hotel Hippocampus  has smart rooms in an excellent location. A mile or two around the bay in the picturesque coastal village of Prčanj,  Palazzo Sbutega  (pictured) is an exquisitely restored seafront home with a serene stone-flagged courtyard with a swimming pool. Five metres from the front door is a private pontoon on the seafront for lounging and swimming. Rent one of the five guest rooms or take over the whole house if you're travelling in a group.

Montenegro is a nation of sailors and highlanders, and Perast, which commands the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, is its maritime soul. Peter the Great sent his nobles here to learn to sail when he founded the Russian navy and, at the town’s height, the waters around Perast bristled with the masts of nearly four hundred warships and merchant's vessels. The splendour of the tiny town reflects this bygone prowess, and an astonishing sixteen churches jostle for space with the grand baroque stone palaces of merchant princes, bishops and admirals and the towers built to protect them.

Things to do in Perast

If you are driving, stop on the way at  Luka’s Oyster Farm  by nearby Ljuta, for fresh  oysters  with a glass of local white wine. Take a quick look around the small  Perast town museum  before hopping on one of the regular boats across to Our Lady of the Rocks. The 17th-century church was built on the Adriatic’s only artificial island, created – according to legend – from over two hundred years of sailors dropping rocks in the sea following the discovery of an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rocky outcrop at the spot in 1452.

Where to stay in Perast

The restaurant at Hotel Conté , with seating on the elegant seafront looking out at Our Lady of the Rocks, is hard to beat. Inside, modern rooms are spread over several historic buildings in the centre of the town. Request a room with a sea view and you won't be disappointed.

The Luštica peninsula

Despite being just 20 minutes from an international airport, the charmingly rural Luštica peninsula was only joined to the mainland by a paved road in the 1970s and since then the pace of development has remained mercifully slow. At night jackals call to each other in the dense maquis beyond the terraced olive groves, while during the day turtles amble across the narrow, winding road that loops around the peninsula, connecting its handful of small hillside hamlets. This is where locals sell homemade fruit brandy, wine and delicious pršut (Montenegrin prosciutto), and rocky tracks descend through shady umbrella pines to secret beaches and hidden Yugoslav submarine tunnels.

Things to do on the Luštica peninsula

Take a swim out to the island monastery of St. Vavedenje, off wild Arza beach, and then eat some of the best seafood on the Adriatic at  Ribarsko Selo  (pictured) – sweeping Žanjice beach is just around the corner. Enjoy a  quad-bike tour  of the peninsula and clamber around the massive abandoned Austro-Hungarian  Kabala fortress  just off the road to Rose. Finish your day with a sundowner and grilled squid at the laid-back  Adriatic Tavern  as you watch the water turn to gold.

Where to stay on the Luštica peninsula

Book into the sprawling and  family -friendly  The Chedi , which overlooks the Adriatic and Montenegrin riviera, and has its own private slice of nearby Luštica Bay beach. For something more boutique,  Villa Stari Mlin  (pictured) is a beautifully renovated 400-year-old traditional Montenegrin farmhouse, with five bedrooms, a 10-metre private  pool , gardens and 180-degree views of the sea and mountains.

Herceg-Novi

Close to the Croatian border and in the shadow of the Orjen mountain range, the vibrant small town of Herceg Novi cascades down a steep hill. Within its limits is a jewel-like neo-Byzantine church of the Archangel Michael that combines Gothic and Romanesque details, a 17th-century Spanish fortress, a 14th-century Bosnian castle and the 16th-century Ottoman Kanli Kula fortress, which in summer hosts excellent film, theatre, guitar and opera  festivals  in its open-air amphitheatre. Head down to the bustling small port by the sea for lunch at  Konoba Feral , where succulent octopus is cooked in traditional Montenegrin fashion under a bell on open coals.

CNT Editors

Adam Turner

Connor Sturges

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Things to do in Herceg-Novi

Book a wine tasting with a view out to sea at the beautiful  Savina vineyard , next to the monastery of the same name, or take a  private boat tour to the Blue Cave on the nearby Luštica peninsula. Finish the day with supper at the family-run  Sikimić Tavern (bookings essential at least two days in advance), located in the ancient hill village of Žlijebi at 700m above sea level and with views of the whole Montenegrin coast stretching to the horizon.

Where to stay in Herceg-Novi

On the edge of town,  Hotel Lazure  is centred around a restored 18th-century Venetian Lazaret, and has smart rooms, a spa with a large indoor pool, and a beautiful stretch of private beach.

Lake Skadar

A short drive from the coast, Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and sprawls spectacularly in a bowl of mountains astride the Montenegrin-Albanian border. The sloping southern shores of the lake are dotted with mediaeval Orthodox monasteries and small family vineyards, while the lake itself is home to an astonishing variety of birds and wildlife.

Things to do in Lake Skadar

The best way to explore the lake is to rent a  kayak  in the picturesque lakeside town Virpazar. While there, taste wines and brandies together with local cheese and cured meats at the family-run  Buk Winery.  A great day trip is to take a drive along the southern shore of the lake through small fishing villages before going for a swim at the sandy  Murići Beach  (pictured), with a view out to the working 14th-century Beška island monastery.

Where to stay in Lake Skadar

Lake Skadar can easily be visited in a day from the coast, but if you want a Montenegrin experience, I recommend the simple rooms of the lovely Pejanović family’s  Villa Mond  in the tranquil village of Limljani, where you will be plied with traditional homemade Montenegrin food, and wine from the family vineyard.

• South Africa
• El Salvador
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Czech Republic
• Transnistria
• Liechtenstein
• North Cyprus
• New Zealand
• Map with posts
• Alternative Guides
• Architecture Guides
• Cafe Guides
• Itineraries
• Neighborhood Guides
• Travel Guides
• Travel Tips
• Photo Galleries
• Photo Locations
• Solo female travel
• Train Travels
• Work with me
• Privacy Policy

22 Amazing Places to Visit in Montenegro

Montenegro, like Slovenia , is one of those countries that have it all: amazing seaside, breathtaking mountains, stunning nature, and historical towns. The good thing is the country is rather small so visiting them all shouldn’t be too difficult.

While most people focus only on the seaside there are so many more great places to visit in Montenegro and today I will tell you more about them. I bet this list will make you want to visit Montenegro right away!

Montenegro essentials

Planning a trip to Montenegro? Here are the services I always use and personally recommend:

• Accommodation : I always book a place to stay on Booking.com
• Tours: when I decide to go on a tour I either use Viator
• Get insured for your trip to Montenegro with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Best places to visit in Montenegro

I can’t count how many times I’ve been to this stunning Balkan country but despite my numerous visits there, I’m always ready for another trip to Montenegro. The country is just the prettiest and so full of attractions, it keeps impressing me every single time.

And every time I discover new amazing spots there, so far there are around 20 on my list of best places to visit in Montenegro and I just keep adding new ones.

So, to help you plan your Montenegro itinerary here is an overview of the places you should consider visiting there.

A true gem and the most popular destination in Montenegro – Kotor – is famous for a reason. The town, dating back to the 3rd century BC, is full of monuments and you will be busy seeing them all.

The old town is rather small but so picturesque with narrow, winding lanes, charming corners, and beautiful old palaces.

Be sure to climb to the St. John Fortress, towering above the town. It is a bit challenging (you need to walk over 1300 stairs to the very top) but you will be rewarded with stunning views, some of the most beautiful you will ever see. The location of Kotor is just amazing and will take your breath away for sure (not only because of the climbing to the fortress).

I recommend staying in Kotor overnight – the old town can get very packed with passengers of the cruise ships that arrive here daily in the summer season but once they are gone in the late afternoon the town gets blissfully empty and it’s so easy to fall in love with it. And during the day you can go for a long walk along the Kotor Bay where you barely meet other people and still can enjoy the area.

I visited Kotor at least five times (or maybe more?) and my favorite time was in March and December – the days might have been shorter but I had the old town almost to myself.

Kotor is one of my favorite places ever and it’s on the very top of my personal list of the most beautiful places in the world. I’m sure you will love it as much as I did, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this town!

You can read more about Kotor in those articles I wrote:

• 15 Wonderful Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro
• Kotor Old Town and beyond – why you should spend at least 2 days there
• Kotor, Montenegro in pictures – is it the most beautiful place in the world?
• Alternative Kotor: abandoned Hotel Fjord and more!

This small but very picturesque town is located in Bay of Kotor and is a perfect day trip from Kotor which is only 15 km away.

Everyone knows Perast for the two islands located directly in front of the town, one of them with the church that you can visit. But Perast itself is worth your time too. The town full of old and beautiful palaces and churches, the oldest ones are from the 15th century.

Perast is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Kotor, the town is quiet and with the laid-back vibe and wandering around the backstreets or the seaside promenade is such a pleasure. I always try to visit Perast when I’m in Kotor, it’s too charming to miss!

You can read more about Perast here.

Another one of the towns in the Bay of Kotor, known mostly for its Roman mosaics from the 2nd century. You can visit here the archeological station and admire them yourself – they surely are impressive!

The town itself is not that interesting, especially if you compare it with nearby Kotor or Perast but it’s still worth stopping in Risan for the mosaics, and beautiful views of the Kotor Bay.

Herceg Novi

The northernmost seaside town in Montenegro, near the border with Croatia , is often called “the city of flowers” thanks to its Mediterranean vibe and more diverse flora (you can find here cypress, palm or citrus trees).

Herceg Novi was founded at the end of the 14th century and over the years has been an important port in the area. Today you can find here the architectural remnants of these times with buildings in Roman, Byzantine, Baroque, or Oriental styles. The nearby Igalo is a well-known spa destination, famous for its healing mud.

To be honest I wasn’t very impressed with Herceg Novi but it is still an interesting place to visit. You can easily stop here on the way to Dubrovnik (Croatia) or Trebinje (Bosnia and Herzegovina) .

Tivat, a coastal town located in the Bay of Kotor, might not be the most interesting of the Montenegro cities but it is worth visiting for Porto Montenegro – the luxury yachts marina. It can be a great sneak peek into the life of the rich and famous as some of the ships there are really spectacular!

The most popular seaside resort in Montenegro attracts tourists from all over the world with numerous hotels, beaches, marinas, and the party scene.

There is also a small old-town, surrounded by the walls from the 15th century. Inside it, you can find most of the Budva monuments, such as churches, piazzas, and the citadel.

You should choose Budva as your holiday destination if you like not only relaxing at the beach but also a crazy nightlife. Otherwise, I would recommend staying somewhere else but still visiting Budva for a day to enjoy its charming old town and a beautiful location.

Sveti Stefan

A bit outside of Budva you can find Sveti Stefan – the picturesque island connected with the mainland by the narrow tombolo. This is one of the most famous views of the country that you probably have seen before your trip to Montenegro.

The fortified fishermen village was founded here already in the 15th century but in the 1950s the local inhabitants had to move out and the luxurious resort was created here. Today a fine 5* hotel is located on the island, some of the most famous celebrities spend their holidays here.

The best view of Sveti Stefan is from the small terrace off the main road above the town.

Above the town of Bar, the important harbor of the Adriatic Sea, you will find Stari Bar.

Over the centuries the fortified town was under the Byzantine, Serbian and Ottoman rule and eventually, it was besieged and destroyed in 1877 during the Montenegrin – Ottoman war. Later on, after the 1979 earthquake, Stari Bar was left in ruins that we can visit today.

Even if the remnants of the town are in a rather poor condition, this is a wonderful place to visit. You can wander around the ruins of the old houses, churches, and buildings of the public use and feel the spirit of the old times. The view from the fortress is pretty amazing too, especially toward mountains.

In Stari Bar you can also see the allegedly oldest olive tree in the world, apparently it’s over 2000 years old.

The southernmost coastal town, located near the border with Albania, has a different vibe than more popular destinations in Montenegro.

The town is not as fancy as Budva and not as packed with tourists as Kotor can be. The majority of the inhabitants are Albanians and that might be a reason why Ulcinj feels so laid-back.

Ulcinj is among the oldest ones on the Adriatic coast, the first settlement was founded here in the 5th century BC. Today you can explore the old town with the well-preserved castle, enjoy sandy beaches or visit Ada Bojana island, famous especially among nudist tourists.

Probably the most important city in Montenegro, the cradle of the national identity and the Montenegrin culture as well as the center of the Orthodox religion.

Cetinje was founded at the end of the 15th century when Ivan Crnojevic moved his capital here. The real development of the town happened in the 19th century, under the rule of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš and afterward, when Cetinje became the capital of the independent Kingdom of Montenegro (until 1918). Numerous embassies and public institutions were opened here and Cetinje flourished like never before.

Today Cetinje is a sleepy town with many historical monuments worth visiting. Due to its importance, Cetinje has the title of the honorary capital of Montenegro, also the president of the country has his residence here.

The capital of the country isn’t the most beautiful and exciting city ever (especially when you look at all the other amazing places to visit in Montenegro). In my personal ranking, this is actually the most boring capital in Europe.

But if you happen to be here you can check the center, the 17th-century clock tower, or the bridges (especially modern Millennium Bridge). Fans of brutalist architecture will fin some interesting buildings here too, including Church of the Holy Heart of Jesus. You can find out more things to do in Podgorica here .

Skadar Lake

Skadar Lake is the largest lake in the Balkans, divided between Albania (1/3) and Montenegro (2/3). The Montenegrin part was declared a national park.

Skadar Lake is a heaven for all the birds’ lovers, around 280 kinds of birds live here (which is around 50% of bird species in Europe). Some of the birds you can see here include pelicans (very rare in Europe), herons or cormorants.

But even if you are not into ornithology you would still enjoy Skadar Lake. The most popular activity here is a boat ride and I can definitely recommend it. You can see the lake from a completely different perspective and then you will be able to appreciate it to the fullest. The most popular places to go for a boat ride are Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevica.

Lovcen National Park

Located between Kotor and Cetinje, Lovcen National Park offers some spectacular views over Lovcen mountains. The highest peak is Štirovnik (1749 meters above the sea level) but the most important is Jezerski vrh (1657 meters).

On top of it you can find the mausoleum of Petar Petrović Njegoš. Even if it was constructed only in 1971 the location of the burial place was chosen by Njegoš himself (he died in 1851). To get to the mausoleum you need to walk up 461 stairs but you will be rewarded with the breathtaking view of Lovcen mountains and beyond.

You can read more about my day trip from Kotor to Cetinje, Skadar Lake, Lovcen NP and Budva here.

With the altitude of almost 1500 meters, this is the highest located town in the Balkans and the best base of the Durmitor National Park and all its activities (such as skiing, mountaineering, or rafting).

But even if you are not interested in hiking you should still visit Žabljak, even if only to walk around the Black Lake (the largest one in Durmitor) and to admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Durmitor National Park

The national park, established in 1952, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Durmitor mountains, with its highest peak Bobotov Kuk (2,522 m) is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro and a paradise for all hiking fans.

There are 48 peaks above 2,000 meters and 18 glacial lakes. If you like nature you surely won’t be bored here.

Tara River Canyon

This is the second deepest canyon in the world (1300 meters) and the deepest gorge in Europe, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river is 146 km long, most of it is in Montenegro or on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina (only the last few kilometers are in that second country).

Tara is perfect for rafting and it attracts many fans of this water activity who consider is one of the best things to do in Montenegro. You can go for rafting on Tara from Žabljak or even as a day trip from Kotor.

If you like some adrenaline you can also do zip-lining above Tara River Canyon, next to Đurđevića Tara Bridge – it’s one of the longest zip-lines in the world, over 1 km long.

Piva Canyon

Piva river is another perfect place for rafting in Montenegro. This picturesque mountain river with over 1000 meters deep canyons can be found in the northern part of the country, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina (where it meets Tara river and together they create Drina).

Near Pluzine you can see the artificial Piva Lake, made here when building the nearby Mratinje Dam on Piva river.

Biogradska Gora National Park

The national park, established in 1952, located in the central part of the country covers the area of one of the few remaining virgin forests in Europe. You can also find here mountain ranges (with peaks over 2000 meters high) and glacial lakes.

The most popular spot is Biogradsko Lake, picturesquely located with surrounding lush mountains. Once you are there it’s worth going for a 4 km loop around the lake.

Kolasin might not be as popular as Žabljak but the town is a great location for fans of winter activities.

Located in the central part of the country, in the footsteps of Bjelasica and Sinjajevina mountains, Kolasin area is perfect for skiing. The town is also known for its fresh, mountainous air. From here you can easily get to Biogradska Gora National Park that is only a short drive away.

The best way to get to Kolasin is by train – the town is on the famous Belgrade to Bar route and the views along the way (especially if you travel here from the direction of Podgorica) are simply breathtaking.

Prokletije National Park

This is probably the least known national park in Montenegro as well as the newest one. It is located in a rather remote place in the south-east part of the country, near the borders with Kosovo and Albania (after all Prokletije mountains spread through all three countries).

You can find here some breathtaking scenery with high mountains, deep valleys, and glacier lakes. The highest peak of Montenegro – Zla Kolata (2534 meters) – is located in Prokletije National Park.

The second-largest city in Montenegro might be worth visiting only to those who are interested in urban planning.

Even if the area of Niksic was inhabited already in the antiquity what we can see today is a planned city, designed in 1883. The streets outgoing from the main square (today a roundabout) create a spider-web alike layout and are an overview of the different architectural styles.

If you like urbex you should put Niksic on your bucket list – the local House of Revolution is a playground for those who like exploring abandoned places (however it is not recommended to go inside on your own).

Just outside the city, you can find the impressive Slano Lake. Niksic is also home to the most famous beer in Montenegro – Niksicko.

Ostrog Monastery

Even if you are not a religious person you should still visit Ostrog Monastery for its location – it is literally glued to the rock high above the plateau.

This most popular pilgrimage site in Montenegro is part of the Serbian Orthodox Church and is dedicated to the Saint Basil of Ostrog who was buried here in 1671.

Each year on the 12th of May, the day Saint Basil died, hundreds of pilgrims arrive here to pay their respect to the saint and to pray. I accidentally happened to be there on that very day, the monastery was packed with people but the atmosphere was amazing and one of a kind.

Final thoughts on visiting Montenegro

As you can see there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Montenegro, suitable for each taste. No matter if you like a seaside, spectacular mountains, beautiful nature or historical towns you will still find something for yourself in Montenegro. I would recommend visiting Montenegro outside the summer season to avoid crowds, especially in Kotor. But no matter when you go I’m sure you will fall for the country and will want to visit Montenegro over and over again!

Further reading

You probably have guessed that I’m a frequent visitor in Montenegro and the Balkans – this is actually one of my very favorite regions in the world. I covered it extensively on this blog and so you might be interested in reading other articles about traveling in the Balkans that I wrote:

• Your ultimate Balkan travel guide
• Balkan highlights – your ultimate list of what to see in the Balkans
• Solo female travel in the Balkans
• and many more!

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Montenegro

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Montenegro here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Montenegro too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

LIKED IT? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin !

Laura Carolina

Thanks for the further information about Montenegro, Kami. I was scheduled to go on a 7-day walking holiday in Montenegro in October, but that’s not going to happen now, given the international travel situation. Someday I will get there. You have really covered a lot of the country. I admire and envy your Balkan travels. Thanks for sharing! (I use Feedly and added your page a year or so ago, so I am notified of your posts.)

Thank you Laura :) I’m sure you will go to Montenegro one day, keeping my fingers crossed for your trip! I was supposed to fly there today again but obviously that’s not happening. And I use Feedly too to follow my favorite websites :) It’s such a good tool!

after spending hours researching on other sites, i still found information here that was nowhere else:) thank you and amazing photos

I’m glad you found it useful :)

Thanks for the beautiful pictures.’ I am planning for sure to visit Montenegro.

Thank you! You definitely should go there, it’s such a beautiful country!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Let’s become friends!

Join me on Facebook for even more travel updates!

Kami and the rest of the world

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Montenegro

By Fiona Fiorentino · Last updated on February 5, 2024

Established as independent country in 2006, the small Balkan nation of Montenegro is quickly becoming a popular travel destination. Gorgeous beaches, verdant mountains and postcard-perfect historic towns draw an increasing number of visitors every year. Add a mild Mediterranean climate into the mix, toss in opportunities for active pursuits ranging from mountain biking to whitewater rafting, and it’s no wonder that tourism is now the driving force behind Montenegro’s growing economy.

The chance to enjoy everything Montenegro has to offer in a country that’s smaller than Wales makes a vacation here all the more appealing. Savvy travelers will want to add all the best places to visit in Montenegro to their list of must-see destinations before the rest of the world discovers the country’s many charms.

10. Ulcinj [SEE MAP]

Located at the southern tip of Montenegro near the Albanian border, Ulcinj is an ancient seaport once known as the pirate capital of the Adriatic Sea. Today, the city is most famous for its many beautiful beaches, of which the sandy stretch of Plazhe e Mahed, or Long Beach, is one of the most popular.

The offshore island of Ad Bojana features several scenic beaches as well. Minarets rising from mosques in this largely Muslim city add to Ulcinj’s unique appeal, and a stroll along the seaside promenade to enjoy a tasty kebab or rich cup of coffee is just one of the experiences that makes a visit to Ulcinj so memorable.

9. Biogradska Gora National Park [SEE MAP]

Wedged between the Tara and Lim rivers in central Montenegro, the Biogradska Gora National Park features shimmering lakes, swift-running streams, lush green meadows and one of the few remaining primeval forests in Europe.

Although it’s one of the smallest of Montenegro’s national parks, Biogradska Gora offers the greatest diversity when it comes to flora and fauna, including 500-year-old trees. Most visitors head to Lake Biograd, a large glacial located in the heart of the park. The recent development of the nearby town of Kolašin makes it a popular base for tours of the park.

8. Sveti Stefan [SEE MAP]

Incredible picturesque, Sveti Stefan is a unique place along the Budva Riviera. It stands on a rocky island crammed full of terracotta-roofed houses. A narrow isthmus connects it with the mainland. From the 15th century Sveti Stefan housed a simply fishing community. In the 1950s someone had the idea to nationalize the tiny village.

The residents were evicted and Sveti Stefan was transformed into a luxury town-hotel. Among its guests were Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Kirk Douglas. It fell into decline during the breakup of the former Yugoslav federation.

In 2010, Sveti Stefan Hotel reopened its doors once again as a member of the Aman Resorts. As beautiful and unique as Stevi Stefan is, there’s one major drawback: You can’t actually go into the village unless you stay there as a hotel guest. Luckily visitors and guest alike can enjoy the two pebble beaches on either side of the isthmus.

7. Mount Lovcen [SEE MAP]

One of the most striking natural features in Montenegro, soaring Mount Lovcen is capped by two mammoth peaks of granite. Part of the Mount Loven National Park, the mountain inspired Montenegro’s name and is a symbol of national pride.

Climbs to the top of Mount Lovcen offer panoramic vistas of the fortified city of Kotor, the surrounding hills and the Bay of Kotor. With its circular viewing platform, the nearby Njegoš Mausoleum is a destination for sightseers as well as for those who want to pay their respects to the poet and philosopher buried there. Petar II Petrović-Njegoš is beloved for writing “The Mountain Wreath,” Montenegro’s national epic poem.

6. Cetinje [SEE MAP]

Founded in the 15th century, Cetinje is best known for the many European embassies built when the city served as Montenegro’s capital. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town’s inland valley location at the edge of Ottoman Empire made it a strategic spot for diplomacy.

Today, the elegant mansions constructed in the Continental architectural style have been converted into to museums, academies and administrative buildings. Other interesting sights include the 15th century Vlah Church with its fence made from Ottoman rifles and the Cetinje Monastery with its collection of Early Christian Era relics.

5. Ostrog Monastery [SEE MAP]

Situated high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda, the Ostrog Monastery is the country’s most unusual architectural site and a major Christian pilgrimage destination. The entire monastery was carved out of a cave in a nearly vertical mountain cliff with only the whitewashed façade left visible.

Built in the 17th century as a refuge against the Ottoman Empire, it houses the remains of its founder, Sveti Vasilje, who was sainted after his death in 1671. The monastery includes two inner cave churches ornamented by frescoes, some of which were painted directly on the rock walls.

4. Perast [SEE MAP]

Located to the northwest of Kotor and sharing the same gorgeous fjord-like bay, pretty Perast is a small town notable for it stone-crafted villas and historic churches. Two of the city’s picturesque chapels are situated on tiny islets, Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George.

Back onshore, the Church of St. Nikola is worth a visit for the pleasant views that a climb up to the belfry offers of the town and bay. While there’s no beach in this bay-front city, the stone jetties along the waterfront are popular places for sunbathing and relaxing.

3. Durmitor National Park [SEE MAP]

Centered around the mountain village of Žabljak, the thickly forested Durmitor National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the Dinaric Alps, the park includes the high-altitude peaks of the Durmitor Massif, 18 glacial lakes and the Tara River, home to the world’s second deepest gorge.

Skiing and snowboarding are the main activities in winter while whitewater rafting, camping and hiking attract visitors in the warm-weather season. The park’s wildlife includes 163 bird species, mammals ranging from wild boars to brown bears, and the most varieties of butterflies found anywhere in Europe.

2. Budva [SEE MAP]

Located in the center point of Montenegro’s coastline, Budva boasts a picturesque Old Town, an abundance of beaches and several important cultural institutions, including the childhood home of Serbian writer and politician Stefan Mitrov Ljubiša.

It’s the city’s vibrant nightlife, however, that makes Budva the most popular place to visit in Montenegro. By night, revelers crowd the city’s many bars, clubs and restaurants, and then spend the day relaxing at one of the region’s 35 beaches. Those looking for a more relaxed place on the Budva Riviera head to nearby Bečići, which offers a laid back location and a beautiful sandy beach.

1. Kotor [SEE MAP]

Considered one of the best preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic coast, the fortified town of Kotor is tucked against the steep mountains surrounding the deep channels of the Bay of Kotor . While Kotor’s architecture reflects the various empires that ruled over the region, it is best known for its Venetian-flavored Old Town, which is dominated by the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon.

The cathedral’s carved stone altar is an exquisite example of the stonemasonry skills Kotor was known for in the Middle Ages. Treks up the upper town walls to Kotor’s hilltop fortress reward hardy hikers with breathtaking views of the city and deep-water bay.

Map of Montenegro

Montenegro Travel Video

Share this post:.

12 Top Destinations Around the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro

17 Best Things to do in Montenegro

12 Best Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro

10 Most Beautiful Lakes in Finland

12 Top Tourist Attractions in Ljubljana, Slovenia

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Cyprus

12 Best Things to do in Riga, Latvia

A Day at the Monaco E-Prix

15 Best Things to Do in Slovenia

10 Best Places to Visit in Slovakia

Reader interactions.

February 11, 2019 at 10:10 am

hello, may i just how you travelled around in montenegro? because when i researched the place seems a little inacessible. Also, how did you arrive at montenegro?

February 12, 2019 at 5:06 am

@kalaivani, Montenegro is very easily accessible. I’ve been there many times; by car coming from Croatia and Serbia, by boat (from Bari in Italy to Bar), and through the international airport at Tivat.

April 2, 2018 at 6:55 am

Montenegro its amazing

October 14, 2016 at 9:05 am

Lovely country specially Kotor and Budva nice to go and see.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• North America
• South America
• South Pacific
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 9 best places to visit in Montenegro

From the beaches of the Budva Riviera to a remote royal capital, this is where to go in marvellous Montenegro

Dramatic best describes Montenegro. Its monastery-dotted hinterland, lofty and forbidding, a kind of Balkan Bhutan overseen by the remote royal capital of Cetinje, Montenegro, suddenly gives way to the Adriatic. Set against craggy cliffs and shaped by Venetian marble, destinations such as Budva and Kotor attract holidaymakers perhaps jaded by pricier neighbour Croatia .

Although, no resort could be more exclusive than Swiss-owned Sveti Stefan. Exploring beyond the beach umbrellas rewards the intrepid with serene lakes, rare wildlife and hiking trails traversed mainly by mules until relatively recently. Roads and rail tracks somehow follow these challenging contours – Montenegro is no easy ride, but memorable might just be as fitting a description as dramatic.

RECOMMENDED: 🇦🇱 The best places to visit in Albania 🏖️ The best alternative Mediterranean beach breaks 🧳 The best city breaks in Europe for 2024

Peterjon Cresswell is the editor at Time Out Croatia . Additional reporting and editing by John Bills , who has travelled extensively around the Balkans.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

An email you’ll actually love

Where to go in Montenegro

1.  Budva Riviera

Budva and its Riviera stretch way beyond the casinos, marina and thumping dance music that typify this Slavic playground. West, past the medieval towers of Budva Citadel, sandy Mogren Beach appeals to families. Sea views from the cliffs nearby justify the onerous climb, though watch your footing. To the east, convenient Bečići is popular enough to warrant showers and changing cabins but extensive enough to offer some degree of personal space. For privacy, particularly in the shoulder seasons, drive past Sveti Stefan to Drobni Pijesak, a half-moon of fine sand, a single bar and plentiful snorkelling in crystal-clear waters.

2.  Cetinje

From the moment Ivan Crnojević moved his capital here in 1482, through the urban development of the 19th century under Petar II Petrović-Njegoš and the tumult thereafter, Cetinje has been the beating heart of all things Montenegro. The town is home to the nation’s best museums, most elegant architecture and most important heritage sites, including the stunning Njegoš Mausoleum that centrepieces nearby Lovćen National Park. Vlach Church is particularly arresting, as much for the names buried here as its simple style, the five-month-old baby of a 19th-century British diplomat laid to rest alongside 17th-century bandits and religious figures.

3.  Durmitor National Park

Of Montenegro’s five national parks, Durmitor is the most dramatic, no idle boast. Occupying nearly 400 square kilometres of canyons, glacial lakes and waterfalls in Montenegro’s unspoilt north, these remote heights are where Tito wisely chose to site his secret war-time bunker. A sign now marks the spot beside Durmitor’s postcard attraction, the Black Lake. Montenegro’s prime destination for skiers and snowboarders, Durmitor also welcomes hikers, rafters and climbers; its tourist infrastructure is concentrated in the main settlement of Žabljak, one of the highest towns in the Balkans. UNESCO-protected since 1980, Durmitor shelters brown bears, grey wolves, European wild cats and golden eagles.  

4.  Kotor

Getting lost is what draws many to the UNESCO-protected, fortified medieval town of Kotor, its cat’s cradle of nameless streets impervious to contemporary mapping. Hidden squares and courtyard cafés thin out after the cruise ships vanish, leaving Kotor to its many cats, 13,000 residents and off-season solitude-seekers. The adventurous scale the Ladder of Kotor, a signposted zig-zag hike up a former mule track. The loftier the switchback, the lovelier the view of the bay below. Sturdy footwear is a must, water too, even if your destination is the panoramic terrace of the Nevjesta Jadrana restaurant, a calf-crunching trek towards Cetinje.

5.  Luštica Bay

Luštica Bay comprises five miles of luxurious splendour, a high-end take on traditional Montenegrin fishing villages accentuated by five-star resorts with all the trappings. Somehow, it works, banishing blandness in favour of community and interaction based around the boutique professionalism of The Chedi Hotel. While the authenticity it desires is impossible to achieve when dealing with prices this high, Luštica Bay makes up for it through sheer beauty, maximising its privileged setting to serve some of the most photogenic spots in Montenegro. It isn’t great for the wallet, but Luštica Bay works wonders for the soul.  

6.  Ostrog Monastery

Montenegro’s most jaw-dropping sight? This shining-white monastery in a vertical cliff face high in the hills, believe it or not. Located ten miles or so east of Nikšić, the 17th-century Ostrog complex comprises two sites, Upper and Lower, and the views of the valley below are as grand as the monasteries are tranquil. Many pilgrims hike from the eponymous train station to the two monasteries, although there is something to be said for taking the frankly terrifying road that connects Ostrog to the outside world. Not for the faint of heart.

7.  Perast

Small but perfectly formed, Perast is everything that makes the Montenegrin coast so delightful. The village is little more than a seafront promenade and a few narrow side streets, but it harbours a lengthy history of influence as a shipbuilding centre. Today’s most important boats are the small ones that transport visitors across to its two gorgeous islands. Well, technically one, as the Island of St George is only seen from afar, but the romance-imbued magic of Our Lady of the Rocks is one of Montenegro’s great travel experiences.

8.  Lake Skadar

Forming one of the world’s most serene borders, Lake Skadar is a national park in Montenegro and, as Lake Shkodër, a nature reserve in Albania. Here, the need to preserve precious birdlife – rare Dalmatian pelicans are welcome visitors – overrides any potential Balkan intrigue, though boat tours should be booked through a reliable local agency familiar with frontier distances. Cruises and lodgings can be found in Virpazar, on the train line between Bar and Podgorica, but for freshly caught fish, lose yourself amid the reeds and little eateries of Crusoesque Karuč, a secluded waterside getaway.

9.  Ulcinj

Ulcinj’s days as a hotbed of piracy are long gone, but the southern coastal town smack-bang on Montenegro’s border with Albania remains a place of action and excitement. Ulcinj (Ulqin to Albanians) is home to arguably Montenegro’s most beautiful old town, a status helped by a dramatic hilltop location in the historic centre, its winding streets stubbornly resistant to the trappings of mass tourism. Kino Cafe is one of Montenegro’s best bars, while the elegant seafront 14th-century Sailor’s Mosque predates the arrival of the Ottomans. They do things a little differently in Ulcinj.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

The Best Places to Visit in Montenegro

By Katherine LaGrave and Caitlin Morton

Njegoš Mausoleum

This mausoleum, atop one of the highest peaks in Lovćen National Park, was completed in 1974 to house the remains of Montenegrin poet, philosopher, and icon Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. Inside, visitors will find a 28-ton statue of Njegoš as well as his tomb; the site also has a 360-degree stone viewing circle from which you can see more than half of the entire country. (On clear days, you may even be able to spot Croatia and Albania.)

Island churches of Sveti Đorđe (pictured) and Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast

These two islets can be found off the coast of the tiny town of Perast, but only Sveti Đorđe was naturally formed (Our Lady of the Rocks, or Gospa od Škrpjela, was created by—you guessed it—a bulwark of rocks). Sveti Đorđe has a St. George Benedictine monastery from the 12th century, while nearby Our Lady of the Rocks has an 18th-century church housing an icon of the Virgin Mary.

Biogradska Gora National Park

Though it's actually the smallest of Montenegro's—count 'em—four national parks, Biogradska Gora is home to one of Europe's three remaining virgin forests, which have mature ecosystems as a result of being more or less untouched by man. The park also has 150 kinds of birds, ten kinds of mammals, 86 kinds of trees, and nine glacial lakes within its 5,400 acres.

Kotor's Old Town

Backed by steep limestone cliffs—and located on the shores of the only natural fjord of its kind in the world—Kotor's UNESCO-protected Old Town draws visitors for its picturesque location, sure, but also for its history. Getting lost here is not only encouraged, but expected: Centuries ago, Old Kotor was built like a maze to confuse invaders.

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Sveti Stefan

A playground for celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor , Sophia Loren, and Kirk Douglas in the 1960s, Sveti Stefan today is off-limits to anyone not staying at the luxurious Aman resort on the islet. Also the name of the onshore township connected to the island by a causeway, Sveti Stefan has few bad angles, and is one of the most photographed spots in Montenegro.

Durmitor National Park

Best known for the Tara River canyon, which has the deepest gorges in Europe, Durmitor was formed thousands of years ago by glaciers. In winter, it plays host to a major ski resort; come summer, it's popular for hiking and rafting. A UNESCO World Heritage site , it reportedly has the largest variety of butterflies on the continent.

Ostrog Monastery

Built almost entirely into a vertical rock face, Ostrog is something of an architectural marvel. Dating back to the 17th century, it houses the remains of Saint Basil of Ostrog and is the the most important pilgrimage site in Montenegro.

Bay of Kotor

At turns reminiscent of Norwegian fjords and Lake Como , the Bay of Kotor—known in Montenegrin as Boka Kotorska, or more simply, Boka—is, at its deepest, nearly 200 feet. Lined with ancient, picturesque towns including Kotor, Risan, Tivat, Perast, Prčanj, and Herceg Novi, the winding bay has been occupied since antiquity.

Lake Skadar National Park

The dolphin-shaped Lake Skadar belongs, in part, to both Montenegro and Albania. (Two-thirds of it are in Montenegro, if you're counting.) It is the largest lake in southern Europe, and the Montenegrin part of the lake was declared a national park in 1983.

Budva's Old Town

Budva may be known for it 17 stunning beaches and nightlife (some people even call it the "Miami of Montenegro" ), but we're partial to the Old Town, which is surrounded by stone walls built by Venetians. Though much of it was damaged by an earthquake in 1979, labyrinthine streets and charming squares remain. Be sure to take in the views from the old citadel.

Lake Piva was artificially created along with the construction of Mratinje Dam on the Piva river. (It is the second largest lake in Montenegro.) Take a boat cruise of the lake for access to Oteša cave, and hop out at the Podvođe bend for some swimming .

A former Austro-Hungarian (and later Yugoslav) naval base in the coastal town of Tivat was once a blemish on the country’s 183 miles of coastline, but in 2009, the area received a $480 million makeover. Today, in parts, it resembles Monaco : Go to yacht-watch and stroll the ritzy promenades.

Morača Monastery

This active monastery in the central part of the country was founded in 1252, and draws visitors for its religious art housed in two churches—the Church of the Dormition and the smaller St. Nicholas’s Church. Notable artworks include Georgije Mitrofanović's The Virgin Enthroned with Child, Prophets and Hymnographers (1617) and Jovan Kir Kozma's Saints Sava and Simeon (1645).

Montenegro's capital and largest city has a population of some 200,000 residents. Its aesthetic reflects its busy history, which saw it controlled by everyone from the Austro-Hungarians to the Turks. Though many head from the airport straight to the coast, the so-called pocket-sized capital is worth at least an overnight for its leafy streets and lively cafes (head for the city's center square, Trg Republike.)

Blue Grotto

Croatia's blue cave may be more well known, but Montenegro's is equally as impressive. Hop a boat from the nearby Herceg Novi marina April through October for access to this grotto, which gets its iridescent blue color from light that filters in through a small hole, bounces off the sand, and reflects up through the water .

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• The 10 Most Beautiful Places...

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Montenegro

Don’t say it too loudly, but Montenegro might just be the most beautiful of all the Balkan countries. It is difficult to argue with that statement when faced with the irresistible nature and exquisite towns that often seem hidden between the mountains and valleys of the nation. Montenegro possesses some of the most incredible natural attributes of any state in Europe, with verdant countryside that blends with divine towns to create something truly breathtaking and unique. Picking out the most beautiful destinations in a beautiful country isn’t easy, but someone has to do it. Here’s our visitors guide to Montenegro. Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

It takes a little bit of drama to create something truly breathtaking, and Kotor has spectacle in spades. This fortified beauty is Montenegro’s centrepiece, a seaside spot full of narrow streets and hidden corners, an energetic town sitting in the shadow of the imposing Mount Lovćen. Now one of the most popular destinations along the entire Adriatic coast, Kotor deserves every single tourist it gets. Those able to scale the 1,350 steps to the top of the fortifications are in for a particularly special treat. Explore more of the Adriatic coastline including island-hopping and visits to both Split and Dubrovnik.

Ostrog Monastery

Sticking with drama, does it get any more dramatic than a monastery built against an almost vertical backdrop? The Ostrog monastery is the most popular pilgrimage site in the country and it isn’t difficult to understand why. A stunning combination of human ingenuity and natural magnificence, Ostrog is a sight that few will forget in a hurry. This is as miraculous as Montenegro gets.

Lake Skadar

For the best attractions in Montenegro, visit Lake Skadar. Located on the Montenegrin border with Albania, Lake Skadar is another in the long line of arresting Balkan lakes. It also happens to be the largest in the region, a vast area of tranquil beauty and genuine peace. Two-thirds of the lake lies in Montenegro , and at times it feels a little like a world within itself. The story goes that the lake was created with the tears of the pixie, and we see no reason to doubt the validity of that claim.

Njegoš Mausoleum

The gigantic frame of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš stands tall over the history and culture of Montenegro, so it is only apt that his mausoleum is located on one of the highest peaks in the Lovćen range. You don’t need to be an avid traveller to understand the views from up here are definitely of the breathtaking variety. It was here that George Bernard Shaw famously asked whether or not he was on the moon; you can certainly see his point.

A short 12km (7mi) drive north of Kotor is an even smaller town that might rival its neighbour when it comes to beauty. Empires fought over Perast for centuries and it is easy to believe that they did so in desire of its aesthetic qualities as opposed to geographical position. Its two nearby islets deserve mention in this list too and there are few more idyllic spots than the exquisitely named Our Lady of the Rocks. The less than 350 people who live here can consider themselves very lucky indeed.

The most popular part of the unbelievable Durmitor National Park , the Black Lake is one of 18 glacial bodies of water found within the park. It is easily accessible, although visitors can be forgiven for feeling like they should have conquered something to arrive there. The view of the mountains rising in the distance is particularly stunning.

Sveti Stefan

No matter how many photographs of it you see, nothing quite prepares you for the incredible sight of Montenegro’s Sveti Stefan. A tiny island village connected to the mainland by an equally iconic causeway, this collection of villas is as exclusive as the Balkans gets, so don’t expect to explore it unless you are willing to pay for the privilege. Like most views, however, the true value is in gawping it from afar, taking in what is arguably the most inspiring image in the entire country.

Much like Novi Pazar in neighbouring Serbia, Ulcinj is the place to go if you’re looking for a little bit of Ottoman culture in Montenegro. Minarets dot the landscape whilst the appearance of flamingos gives the whole place a unique flavour. The old town also offers something different to the rest of Montenegro architecturally, showcasing the varied beauty of this remarkable country.

Tara River Canyon

The Balkans is home to Europe’s most jaw-dropping borders and the one between Montenegro and Bosnia does not disappoint. The Tara River Canyon provides some serious excitement , an astonishing piece of nature that nosedives 1,300m (4,265ft) down to the river. The water itself is impossibly blue, its beauty amplified by the dense forests that hem it in. Truly phenomenal.

Modern-day Bar might not match its seaside neighbours in the beauty stakes, but the old town is another sensational sight in Montenegro’s arsenal. Located at the foot of Mount Rumija, Stari Bar was abandoned at the end of the 1970s after a massive earthquake, but people have returned in the years since. It is easy to see why they were so eager to get back here with an arresting collection of stone buildings and medieval architecture on show.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Restaurants

The best restaurants in bar, montenegro.

See & Do

This country holds a world championship of laziness.

Places to Stay

The best resorts in montenegro.

A Journey Through Prokletije National Park, Montenegro

Bars & Cafes

The best bars in kotor, montenegro.

The Best Hotels in Montenegro for Every Traveller

Guides & Tips

The best national parks to visit in montenegro.

The Best Coffee Shops and Cafés in Budva, Montenegro

Stay Curious: Experience Montenegro From Your Living Room

A Journey Through Montenegro’s Beautiful Durmitor National Park

The 10 Best Bars in Budva, Montenegro

Montenegro's Poet Prince: The Life and Times of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1000312553
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

©Gilmanshin/Shutterstock

Bursting at the seams with majestic mountains, breathtaking beaches and larger-than-life locals, Montenegro proves that good things do indeed come in small packages.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Ostrog Monastery

Central Montenegro

Resting improbably – miraculously? – in a cliff face 900m above the Zeta valley, the gleaming white Ostrog Monastery is the most important site in…

Tara Canyon

Durmitor National Park

Slicing through the mountains at the northern edge of the national park, the Tara River forms a canyon that is 1300m deep at its peak (the Grand Canyon…

Njegoš Mausoleum

Lovćen’s star attraction, this magnificent mausoleum (built 1970 to 1974) sits at the top of its second-highest peak, Jezerski Vrh (1657m). Take the 461…

Kotor City Walls

Kotor's fortifications started to head up St John's Hill in the 9th century and by the 14th century a protective loop was completed, which was added to…

The ancient walled town overlooking Mala Plaža is largely residential and somewhat dilapidated, a legacy of the 1979 earthquake. This is part of its charm…

Budva's best feature and star attraction is the Stari Grad (Old Town) – a mini-Dubrovnik with marbled streets and Venetian walls rising from the clear…

Gospa od Škrpjela

This picturesque island was artificially created (on 22 July 1452, to be precise) around a rock where an image of the Madonna was found; every year on…

Eighteen glittering glacial lakes known as gorske oči (mountain eyes) dot the Durmitor range. The spectacular Black Lake, a pleasant 3km walk from Žabljak…

Latest stories from Montenegro

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Sep 16, 2022 • 6 min read

One side to Montenegro is its gorgeous Adriatic coastline; the other is its rugged mountains. Here's how to enjoy Montenegro's stunning national parks.

Sep 16, 2022 • 7 min read

Jun 15, 2021 • 5 min read

Feb 1, 2021 • 5 min read

Nov 12, 2020 • 10 min read

Feb 28, 2020 • 11 min read

Jan 20, 2020 • 5 min read

Oct 11, 2019 • 2 min read

Jul 7, 2019 • 6 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Montenegro

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Montenegro with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Montenegro and beyond

The ULTIMATE Montenegro Bucket List: 30+ Things to Do and Places to See in Montenegro (Besides Kotor!) 

Although Montenegro might seem like a small country at first, it’s big on adventures, activities, and things to do.

From jaw-dropping views of the rugged Montenegrin mountains to the warm splashes of water along the coast, to idyllic cobblestone streets running through the city… There’s something for every type of traveler once they come to Montenegro.

Let’s take a really quick look at the figures to see what I’m talking about:

Montenegro has five official national parks and around 80% of the country is covered in mountains. In fact, the country’s name, Montenegro, means ‘black mountain’! 

Of course, we can’t forget about its gorgeous riviera — Montenegro has more than 290 km (180 mi) of coastline and dozens of world-class beaches.

Sandwiched in between the beaches and mountains are captivating cities with thousands of years of history, flavor, and charm.  

In this post, I’ve put together more than 30 activities, sightseeing spots, and things to do while traveling in Montenegro. 

Editor’s note: You’ve probably noticed that I mentioned things to do in Montenegro besides Kotor in the title, and that’s not an accident. Kotor is probably the most famous place in Montenegro, which is why I added all Kotor-related activities at the end of this article. I hope to give other, less-visited places their time to shine and inspire you to get off the beaten path while doing so. :) 

Ready to plan your trip to Montenegro and add a ton of new to-do’s to your itinerary? Let’s check it out! 

PSA: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book something through them. This is at no cost to you and helps keep this site running. Thank you! 

Eat at a Charming Waterside Restaurant in Perast

If you’re looking to drink an Aperol Spritz with waves softly rolling near your table, gentle sunshine beaming on your face, and charming yet historical buildings in the background, then congrats: you’ll find it in Perast! 

This unassuming little town north of Kotor makes for a perfect day trip (it’s only 15 minutes away from Kotor’s Old Town!) or an overnight stay. However, what really makes Perast shine are the idyllic waterside cafes and restaurants that seem to jut into the Bay of Kotor. 

Here you’ll find mouth-watering seafood — it is, after all, caught locally just kilometers off the coast! — a serene atmosphere, and views that look like they came straight out of a postcard. 

Looking for more information (and, of course, great restaurant recommendations) about Perast? Check out my detailed Perast City Guide here!

If you’re short on time, there’s also a fantastic Perast day trip from Kotor .

‘Swim’ Over to Our Lady of the Rocks

Although Perast may attract you with its charming seaside cafes, it also has two of the biggest tourist attractions in Montenegro!

St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks are two islands located off the coast of Perast and can be reached via kayak or boat. 

The story of Our Lady of the Rocks goes back to the 15th century, when a group of sailors discovered an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock near the shore. Inspired by this miraculous event, the group started a tradition of adding a rock every time they came back home after a successful voyage at sea. Over time, the pile of rocks grew bigger and bigger, until it turned into an island! 

Nowadays, the tradition of throwing rocks into the sea is alive and well: Every year on July 22, locals celebrate Fašinada by taking their boat to the island and adding more rocks to the perimeter. 

However, if you can’t make it to Perast in July, no worries — you can visit the island any time by renting a kayak or going on a day trip. Here are some of the most popular options: 

Feel The Authentic Atmosphere at Ulcinj’s Seaside Promenade

Although the majority of Montenegro is Christian, you’ll find intricate mosques near the southern coast, where the population is predominantly Muslim thanks to its proximity to the border with Albania. 

One of the most famous mosques in Montenegro is Seaman’s Mosque, which is located right near Ulcinj’s central beach. The entire area has a special atmosphere when you’re strolling near the promenade (or exploring the ruins of the old city) and you hear the call to prayer. It feels as if you’ve been transported somewhere in Egypt or Turkey!  

Want to virtually travel to this fantastic seaside gem? Check out my Ulcinj travel guide here!

Chill Out in Ada Bojana

Just 15 km (9 mi) south of Ulcinj is another fantastic place to add to your bucket list: Ada Bojana!

The name ‘Ada Bojana’ translates to river island, and thanks to its unique geography, the area is famous for its river houses and water cottages.

Some of the best include Sojenica Ivona (pictured above), Hakuna Matata , and  Enjoy River House .

Prefer something a little more active? Ada Bojana is a destination in itself with plenty of activities to do, including kitesurfing/windsurfing, camping, paragliding, horseback riding, and more. For the truly adventurous, there’s even a nudist resort called FKK Ada Bojana .

See 50 Shades of Iridescent Blue at the Blue Cave

 The Luštica Peninsula, located ‘behind’ the Bay of Kotor, is still very much an off-the-beaten-path destination. 

However, one of the biggest attractions in this quiet area is the Blue Cave, so-called thanks to the color that appears when waves of light hit the bottom and are reflected in the water. In the right conditions, even the ceiling turns blue! 

There are daily boat tours to the Blue Cave, either as part of a bigger tour (i.e. visiting Mamula Island and the Blue Cave ) or stand-alone kayaking and snorkeling tours like this one . 

See Montenegro’s History Come Alive in the Old Royal Capital 

Although Cetinje was the first capital and held the title for 400-some years; has cheerful colorful houses along the main pedestrian street; and is the cultural heart of the country, it still feels as if this is the most underrated city in Montenegro! 

Tucked behind Lovcen National Park, the majority of visits to Cetinje are in the form of short, two-hour stopovers on day trips. However, if you have the time, I would highly suggest visiting and staying in Cetinje overnight. 

Cetinje is the perfect city to get away from the crowds of tourists, as well as learn something new about Montenegro. The city is often referred to as the capital of culture thanks to its numerous museums (there are six spread across the city!) and close proximity to other famous Montenegrin sites (such as the historical village of Njeguši).

Cetinje makes for a wonderful day trip from Kotor or Budva (it’s less than an hour from either city) or as a stand-alone destination. Want to learn even more? Check out my Cetinje travel guide here!

Go Spelunking in Lipa Cave 

Actually, hold on and don’t leave Cetinje just yet! 

Although Montenegro is mostly famed for its majestic mountain peaks, there’s another form of nature that’s hidden under the ground: Lipa Cave! 

Just 6 km (3.7mi) from the center of Cetinje is one of the largest caves in Montenegro: there are over 2.5 km of tunnels, with many more that are still waiting to be discovered. 

You can easily reach Lipa Cave via taxi and learn more by taking an interesting one-hour tour with a cave guide for about 10 EUR per person. 

There are also Adventure Tours available for adrenaline junkies, where you can rappel down the cave on a rope, explore off the beaten track nooks and crannies, and learn more about the cave with your personal guide. 

Visit Northern Montenegro

If you look up Žabljak on Google Maps, at first glance it looks like a tiny mountain town in the Balkans… And you’d be right. 

(It has a population of only 1,700!) 

However, Žabljak’s beauty lies in the fact that it’s a great ‘gateway’ to the northern part of Montenegro. Žabljak is the highest town in the country because it’s located on the Durmitor mountain range. Great views, plenty of things to do, and charming scenes abound in this region. 

During the summer, you can hike around the nearby mountain ranges, take a dip in the Black Lake, or enjoy some peace and quiet near the lush green meadows. 

However, Žabljak really comes alive during the winter thanks to the numerous ski resorts located in the area. In fact, it’s the most popular area for skiing and snowboarding in the entire country! 

Get Closer to Nature at Durmitor National Park 

Remember I mentioned Durmitor mountain range in the point above? Well, there’s an entire national park for you to go out and explore! 

Durmitor National Park is quite famous in Montenegro and has some pretty impressive superlatives: it’s the largest national park (out of five) in the country, has 48 rugged peaks, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Awesome, right?

The easiest way to get to Durmitor National Park is to rent a car or take the bus to Žabljak, the ‘gateway’ to the park. 

From there, you can enjoy hiking the many routes around the park (including to Bobotov Kuk, the highest point!), go rafting in the Tara Gorge, or just chill out in nature.  

Sleep Under Millions of Stars in a Cabin

What better way to chill out in nature than with a cozy mountain cabin? 

Thankfully, Montenegro has plenty. You can find the majority of cabins near national parks or towns in the mountains, although that’s not a requirement. In fact, there are even authentic ‘traditional villages’ called Etno selo, similar to those found in Ukraine or Moldova .  

Here are some of the best cabins in Montenegro to check out: 

🌲 Etno Selo Smrčevo Brdo — Pictured above, these traditional cabins are cozy and are managed by a friendly owner! 🌲 Lazar&Mila Apartments — With large panoramic windows, you can enjoy seeing the sun rise right from your cabin. 🌲 Vila Tara — Set amongst the rolling hills, Villa Tara has a gorgeous interior design and can fit up to 6 people. 🌲 Woodland — If you want to feel the freedom of nature yet still be close to Žabljak, this cabin is for you – it’s only 2km from the center!

Eastern Montenegro

🌲 Eko Katun ROSI — Peace and quiet among the lush hills of Prokletije mountains await. There’s also an on-site restaurant and free bike rentals! 🌲 Jela Natural Resort — Featuring spacious cabins in the woods, the area has plenty of hiking trails and natural attractions. 🌲 Farmstay Oka i Po — This farmstay has traditional Montenegrin cabins in a quaint and traditional setting. 

Skadar Lake 

🌲 Ethno Village Skadar Lake — Why not upgrade your trip to Skadar Lake with this cute lakeside bungalow?   

Feel The Magic of Nature at Crno Jezero Lake  

One of the absolute highlights of Durmitor is none other than the ethereal Black Lake. From the moment you set your eyes on Crno Jezero, it feels as if you’ve been transported to a dramatic Montenegrin fairytale!

The lake is only 3.5 km from the town of Zabljak and offers plenty of things to do: you can hike the perimeter of the lake, rent a small boat during the summer, or enjoy a picnic by the shore.  

See the Jaw-Dropping Tara Bridge

One of the most-visited destinations in northern Montenegro, the Tara Bridge and its five graceful arches rise above one of the deepest canyons in the world. 

One of the best ways to see the Tara Bridge is actually from below — by rafting on the Tara River. There are also zipline tours across the Tara, or for the truly adventurous, bungee jumping from the bridge! 

Take a Pilgrimage to the Monastery Carved Into a Mountain 

The Ostrog Monastery is known as a place of miracles. 

 In fact, the entire story of how this monastery was carved into the face of a mountain cliff is still debated to this day! Was it by sheer will or was it a miracle? 

Nonetheless, visiting the Ostrog Monastery is a popular day trip ( such as this one !) for both tourists and locals, as it’s considered to be one of the most important holy sites in the entire country. More than a million people make the pilgrimage to the monastery every year, especially on May 12th, the feast day of Saint Basil of Ostrog (the saint to whom the monastery is dedicated).

If you have the chance, check out the beautiful frescoes painted onto the walls and ceiling of the mountain.  

Low on time? You can see Durmitor, Tara, and Ostrog Monastery in one tour! The Full Day North Montenegro Tour features a trip to see the deepest canyon in Europe, a hike around Black Lake, and a visit to Ostrog Monastery – click here to see more.  

Explore the (Many) Fortresses of Herceg-Novi 

Montenegro’s westernmost city (it’s only 12 km from the border with Croatia!), Herceg Novi is primarily known for two things: castles (its name literally means ‘New Castle’) and sunshine (it gets 200 days of sunshine every year). 

Why not combine both and enjoy a sunny day exploring the fortresses and castles of Herceg Novi? There are half a dozen to discover, with the most popular being Forte Mare, which was in use back in the 1300s. 

Check out my Herceg Novi post for a list of all the forts, as well as a complete travel guide to the city. 

Take the Bar to Belgrade Train  

One of the most popular train trips in Europe, the Bar to Belgrade train is a ‘must-have’ experience in Montenegro!

This route starts in Montenegro’s seaside town Bar, connects through the capital, Podgorica, and continues to Serbia’s capital, Belgrade. It’s known as one of the most scenic railways in Europe, as you’re bound to see beautiful lakes, mountains, and canyons outside of your window. 

Best of all, you can take the entire 10-hour journey from Bar to Belgrade for only 20 or 30 EUR, which is perfect if you’re planning a multi-country trip through the Balkans!

Lake Skadar 

Speaking of the Bar to Belgrade train… If you take the entire route, you’ll pass through Montenegro’s most famous lake, Lake Skadar, on your way from Bar to Podgorica. 

In fact, the road is so thin in some places that It feels as if you’re gliding through the water, right next to the water lilies and blue waves!  

Lake Skadar deserves its own entry because of how serene and beautiful it is. It’s very popular during the spring, when the weather warms up and locals rent a boat to go out on the water.

While you’re cruising along Lake Skadar, don’t forget to check out the small islands ( particularly the one with Monastery Kom ), go birdwatching, or explore the fortresses. 

One final note about Bar before we move away from the region… 

Although the actual town of Bar is fairly quiet and residential, a few kilometers away lies the ruins of the ‘original’ city, called Stari Bar (Old Bar). Take a walk through the impressive Stari Bar Fortress, see the oldest olive groves in the country, or wander around the picturesque old town. 

Crnojevic River  

Life in Montenegro during the middle ages wasn’t easy, especially with territory disputes, shaky alliances, and the constant fear of the Ottoman Empire. 

There’s even an old local saying that the Rijeka Crnojevica was formed from all of the tears shed by Ivan Crnojevic when he thought about how much his people suffered. 

Nowadays, the Rijeka Crnojevića charms visitors with its stunning rich emerald color and opportunities to see wildlife like fish, birds, and more. 

The Rijeka is a popular attraction to visit during the summer, especially if you stop by the village with the same name  or do a stand up paddleboard tour  . You can combine it with a tour to Lake Skadar (which the river runs off of), or by itself. 

Enjoy a Jaw-Dropping View of Rijeka Crnojevića

 Have you ever wondered where to find the famous ‘horseshoe bend’ photo that graces many Montenegro travel brochures? 

Surprise: there’s actually a viewpoint right across the spot where it ‘bends’ called the Pavlova Strana Viewpoint! 

However, keep in mind that the viewpoint can only be reached by a narrow road, so use caution and drive carefully. Prefer to have someone else do the driving? No worries — Pavlova Strana is one of the stops on the Panoramic Montenegro Photography Tour .  

Try Montenegro’s National Cuisine… 

Freshly-caught seafood, simple yet tasty salads, and mouth-watering meats and cheeses are just some of the dishes that you’ll see on a typical menu during your time in Montenegro.

 Why not try one (or all!) of Montenegro’s specialties? Here are just a few ideas to get you started: 

 🥓 Njeguški Pršut — Also known as ‘Montenegrin prosciutto,’ Njeguški pršut is dry-cured ham (similar to its Italian cousin) that originates from a small village near the mountains. Authentic Njeguški pršut is made with salt from Ulcinj, smoked on a special type of beech tree, and then left to dry for 15 days in order for the taste to really come out. 

🧀 Njeguški Sir — Montenegro is famous for its meat and cheese, with Njeguški Sir topping the list. Made in the same village as prosciutto, Njeguški Sir is a semi-hard and slightly salty cheese that is popular all around the country. 

🍚 Crni Rižot — ‘Black risotto’ is a popular staple in restaurants and cafes around the entire Balkan coastline. The dish gets its name from the black rice, which is colored by cuttlefish ink (and, of course, the cuttlefish itself is added!) 

🥯 Burek — A simple yet delicious dish, burek is a piece of pastry made with flaky phyllo dough and stuffed with meat, cheese, or veggies. You can find this dish in any bakery around the country. 

🥞 Palačinke — Last but certainly not least, top off your meal with this delicious dessert — a crepe-style pancake with sweet filling. 

Want to try alllll the Montenegrin foods? I highly recommend a food tour, such as this Rick Steves-approved food tour or this food tasting at a traditional winery . 

… At Njeguši Village

 Since we’re on the topic of food, it would be silly not to include one of the most famous villages in Montenegro: Njeguši!

Located in Cetinje province, Njeguši village is famous for being the birthplace of Montenegro’s royal family and the birthplace of Montenegro’s most beloved-dishes. 

Foodies can try authentic Njeguški Pršut (prosciutto) and Sir (cheese), as well as eat in the oldest restaurant in Montenegro. 

Fun fact: Did you know it takes almost a year to produce high-quality Njeguški pršut? Don’t forget to take a tour of the smoke room, where the pršut is stored until it reaches peak flavor. 

The village is best reached by car . No transportation? No problem! Njeguši is a popular stop on many day trips, such as the following: 

See Where Montenegro Got Its Name 

If you’re near Njegusi village, don’t miss a side trip to Lovcen National Park, which was the inspiration for the country’s name.

That’s right: Montenegro’s name in the local language is Crna Gora, which means ‘black mountain’ and was coined by Stefan Milutin in 1276 after he saw Mount Lovćen covered in dense trees that gave it the appearance of, well, a black mountain!  

See for yourself on a trip to Lovcen National Park, which houses the mausoleum of Montenegrin ruler Petar II Petrovic Njegos at the top as well as a stunning view of the mountain ranges below.

Want to spend an entire day at Lovcen? There are plenty of things to do, such as hiking, ziplining, and cycling.

The easiest way to get to Lovcen National Park is by renting a car . If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tours that include a stop at Lovcen in their itinerary, such as this one.  

Strike a Pose Near the Ballerina Statue

The quintessential symbol of Budva, the Ballerina Statue has been featured on virtually every brochure and travel guide to the city. 

Funnily enough, people aren’t sure if she’s really a ballerina or actually a gymnast, and there’s at least a dozen stories about her origin! 

You can learn the full story (including a few legends) on my Budva blog post , but one thing’s for certain: while you’re here, don’t forget to copy her pose while you take a photo!  

Other popular things to do in Budva include exploring the Old Town, partying the night away (Budva is known as the ‘Montenegrin Miami’), and kayaking along the riviera .

Sveti Stefan

If you’ve ever seen a photo of an island with quaint stone houses, huddled together with their red-tiled roofs, then you’re already acquainted with one of Montenegro’s most famous attractions!  

Sveti Stefan was originally a fishing village in the 15th century, but later fell into disrepair and was given a new life when it was renovated into a luxury resort. 

Sveti Stefan is fully open and functional, especially as a summer getaway for the elite. The hotel’s guest list reads like a who’s-who of celebrities, from famous actors to musicians, writers, sportsmen, and more. Who knows, maybe you’re staying in the same room that Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, or even Marilyn Monroe once had! 

Wake Up With the Bay of Kotor Outside Your Window

 If you want to feel like a celebrity but aren’t interested in dropping serious cash on a Sveti Stefan suit, fear not, I have just the thing!

There are plenty of apartments and villas with jaw-dropping views of Kotor Bay that aren’t too far from the city itself. In fact, some start at just $40/night — for a million-dollar view, that’s an amazing deal! 

“Hawaii” Island

Located just one kilometer off the coast of Budva is Saint Nikola Island, or better yet known as Hawaii Island thanks to the blue waters and sandy beaches surrounding the island. You can catch a ferry to the island for around 3 EUR per person, either as a quick trip or for an entire day. 

Relax on a Beach

 Phew, that was quite the trip around Montenegro, wasn’t it? Now it’s time to relax. The only problem is choosing which of these amazing beaches to visit first! 

⛱   Dobrec Beach — Accessible only by boat, the U-shaped Dobrec Beach offers peace and tranquility from crowded cities. There’s an on-site restaurant serving fresh seafood and hammocks for rent. 

⛱   Jaz Beach — Just 6 km west of Budva is this lovely beach, which has 1.2 km of coastline and plenty of activities. It’s great for families or day trippers because there are cafes and restaurants nearby, plenty of parking, and kiosks where you can rent a paddleboat, kayak, or even a jet ski. 

⛱   Mala Plaža – Located right in the center of Ulcinj, ‘Little Beach’ is such a cute and picturesque place to chill out and enjoy Ulcinj! My absolute favorite beach in Montenegro, Mala Plaža has these sweet thatched umbrellas (a la Maldives or Bora Bora style) and calm waters.

⛱   Lucice Beach — Some 800 meters from the village of Petrovac, Lucice offers turquoise waters surrounded by pine forests and warm sand. 

As mentioned in the introduction, here is a separate section on the best things to do in Kotor :) 

Be Rewarded With Stunning Views Atop Kotor Fortress  

Some 1,350 steps above the city of Kotor is St. John Fortress, which offers amazing panoramic views of the bay below. However, you’ll have to work for it — the climb takes about 2 hours and zig-zags between 70 switchbacks! 

Pet Alll the Cats  

Take some time and enjoy mingling with the ‘locals’ — most Kotor cats are very friendly and will run up to you for some scratches the second you lock eyes. 

Get Lost in the Old Town

Last but certainly not least, go back in time as you wander through Kotor’s Old Town, finding hidden plazas and inviting cobblestone alleys. Prefer to stay on track? There are also short and fun walking tours   that will acquaint you with Kotor’s interesting history. 

Photo credits : Durmitor NP – Montenegro Travel | Tara Bridge – Tourism EU | Lake Skadar Lookout Point – Boudewijn “Bo” Boer | Njegusi village – Christine Chauvin | Stari Bar – Tour Navigator | Bar to Belgrade train – Lonely Planet | Sveti Stefan birds eye view – Oleg Gratilo   | Beach – Elen Yatsenko | Hawaii island – Ajan Alen | Hotel photos from respective owners

Related Posts

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Living In Croatia
• Croatian Recipes
• Balkan Recipes

Home > 24 Unmissable Places To Visit In Montenegro In 2024

24 Unmissable Places To Visit In Montenegro In 2024

Written by our local expert Adam

Adam is an adventure traveler and travel writer who loves to document obscure pockets of the world via overland expeditions.

In my guide to places to visit in Montenegro, I share with you hidden gems and popular attractions that I’ve had the privilege of discovering over multiple visits to the “Black Mountain.” I’ve traversed Montenegro several times, first as a backpacker and then as a luxury traveler, and this Balkan country has never failed to impress me.

Montenegro often flies under the radar for European travelers, overshadowed by its larger neighbors. However, its compact size belies the natural wonders it holds. Nestled among five Balkan countries and the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro boasts rugged mountains, primeval forests, and ancient towns that offer a sense of tranquility after a tumultuous history.

Once tossed between empires and subject to communist rule, Montenegro is now an independent and captivating European destination.

While it’s only recently gaining popularity among tourists, Montenegro’s people remain hospitable and not inclined to take advantage of visitors, unlike some of its neighbors.

However, the window of opportunity to explore this hidden gem is closing. As tourism increases, the risk of crowded streets and diluted culture looms.

Now is the ideal time to experience Montenegro’s allure before it becomes overrun. Don’t miss out on this tiny jewel of the western Balkans—visit Montenegro and discover what all the hype is about before it’s too late!

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Coastal Places To Visit In Montenegro

Montenegro is made up of small towns . All the cities in Montenegro are walkable, which is pretty neat. Here are a few of my favorite places to go in Montenegro.

Tucked into the valley between Kotor Bay and the serene mountains on the busy Adriatic coast of Montenegro, it is a town pleasing to the eyes in the most sincere way. With only 22,000 residents, Kotor screams a small town with big scenic views.

Its appeal lies in the cobbled streets and romantic street lighting, among other pieces that add to the ambiance.

In the afternoon, laundry hangs from the line and blows in the wind, and you walk past centuries-old buildings to your left and right.

The cafe culture in Kotor is setting the trend for the rest of the country. You can’t walk but a block anywhere in town before running into a quaint little spot you will want to stop at and watch the world go by.

There are also many museums in Kotor to educate you on all things Montenegro – you will have access to learn as much as you desire about the country.

It is like every building in the city has two very different lives – one during the day and one at night. As night falls, the city comes alive, the cafes turn into bars, the live midnight music turns up, and the castles at the top of the hill transform into nightclubs. It is an experience you can’t miss out on.

With its dramatic views and appeasing atmosphere, this town is everything you could want in a vacation destination.

We have handpicked a few of our teams favorite accommodation spots in Kotor, ranging from budget hostels to mid-range guest houses.

You might be interested in staying at one of these places:

• Kotor Lux Apartments & Rooms
• Antika Guesthouse
• Hostel Old Town Kotor
• Where To Stay In Kotor Bay
• Best Things To Do In Kotor
• How To Spend 1 Day In Kotor + Day Trip Ideas

2. Budva & Sveti Stefan

The golden mark of Montenegro tourism, Budva, is known as the Miami of Montenegro. By far the most popular place to visit in Montenegro , this town has managed to keep a small-town feel over its 2,500-year history (one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic).

The city has changed in the recent past. You will find fancy accommodation and chain businesses around Budva’s outskirts. Outside the busy but charming Old Town is all developed real estate to cater to the holidayers.

It has less than 60,000 residents and can be quiet depending on your visit. Perhaps you will come in the summertime and witness the frenzy on the sandy beaches and echoes ringing off the walls of its fortified Old Town.

For those beach-goers, the summertime appeal is high with its Miami-esque million-dollar yachts and beach parties.

However, if you don’t mind visiting after the place has cooled down for the year, we find it a much more pleasant, small-town-ish visit come early Fall. By then, the temperature has cooled down, the water has warmed up, and the crowds have gone home.

We can’t forget to mention Sveti Stefan, just down the road from Budva, one of the most picturesque places in Europe. Only fifteen minutes down the road along the Budva Riviera is the private-type of the island with pink sand beaches and a once Royal residence. Enough to visit for a day, at least! Hike up the nearby hillside to get a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the scene.

Budva is generally quite busy, so it would be advantageous to book in advance — especially when traveling in the summertime.

We have listed a few of the Budva accommodation options which fit our budget. Check them out:

• Hotel Tre Canne
• Twister Apartments
• Villa Merci Budva
• Where To Stay In Budva
• Best Things To Do In Budva

Tivat may be the most stunning town along the Bay of Kotor, which says a lot! Its beautiful surroundings match that of the rest of these beautiful, quaint bayside cities , but Tivat’s infrastructure is just the opposite.

It is the only town along the bay that lacks the old-school charm for which the rest of these towns are known. That is because recently, a million-dollar renovation turned a former abandoned naval base into a world-class luxury marina for million-dollar yachts and the super-rich.

Now, the rest of the city is undergoing the same development, and soon, Tivat will be the French Riviera of the Balkans. It is just down the coast from other towns on this list, such as Kotor and Perast, so it is easy to day trip here . What it lacks in charm, it makes up for with a new feel — a lively vibe that makes a day trip to this small town well worth your time.

Tivat is a place that has it all sans ancient charm.

It is not hard to find a bed to sleep on, but it can be expensive, and we tend to prefer not to blow our budget on accommodation. 

We recommend these places:

• Apartmani Tamara
• D & D Apartments Tivat
• House Grabic
• Chedi Luštica Bay Resort (Tivat)
• One Day In Porto Montenegro Tivat

Down the Adriatic coast near the southern border of Montenegro is the small town of Bar, which doesn’t see as many tourists as some of the more popular towns around the Bay of Kotor.

Though Bar is (for the most part) off the main tourist trail in Montenegro, a few notable attractions make it worth a visit. Namely, the oldest olive tree in the world dates back over 2,000 years ago.

It would also be a shame if you didn’t stroll around Stari Bar (Old Bar) and see the crumbling ruins of a beautiful town blended into the mountains of the newer part of town.

It is a small town with a little colorful flavor leftover from the Ottoman Turks when they ruled the country for nearly half a millennium.

Nowadays, the town acts as more of a transport hub ( heading from Bar to Belgrade ) than a destination, with its largest port and a key train and bus station. However, if you give it some time, you will be surprised at its hidden beauty.

Most of the time, your accommodation options in Bar are pretty limited.

We recommend finding a place in advance of traveling to Bar. Here are a few of our favorites if you are staying a night:

• Apartments Kojic
• Aparthotel Monterria
• Hotel Pharos

5. Herceg Novi

You’ll hear locals calling Herceg Novi the “City of Flowers” because of the huge amount of flowers and greenery around the town. This beautiful coastal town is a great place to visit, and it’s conveniently close to the border with Croatia.

There is plenty of history to explore around this town, including architecture dating back to Byzantine times. You can also visit Igalo, which is famed for its healthy mud.

• Guide To Herceg Novi

Ulcinj is a seaside town that is near the border with Albania and is far less crowded than other coastal regions, such as Kotor.

Ulcinj has a really traditional feel, and it’s totally chilled out, which means it’s ideal for people who want a spot of R&R. With a history dating back to the 5th century, you can walk around the old castle as a break from the beach time, while also enjoying some delicious traditional food.

7. Petrovac

Nestled along the picturesque Montenegrin coast, Petrovac is a charming coastal town that seamlessly combines history and natural beauty. Its beautiful beaches, such as Petrovac Beach and Lucice Beach, offer a perfect escape for sun-seekers and swimmers. But what makes Petrovac truly special are its historic sites like the Petrovac Fortress and the 9th-century Church of St. Thomas.

Stroll through the charming old town with its narrow streets, lined with cafes and local shops. Petrovac’s laid-back atmosphere and historical appeal make it an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.

8. Ada Bojana

For a truly unique experience, head to Ada Bojana, a river island where the Bojana River meets the Adriatic Sea. Known for its nudist beaches and kite surfing, Ada Bojana offers a different kind of coastal escape.

The island’s laid-back atmosphere, vibrant kite surfing scene, and pristine natural surroundings make it a standout destination for adventurous travelers. It’s a place where you can let loose and embrace the freedom of the sea while enjoying the beautiful Adriatic coastline.

Brands We Use And Trust

Historical & cultural sites to visit in montenegro.

Between Kotor and Podgorica is Montenegro’s capital of history and its official secondary capital city.

Cetinje is home to the President of Montenegro, surrounded by limestone mountains and neighboring the great Lovcen National Park . There are only 15,000 people who live there, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it.

This place has a certain buzz to it, which can be nice on the right kind of day. It is a treasure trove for history buffs and culture addicts.

Centuries-old mansions and former royal estates have been transformed into excellent schools and museums for modern-day education. If you are coming to learn about the country, look no further than here.

It is a beautiful place, indeed, but we found the accommodation to be quite limited.

You might consider staying at one of the options below or roll into town and make your selection based on what you see:

• Apartment L&M
• Hotel Gradska
• Hotel Monte Rosa
• Guide To Cetinje
• Day Trip From Dubrovnik To Cetinje

10. Pljevlja

Pljevlja is a town steeped in history, where historic mosques, churches, and the impressive Pljevlja Fortress reflect centuries of diverse cultural influences.

Wander through the old town’s cobbled streets to discover a rich tapestry of architectural styles. Pljevlja’s cultural diversity and architectural heritage make it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts and explorers seeking the lesser-known gems of Montenegro.

Neighboring Cetinje and just down the bay from Kotor is the lovely forgotten town of Perast. You won’t believe there are less than 300 residents – not because the city is busy – but because it is so beautiful that it is hard to understand why people don’t live there!

It was once a seaside town for the rich centuries ago. This can be seen in its crumbling stone mansions, which have been renovated into charming yet dazzling luxury hotels . It is but a ghost town in most areas of town – and a beautiful one at that!

However, to see the most picturesque part of the town, you will have to peer into the Bay of Kotor to see two stunning island views with mountain backdrops seemingly out of a fairytale.

This small town certainly feels out of place — a charm that doesn’t match the rest of the country — but that’s what makes it so special. Recently, tourism has started sprouting around town. Although there is only one main street, there are enough buildings in town for some development, which is precisely what started. Soon, Perast will be as big as Budva on the tourist map, so get there before it is too late.

Perast was fun and a great way to spend a day.

Here are some of the accommodation options if you are planning to stay overnight:

• Hotel Admiral
• Boka Gardens Seaside Resort
• Guest House Zmukic
• Car Rental & Driving Tips In Montenegro

Located in the beautiful Bay of Kotor, you’ll find Risan. This is a town that also has a lot of history, dating back to the 2nd century, particularly the Roman mosaics the town is known for.

While there isn’t a huge amount to do in Risan, it’s somewhere you should definitely visit for half a day and enjoy the stunning views over the sea.

Nikšić, with its blend of history and charm, is a delightful town worth exploring. A visit to the Ostrog Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff, is a spiritual journey that offers breathtaking views. In the charming old town, you’ll find historic architecture, bustling markets, and friendly locals eager to share their culture.

Nikšić’s authentic Montenegrin atmosphere and historical significance make it a captivating destination for those interested in cultural exploration.

• Guide To Ostrog Monastery

Natural Wonders & National Parks To Visit In Montenegro

14. skadar lake.

The largest lake in the whole Balkan region, Skadar Lake, sits in both Montenegro and Albania.

This area is a bird watcher’s dream, and you’ll find more than 280 different types, including pelicans and herons.

But it’s not all about birds – you can take a boat trip on the lake and enjoy the peace and serenity and enjoy being right in the middle of such a stunning place.

• Exploring Lake Skadar

15. Lovcen National Park

If you’re into views, you have to visit Lovcen National Park, and with the highest peak at around 1749 meters above sea level, you can imagine the distance you can check out.

Make sure you visit the Petar Petrovic Njegos mausoleum, and even though you have to make your way up 461 steps to get to it, the views are something else entirely.

16. Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park is UNESCO World Heritage listed , and it’s a stunning place to visit.

There are some great hiking trails around the park, ranging from beginner-level to advanced. Wildlife and nature spotting opportunities are everywhere, and this is one of those places that makes you want to stand, breathe in fresh air, and wonder at everything around you.

• Durmitor National Park Hiking Adventures

17. Mojkovac

Tucked away in the northern reaches of Montenegro, Mojkovac is a hidden gem that beckons nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. This charming town serves as an ideal gateway to the wonders of Biogradska Gora National Park, which lies in its backyard.

As you explore this serene corner of Montenegro, you’ll be treated to lush forests, pristine lakes, and an array of hiking trails. Biogradska Gora National Park is known for its untouched wilderness, and Mojkovac is your starting point to immerse yourself in this natural wonderland.

Visitors to Mojkovac can embark on hiking expeditions, observe diverse wildlife, and bask in the tranquility of Lake Biograd.

The town itself boasts a welcoming atmosphere, and you’ll find local restaurants where you can savor Montenegrin cuisine after a day of outdoor exploration.

Mojkovac is a testament to Montenegro’s breathtaking northern region, and it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic encounter with the country’s natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Mojkovac offers a serene retreat amid Montenegro’s pristine landscapes.

18. Biogradska Gora National Park

In the heart of Montenegro, nestled amid stunning landscapes, lies the captivating Biogradska Gora National Park—an absolute paradise for nature enthusiasts. This natural wonderland encompasses a diverse range of breathtaking attractions, from glacial lakes to towering mountains and lush forests that gift you with the purest, freshest air imaginable.

At the heart of it all is the pristine Biogradsko Lake, a shimmering jewel that invites photographers and nature lovers alike to capture its mesmerizing beauty.

Biogradsko Lake, often hailed as the park’s crown jewel, is a tranquil oasis surrounded by dense emerald forests. The mirror-like surface of the lake perfectly reflects the towering trees that encircle it, creating a picture-perfect setting that’s nothing short of mesmerizing.

As you explore the park’s hiking trails, you’ll be treated to a symphony of bird songs and the rustling of leaves—a true immersion in Montenegro’s untamed wilderness. With each step you take, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the kind of natural beauty that seems almost otherworldly.

Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking rugged adventures or simply yearning for a serene escape in the midst of nature’s grandeur, Biogradska Gora National Park offers an unforgettable experience that’s sure to leave you in awe.

• Beautiful Lakes In The Balkans

19. Lake Plav

Tucked away in the northern mountains, Lake Plav is a stunning alpine gem that beckons nature lovers.

Surrounded by the Prokletije Mountains, the lake offers an idyllic setting for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The pristine waters mirror the surrounding peaks, creating a breathtaking landscape that’s perfect for relaxation and outdoor adventures.

20. Prokletije National Park

Known as the “Accursed Mountains,” Prokletije National Park is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine wilderness provide a haven for exploration.

This rugged and untamed landscape offers an authentic outdoor experience where you can hike through alpine meadows, spot diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the beauty of untouched nature.

21. Moraca Monastery

Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, the Moraca Monastery offers serenity and a deep sense of history.

Surrounded by lush greenery and the Moraca River, the monastery is a peaceful retreat. Explore its centuries-old frescoes, religious artifacts, and tranquil courtyards.

The combination of natural beauty and spiritual significance makes Moraca Monastery a hidden gem worth visiting.

22. The Blue Grotto

Located on the Lustica Peninsula, the Blue Grotto is a sea cave renowned for its brilliant blue waters. A boat ride inside this magical cave reveals an enchanting play of light and color as the sunlight filters through the underwater opening.

It’s a mesmerizing natural wonder that captivates visitors with its iridescent beauty. The Blue Grotto offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who appreciate the wonders of the sea.

23. Tara River Canyon

As the second deepest canyon on the planet, the Tara River Canyon has some fantastic sights to take in. It is UNESCO World Heritage listed, and one look will tell you why.

You can enjoy rafting on the river itself or walk around and look at the different types of flora and fauna. Of course, the views are second to none.

If you do need a boost of adrenaline, give ziplining over the canyon a try.

24. Žabljak

As the highest town in the entire Balkan region , this is a must-visit. Again, it’s all about breathtaking views.

The town is close to Durmitor National Park and has countless activities to take part in, including skiing during the winter months and rafting on the river. You can hike on several trails here, or you can stand and take it all in.

Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie

No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Montenegro Weekend Itineraries

Here are a few examples of Montenegro itineraries of varying lengths depending on how much time you spend in the country. The benefit of such a small country is that you are allotted the opportunity to cover a majority of it quickly.

Two or 3-days: Fly into Kotor and visit for a day or two. While there, visit Bar and Tivat.

4-5 days: Start in Perast for a day, make your way to Kotor , and spend 1-2 days there while visiting Bar and Tivat. End the trip with a day or two in Budva.

Seven days: Start in Perast for a day, make your way to Kotor, and spend 1-2 days there while visiting Bar and Tivat. Continue in Budva for a day or two and end the trip in Cetinje , exploring Lovcen National Park.

Best Time To Visit Montenegro

Just as Montenegro’s Balkans neighbors surrounding it, there is never a wrong time to visit , depending on what you are looking for.

However, skiing enthusiasts would be hard-pressed to find a better place for their weekend vacation than in Montenegro. If you want to spend time on its pristine beaches, visiting in the wintertime wouldn’t be a wise idea. Most hotels near the sea are closed then.

Summer months in Montenegro are pretty standard, from June to mid-September. Summers are usually dry and hot in Montenegro . Being near the coast helps with a gentle coastal breeze, and being up in the mountains is generally cooler.

Late summer to early Fall, near October , is my favorite time to go. It is the shoulder season when the tourist rush starts to slow, yet the water is warmest, and a cool breeze is continuously cooling you off. Just be warned: frequent showers could interrupt your beach days.

Montenegro Travel: Know Before You Go

There is a lot to know about this tiny hole-in-the-wall country. You might as well sit down and figure out the lay of the land before you go so there are no surprises, and you can maximize your time to discover the whole country.

Transportation In Montenegro

Travel in Montenegro is simple through a variety of modes. You can arrive via boat, plane, train, bus, or personal vehicle. Port Bar takes in many passenger boats, and the Podgorica and Tivat airports see hundreds of arrivals daily.

The roadways are continually improving in Montenegro and make renting a car a fun way to get around.

Taxis are available in most towns ; some are not metered, so make sure you discuss a price before riding.

Bus lines aren’t as common in Montenegro, being such a small country. Instead, it has become common practice to hitch a ride. There is always a risk involved with this, but people in Montenegro have welcomed hitchhikers with a warm a soul.

There is one central train railway with stops in several key locations and access points.

However, most towns in Montenegro – even Podgorica – are easily walkable.

Montenegro is so tiny that it is almost not necessary to pay €30 per day to rent a vehicle. However, the option exists if you like the freedom it affords you.

Other Expenses

Accommodation in Montenegro is generally pretty standard compared to the rest of the Balkans. There are guesthouses for as little as €30, while larger, more luxurious hotels in more stunning locations can cost nearly €70 on the low end.

If you are on a budget, you can find a hostel dorm bed for around €15-25, which usually comes with a complimentary breakfast.

Food in Montenegro is a result of its geographic location within the Balkans and its long, ever-changing history. The cuisine on the coast can vary drastically from the food scene in the northern highlands.

However, the cost doesn’t differentiate too much. You will generally pay €8-10 for an inexpensive meal and around €20-50 for a more sophisticated taste.

Montenegro is an astounding country teeming with so many gems that probably still haven’t been discovered. Not even 225 miles from border to border, this tiny country is a weekend road trip dream with many awe-inspiring footnotes.

This place is on the rise and bursting at the seams with potential. It is only a matter of time before the secret is out, and European sun-seekers crowd the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic coast in Montenegro .

So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of these weekend itineraries and steal a slice of heaven in Montenegro.

If you have questions regarding your trip to Montenegro or anywhere else in the Balkans, don’t be afraid to reach out with questions, and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.

• Guide To National Parks In Montenegro
• Things To Do In Montenegro
• Things To Do In The Bay Of Kotor
• Best Beaches In Montenegro
• Lake Skadar Montenegro: Exploring the Balkans’ Largest Lake
• The Bay of Kotor Montenegro Will Blow Your Socks Off – Here’s Why
• Guide To Visiting Sveti Stefan
• Check Out Montenegro In Winter
• Things To Do In Montenegro For Every Type Of Traveler
• Fun Things To Do In Podgorica
• Durmitor National Park Hiking Adventures in Montenegro

Comments (3)

Hi. Thanks for a very interesting and extremley helpful write up on Montenegro. We are planning to visit there at the end of this month. We will be there for 7 days. My question is whether it is possible to stay in one place and visit the others you mention on day trips rather than change accommodatiin all the time. Can we do all this from Budva? Thanks.

You’ll need to type into google the locations and see the travel times from Budva and see if they suit you. But yes, all of these can be done easily by car each day.

Tivat is not a million-dollar renovation …

Its Billion with a B to welcome multi-millions worth of yachts.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe To Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List & All Our Best Tips!

Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List!

Subscribe Now For Instant Access To Stress-Free Packing

Home » Travel Guides » 15 Best Places to Visit in Montenegro

15 Best Places to Visit in Montenegro

Montenegro, or Black Mountain, can be driven in less than a day but you could spend months and still not want to leave.  The entire country is exploding with nature: colourful flowers, deep green pine forests, dark towering peaks rising from crystal clear waters, and azure blue sea. Roughly 100km from top to bottom, Montenegro is also full of ancient walled towns and orange-roofed houses, postcard perfect at every turn.

A rich culture heritage includes Roman villas, Orthodox monasteries, Catholic churches, mosques, and ancient defensive fortresses. Montenegro has always sat culturally between the east and west and encompasses the most incredible aspects of both. And if you include its 50 years as a communist state, this is a slice of European history that is truly unique.

And what you’ll love the most?  In every town across the country, Montenegrins enjoy the ritual of the leisurely evening stroll. Magical is a word that will come up often.

1. National Park Durmitor

One of five national parks in Montenegro, Durmitor attracts adrenaline junkies of all kinds.  This beautiful and pristine park in the north of the country offers mountaineering, hiking, biking, swimming, bungee jumping, skiing, snowboarding, rafting, and more.

No matter the season, outdoor adventurers make their way here to get their fill of excitement and incredible natural beauty.

You’ll also get delicious local dishes here, thus completing this Montenegro experience.

2. Bay of Kotor

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro, the Bay of Kotor, and by extension the walled town of Kotor, has so much life and character.

The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the picturesque old town and active harbour.  If you like, you can climb the 1500 steps to the fortress that overlooks the town.

The bay is Europe’s most southern fjord and happens to be the largest natural harbour on the east Mediterranean Sea.  If you’re looking for a base camp to explore the country, Kotor is a perfect choice.

3. Tivat and Porto Montenegro

Situated in the Bay of Kotor, one of the planet’s most amazing marine regions, sits Porto Montenegro. This state of the art marina was built on the foundations of the old Yugoslav naval facility.  Here you’ll find over 600 berths for yachts and super yachts.

A stroll through Porto Montenegro is sure to be jaw-dropping. The coastal community that has built up around the area makes for the perfect getaway.  Rentals right on the water, fantastic restaurants and hotels, great shopping, and tons of water sports.

With the ability to berth luxurious super yachts, some have taken to calling the area “the new Monaco.”

Just a few kilometres from Kotor is one of the most beautiful places in all of Boka Bay:  Perast.  It’s a lovely old town that’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most popular attraction is Gospa od Skrpjela, or Our Lady of the Rock. It’s a small island in the bay with a superb museum and church.  Part of the fun is the taxi boat ride that will shuttle you to the island!

End your afternoon with an unbelievable meal in one of Perast many seafood restaurants.

5. Skadar/Scadar/Scutari Lake

The largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula is Skadar. Roughly 400 square kilometres it’s a bit hard to describe accurately.

Owned jointed by Montenegro and Albania, it’s been a national park since the early 1980’s. For outdoor enthusiasts who want a more laid back location, the vibe here will be perfect.

Enjoy bird watching, cultural-historical monuments, festivals, cruising, water sports, and much more are all on offer.  Skadar is one of most beautiful places in Montenegro.

Located on the Adriatic Sea and part of the Budva Riviera, Budva is famous for its nightlife and sandy beaches.  If you’re looking for a place to let loose and party, this is exactly where you want to be.

Before the party picks up, take a walk through narrow streets of Stari Grad, or Old Town, one of the most charming parts of town. In the historic district you’ll find a seaside citadel and the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, built in the 9th century.

Budva is a big draw for those with multi-million dollar yachts – and a stroll through the marina is great for daydreaming and picking out which vessel you prefer.

7. Sveti Stefan

Fifteen minutes from Budva is Sveti Stefan, an icon of Montenegrin tourism. Frequented by the rich and famous, the small islet was once a fishing village and the old town remains largely unchanged with its narrow streets, small churches, and family shops.

Sveti Stefan largely declined in the 20th century (with only 20 inhabitants recorded in 1954) but in the 1960’s a group of visionaries transformed the town into one of most attractive and luxurious destinations in all of the Mediterranean.

To visit the island you must be a resort guest, but the north and south beaches are open to all throughout the year.

The former capital of Montenegro is now a backpacking haven thanks to the extraordinary mountain range that sits just behind Kotor and Perast.

In the main square of Cetinje you’ll find the former home of King Nikola which has been converted into a museum.  In fact, there are several museums in town all within walking distance.

The main attraction here is the Cetinje Monastery, originally built in the 15th century.  Though its been destroyed a number of times over the centuries and the current incarnation dates from the 18th century. Here you can visit a shard of the True Cross and the mummified right hand of St. John the Baptist.

9. Lovcen National Park and Njegos Mausoleum

Just 40 minutes from Cetinje is the fantastic Lovcen National Park, and the pièce de résistance is the 1750m majestic Mount Lovcen. In addition to the fresh outdoors, most people visit Lovcen in order to visit the Njegos Mausoleum.

Located on Mount Jezerski, the park’s second highest peak, the tomb holds the remains of Montenegro’s greatest hero, Petar II Petrovic Njeos. The mausoleum itself has been built into the mountain and laid with marble. You have to walk the last 500 steps or so, but it’s worth it.

On a clear day you can see almost the entire country – and it’s spectacular.  George Bernard Shaw even said, “Am I in paradise or am I on the moon?”

10. The Ostrog Monastery

Nine hundred metres above the Zeta Valley is the luminous Ostrog Monastery. It’s the most important religious site in Montenegro for Orthodox Christians.  Up to one million visitors come here annually to see this strange and arresting place.

In the busy summer months, pilgrims are given free mats to sleep on in front of the Upper Monastery.  This impressive monastery is often called “Sv Vasilije’s miracle” because it’s a mystery how it was built.  Finished in the 17th century it appears to have simply grown out of the rock.

Enjoy the frescoes in the Holy Trinity Church and the natural spring that you can drink from to receive a blessing.

11. Haj-Nehaj Fortress

Built in the 15th century by the Venetians who were attempting to defend the country from the Ottoman Empire, this is one of the most majestic fortresses in the country.

To reach it you must take a steep but phenomenal walk 30 minutes through the pines.  The stone path eventually leads you to the gate and the fortress rising behind.  This is another landmark that will leave you wondering how in the world it was built. Inside you can explore the ruins as you walk through a grassy area of wildflowers and sage.

Above the fortress sits St. Demetrius’ Church (13th century). It predates the fortress and once had separate Orthodox and Catholic altars

12. Piva Canyon

Part of the fun of Piva Canyon is getting to it.  The road tangos with the river and clings precipitously to the cliff in several places. You have to pass through 56 tunnels carved out of the mountain after World War II.

But once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with the site of Lake Piva sitting beautifully in the Piva Canyon. You’ll want to visit Piva Monastery which was painstakingly moved to higher ground, over the course of 11 years, when the hydroelectric dam at Plužine was built.

It’s a perfect place for rafting and camping.

13. Stari Bar

Once part of the Roman Empire, Stari Bar was the economic and political centre for the Byzantines of the region.  Now, the ruins of that long gone era sit at the top of sheer cliff faces accessible only from one point.

There is a small museum inside with exhibits of artefacts dating back to 800 BC. It will also give you a great recounting of the history of the place, including the 19th century bombing by Montenegro in its efforts to take back the town from the Turks. Visit St. Nicholas’ Church with its Serbo-Byzantine frescoes, the 11th century fortress, and St George’s Cathedral, Stari Bar’s patron saint.

If you’re interested in Ottoman architecture, take a look at the Turkish bathhouse, the clock tower, and the 17th century aqueduct which carried water from 3km outside of town.

14. Tara River and Canyon

Second only to the Colorado River Canyon, Tara Canyon is known as the “Tear of Europe” is a magnificent sight.  Untamed natural beauty has been forged as the river has cut its way through the canyon.

You’ll find river paths, breathtaking gorges, waterfalls, and even tranquil stretches of river.  Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Tara Canyon reaches 1300 metres deep.  If you need some context, the United States Grand Canyon is roughly 1500 metres.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Montenegro is rafting down the Tara River.  For those who prefer land activities, enjoy hiking around Mt Curevac, which reaches 1625 metres high.

15. Biogradska Gora National Park

Located between the Tara and Lim rivers is National Park Biogradska Gora. You’ll find old forests, clear lakes, and lovely pastures here.  But in the park is something truly incredible. First is the virgin forest, and in the heart of this unbelievable virgin forest is Biogradska lake, a truly remarkable glacier lake.

The park boasts six glacial lakes, mountain peaks over 2000 metres, archaeological sites, sacred monuments, and several buildings built in traditional architecture.

Nature lovers will enjoy the 26 distinct habits, 200 plant varieties, 150 bird species, and 10 types of mammals.

15 Best Places to Visit in Montenegro:

• National Park Durmitor
• Bay of Kotor
• Tivat and Porto Montenegro
• Skadar/Scadar/Scutari Lake
• Sveti Stefan
• Lovcen National Park and Njegos Mausoleum
• The Ostrog Monastery
• Haj-Nehaj Fortress
• Piva Canyon
• Tara River and Canyon
• Biogradska Gora National Park

Exploring the Best of Montenegro: The 10 Must-See Places

• Facebook Instagram
• Now Week Month

Meet Emma Born, a multilingual traveler of Spanish, Moroccan, and…

Montenegro, a jewel of the Balkans , is a country that captivates the hearts of travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. Nestled in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Montenegro offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring medieval towns to embarking on outdoor adventures in its national parks.

In this comprehensive travel guide, you will be taken on a journey through Montenegro’s most beautiful and important places, inviting you to discover the allure of this enchanting nation.

In This Article

Key takeaways, why montenegro is a great country for travel, what is montenegro known for, must-see places in montenegro, best time to visit montenegro, things to know about montenegro, best places to visit in montenegro – travel video.

• Montenegro, in Southeastern Europe, offers diverse experiences with natural beauty, medieval architecture, and cultural richness.
• Renowned for its stunning Adriatic coastline and Dinaric Alps , it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Must-see spots include Kotor’s Old Town, Budva’s vibrant coastal scene, Durmitor National Park, Sveti Stefan resort, Perast’s baroque charm, and Ostrog Monastery.
• Montenegro caters to history, nature, adventure, and culture lovers.
• Choose your visit time: Summer for beaches and vibrancy, spring/autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds, or winter for skiing and serene coasts.

Montenegro is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring a stunning Adriatic coastline with picturesque beaches and historic coastal towns like Kotor and Budva. The country’s rugged interior is dominated by the Dinaric Alps, offering excellent hiking and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Montenegro is also known for its medieval architecture, including ancient monasteries and fortresses, as well as its diverse cultural heritage influenced by various ethnic groups. Additionally, it has gained recognition for its efforts to develop as a tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic landscapes, cultural treasures, and welcoming hospitality.

Montenegro boasts numerous beautiful and important places to visit, each offering a unique experience. Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Kotor : The Old Town of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The town is nestled within the Bay of Kotor and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Budva : Known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, Budva is one of Montenegro’s most popular coastal destinations. The Old Town of Budva is surrounded by ancient walls and features historic buildings and narrow streets.
• Durmitor National Park : This national park in northern Montenegro is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s known for its dramatic landscapes, including the Tara River Canyon, pristine glacial lakes like Black Lake, and opportunities for hiking, skiing, and white-water rafting.
• Sveti Stefan : This small, picturesque island village is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It’s famous for its exclusive resort housed in centuries-old stone buildings.
• Perast : A charming coastal town located on the Bay of Kotor, Perast is known for its baroque architecture and two small islets just offshore—Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George.
• Ostrog Monastery : Carved into a vertical cliff face, the Ostrog Monastery is a revered pilgrimage site and offers breathtaking panoramic views. It’s a significant religious and cultural landmark.
• Lovćen National Park : Home to the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš , a revered Montenegrin leader and poet, Lovćen National Park is known for its scenic beauty and hiking trails. The view from the mausoleum is spectacular.
• Lake Skadar : This is the largest lake in the Balkans and is famous for its diverse wildlife and picturesque scenery. You can take boat tours on the lake and visit quaint lakeside villages.
• Cetinje : Montenegro’s historical capital, Cetinje, is known for its cultural heritage, including museums, monasteries, and the Cetinje Monastery, which houses important relics.
• Biogradska Gora National Park : Located in the central part of Montenegro, this national park is home to one of Europe’s last primeval forests. It’s an excellent destination for nature lovers and hikers.

These are just a few of the many beautiful and important places to visit in Montenegro. Whether you’re interested in history, natural beauty, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, Montenegro has something to offer every type of traveler.

The best time to visit Montenegro depends on your preferences and the activities you want to engage in, but generally, the country experiences distinct seasons:

• Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season in Montenegro due to the warm weather and long daylight hours. The coastal areas, including places like Budva and Kotor, are bustling with visitors during this time. It’s perfect for beach activities, water sports, and enjoying the lively atmosphere. However, expect higher prices and larger crowds.
• Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October): These shoulder seasons offer milder weather, making them great times to visit if you prefer fewer tourists and more affordable accommodations. Spring is particularly beautiful with blooming landscapes, while autumn offers pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring cultural sites.
• Winter (November to March): Montenegro is not a traditional winter sports destination like the Alps, but it does have some ski resorts in the north, such as Kolašin and Žabljak. If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, this is the time to visit. In coastal areas, winter is quieter, and you can experience a different side of Montenegro’s charm.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Montenegro depends on your interests. If you want to enjoy the beaches and vibrant coastal towns, summer is ideal. For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather, consider spring or autumn. If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, then the winter months are suitable for a visit to the mountainous regions.

15 Beautiful Destinations for a Warm Winter Escape

here are some important things to know about Montenegro:

• Location and Geography: Montenegro is a small country located in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It boasts diverse geography, including a stunning Adriatic coastline, rugged mountains, and beautiful lakes.
• Official Language: The official language of Montenegro is Montenegrin . Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Croatian are also spoken due to the country’s multicultural composition.
• Currency: The currency used in Montenegro is the Euro (€).
• Capital: Podgorica is the capital and largest city of Montenegro.
• Cultural Diversity: Montenegro has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various ethnic groups, including Montenegrins, Serbs, Bosniaks, Albanians, and Croats.
• Ostrog Monastery: The Ostrog Monastery, carved into a vertical cliff, is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the country and offers breathtaking views.
• Durmitor National Park: Located in the north, Durmitor National Park is a haven for nature lovers, known for its dramatic landscapes and pristine glacial lakes.
• Local Cuisine: Montenegrin cuisine is influenced by Mediterranean, Serbian, and Turkish flavors. Try dishes like cevapi (grilled minced meat) and fresh seafood along the coast.
• Safety: Montenegro is generally considered safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, usual precautions should be taken while traveling.
• Climate: Montenegro experiences a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Inland areas have more continental climates.

These are some key facts and aspects to be aware of when planning a trip to Montenegro or learning more about this beautiful and diverse country.

Montenegro is a hidden gem in the Balkans, offering a wide array of experiences for travelers. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic towns, immersing yourself in natural beauty, or seeking adventure in the great outdoors, Montenegro has something to offer. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Montenegro is a destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

The choice of when to visit depends on your personal preferences, with each season offering its own unique charm and opportunities for exploration.

What's Your Reaction?

Meet Emma Born, a multilingual traveler of Spanish, Moroccan, and Swiss heritage. With over a decade in aviation, she brings a unique perspective to luxury travel. Emma's reviews of hotels, resorts, airlines, and fine dinings are known for their honesty and objectivity. She often visits establishments herself to ensure authentic reviews, making her an invaluable asset to our readers. Emma Born, the driving force behind our magazine's commitment to luxurious, honest travel insights.

15 Of the Finest and Best Horse Racing Destinations

5 of The Best Hotels in Bahrain

Ischia – Unveiling The Treasures Of Italy’s Forgotten Gem

Mauritius: Discovering the Secrets of the Indian Ocean Gem

Exploring Zagreb: A Gem in the Heart of Croatia

10 of The Most Beautiful Winter Destinations in Europe

15 Best Things to Do in Budapest

15 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

• Contributors

© 2019 The Voyage Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

• All Planning Tips
• ITINERARIES
• All Destinations
• National Parks
• Attractions
• Private Tours
• All Things To Do
• Villas and Apartments
• All Accommodation
• Herceg Novi
• All Restaurants

Montenegro Pulse contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my  disclaimer  for more information.

23 Top Montenegro Destinations: Best Places to Visit in Montenegro

BY SARAH PAVLOVIC  

It's not easy to pick the top tourist destinations in Montenegro. Most of the country is stunning, fascinating and just ripe for discovery. But there are some places that just stand out and these are the places you should put on your list of places to visit. 

Many of these are only a short distance apart – sometimes just a 10 minute drive - so it's easy to plan to see a few in one day trip. You really can pack a lot in to your stay here.

Or you can just chill on the beach.... there are so many great beaches to choose from!

That's the great thing about Montenegro... you can have whatever kind of holiday you like:

• Adventure-packed
• Sightseeing
• Or a family-friendly mix of all three

So let's see the top destinations and see which you'll have to put on your list of places to visit...

The Coast of Montenegro       Bay of Kotor       Kotor       Perast       Herceg Novi       Tivat       Luštica Peninsula       Budva       Bečići       Sveti Stefan       Petrovac       Bar       Ulcinj The Mountains of Montenegro       Žabljak       Kolašin       Cetinje       Njeguši       Rijeka Crnojevića       Podgorica The National Parks of Montenegro       Lovćen National Park       Durmitor National Park       Skadar Lake National Park       Biogradska Gora National Park       Prokletije National Park

Coast of Montenegro

The coast of Montenegro is simply breathtaking, with its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and charming coastal towns that are rich in history and culture. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, you'll find everything you need along the Montenegrin coast.

From the beautiful old town of Kotor, with its maze-like streets and impressive fortifications, to the charming town of Budva, with its lively atmosphere and beautiful beaches, there's something for everyone along the coast of Montenegro.

And let's not forget about the mouth-watering cuisine – from fresh seafood and grilled meats to delicious pastries and local wines, the food in Montenegro is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Below, you'll find a list of the best destinations to visit on the coast of Montenegro.

Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, and I couldn't recommend it more highly!

Nestled between towering mountains and crystal-clear waters, this hidden gem in Montenegro is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, there's something for everyone in the Bay of Kotor. From exploring the charming old town and its stunning architecture to enjoying a leisurely boat ride on the bay, you're sure to create unforgettable memories in this idyllic setting.

Kotor has to be on any list of the top tourist destinations in Montenegro. It's an old Venetian city in the heart of the Bay of Kotor and a hugely popular destination in Montenegro. Cruise ships stop here throughout summer and you can find all kinds of tours and activities starting here.

Inside the town you'll find lots of restaurants, shops and sights like museums and churches. Part of the charm of the town is that it hasn't been totally taken over by tourists. Locals still come here for coffee every day, they still live in the town and the local government offices are here. You can walk in and feel a part of daily life in Kotor.

Perast is a charming town located in the heart of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, and it's definitely worth a visit!

With its picturesque streets lined with colorful buildings and stunning views of the bay and surrounding mountains, Perast is a true hidden gem. The town is known for its rich history and culture, with many beautiful churches and museums to explore. But perhaps the best part of Perast is the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the town.

Whether you're wandering the streets, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, or simply sitting by the water's edge taking in the view, you'll feel right at home in Perast.

herceg Novi

Known as the 'town of 100,001 steps', Herceg Novi is a laid-back and authentic coast town at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor. With the best beaches in the bay, charming old town, and authentic atmosphere, Herceg Novi is a true hidden gem that's waiting to be discovered.

Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply soaking up the sun, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained in this charming town. From strolling the waterfront promenade and admiring the stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains to sipping a kafa in Belavista Square in the old town and discovering its many hidden treasures, Herceg Novi is a place that offers a relaxed stay and the most sun in Montenegro!

Once, Tivat was an unattractive town full of grey apartment blocks. The arrival of Porto Montenegro and its beautiful architecture, palm trees and glittering super yachts has transformed Tivat into one of the hottest destinations in Montenegro.

Tivat has excellent international restaurants, plenty of events and it's close to Kotor, Budva and Lustica Peninsula. Not only that, Tivat international airport is just 5 minutes from town so you can get off the plane and be kicking back with a cocktail within half an hour of touching down. 

Luštica Peninsula

Luštica Peninsula is the least developed part of Montenegro's coastline. It's rugged and beautiful... but it's not going to stay that way for too much longer! Developers are discovering Luštica and there are big plans underway.

For now, Luštica remains the ideal place for a quiet Montenegrin getaway. It's rural, covered with olive groves and fishing cottages. If you're looking for a true getaway, you can't go past Luštica. And depending on where you stay, you can be just 10 minutes from Tivat or Kotor by car. 

The peninsula is home to a number of charming traditional villages, abandoned forts and wild beaches. It's also where you'll find some of the most popular beaches like kid-friendly Blue Horizons and fashionable Almara Beach Club.  And of course, there's no shortage of delicious local cuisine to sample, with fresh seafood, local cheeses, and homemade wine among the highlights.

Budva is one of the most beautiful and lively towns on Montenegro's stunning coastline, and it's the perfect place to experience the unique blend of history, culture, and modernity that characterizes this amazing country. With its beautiful beaches, charming old town, and vibrant nightlife, Budva has something for everyone.

The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleys that lead to hidden squares and stunning historical buildings, while the waterfront promenade is lined with bars, restaurants, and cafes that come alive at night with music and laughter. Whether you're looking to explore the town's rich cultural heritage, soak up the sun on the beach, or party the night away with friends, Budva is the place to be.

Bečići is a popular seaside resort on the glitzy Budva Riviera, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a beach holiday in Montenegro . With its long, sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, Bečići is the perfect place to relax and unwind, whether you're looking to soak up the sun or enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea.

The resort is also home to a number of excellent restaurants and cafes, where you can sample delicious local cuisine and enjoy a drink with friends as the sun sets over the water. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, Bečići is a fantastic seaside resort on the coast of Montenegro.

Sveti Stefan

Sveti Stefan is a picturesque islet on the Budva Riviera, and it's one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations in the country. The islet is a 15th-century fort that has been transformed into a luxurious resort, with stunning villas and cottages that offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

Whether you're looking to relax and soak up the sun on the pink pebble beaches or explore the forest and nearby hamlets, Sveti Stefan is the perfect place to unwind and recharge your batteries.

Petrovac is a charming coastal town located on Montenegro's stunning Budva Riviera. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and fishing village atmosphere, Petrovac is the perfect destination for anyone looking to relax and unwind in a peaceful and tranquil setting.

The town is also home to a number of excellent restaurants and cafes, where you can sample delicious local cuisine and enjoy a drink with friends as the sun sets over the water. Petrovac is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the simple pleasures of beach life.

Bar is a vibrant and authentic coastal town located in the southern part of Montenegro, and it's the perfect place to experience the unique blend of history, culture and modernity that characterises Montenegro. 

The town is home to an impressive medieval old town that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as a number of excellent restaurants and cafes where you can sample delicious local cuisine and enjoy a drink with friends. It's also home to one of the world's oldest olive trees and a long coastline of beaches.

Ulcinj is well off the beaten path for most tourists visiting Montenegro. But it’s rapidly becoming a very cool destination for those looking for beach parties without the crowds.

During summer it’s a lively, buzzing place with lots of tourists who like get off the beaten track. With a huge sandy beach and the firm establishment of kite surfing here, it's also become a popular place for young travellers who want beach parties with an underground vibe.

Local's Tip: If you go down to Ulcinj in summer, you must pick up one of the their famous watermelons. You'll see fields of them growing all over Ulcinj and they're the sweetest, juiciest watermelons you'll find.

If you're not going to Ulcinj but are still keen to get your hands on one of these treats, just look out for stalls and trucks by the side of the road anywhere in Montenegro selling ' Ulcinjska lubenica '.

Make room in your fridge because these beauties are BIG. 

The Mountains of Montenegro

No trip to Montenegro is truly complete without a trip into Montenegro's rugged mountains . The north of Montenegro is stunningly wild and it's where you'll see a different side of the country than the tourist-polished coast.

The interior region is completely different. It's mountainous and is covered by snow for around four months a year.

It's this mountain region that the country is named for. 'Montenegro' means 'Black Mountain' and when you arrive you immediately see why. Away from the coast the landscape is wild and rugged - bears and wolves roam freely here. It's the perfect place to step off the beaten path, hike and see the real Montenegro.

Below, I've listed the best places to visit in Montenegro's inland regions.

Žabljak is Montenegro's most popular mountain town. Located in the heart of stunning Durmitor National Park, it's the perfect place to experience the natural beauty and rugged charm of this diverse country.

With its snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests, Žabljak offers some of the most stunning scenery in the region. The town is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities on offer including hiking, skiing, and rafting.

Kolašin is Montenegro's most popular ski resort and it's the gateway to Biogradska National Park.

This busy ski resort offers fantastic hiking and scenery, horse riding, history and some fantastic restaurants where you can try authentic Montenegrin cuisine.

Cetinje is the former capital of Montenegro, and it's the perfect place to explore the rich cultural heritage and history of Montenegro.

With palaces, the national museum, former embassies and the Presidential Palace Cetinje offers a glimpse into Montenegro's fascinating past. The town is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the stunning Lovćen National Park and Njeguši village, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Njeguši is the home of Montenegro's best prosciutto and a cultural landmark in Montenegro.

Known for having the perfect combination of sea and mountain climate for making prosciutto, njeguški pršut (prosciutto from Njeguši) is a prized delicacy throughout Montenegro. You can visit the town to try prosciutto and cheeses as well as other traditional products like wine and Montenegrin brandy .

Njeguši is also the birthplace of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, who ruled Montenegro from 1830 - 1831. Petar II Petrović-Njegoš was one of Montenegro's favourite rulers and his mausoleum in Lovćen National Park is one of Montenegro's top attractions. You can also visit his birthplace in Njeguši, which has been turned into a museum.

Rijeka Crnojevića

Rijeka Crnojevića is a charming town in the heart of Montenegro, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and serene waterways. As a settlement that dates back to the middle ages, this small town has a rich history, with a quaint and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place to visit.

The town's picturesque views, including the beautiful River Crnojevića, make it an ideal spot for photography and nature lovers. The local cuisine is also something to be savoured, with fresh fish and locally sourced produce adding to the delicious flavors of the area.

Podgorica is the capital and largest city in Montenegro. Although not a tourist hot spot, many people fly into and out of Podgorica and it's conveniently located between the mountains and sea.

Although Podgorica doesn't have a host of attractions like other tourist destinations in Montenegro, you'll find plenty to do in this vibrant city if you choose to stay there.

The National Parks of Montenegro

Montenegro is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, and its national parks are the perfect place to experience it all. Each park has its own unique charm, from the dramatic peaks of Durmitor National Park to the tranquil waters of Skadar Lake National Park.

There are five national parks in Montenegro and you'll find plenty of things to see and do in each one. Hiking is an obvious one, but you'll also find whitewater rafting, zip lines, boat trips, kayaking, cycling, cultural monuments and authentic local cuisine.

I highly recommend visiting at least one national park in Montenegro during your stay!

Lovćen National Park

Lovćen is one of the most popular national parks of Montenegro. It lies between Kotor, Cetinje and Budva and is an easy day trip from anywhere on the coast.

The route via the serpentine road up from Kotor is one of the most scenic in the country and will give you stunning views of the Bay of Kotor. It does have 25 hairpin turns, but this probably won’t be a problem since you’ll be wanting to stop so often to take photos of the view! 

On the way you’ll be able to stop in the village of Njeguši to try some famed Njeguši prosciutto and cheese... and maybe some rakija !

Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park is a place of spectacular beauty and pristine wilderness and it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It's one of the most-visited national parks because it's so beautiful and easy to get to. With its dramatic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, the park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you're hiking, biking, or skiing, the park's stunning landscapes are unforgettable.

The park is also home to several charming mountain villages, where you  can experience the local culture and and you'll find lots of great accommodation options, from bungalows to hotels.

Lake Skadar National Park

Skadar Lake is one of the largest lakes in Europe and creates the border between Montenegro and Albania. It's also one of the most important bird reserves in Europe and taking a  boat out on the lake  is a must-do while you're here.

This region is also Montenegro's premier wine-making region and there are boutique wineries all over this area. You can book a wine and food tasting at a family-run winery and even stay in a villa onsite.

You can easily reach Skadar Lake in a day trip from anywhere along the Montenegrin coast and there are tours going there daily.

Biogradska Gora National Park

Biogradska Gora National park lies in the north east of Montenegro. It's the smallest of the national parks of Montenegro, but it's so important because it's one of only three remaining virgin forests left in Europe and trees in the park are up to 400 years old.

There are lots of reasons to plan a visit to Biogradska Gora. It's a great place for families, with an open-air noddy train ride and boats that you can hire to row around the lake. It's an outdoor and nature lover's paradise too. There are lots of hiking and biking trails, horse-riding and jeep safari tours you can take through the park. 

Or if you just want to kick back and do some light sightseeing and spend lots of time relaxing in a Jacuzzi and getting massages, Biogradska Gora is the perfect mountain retreat to relax. You'll find excellent hotels in nearby Kolašin  and no crowds.

Prokletije National Park

Prokletije is the newest national park of Montenegro. It's home to the highest peak in Montenegro, Maja Kolata, which beats Bobotov Kuk in Durmitor by just 5m. The name Prokletije actually means ‘accursed mountains’ and the range lies on the border with Albania in the south east. 

Prokletije is the least-visited national park in Montenegro, but it draws serious mountaineers from Europe to scale its dangerous peaks.

Other Destinations in the Balkans

Kopaonik Ski Resort in Serbia is our favourite place to ski and snowboard. We go every year!

We love it because the trails are world class there are so many to explore. We also love that we can stay in a hotel right on the slopes. We just ski out of the front door and straight into a chairlift.

Kopaonik hasn't been discovered by the rest of the world... yet... why not join us and get there before the masses?!

Related Articles

• Top Tourist Attractions in Montenegro
• Best Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro
• Montenegro Private Tours
• Full-Day Montenegro Tour Review

You might like these

Visit Montenegro: Everything You Need to Plan the Perfect Trip

Want to visit Montenegro but not sure where to start? Find all the info to plan your trip here.

Where is Montenegro? Where It is and Where to Stay

Where is Montenegro? Find out where Montenegro is and which are the best destinations in this Mediterranean hidden gem.

The Climate of Montenegro And When To Plan Your Trip

Pinpoint the best time of year to plan your holiday with this guide to the climate of Montenegro

Book Your Trip With My Recommended Providers

•  Find a deal! Click here to see current deals on tours and activities .
• Accommodation with Booking.com
• Tours and activities with Get Your Guide
• Tours and activities with Viator
• Cheap car hire with Localrent.com
• Cheap flights with WayAway
• Organised adventure tours with TourRadar
• Transfers with Kiwitaxi
• Travel insurance with SafetyWing
• Top Montenegro Destinations

Free Montenegro deals Newsletter

Save up to 50% with my digest of the best deals on Montenegro tours and experiences!

About Sarah

I'm a New Zealander who's lived in Montenegro since 2008. I love exploring this beautiful country and sharing the best of it with you!

Save up to 50% with these Montenegro tour deals!

Experience the Real Kotor

Kotor Secret City Trail

Make a Difference

Hi! I'm Sarah, an adventurer, mum and animal-lover dedicated to helping you discover the best of Montenegro, no matter how long your visit to this intriguing part of the world.

By Sarah Pavlovic   |   © Copyright 2024   |   Montenegropulse.com    |   All Rights Reserved   |   Privacy Policy

21 Most Beautiful Places in Montenegro You Have to Visit

Planning a trip to Montenegro and looking at what places to visit in this incredible Balkan country? Here I share a list of the most beautiful places in Montenegro .

Montenegro ( Crna Gora ) is ridiculously picturesque.  Although small in land size compared to other European countries, the variety of awe-inspiring natural sights and historical must-see places in Montenegro is endless.

A country with a population of barely over 600 000 is blessed with 5 National Parks, one of the cleanest seasides in Europe, picture-perfect historical coastal towns like Perast and Kotor , dreamy islets like Sveti Stefan , snowcapped mountain peaks, hundreds of hiking trails, emerald glacier lakes, deepest in Europe canyons carved by gushing rivers and even skiing resorts, to name a few.

In my case, it was only that one panoramic image of Kotor Bay that convinced me to book tickets for a week trip to Montenegro. I fell head over heels with the country and a few years later came back to explore more of Montenegro for a 2-week road trip . There are just too many beautiful must-visit places in Montenegro that you can spend months exploring this Balkan gem.

Therefore, based on my previous traveling in Montenegro experience, I am excited to share the best places to visit in Montenegro that you should add to your itinerary.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep my blog running and grow by creating more awesome free content for you.

The 21 Best Places to Visit in Montenegro

The best way to visit montenegro.

Before getting to the list of the beautiful places to go in Montenegro, it is worth noting that I have visited them by driving a rental car.

Montenegro due to its compact size is a perfect road trip destination . Distances between most of Montenegro’s highlights are relatively short. You can literally drive from the sunny seaside to the misty mountain peak in just one hour.

I did two road trips in this country so far and I cannot recommend enough to hire a car and explore it at your own pace. This way you will be able to access not only popular places but also explore the country’s hidden corners.

From my experience, booking a car at least one month in advance for the summer months will guarantee you the best prices.

For the most competitive rates, check Localrent or Discovercars websites. Both search engines offer competitive rates. But the great thing about Localrent is that often there is no deposit required when booking your vehicle! 

Rent a Car in Montenegro

Look for the best rates for your rental car at Localrent

• Related Reads: My 2-weeks road trip in Montenegro Itinerary to help you plan you journey.
• Related reads: My 25 best travel tips for visiting Montenegro .

Here are the top 21 best places in Montenegro you have to visit . I have listed my absolute favorites as top 10 places in Montenegro, but the remaining 11 are also incredible and undoubtedly worthy to be on your itinerary, especially if you have more than one week to spend in the country.

1. Kotor Bay – an absolute must-visit place in Montenegro

If you ever heard of Montenegro before, chances are that Kotor Bay (or Boka Bay) came up as one of the top places to see in Montenegro . Indeed, it was just that one image of the panoramic view of the Kotor Bay dotted with red-roofed houses that convinced me to go to Montenegro. Indeed, Kotor Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro.

Kotor Bay is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea and boasts unapparelled natural beauty. Characteristic Venetian waterfront houses are sprinkled across the shores of the Boka Bay and backed by dramatic high cliffs. For this reason, at turns, Boka Kotorksa  (in Montenegrin language) is reminiscent of Norway Fjords and northern Italian Lakes. Lined with ancient, picturesque towns including Kotor, Risan, Perast, Prčanj, and Herceg Novi , the winding Kotor Bay is unmissable and one of the prettiest places in Montenegro.

2. Kotor Old Town

Sharing the same name with the Bay, Kotor is a historical coastal town and the most popular destination not only in Boka Bay but also in all of Montenegro . Dating back to the 3 rd century BC, a fortified atmospheric old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Characterized by Venetian palaces, medieval Roman churches, and Byzantine towers, Kotor brings you back in time. Being occupied by different empires through the centuries, the town has many secrets and interesting corners to be discovered.

The best way to experience Kotor’s old town is to explore its narrow cozy streets and lanes strung with laundry.

Come early in the morning before the crowds and you will find yourself sharing the old town of Kotor only with its resident cats.

Here follows one important insight- Kotor (means “cat”) has been given its name to honor the purring friends who back in the day were brought in by sailors and helped keep the town free of rats and snakes. Until today you can see many cats roaming around Kotor town while all the souvenir shops are celebrating this curious animal by selling all sorts of Cat related artifacts. 

For the best views of Kotor Old Town, climb San Giovanni (Saint John’s) fortress . Conquering 1350 leading up to the fortress in one of the most popular things to do in Kotor, Montenegro. Make sure to come early to avoid crowds and the heat. Alternatively, choose a more tough but less busy route- Ladder of Kotor hike which features equally amazing views.

Entrance Fee: there is an 8 EUR fee to climb the stairs of St John’s, however, when you come as early as 6-7 AM, there is nobody at the entrance to collect the fee, so the climb is free. It is at your discretion if you want to pay later on your back down. Due to a large number of tourists, chances are nobody will ask you to.

If you had to only pick one thing to see in this country, then Kotor is an absolute must-visit place in Montenegro and in the entire Balkan Peninsula.

3. Perast- the most romantic waterfront town in Boka Bay

One of the most romantic places in Montenegro is the picture-perfect tiny harbor town Perast which is often referred to as a mini-Venice. It is arguably the most beautiful waterfront town in Montenegro and also, my favorite on the Kotor Bay.

The single main street of Perast is “decorated” with pretty Venetian-times architecture, and counting 18 Baroque and Renaissance palaces.

Once a thriving port, today Perast is beloved by locals and a few curious travelers. Located only 12 KM away from Kotor, Perast is a perfect getaway from seasonal crowds.

The main attraction in Perast is taking a ferry to Our Lady of the Rocks- one of the two tiny artificial islets you can see as soon as you approach the town.

If you come at dawn, you can admire glassy reflections of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George islands and witness the town waking up.

I would recommend spending a whole day relaxing at one of the concrete waterfronts like locals do and splashing soothing waters of Boka Bay.

Sunset and the blue hour is the best time to pull your camera out for the atmospheric travel pictures and also finish your day with a romantic dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

4. Durmitor National Park – the best nature place in Montenegro for mountains and hiking

One of the 5 National Parks-Durmitor National Park established in 1952, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Montenegro.

To me, Durmitor stands up there with Kotor Bay, and if I had to choose only one place to visit in Montenegro, the choice would be extremely tough to make.

Durmitor National Park sits at the plateau 1500 meters above sea level. It is home to dozens of glacier lakes, 48 snow-capped peaks reaching above 2000 meters. The highest peak in Montenegro- Bobotov Kuk (2523 M) also belongs to Durmitor National Park, and hiking its summit is one of the best things you can do in Montenegro.

RELATED READS: If you love hiking and the great outdoors, you must definitely check my post about how to hike Bobotov Kuk- the highest peak in Montenegro from the Sedlo Pass.

In winter, when the snow blanket covers mountain slopes, Durmitor becomes a host for the main ski resort in Montenegro, with the jump-off base at Žabljak town .

Getting to Durmitor National Park by P14 Panoramic Route

One of the best ways to explore Durmitor National Park is to drive the panoramic P14 route (also called the Durmitor ring). Taking this circular 73 KM route will reward you with ever-changing fairy-tale like views of rolling hills, endless flower fields, lush forests, and fluffy cloud blankets hugging the jagged mountain peaks. 

If you are driving from Kotor, you will be passing Piva canyon and Plužine town. Look for the hidden turn to the P14 route that starts with entering one of the small rock-carved tunnels. The exact coordinates on Google Maps are 43.168849, 18.85792.

5. Black Lake

When visiting Durmitor National Park, make sure to go see Black Lake (Crno Jezero). Located 3 kilometers outside the Žabljak town center, Black Lake is one of the most beautiful and well-known glacier lakes in Montenegro.

50 meters deep, the lake is more emerald green in color than it is black. Surrounded by a thick forest of pine trees, Black Lake is a serene place. One of the best ways to enjoy it is to go for a 3.5 km stroll around its perimeter.

For the best photography opportunities, I recommend arriving early morning when the lake is the calmest and has beautiful mirror reflections of the surrounding pine tree forest and the mountains.

Black Lake is also a starting point for a variety of trails in the area. There is an informational board displayed at the entrance, indicating routes, distances, and times required.

Entrance fee and budget tip: there is an entrance fee of 3 EUR per person to visit Black Lake. If you are planning on hiking to Bobotov Kuk or any other trail in the area, get a 3-day pass for 6 EUR which allows you to explore unlimited locations in the Durmitor National Park.

6. Tara River Canyon

One of the most significant places in Montenegro is Tara River Canyon known as the largest deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the World! 1300 meters (4300 feet) at its deepest part, Tara canyon stretches for 82 kilometers (51 miles) and forms a natural border between Montenegro and Bosnia & Hercegovina.

The most scenic part of the canyon is the high rocks of the Ljubišnja mountain range which is part of Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. A popular and easy to access place for admiring the vastness and depth of Tara Canyon is from the iconic Durdevica bridge .

Located just 25 minutes drive from Žabljak town center, Durdevica bridge is a popular tourist place in Montenegro and an impressive engineering masterpiece. The beautiful 5 arches 172 meters tall bridge connects the two shores of the Tara river canyon.

Tara Canyon and Durdevica bridge is a must-see place when visiting Durmitor national park, even if it is just for half an hour- you must make a stop there.

Walk across the bridge to enjoy Tara river views or have a coffee with the Tre Lecce cake at one of the restaurants overlooking the Durdevica bridge.

Adventure lovers will be thrilled to know that they can go white water rafting on the rapids of Tara river or zip line between two shores of the canyon at the Durdevica bridge.

7. Sveti Stefan

Almost every postcard of Montenegro features a small islet populated with red-roofed stone houses. Situated off the coast of the Adriatic Sea and connected to the mainland by a narrow tombolo, Sveti Stefan is one of the highlights of Montenegro . It is located south of Kotor Bay and Budva town.

What used to be a fortified fishermen’s village founded in the 15th century, now is a luxury hotel. Sad news for some, though, you can only visit Sveti Stefan island if you have a booking in the hotel. The good news, on the other hand, is that the sight of the island is much more beautiful from the distance.

Ways to enjoy the best views of Sveti Stefan island

• Take a scenic stroll along the coastal trail at Milocer Park. A shaded path up north from the causeway connecting Sveti Stefan to the beach offers nice sneak peaks to the island in between the pine trees.
• Alternatively, drive up the steep hill above the coast to church St. Sava to see Sveti Stefan from above. I would recommend coming up there in the morning for the best lighting conditions. During sunset, the light will be casting straight into your lens and it won’t look nice in the photographs.

8. Lake Skadar National Park with Pavlova Strana view point

Shared between Albania and Montenegro, Lake Skadar is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula covering an area of more than 500 square kilometers. It almost looks like a calm sea rather than a lake. The larger and the most impressive part of this beautiful lake lies in Crna Gora making it one of the most incredible places to see in Montenegro.

Surprisingly, Lake Skadar is still an off the beaten path destination compared to its nearby attractions in Montenegro like Kotor Bay or Adriatic Sea Coast, but it is just as impressive.

Lake Skadar belongs to Skadar National Park and is a nesting ground for hundreds of bird’s speeches in Europe.

However, it is Lake Skadar’s mind-blowing scenery from the Pavlova Strana viewpoint that took my breath away.

I recommend taking the M3.2 road- a classic one-lane Montenegrin rural road that winds above the lake and offers the best views, including the above-mentioned stop at Pavlova Strana. Pavlova Strana features a sight of a horseshoe bend of Rijeka Crnojevića  waterway with many small hills popping out of the lake in the distance.

At the shores of Lake Skadar, make sure to take one of the tours in the classic fishing boats. Gliding lake Skadar waters through the marches of lilies as well as jumping out for a swim is one of the best things you can do in Lake Skadar.

9. Njegoš Mausoleum at Lovcen National Park

Scaling the heights and ticking off the panoramic views in Montenegro is easy. Lovcen National Park , although smaller than Durmitor, offers sights of some incredible layered mountain ranges less than an hour drive away from Kotor Bay.

On a clear day, you can see the view of the whole Kotor Bay. It is said that the best sunsets in the whole of Montenegro can be witnessed from the Lovcen mountains.

The highlight of the trip to Lovcen National Park is the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos . A national hero of Montenegro has been buried atop Mount Lovcen peak.

The Mausoleum is accessed through a tunnel with a set of hundreds of steps. The architecture and interiors of the mausoleum are controversial. Nonetheless, the best part of the burial place is behind the mausoleum where you will find a circular viewing platform overlooking the mountainous panorama of the Dinaric Alps.

You can reach Lovcen Mausoleum in two ways:

• From the highway of old capital Cetinje; or
• Drive the nerve-wracking but unbelievably scenic Kotor Serpentine raod (I would choose this anytime as the views of Koto Bay are unbeatable).

10. Piva River Canyon

Piva Canyon is another less known but absolutely amazing and unique place to visit in Montenegro. A turquoise-colored Piva river is gushing through the narrow canyon at the northern part of Montenegro close to the Bosnia and Hercegovina border.

If you are driving to Durmitor National Park, make sure to take road E762 towards Plužine  town. You will have an adrenaline-filled journey driving through around 65 small tunnels carved through the rock. A chain of picturesque tunnels starts immediately after passing Plužine  town. Here you can also stop for a petrol refill and a quick lunch break at an artificial turquoise lake- another cool place in Montenegro.

On my Montenegro road trip, I drove through the tunnels until the Mratinje dam and back to the Piva lake in Plužine. From here I took an exit to the scenic P14 road leading to Durmitor National Park. Just a heart-stopping switchbacks up the road, and you will get a special treat- a fantastic viewing point of Piva lake from above.

11. Grebaje Valley in Accursed Mountains

Not every visitor makes it that far in Montenegro, but if you are traveling for more than a week in a rental car, make sure to get out of the beaten path and explore Montenegro’s best-kept secret- Accursed (Prokletje) National Park.

Tucked away in the far eastern corner of Montenegro, Grabaje valley is a hidden gem and stunning base for some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Accursed mountains range which extends into Albania on the other side. Accursed Mountains are also often called Albanian Alps, and is definitely one of the most spectacular hidden places in Montenegro . I would put it in the top 10 places to see in Montenegro if it was a little easier to access.

If you love hiking, then you must add Prokletje National Park to your Montenegro itinerary. One of the easiest trails but still on a moderate plus level due to immediate elevation gain is a hike to Volušnica peak overlooking spectacular Karanfili massif.

Entrance fee: entering Grebaje Valley costs 1 EUR per day. Even if you stay at one of the mountain huts in the area, you still must pay the entrance fee.

Another place to stop by when on the way to Grebaje valley is the Arabic/Turkish influenced town of Gusinje. It reminded me of Albania a lot with its mosques and only men-dominated coffee shops. Some of the best things to do in this small local town of eastern Montenegro is to just stroll the streets and have a cup of the best coffee in the country at one of the bustling coffee shops. Just to note, if you are a female traveler, you can expect lots of curious stares. I picked the quietest of all the coffee shops, around the corner off the main street.

12. Komovi Mountains

The other hidden gem in Montenegro is Komovi Mountains . If you love hiking and are ready to explore deeper and further than Durmitor National Park, then you will definitely find some mighty peaks to scale in Komovi.

Located sort of on the way to Prokletije National Park, in Andrijevica Municipality, Eastern part of Montenegro, Komovi mountains feature idyllic meadows and ominous barren peaks.

Several marked mountain trails start from Stavna Plateau, with 5 peaks above 2000 meters you can choose from for summiting.

The most well-known in the area is Kom Vasojevički (2461m). Although it won’t be crowded as some of the best-known hikes in Montenegro like Bobotov Kuk In Durmitor.

The best base for hiking in the Komovi mountains would be Eko Katun Štavna- a pioneer of ecotourism in Montenegro. Located in the beautiful Stavna Plateau, this accommodation offers 2-floor bungalows that can fit a group of up to 6 people.

13. Stari Bar

Situated south of Montenegro, slightly above the Adriatic coast, not far from the Albanian border, Stari Bar (Old Bar) is a charismatic Ottoman-influenced town and an underdog compared to its more famous counterparts- Kotor or Budva.

Nestled in the hills, Stari Bar is mostly known for its aqueduct and an ancient castle dating back to the early Middle Ages. Stari Bar has a sad history of being devastated by the earthquake in 1979. The destruction of the aqueduct left residents without water and made them move closer to the coast where the new not-so-charming town of Bar is currently located.

Today, the remaining of the old town of Stari Bar is filled with quirky souvenir and coffee shops, and slow food restaurants which attract some curious travelers. Stari Bar is a beautiful less touristy place in Montenegro. It is great for a midday afternoon lunch break and exploring its historic castle and aqueduct.

14. Petrovac Na Moru

P etrovac Na Moru is a seaside town that is most popular amongst locals as a summer seaside destination. It is an unconventional place to visit in Montenegro featuring a coastline lined up with impressive layered cliffs, 16th-century Venetian fortress guarding Petrovac harbor, and a pretty pine tree-shaded promenade leading to a few secluded beaches on the northern part of the town.

Moreover, situated midway on the Adriatic coast, Petrovac serves as a convenient base if you want to quickly drive to the nearby attractions like Sveti Stefan, Stari Bar, or even Ulcinj.

Things to do in Petrovac

• Stroll pine tree-shaded promenade of Pešačka staza Petrovac – Reževići . The elevated pathway starts above the fortress at the main Petrovac beach and takes about 30 minutes to complete. You will get a wonderful view of the Kastio castle below and the beach beyond as well as sneak peaks of tiny island chapel Sveti Nedjelja.
• Swim in Perazica Do beach which you reach by walking to the end of the Pešačka staza Petrovac – Reževići promenade.
• Take a boat taxi to secluded Fenix beach. Accessible only by boat, this tiny beach looked like a small piece of paradise with only few people enjoying it to themselves. I spotted it when I was walking the promenade just to realize to my big regret that the only acces is by water. The boat taxis can be hired at the main beach in Petrovac.
• Climb up to Kastio castle – a tiny Venetian fortress peaking out into the water off Petrovac’s harbor.
• Have lunch or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants on vibrant Petrovac main beach.

 15. Herceg Novi

At the west-north end of Montenegro, close to the Croatian and Bosnian border, sits Herceg Novi , a fortified town acting as a gatekeeper for the entrance to the Kotor Bay. Founded in the 15th century and translated as a “New Castle”, Herceg Novi is known for its many forts.

Surviving the turbulent history of conquest the most notable fortress in town is Kula built during the rulership of the Ottoman Empire. The other two battlements that are worth checking out are Sea Fortress built by Bosnians and Spanish Fortress.

Herceg Novi is a much quieter coastal town compared to Kotor and usually serves as a pit stop on a road trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Yet, once popular among Yugoslavians, this harbor town is worth exploring. You will find many buzzing cafes, restaurants and bars giving life to the Stari Grad’s (old town’s) enchanting churches and centuries-aged fortresses.

On a hot day, cool down in the pristine waters of the pebble bay of Herceg Novi. While towards the sunset make sure to stroll the beautiful Pet Danica promenade  that runs the entire length of the seafront.

The southernmost coastal town of Montenegro, next to the Albanian border, is culturally confused Ulcinj . An ancient seaport is once known as the pirate capital of the Adriatic Sea, Ulcinj is influenced by Ottomans and feels more like Albania than Montenegro.

The sight of minarets rising from mosques in this largely Muslim town, kebab shops with titles all in Albanian, and laid back vibe gives a completely different Montenegro travel experience compared to visiting other more famous places like Kotor.

Today, Ulcinj is most famous for its well-preserved castle, a small old town built on the cliff above the Adriatic Sea, and its many beautiful beaches. In fact, Long Beach is the longest sandy beach you can find in Montenegro. In general, Ulcinj is the place to go for the wild beach scenery in Montenegro.

If you are traveling by road from Shkoder, Albania, chances are you may be passing by Ulcinj as well. It is worth stopping for a day or two to enjoy its unique atmosphere.

17. Morača  Canyon

A less known Morača Canyon is the second largest river canyon in Montenegro. Originating in northern Montenegro under  Rzača  mountain and stretching between municipalities of Podgorica and Kolašin, the canyon is up to 1000 meters high at its deepest point of Tisov Vrh .

Characterized by steep watersides, to me, Moraca canyon is even more breathtaking than the famous Tara canyon and a worthy place to see in Montenegro. After seeing a few images online, I made sure to include a drive-through Moraca in my two-week road trip in Montenegro and it did not disappoint. I couldn’t stop turning my head at the awe-inspiring scenery of high cliffs while passing numerous rock-carved tunnels.

Following the thrilling E65 highway up North of the capital Podgorica lookout for the panoramic spot to pull over your car and enjoy the views. One of the panoramic spots is marked on Google Maps as “Platije- Panorama Kanjon Rijeke Moraca”.

18. Our Lady of Angels Church

One of the most instagramable places in Montenegro as it later turned out while doing my places to visit research is a petite Our Lady of Angels Church .

Located in Kotor Bay, on the opposite side of Perast with Our Lady of The Rocks and Saint George islands on the horizon, the church dates back to the 16th century. Among locals, the chapel bears the name Our Lady of Oriz which has Italian language origins and translates as “a smile”.

Our Lady of Angels keeps the sentiment of the past when sailors used to come back from long journeys with a smile on their faces while the first sight they used to encounter was the little church.

The pretty church is a true treat for eyes and a fantastic hidden gem that you can find when looping around Kotor Bay from Kotor Old town to the direction of Lepetani.

19. Biogradska Gora

Located in the eastern part of Montenegro, Biogradska Gora is the least known out of all 5 National parks. It encloses the mountainous area, several glacial lakes, the most famous being Lake Biograd, and one of the last 3 Europe’s virgin forests. Biogradska Gora is a perfect insight into Montenegro’s untouched beauty.

Biogradska Gora is a true nature retreat and is perfect for families and those who love active vacations. Some of the things you can do in Biogradska Gora are hiking well-marked trails that range from an easy stroll around Lake Biograd to more challenging ones which will bring you to the higher lookout points and mountains peaks.

Biogradksa Gora is a perfect place for camping or staying in one of the forest huts. Along with all the camping utensils, make sure to also bring mosquitoes’ repellant.  

At Lake Biograd, you can also rent a bicycle, boat, kayak, and swim.

Entrance fee: you must pay 3 euros to enter Biogradska Gora National Park.

There are two main ways to get to Biogradska Gora National park:

• From Durmitor National Park side, take a P4 road- one of the scenic Montenegro Crown panoramic roads that follows the Tara River Canyon
• From Podgorica, take E80 which then becomes E65 and goes between dramatic cliffs of Moraca Canyon.

Tivat is a rich and famous playground of Montenegro featuring a modern marina lined up with spectacular superyachts.

Located in Montenegro crown’s jewel Kotor Bay, Tivat is a fancy town compared to the old Venetian towns that dominate the rest of the bay.

Some years back it was a laid-back town, but now it is a base for a small international Tivat airport and a cruise ship port.

Still, if you are landing in Tivat airport, it is worth a sneak peek at Monaco of Montenegro. You can stroll the promenade, take a glimpse at the glamorous yachts from close up, and dine in one of many fine restaurants overlooking beautiful sunsets.

Moreover, Tivat can still serve as a good optional base for exploring the surrounding areas of Kotor Bay.  On my first trip to Montenegro, Tivat was a convenient jump-off spot to explore Kotor Bay, take a shortcut to Herceg Novi on a Lepetane-Kamenari ferry, and even for doing a day trip to Lovcen.

Located on the Adriatic coast Budva is the most touristic place in Montenegro, even more than Kotor. Simply it is a tourist hotspot and a must-visit place in Montenegro for the majority. No coincidence I have placed Budva at the end of the list because I avoid crowded touristy places. However, it would be unfair if I completely ignored it, as Budva can be enjoyable when visited off-season, without the crowds.

Known for its small old town, beaches, and sleepless party scene, Budva attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals every summer. If busy bustling places, beach parties and never sleeping town is your cup of tea, then you will love it.

Still, on my second trip to Montenegro, when I had more time to spare, I braved myself and visited Budva early in the morning for a couple of hours (in July). The popular Mogren beach was crowded as early as 7:30 AM, and sadly full of trash. That is why I wouldn’t recommend going to Budva in summer if you love peace and quiet.

However, if you come to visit Budva off-season (autumn/winter), you may find a completely different vibe and actually be able to enjoy the scenery.

Stone alleys and cobblestone narrow streets of Stari Grad (Old Town) of Budva are charming just as any old town of this sort. It is worth noting that Budva old town is much smaller than Kotor old town and can be walked around in probably under one hour.

Also, the famous Mogren beach boasts spectacular scenery which I believe could only be fully appreciated in late autumn and winter when all the beach bums and plastic bed-chairs are gone.

——————————–

I hope this list of the most beautiful places in Montenegro inspired you to visit this underrated Balkan country. If it is already in your plans, then I also hope that it will help when putting together an itinerary for the must-visit places in Montenegro.

Essential Montenegro Travel Resources for Your Perfect Trip

• My suggested 2-week Montenegro Road Trip Itinerary (with 1-week option)
• 25 useful tips for travelling in Montenegro
• Bobotov Kuk hiking guide – one of the best things you can do in Durmitor National Park
• Find the  BEST FLIGHTS  within your budget to Montenegro using  KIWI.com  – a booking site that offers the best routes and flight deals (with a money-back guarantee if you miss your connection).
• Rent your wheels at THE BEST RATE with Localrent – a car search engine that provides very competitive prices across local suppliers.
• Find your  IDEAL ACCOMMODATION  in Montenegro on  Booking.com , Expedia , or  Hotellook  (the latter provides the best price comparisons across the biggest hotel search sites).
• Remember to always get  TRAVEL INSURANCE  for peace of mind. Check trustworthy SAFETY WING for the best rates. It also offers Covid related events!  
• Book the best-rated  GUIDED TOURS  in  Montenegro  on  GET YOUR GUIDE .

testting how it works if i type fjhgdndf,mbfd.,nb.d,mbn

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

15 Best Places That You Must Visit in Montenegro

Montenegro offers not only beautiful mountains and crystal clear beaches, but it is also boasting with awesome places. Places that offer historical knowledge and exciting adventures. In this article, we listed the best places to visit in Montenegro .

If you’re planning to travel any of the Balkan countries , you shouldn’t miss Montenegro ! This small country is popular among tourists for its diversity and awesome attractions. Visitors will surely have a good time spending their holiday here. From mountains and beaches to the old towns. Everything that would feed your travel goals, you will find them in this wonderful country.

• 13 Useful Websites Where You Can Find Job Openings [How to Find a Job in Montenegro]
• Diving in Montenegro – Our Underwater Experience in Boka Bay, Herceg Novi
• 6 Days Herceg Novi Itinerary – What To See If You Have 6 Days in Montenegro During Summer Season
• 12 Reasons Why You Should Include Herceg Novi, Montenegro In Your Travel Bucketlist
• How To Apply for Montenegro Visa for Philippines Passport Holders – Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Table of Contents

Places to Visit in Montenegro

1. kotor old city.

This is a small but exciting old town located in Kotor. Filled with numerous shops, restaurants, museums, churches, and a Hard Rock Cafe. The old town has small alley streets and great architectures that are worth to visit. Even at night, this place is very dreamy. The view of the bay and the mountains makes it an even more magical place!

Suggested Tour: 1.5-Hour Guided Walking Tour

2. Castle Of San Giovanni

A must place to visit in Montenegro! Be prepared for a lot of stairs. These narrow path all the way up might bring difficulties for those who are not physically fit. It is advisable to bring water when you intend to climb up to the top. It will take you at least 40-50 minutes of a climb before you reach the top. However, the stunning view of Kotor, Montenegro is such a worthy reward after.

Suggested Tour: 1.5-Hour Private Walking Tour

3. Bobotov Kuk

Hiking to the Bobotov Kuk would be one of the best experiences you’ll have in Montenegro. It will be a tough walk on the legs as half of the trail is basically rock scrambling. Despite the fact that it’s a bit challenging especially for beginners, the 360-degree view at the top is absolutely worth it. If you plan to climb Bobotov Kuk, make sure to wear proper clothes, especially shoes as there’s a lot of loose rocks and stones.

4. Skadar Lake

Skadar Lake is surrounded by mountains that are breathtaking. For a more magical moment, you can pay to ride a boat on the lake. This is one of the most exciting ways to feel the special quiet and dramatic landscape between the Skadar lake and the old capital of Montenegro.

Suggested Tour: Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting

5. Bay of Kotor

Bay of Kotor is the longest and deepest fjord in Southern Europe. Which is why it is also the most popular tourist attractions in Montenegro. The emerald-colored clear water and surrounding mountains are truly amazing. Along the coastline, you’ll find many restaurants & places for refreshments. You can also take an exciting boat ride around the bay. Which stops at Our Lady’s of the Rocks Island located in the middle of the bay. Bay of Kotor might be one of the most beautiful bay in the world, don’t miss the opportunity to visit here.

Suggested Tour: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus and Walking Tour

6. Church Of Saint John

Boasting with beauty both inside and out, Church of Saint John in Bar, Montenegro is a place to be! The interiors are absolutely breathtaking with colorful paintings and high ceilings. You could spend hours just by staring at the paintings inside. The exterior is as stunning as the interior. With its unique architecture, you won’t believe that this church is actually the 21st-century church. Built-in the modern-day era, the Church of Saint John still has that touch of Byzantine structure. Don’t forget to visit this picturesque church when you’re in Montenegro.

7. Crno Lake

Another lake in Montenegro that you shouldn’t miss. The lake itself is already amazing by its color, but it is also located in a marvelous landscape, being surrounded by forests and having mountain peaks into the background. If you want a more peaceful and quiet time, you should go here in the morning. You will not only get the chance to appreciate the place’s beauty but this is also a place where you can swim. As of this writing, the price of the 1-day ticket to the national park is 3 EUR.

8. Tara River Canyon

Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe, and the second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon of Colorado, USA. Unlike the grand canyon in America, this canyon is clogged with vegetation on both banks of the turquoise river cutting through it and all up to each side. Rafting on the Tara River is also an activity that you should do here. If you still have the energy, you can try zip lining! This is the place for adventurers and nature lovers at the same time.

Suggested Tour: Montenegro Tara Rafting

9. Durmitor National Park Visitor Centre

This center is home to the natural history collection of the National Park, a shop selling souvenirs, handicraft items, as well as a room for the screening of films. It is located in the main building of the National Park. And is a place where you can receive all the information related to the tourist offer of the area. The place is also quiet and beautiful giving you that tranquil feeling.

Suggested Tour: Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery Day Trip

10. Lovcen National Park

The panoramic views of the park are absolutely breathtaking. The Lovcen National park has a moderate continental and mountain climate, influenced by the Mediterranean climate. The tallest peaks are Stirovnik that measures 1.749m above sea level and Jezierski Vrh which is 1.657m above sea level. There are picnic benches and paved paths available through the park.

Suggested Tour: Full-Day Tour to Lovcen National Park & More

11. Porto Montenegro

Porto Montenegro offers tourists a luxurious experience. The area is clean and modern with stunning views. It is also a good place for a lovely walk. Very clear, beautiful and luxurious. High-end restaurants, expensive boutiques, and nice supermarket Bonilla. The place is so gorgeous that it is being compared to Monaco minus the hustle and bustle in the city.

Suggested Tour: Blue Cave Private Boat Tour

12. City Walls

A hard climb at the city walls is required to enjoy the views along the way and from the fortress when you get to the top. Make sure that you’re wearing a good pair of shoes as the wall up and around can get fairly steep and uneven.

Suggested Tour: Private Walking Tour with Wine and Food Tasting

13. Njegos Mausoleum

In order to reach the Njegos Mausoleum, tourists need to climb up the 461 stairs. This mausoleum was opened in 1974 making it the mausoleum at the highest altitude in the world at the time. As of this writing, the fee is worth 3 EUR into the park and 5 EUR up to the mausoleum.

Suggested Tour: Day Trip to Lovcen & Skadar Lake

14. Tara Bridge

The views from the bridge to the canyon and the surrounding mountains are a sight to see. There are some small shops and restaurants on both ends of the bridge. There are also two zip lines so you can slide from one side of the hill to the other. You can also try rafting for a more adrenaline rush.

15. Altstadt (Old Town) Budva

The Old Town Budva is charming and historical. There are some little shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants within the walls that give you plenty of choices day and night. You’ll also find jewelry and souvenir shops which are perfect before you leave the city.

Suggested Tour: Budva and Sveti Stefan Island

Now that you have an idea about the places to visit in Montenegro, what are you waiting for? Pack your things and book that flight for an adventure that awaits you!

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]

DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]

48 Hours in Tokyo – Exploring Japan’s Vibrant Capital

How to find the best hotels in new york, top california destinations for families to enjoy, scuba diving and snorkeling in the philippines, what are the benefits of booking flight tickets in advance, related posts, elounda peninsula all suite hotel – the place to stay in crete for your luxury holiday, what’s the income tax system in montenegro tax types and tax rates in montenegro, 9 best things to do in obidos, portugal and where to stay, weekend in vigo, spain: how to spend 3 days in vigo, spain, previous post, balkans local cuisine: 10 types of montenegro dishes that you have to try, a cozy stay at the forbes suite at caliraya resort club in laguna, subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive tips on how you can live a sustainable long-term travel lifestyle!

• First Name *
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

16 Most Beautiful Places in Montenegro You Have to Visit

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

Are you planning a family trip to Montenegro ? Hell ya! What a beauty it is! A teeny-weeny nation in the Balkans is wonderfully untouched and off-beat. It begs to be discovered and explored. You must visit Montenegro before others start to catch on. Here’s a curated list of the best and most beautiful places in Montenegro to visit. So are you ready to expand your bucket list ?

PS : The best way to explore Montenegro is by renting a ca r . How can you not stop 100000000 times when there’s beauty at every turn? You need that freedom, you see. Craft a perfect Montenegro road trip itinerary to explore the country of Black Mountain 🙂 Read our  ultimate guide to renting a car in Europe before you rent a car in Montenegro .

Most Beautiful Places in Montenegro

Perast: one of the most stunning places to visit in montenegro.

If you just have time to visit only one place in Montenegro, let it be Perast. I fell fast and hard for it. I’d say Perast is one of the best places in Montenegro.

Tucked away along the turquoise Adriatic coastline, beautifully harbored onto the Bay of Kotor (Boka Bay), the Old Town of Perast is known as the Venice of Montenegro. A drive down from Highway E80 to a descending narrow lane skedaddling the waterfront (Obala Marka Martinovića) gets you to Perast. Located at the base of St. Elijah Hill and facing the picturesque islets of St. George (Sveti Đorđe) and Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) in the Adriatic Sea, Perast seems like a storybook town straight out of a fairy tale. This tiny village with a single lane is brimming with a rich history, crumbling yet stunning architecture, and charming waterfront cafes and restaurants. Would you believe it if I told you that a single main street town has about 17 churches and 19 palazzos? Most of the palaces are built in the Baroque style. Brajkovic Martinovic is one of the oldest preserved palaces in Perast. Small boats along the harbor take you to one of the two islands off the coast of Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island created from old shipwrecks and rocks. Legend has it that two fishermen brothers constructed a little chapel there after discovering an icon of the Virgin Mary. There’s also a small museum dedicated to the history of Perast. Most travelers visit Perast as a day trip from Kotor or Dubrovnik but it deserves at least one night stay. Villa & Apartments Perasto  and Conte Hotel & Restaurant are two of the most beautiful places to stay in Perast.

Read Next: Coolest Things to do in Dubrovnik

Kotor Old Town: One of the Most Famous Places in Montenegro

By far, Kotor is one of the most famous places in Montenegro. Located on the shores of Kotor Bay with a backdrop of limestone cliffs, this exquisitely preserved medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the visitors come here as a stop on a cruise ship or as a day trip from Dubrovnik, Croatia. The reason why the Old Town sees hordes of tourists during the daytime in peak months. Thus, you must plan a day or two, preferably in the shoulder months to soak in the charm of Kotor. Strolling the maze-like cobbled streets of Kotor Old Town is like walking back in the past. You can sense how the varied rulers (Romans, Ottomans, Habsburgs, Serbians, Napoleans) left their marks on the town. You can join a guided Kotor Walking Tour to dive into the history of Kotor. Kotor Old Town is known for its high population of cats. In fact, cats have become a symbol of the town. Every turn you take, you find a cat or two. Cat lover or not, you’d like to visit the tiny museum dedicated to little furry residents of the town, Kotor Cats Museum .

You can’t leave Kotor before you hike St. John Fortress (San Giovanni Fortress). However you climb the Kotor walls, by 1355 steps of the fortress or by taking a beautiful route of the Ladder of Kotor , the views over the town and the Bay of Kotor are awe-inspiring.

Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro , Apartmani Maxim , and De Lux Apartments Sirena are recommended places to stay in Kotor.

Durmitor National Park: One of the Best National Parks in Montenegro

One of the best national parks in Montenegro and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Durmitor is truly a masterpiece of nature. Formed by glaciers and streams, Durmitor with its soaring limestone peaks (about 48 with Bobotov Kuk , being the highest), deep canyons (about 5 with Tara River Canyon , being the deepest), gleaming and placid glacial lakes (about 18), amazing natural springs, and lush woodlands is wilderness at its best. Durmitor boasts the largest variety of butterflies in Europe.

Come winter, the park turns into a haven for ski lovers while summer attracts hikers. Check out the 8 best hikes at Durmitor National Park for adventure lovers. Tara River Rafting and Canyoning in Nevidio Canyon are not-to-be-missed activities during summer.

Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe (1300m) and the second deepest in the world. It’s recognized as the “Tear of Europe” owing to its blue-green crystal clear waters.

Žabljak , the highest town in the Balkans, is the nearest town to Durmitor and thus, a great place to stay while you explore the national park. The town with lush grasslands, wooden cottages, and towering mountains, is a beautiful place to explore. It’s your chance to reconnect with nature, you know.

Dormire Apartmans , Lux Bungalow , Holiday Home Vile Calimero , and Hotel Soa are the most desired places to stay in Durmitor.

Lake Skadar National Park

The Balkans’ largest lake, Skadar elegantly straddles Montenegro and Albania. Protected as a national park in Montenegro and as a nature reserve in Albania, it is one of the hidden gems in Europe . Legend has it that the tears of a pixie formed the lake. You’d want to believe the fable after seeing Lake Skadar. Lake Skadar is a breeding ground for migratory birds including the endangered Pygmy Cormorant and Dalmatian Pelican and is listed as the largest bird reserve in Europe. From jaw-dropping views to intriguing history to Montenegrin culture, Lake Skadar can be experienced on a boat cruise from Virpazar (gateway town). You can get great views of Grmožur (prison), Lesendro Fortress , Besac Fortress , and many monasteries of Lake Skadar from the boat.

The cruise takes you to Pavlova Strana viewpoint near Rijeka Crnojevića from where you can witness the panoramic views of the lake in the shape of a horseshoe bend. Other ways to explore the national park are kayaking, biking, and hiking. And, there are freshwater beaches on the lake’s shore where you can enjoy swimming. The national park is mostly done as a day trip from Podgorica (29 km), Bar (17 km), Kotor (65 km), or Budva (43 km). The gateway town of Virpazar is just about 30 minutes from Podgorica. You can drive or enjoy a train ride from Podgorica or Bar to Virpazar.

 Eco Villas Merak , Apartment Sjekloca , and Prevalis Nature Cottage are the best places to stay in and around Lake Skadar National Park.

Ostrog Monastery

Miraculously carved into the face of a cliff 900 m above the Zeta valley, pure white Ostrog Monastery is a center of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians. The monastery, in fact, draws visitors of varied faiths from all across the world. The Lower Monastery (Donji Manastir) is located about 2 km below the main chapel. You can admire the frescoes of Holy Trinity Church and the engraved stone walls of the Church of St Stanko the Martyr on the way to the Upper Monastery. The Upper Monastery (Gornji Manastir) was founded in 1665 by Sv Vasilije (St Basil), the Bishop of Herzegovina, and thus, is dedicated to him. There’s another cavelike chapel at the top of Upper Monastery. The best way to reach Ostrog is by renting a car or boarding a tour bus from Podgorica .

Hotel Sokoline ,   Old House Kontic , and Holiday Village Ostrog  are the best places to stay in and around Ostrog.

You can’t talk about the best places to visit in Montenegro and not talk about Lake Piva (Pivsko jezero), an artificial lake located in Plužine. The lake was created in 1975 to build the Mratinje Dam over the Piva River. The deep emerald-colored lake enveloped by lush forest is a view to die for. Despite breathing in the views, you can swim, cruise, or fish here. You should also plan a visit to the Plužine Old Town and Piva Monastery, about 10 km away from the lake. The lake is known to be the largest reservoir of fresh water in Montenegro. Also, the lake water is the cleanest water in the Balkans and is perfectly fit for drinking.

Apartment Vera , Apartman Bujišić , and   Apartments Osmajic are beautiful properties in and around the Lake Piva region.

The dilapidated ruins of Stari Bar (Old Bar) at the base of Mt Rumija tell the story of the turbulent past. The town was possessed by the Venetians, the Hungarians, the Serbians, the Ottomans, and the Turks. They built a new town of Bar down by the water that’s now a major seaport in Montenegro but the old town of Bar remains in ruins. There are a couple of shops, restaurants, cafes, and houses popping up around the old fortifications though. You can hike (5 km) up from the center of the Bar to Stari Bar or can drive up to the site if you have a car or better yet take a guided tour.

You can stay in Bar to explore Stari Bar. The best places to stay in Bar include Apartments Stevo Nikočević and Vila Monegro .

The southernmost town along the coast of Montenegro, Ulcinj is damn close to the Albanian border. In fact, Montenegrin town has an 80% Albanian population. Its strategic location makes it a popular destination among Kosovars. Ulcinj Old Town is worth a stroll. How can you not visit one of the best beaches in Montenegro ? Enjoy the sun and sand at Velika Plaza (Long Beach), one of the longest beaches in Europe. Mala Plaža  (small beach) is another beautiful beach in Ulcinj. One of the most distinctive features of Ulcinj is its many mosques. You can catch up with the cultural heritage of the city at some of the mosques that stand out – Sailor’s Mosque, Pasha’s Mosque, Kryepazarit Mosque, Mezjah Mosque, and Lami Mosque .

Villa Marinero , Apartments Basha 1 , and Giardino Lux Apartments are some of the best places to stay in Ulcinj.

Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Budva is often called the Montenegrin Miami . But, more than anything else I loved Budva’s Old Town . With narrow maze-like cobbled streets and charming squares, the UNESCO-listed walled Old Town built by Venetians is every bit as charming as it can get 🙂 We took a guided Budva City Tour to feel the real vibe of the town. And, don’t forget to get a selfie with Statua Ballerina near Mogren Beach . After all, it’s a poster child of Budva.

Fontana Seafront Residences , Dukley Hotel & Resort , and Boutique Hotel Vissi d’Arte are the highly-rated hotels in Budva.

Sveti Stefen: Poster Child of Monetengro

The picture of a tiny island floods the internet when you put Montenegro in the search bar. This island of Sveti Stefen epitomizes Montenegro like no other. Once a small fishing village, the island now is a luxurious resort of Aman Sveti Stefan , joined to the mainland by a narrow causeway and thus, is accessible only if you are their guest. But, if you are just here to shoot an Instagram-worthy picture (because you are at the most photographed site in Montenegro), you better drive up to the Chapel of Saint Sava or book a room at Hotel Adrović .

Saint Stefan Apartments , VILA Djordje , and ZEN Apartment Pržno are other best places to stay in Sveti Stefen.

Lovcen National Park

How can you visit Montenegro and not visit Mt Lovćen , the black mountain (PS: It’s not black) that gave Montenegro (Crna Gora) its name? Regardless of the name thing, Lovcen National Park deserves a place on your list for its other-worldly beauty. You can’t beat its sunsets. Lovcen is also the final resting place of Montenegro’s beloved son, Petar II Petrović Njegoš. His burial chamber, located on Jezerski Vrh , Lovcen’s second-highest peak, can be reached by climbing the secret stairs. You’d forget the huff and puff when you see the far-reaching views from the round viewing platform that reaches as far as Albania and Croatia. You get a chance to drive one of the most famous hair-pinned roads in the world, Kotor Serpentine (P1). The road between the cities of Kotor and Cetinje is about 40 km but the most dangerous (about 8 km) stretch with over 16 hairpin turns is called Kotor Serpentine. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay as you navigate and brave your way through the serpentine. A 12-hour guided tour from Kotor to Lovcen National Park including Njegusi village, Cetinje, Crnojevic River, and Sveti Stefan is a perfect way to explore the region of Dinara Alps .

Guest House Markovic Lovcen , Hotel Monte Rosa , and Ethno Village St. George are some of the nice places to stay in and around Lovcen.

One of the sunniest towns in Boka Bay, Tivat is also the youngest town in the Bay of Kotor. Sandwiched between the sea and Mount Vrmac, the town is exquisitely remodeled into a luxurious yachting resort from an old naval base with the construction of a posh marina ( Porto Montenegro Marina ). The spirit of Tivat’s past is kept intact while sprinkling a dash of newness. You can visit its reverberating past at Summer House Buća , Ostrvo Cvijeca (Prevlaka Island),   Plavi Horizonti , and Sveti Nikola Island.

Apartments Infinity , Regent Porto Montenegro , Apartment close to sea with a great view of sea , and Boutique Hotel La Roche  are some amazing places to stay in Tivat.

Herceg Novi

The beautiful beachside town of Herceg Novi is not as popular as the coastal towns of Kotor or Dubrovnik but is equally spectacular. The Old Town’s cobbled streets, historic squares, graceful churches, and mighty fortresses reverberate its turbulent past. Kanli Kula Fortress ,  Spanjola Fortress , and Savina Monastery are worth a visit. While in Herceg Novi, make sure to walk the promenade ( Pet Danica ) and then sit by one of the charming cafes and restaurants along the promenade to breathe in the coastal air and observe the local life. Or hit the small spa town, Igalo , at the western end of the promenade, for mud therapy that’s known for its healing properties.

Lalovic Apartmani-Lobelia , Guesthouse Villa Stari Grad , and Apartments Belani are the best places to stay in Herceg Novi.

Biogradska Gora National Park

Located near Kolašin , curled up within the Bjelasica mountain range , Biogradska Gora is home to one of the last remaining virgin rainforests in Europe, literally untouched by man. Many of the trees in this primordial forest are over 500 years old. For the smallest (5400 acres) of four national parks in Montenegro, Biogradska holds a mind-boggling diverse range of flora and fauna. There are 220 varieties of plants, 150 species of birds, 10 species of mammals, 86 varieties of trees, 3 species of trout, 350 species of insects, nine glacial lakes, and one lowland lake, Lake Biograd (Biogradsko Jezero). Take a stroll (3 to 4 km) around Lake Biograd to admire its emerald green waters or hire one of the boats to enjoy nature from the waters or hop on the open-air train or indulge in adventurous activities like horseriding, jeep safari, or biking or take on one of the many oh-so-lovely hiking trails or just get lost in the lush woodlands – choose your favorite way to explore the Montenegrin natural heritage.

Apartments Tango , Monte Chalet Kolašin , and Chalet Kolašin are some of the amazing places to stay in and around Biogradska.

Podgorica: One of the Best Cities in Montenegro

Podgorica, the capital and the largest city of Montenegro (still pint-sized), certainly is one of the best cities in Montenegro. Often termed as a boring or dull city, Podgorica isn’t one in reality. Located between the Dinaric Alps and Lake Scutari, the city echoes its rich past (it witnessed the changing hands of rulers from Austro-Hungarian to the Turks) as you stroll its streets and squares. From the Old Town (Stara Varos) to Millenium Bridge to Ribnica Bridge (Adzi-Pasa’s Bridge) to Cijevna waterfalls to the Roman ruins (Doclea ) to Podgorica museum to the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ to meeting emus to taking a vineyard tour through Plantaze Winery – Podgorica has so much in store! Unfortunately, travelers give it amiss and head straight to the Adriatic coast. Otherwise overlooked, Podgorica very well deserves your attention.

Apartment Center 2018 , Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora , and Boscovich Boutique Hotel are the best places to stay in Podgorica.

Not as popular as the Blue Cave in Croatia , Montenegro’s Blue Cave is as beautiful as Croatia’s namesake. Another plus point is that you can swim here! Located on the Lustica Peninsula , the cave is accessible from April to October by boat tours ( 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. every day) that depart from Herceg Novi. It’s about an hour’s ride and costs €6 to €10 per person. You can also join a private boat tour to Blue Cave from Kotor .

Hope our round-up of the best places to go in Montenegro inspires you enough to pack your bags and catch a flight to this Balkan gem.

Recommended Reading:

• Renting a Car in Europe
• Schengen Visa for Europe
• How to Plan a Trip to Europe
• Top 5 Things to do in Montenegro in a Day
• The Epic 14 Days in Croatia Itinerary
• 7 Best Places to Visit in Croatia
• The Blue Cave in Croatia
• The Island of Vis in Croatia
• Coolest Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Best Things to do in Split, Croatia
• The First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Split, Croatia
• Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
• Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia
• A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Zagreb, Croatia
• Where to Stay in Zagreb, Croatia

Save the Top Places in Montenegro to Pinterest

Sharing is nice 🙂 If you have liked our post please share it with your friends and family and feel free to  subscribe  to our mailing list or you can also follow our stories on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Pinterest , and  Twitter .

Anjali Chawla

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

© 2024 Travel Melodies. All Rights Reserved.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

14 Best Places to Visit in Montenegro

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 11/03/2021

Montenegro has been deemed the next hottest destination in Europe for quite a while, and many eyes, but not all, have turned to this tiny country that stretches a mere 300km from north to south. Wedged between the tourist hub of Croatia and the lesser-visited nation of Albania, Montenegro holds itself strong as a top destination to visit in the Balkans and Europe overall.

From mountainous regions that provide spectators with remarkable natural sights to coastal city’s that rival some of the best beaches in Europe to old towns that hold centuries worth of history, the must-visit places in Montenegro vary greatly, providing visitors with a number of splendid sights.

Adding even just a few of these best places to visit in Montenegro, no matter how long or short your time in this Balkan country is, will surely make your trip to Montenegro unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Top Places to Visit in Montenegro

While Montenegro has a plethora and impressive places to visit, these are the must-see places in Montenegro.

An obvious first choice, but not without good reason, is the most popular place to visit in all of Montenegro. The Kotor Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is best explored in the early morning before visitors for day trips from Dubrovnik and cruise ship tourists make their way to this picturesque town. Nestled on the edge of the Bay of Kotor and between towering, snow-capped mountains, Kotor is a dreamy old town that is like something from a fairytale. The medieval cobblestone streets are tiny and wind between Venetian and Byzantine churches, towers and other notable landmarks. The history in this small town is rich as different empires fought to take control of the walled city.

For the best views of Kotor it’s essential that you climb some 1300 stairs to St. John’s Fort (don’t worry there’s a not so secret way with fewer stairs!) that overlooks the Bay of Kotor for some of the most breathtaking views in all of Montenegro.

READ MORE: 10 Best Things to do in Kotor

Popular as one of the top Montenegro holiday destinations, the Budva Riviera is a glamourous hot spot for locals and tourists alike. The Budva Old Town is smaller but no less charming than Kotor’s. The Venetian walls add to the town’s worldly character that dates back over 2500 years and stretches right to the edge of the Adriatic Sea. Budva is known for having some of the best beaches in Montenegro and has become the place to go when visiting Montenegro for nightlife. The rich and famous gather here to spend their days relaxing by the stunningly blue waters, the evenings dining at the local restaurants and nights hitting the town until the early morning. Budva is a popular spot for cruise ships to dock in the summer months, bringing the city alive, but partying isn’t all that this UNESCO Heritage Site has to offer as it’s packed with history too, making it all the more worthy of a stop during your Montenegro trip.

READ MORE: 10 Best Things to do in Budva

Sveti Stefan

A touch further down the Adriatic Coast from Budva is the very tiny Sveti Stefan, an isolated inlet surrounded by the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea that is among the most famous places in Montenegro. Without a doubt, if you’ve looked up Montenegro in any search results, you’ve seen a picture of Sveti Stefan. As one of the top sights in Montenegro, it’s come to be the poster child for Montenegro tourism. And though it’s lovely to view from afar, especially from Church St. Sava, that’s about all you’ll see! While Sveti Stefan was originally a fishing village in the 15th century it’s now an exclusive resort that only allows guests of the Aman Hotel into the town itself.

Easily one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro is the lovely town of Perast. Located northwest of Kotor, still along the edge of the Bay of Kotor waters, this town is most known for the tiny island, Our Lady of the Rocks. It’s the only artificial island in all of the Adriatic Sea and on it sits a picturesque chapel. The island was built because it was here that two fishermen had a vision of the Virgin Mary appear. Today, visitors to this quiet town are shuffled back and forth on small boats from the mainland to the island for a closer look.

Unlike Kotor, Perast doesn’t have large cruise ships docking which means its a quiet oasis with just as much beauty. Here you can take your time strolling the old town cobblestone streets visiting palaces and churches that date back to the Renaissance and Baroque eras and enjoy the peaceful nature of Perast sitting at the seaside cafes with fewer tourists and more locals.

Skadar Lake

One of the best places in Montenegro when it comes to natural attractions is Skadar Lake, which just so happens to be one of the largest lakes in the Balkans that stretches across the Albanian and Montenegrin border. The most picturesque part of the lake is in Montenegro though, where visitors pull over to the side of the road to snap a few shots of the horseshoe curve of the lake from above. Some say it rivals Horseshoe Bend in Utah, and while Skadar Lake is one of the prettiest places in Montenegro, it’s not quite as majestic, in my opinion! That being said it’s still worthy of a visit. One of the most popular things to do here is to grab lunch overlooking the water (fresh fish is typically a top choice) and taking a boat ride that offers a differing perspective from above.

Durmitor National Park

Montenegro has some beautiful coastal cities but too often overlooked are the seriously breathtaking natural attractions in Montenegro. Durmitor National Park is one such place. Located in the north, this national park can be visited on a day trip from Kotor or should be added to your Montenegro road trip itinerary. The park is home to 18 glacial lakes, along with numerous mountains and deep canyons that make for the perfect playground for outdoor lovers for kayaking, hiking, and more. Whether you’re active outdoors or not, as one of the top places in Montenegro for natural beauty, the views here are worth coming alone.

If you wish to spend more than a few hours or a day in this national park the best place to stay is in Žabljak, an alpine town that is the highest town in all of the Balkans.

Tara River Canyon

Tara Canyon is apart of Durmitor National Park that delivers exceptional natural views and landscapes as the river flows down from Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the river itself stretches some 150km, the best views are right by Đurđevića Bridge. The bridge was originally built in 1940, when Montenegro was apart of Yugoslavia, only to be mostly destroyed just years later to stop the advance of the Italians during WWII. Curiously enough, the man who designed the bridge was one of the people who helped plan to take it down. Today the bridge is reconstructed and you can walk across it or opt to take the zipline that runs parallel to it across Tara River Canyon. For those who are more adventurous, be sure to make your way to this area in the spring for some white water rafting when the rapids are at their peak.

Ostrog Monastery

Whether you’re religious or not, this site is one that is too impressive to miss. Ostrog Monastery is an important pilgrimage site for those of the Orthodox Christian faith from around the world that sits on high on a mountain cliff, 900 metres above Zeta valley. The monastery was built during the 17th century as a refuge when the Ottoman Empire was invading the country, carved from a cave that is apart of a cliff that is nearly vertical. While it’s quite extraordinary to view from below, a visit will show you the remarkable mosaics and frescos that are painted directly on the rock walls of the two caves that make up the monastery. There’s no need to hike up the steep cliff to marvel at this incredible monastery though, many tours include a stop here and there is a road, though not for the faint of heart, that leads you to the top.

Stari Bar, which translates to Old Bar is one of the most unique places to visit in Montenegro. It sits above the town of Bar that is along Montenegro’s southern coast, close to Albania, completely frozen in time. Stari Bar was once a thriving town that passed through rulers such as Byzantine, Serbian and Ottoman, each adding its own flair to the town. In 1877 it was destroyed during the Montenegrin-Ottoman war but was rebuilt, only to have it fall to pieces again, though this time due to an earthquake in 1979 that forced residents to abandon their homes for lack of running water.

Today you can make your way to Stari Bar from Bar on foot to explore the ruins of this once prominent town. There are crumbling ruins of churches and mosques, some of them which were remarkable for the time they were built. There’s even a tree, ‘Stara maslina’, one amongst many olive groves, that is said to be over 2000 years old, making it one of the oldest trees in the world.

Ulcinj is the most southern city in Montenegro, right by the border to Albania, which would explain why most of the people who inhabit this city are Albanians. It’s a very laid-back city with fewer tourists than Kotor and not quite as glitzy as Budva, making it one of the best cities to visit in Montenegro for a truly relaxed holiday. While Ulcinj has quite a long history, dating back to the 5th century BC, the old town itself is impressive but the 12km long beach, the longest in Montenegro is a big draw to this coastal city as well.

Lovcen National Park

This park is smaller than Durmitor National Park, but it packs a whole lot of sights into its small area. The Lovcen mountains are dramatic and create scenic sights as you drive the 16 hairpin turns from Kotor to the most important part of the park – the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos, a prince, poet, and philosopher, loved by Montenegrins. The mausoleum sits on one of the highest peaks in the park, Jezerski vrh, the exact place that Petar II Petrovic-Njegos himself chose to be the place of his burial. Though he died in 1851, the mausoleum wasn’t built until 1971. Nevertheless, it’s still a spot you’re going to want to check out, as the structure is quite grand with over 200,000 gold tiles used in the chapel. Wear comfortable shoes though, it’s 461 covered steps to the top where you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views in all of the Balkans from the viewing platform behind the mausoleum. For scenic views, it’s easily one of the best places to go in Montenegro.

Herceg Novi

Up north, close to the Croatian border, sits Herceg Novi, a town at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor that has a history much like the other towns and cities in Montenegro. Herceg Novi translates to ‘New Castle’ and was founded in the 15th century. It began as a tourist hot spot during the Yugoslav times but today the town is much quieter. It’s a fun stop during the summer when it’s the festival season as you make your way to or from Dubrovnik in Croatia or Trebijne in Bosnia & Hercegovina. The town is most notable for Kula Fortress, built when the Ottoman Empire was ruling, the Sea Fortress which was built by the Bosnians and the Spanish Fortress. On top of these impressive buildings, there are also beaches and harbours.

While not quite as alluring as Kotor and Budva, Tivat is still one of the best cities in Montenegro to visit, mainly because it’s here that you’ll be able to bask in the sun, right beside the rich and famous. This coastal city is where luxury yachts dock in the marina, giving it similar vibes to Monaco. Tivat is also a cruise ship port and is a bustling area for visitors, especially during the summer when the city reaches its peak with a number of fairs and carnivals that take place.

Cetinje currently holds the honorary title of the capital of Montenegro as this city is a significant place in Montenegro for culture, religion and national identity. It was once the actual capital of Montenegro (now it’s Podgorica) when it was still an independent country before WWI, and where many diplomatic relations were conducted. Today many of the embassies have been turned into museums and is where the prime minister currently resides. As for the best destinations in Montenegro for history lovers, Cetinje is a must-visit.

Enjoy your time in Montenegro, I hope this article helped you discover a few of the top destinations in Montenegro for your upcoming trip!

Disclosure : This post contains affiliate links which I earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which I earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure policy for details. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Disclaimer: Taylor’s Tracks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.Com and affiliated sites.

Wander-Lush

21 Useful Things to Know Before You Go Travelling in Montenegro

My top tips and hacks to save you money, time and stress. A must-read before you go travelling in Montenegro.

When I set off on my 6-month overland journey through the Balkans last spring, Montenegro was probably the country I knew the least about.

The only expectations I had were for stunning mountain landscapes and shimmering sunsets on the Bay of Kotor. I got both of those in spades. Everything else was a surprise – usually a pleasant surprise, but not always!

Montenegro shares some commonalities with its bordering countries so if you’ve travelled in Albania or Bosnia for instance, you already have a rough idea of what’s in store.

On the whole, Montenegro is incredibly convenient. The country is compact and straightforward to navigate, the Euro is the official currency (even though Montenegro isn’t yet a ratified EU member), and much like the rest of the region, people are exceedingly welcoming and friendly.

Still, I had many ‘Only in Montenegro’ moments during my road trip that inspired me to compile this list. Here are 21 practical Montenegro tips that I think every traveller should know before they go.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

What is travelling in Montenegro really like? 21 essential Montenegro tips

I hope these practical Montenegro travel tips will make your journey a little easier.

1. It rains – a lot

Montenegro’s remarkable topography is one of the things that makes it such a great place to visit. The rugged mountain interior backs almost directly onto the sea, so in the space of 15 minutes you can travel from the Mediterranean-like coast into the high hills.

As fast as the landscape changes, so can the weather.

Keep in mind that it rains an awful lot throughout much of the year. Montenegro’s wet season typically runs from April through to September and brings torrential downpours. Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, is the wettest city in Europe by a big margin, clocking up an average 1600mm of rainfall over 157 rainy calendar days.

Winter in Montenegro is bitterly cold in the mountains while on the coast, conditions remain mild (the mercury rarely drops below 12 degrees Celcius in Kotor, even in January). Because of the way the city is positioned in relation to the mountains, Kotor receives no direct sunlight for a big chunk of the year, which does make it feel a bit chillier. (Speaking to a local, this was her biggest complaint about living in Kotor.)

Summers on the coast are similarly mild, with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees during the day in cities including Budva and dipping to a pleasant 17 degrees in the evenings. The sea is warm enough to swim in from July onwards.

While rain on the coast is rare during summer, thunderstorms are common in the mountains. Dark clouds start to unfold in the late afternoon and can catch you off guard if you’re not careful. I had a couple of close calls and many disappointing afternoons where I couldn’t see 3 feet in front of me because of the thick fog.

It’s difficult to peg down a ‘best time to visit Montenegro’ , especially if you plan on splitting your time between the beaches and the mountains. Generally speaking, late spring or fall are both ideal times to visit the coast, while clear and dry summer conditions are better suited to hiking.

Try to avoid the Bay of Kotor in peak summer (more details in the next section below).

2. Check the cruise boat schedules before you go

Pre-2020, Montenegro’s ports were some of the busiest in the region for cruise ship arrivals. More than 650,000 cruise passengers disembarked in Kotor in 2019, almost a 30% increase on the previous year.

Because Kotor’s port is so close to the UNESCO Old Town, when a large ship is docked, it alters the entire landscape . You can see the hulking boats from every angle – and while impressive in scale, in my opinion they don’t exactly enhance the landscape nor the atmosphere.

Cruise ships bring an influx of foot traffic into Kotor Old Town , making the narrow streets feel cramped and claustrophobic. Budva also has a deep-water port and experiences a similar phenomenon on ‘cruise ship days’.

If you want to avoid the crowds and queues, then it’s wise to plan your time in Kotor and Budva especially around the cruise ship schedule. Alternatively, you can organise your days so that you’re clear of the busy Old Town area in the morning when most passengers disembark for their day tours.

Smaller towns along the bay such as Perast (more on that in a moment) do not have large ports and are much more subdued, especially in the late afternoon.

→ Read next: The best things to do in Kotor .

3. You’ll see a whole lot more if you hire a car

Montenegro is the one country in the Balkans where I chose to hire a car instead of relying on public transport. And I’m so, so glad that I did. If you’re looking for a perfect road trip destination in the region , Montenegro is it.

Yes, drivers are a bit more lackadaisical with road rules than in Western Europe, but Montenegro is actually fairly tame compared with some other neighbouring countries (I’m looking at you, Albania!). In fact, I’d go a step further and say that self-driving is safer than using the bus . Bus drivers are notoriously bad with overtaking and speeding, something I really don’t have the stomach for. You’ll need to be hyper-vigilant of other drivers, but at least you’re in control when you’re the one behind the wheel.

The roads are in good shape and apart from having to deal with a helluva lot of tunnels, driving is straightforward with only a few curly road rules. (One thing to keep in mind is the headlamps rule – see this guide for details .)

Some of my favourite spots in Montenegro are the remote lookout points and ‘in-between’ places that lie on the road from A to B. And often it’s the road itself that ends up being the highlight – certainly the case with the infamous Kotor Serpentine , with its 16 hairpin bends and 16 stunning lookouts.

My favourite drive is the backroad from Rijeka Crnojevića to Virpazar , which took me right along the edge of Skadar Lake. No sane bus or taxi driver would ever take such a rambling route – you simply need your own car if you want to do it.

Because Montenegro is so compact, you can expect to see a good chunk of the country in as little as 7-10 days with your own car .

→ Read next: My 10-day Montenegro road trip itinerary .

→ Don’t miss: My top tips for driving in Montenegro .

→ Search for a rental car: I recommend Local Rent .

If you plan on crossing borders in your rental car, be sure to obtain a Green Card and any other required documentation.

4. Be warned: Finding a place to park can be very tricky

While driving in Montenegro was a breeze, finding a place to leave the car was often a nightmare – especially on the Bay of Kotor. I travelled in spring (outside of peak season) and even then, it was very challenging to find a car park. I can only imagine how bad it gets in summer.

Parking spots were particularly scarce in Kotor, Budva and Herceg Novi. Perast and Rise did not pose a problem. If you’re hiring a car, you absolutely must choose accommodation with secure on-site parking . It’s a good idea to phone or message ahead the day before just to double check they have a spot for you – when I arrived in Herceg Novi, I discovered my guesthouse only had limited places and they were all full.

If you’re planning to drive into any of the bigger cities for the day, know that you might end up spending a good chunk of your morning driving in circles. It’s actually much better to stay overnight at the busier ports where you know you’ll have a guaranteed place to park.

5. Montenegro is safe for tourists

‘Is Montenegro safe?’ It’s a question that gets asked a lot, probably because of the region’s recent political history and the fact that the ex-Yugoslav countries are still relatively ‘unknown’ to many travellers .

Before my visit, I read some pretty crazy stories pertaining to crime (including the one about David Beckham’s Porsche) that made me feel a bit on edge. I needn’t have worried, though: Montenegro is much like any other country in the Balkans in terms of personal safety – that is to say, it’s very safe.

The joke ‘Welcome to Montenegro. Your car may already be here.’ refers to organised crime that isn’t likely to impact tourists. And it’s probably outdated anyway. Pickpocketing does occur but is localised to touristic places such as Kotor and Budva.

As a female traveller, I felt completely at ease in Montenegro . Apply the same common sense safety principles you would in any other country – and exercise a bit more caution with your belongings when visiting popular spots – and you will be absolutely fine. Remember to lock your car doors, too.

6. There’s a bit of a language barrier

English is not as widely spoken in Montenegro as in some neighbouring countries. This is especially true when you move away from the coast into the interior. Older generations of Montenegrins are more likely to speak Russian or German as their second language, while many younger people are proficient in English .

The official language in Montenegro is Montenegrin, a variation of the Serbo-Croat language that’s spoken around the former Yugoslav region. Though each country proudly proclaims to have its own national tongue, the languages are very similar. If you plan on travelling around for a long period, it really pays to learn some basic phrases that you can pull out across borders.

Google Translate doesn’t recognise Montenegrin , so you’ll need to search under Croatian (Latin alphabet) or Serbian (Cyrillic alphabet) when using the app.

7. Montenegro is more expensive than some other countries in the region

Dealing with Euros might be handy for calculating exchange rates, but the downside is that prices in Montenegro do err on the expensive side – especially when compared to neighbouring Albania or Bosnia. Montenegro is still an extremely affordable destination by any measure, but do be prepared to pay a little bit more for big-ticket items such as accommodation.

Unsurprisingly, prices in Budva, Kotor and Tivat are higher than in the national parks and mountain areas. Prices rise in the summer months, too – another reason to avoid peak season.

I kept a detailed daily budget for my Balkans trip, including for my 13 days in Montenegro. For two people, we spent a total of 280 Euros on food and drinks, 80 Euros on groceries, 115 Euros on ground transportation, and 90 Euros on activities and tickets. That’s almost double the amount we spent over two weeks in Kosovo .

Watch out for ‘sneaky’ extra costs such as the tourist tax in Kotor (1 Euro per person per night) and the extra fees associated with stowing luggage on the bus (common throughout the Balkans).

8. Apartment guesthouses are king

Montenegro has every type of accommodation under the sun, from budget hostels to luxe resorts. If you’re on a budget or you’re interested in a more ‘authentic’ accommodation experience than a chain hotel can offer, then I highly recommend you stay in family apartments or guesthouses.

Guesthouses can be found in every city, town and village. Usually the set up will have you sleeping in private quarters within a family home. Meals are typically included for an extra fee, and that all-important parking spot comes included. Above all else, staying at a guesthouse is an easy way to directly contribute to the small business economy and have a meaningful interaction with a local . Some of my best Montenegro tips came from the families I stayed with along the way.

My most memorable stay was in the town of Rijeka Crnojevića at a guest house called Apartments Konak Perjanik . The historic house is attached to an old arched stone bridge and steeped in local legend – owners Ljudmila and Ivan know everything about the area, including stories about the prince!

The other family apartments I stayed at and loved are:

• Sveti Stefan: Apartments Lazar
• Kotor: Apartments Nancy
• Perast: Apartments Jovanovic
• Herceg Novi: Hedera Residences – Kumbor
• Ulcinj: Apartments Bogojevic

Note that wild camping is illegal in Montenegro but tolerated outside of national parks and beaches. It’s best to stick to designated, paid campsites.

9. The heart of Montenegro lies beyond the Bokar

In local language, Montenegro’s name literally means ‘Black Mountain’ – a big hint that the heart of the country is not its ultra-popular coastline, but rather its interior.

Montenegro has five national parks that cover 10% of the country’s territory (not huge when you consider the capital city also covers 10%). Durmitor is by far the most popular and offers both day hikes and multi-day treks through a pristine landscape of craggy Dolomite-like peaks and charming alpine villages. Biogradska Gora in the north-east is one of only three remaining virgin rainforests in Europe , while Lovcen near Budva is home to the dark and mysterious peak that gave Montenegro its name.

Prokletije in the east is part of the Accursed Mountains or Albanian Alps where some of the Balkans’ finest hiking routes, including the Valbona to Theth trek , are located. The final protected area, Skadar Lake National Park , is one of the most underrated places in the country and shouldn’t be missed (more on Skadar later).

It might surprise you to learn that Montenegro has the highest number of species per area unit of any country in Europe . Montenegro takes biodiversity to the next level and is truly a treasure trove of flora and fauna.

Another huge plus: The deeper into Montenegro you go, the more affordable it gets . Prices halve and hospitality doubles as soon as you venture beyond the bay – so don’t skip Montenegro’s green heart.

10. There are scenic viewpoints everywhere

If you happen to see a marked viewpoint on your map, it’s almost always worth the detour. The sheer number of places where you can spontaneously pull over for a stellar photo is one of the major reasons why you need a car to visit Montenegro.

You’ll find that many of the country’s best viewpoints have circular concrete viewing platforms. My personal favourites are the ones at Lovcen National Park (for magic mountain vistas), Pavlova Strana (the famous spot where the Skadar river bends), and ‘Ostrog Monastery approach’ (for a far-away view of the monastery embedded in a cliff face). 

The best viewpoint of all is a round platform tucked behind the Church of Saint Sava , looking directly down on Sveti Stefan. It took me a long, steep, bumpy drive and a few wrong turns to find this spot – but it was so worth it!

→ Read next: The most beautiful places in Montenegro .

11. There’s a ‘secret’ way to visit St. John’s Fortress for free

Speaking of heading skywards for a view – it’s hard to top the panorama of Kotor that you get from St. John’s Fortress, a set of castle ruins and viewpoints directly above Kotor Old Town. From the top, you look directly down on the orange rooftops and out to the mountain-fringed bay beyond. It’s hard to describe how beautiful it is – my photos certainly don’t do it justice!

So coveted is this view, you have to pay a rather hefty entrance fee of 10 Euros for the privilege. That’s unless you take the ‘secret’ backway to the fortress that bypasses the ticket desk. Normally I’m not one to go for such sneaky tactics, but when my guesthouse host recommended it, I thought why not.

As well as saving you some coin, the alternative ‘Ladder of Kotor’ path is actually much more scenic and naturally a lot quieter. When I did it, the only other souls I encountered were grazing goats. The trail starts from behind the Hydroelectric Power Plant and culminates with a steep clamper and final squeeze through a hole to access the fortress. Note that it’s quite rocky and uneven so good shoes are a must.

Once you’re done taking photos, walk back down the regular path to reach the Old Town and use the money you saved to support a local business – or make a donation to Kotor Kitties , an NGO that cares for the city’s stray cats.

12. You must spend a night in Perast when Travelling in Montenegro

Perast is hands down my favourite place in Montenegro . An old Venetian port like Kotor, it’s sandwiched between a cove and a cliff. Every inch of the narrow town is occupied by beautiful Baroque palaces (there are 18 in total), public squares and churches with crumbling bell towers. Our Lady of the Rocks, one of two tiny islands just off the coast, is a must-see for the intriguing backstory and creative chapel.

The history, the culture, the legend – there’s something incredibly captivating about Perast . (I mean, they even have their own local sweet, Perast Cake!). Not to mention the seafront is beyond picturesque and everything Montenegro dreams are made of.

The best part? Perast’s harbour is too shallow for cruise ships to dock so once the day tour crowds have gone home, the town takes on a totally different ambiance. Perast at dusk, especially in shoulder season, is a special kind of magic.

My best advice is to spend a couple of nights at a guesthouse here and dedicate your evenings to strolling along the waterfront.

13. Montenegro has two capitals (and only one is worth visiting)

I’m the sort of traveller who can find beauty in the strangest of places. It’s very, very rare for me to tell my readers to avoid a place – but in the case of Montenegro’s capital city, I sadly have to make an exception.

I just couldn’t get on board with Podgorica – and I know I’m not the only person who feels this way. I’ve seen it named ‘ugliest capital in Europe’ more than once – I think that’s a bit harsh. Believe me when I tell you that I wanted to be the first travel blogger to fall in love with Podgorica and reveal its many hidden gems. I tried and tried, but I just couldn’t find anything that captured my imagination.

It’s almost as if Montenegro understands this too and so gave us a second capital as a backup. This is one of just two countries in Europe (16 in the world) with dual capital cities . While Podgorica is the official capital, Cetinje , the old capital, enjoys the status of Seat of the President of Montenegro.

The two couldn’t be more different. Cetinje was founded in the 15th century and served as the royal capital for centuries. The architecture – especially the foreign embassy buildings – is quite delightful and can be admired while walking down several cafe-lined pedestrian streets. The 18th-century Cetinje Monastery in the centre of the city has some beautiful frescoes, while National Restaurant Belveder just outside the city limits serves delicious food against a backdrop of mountains.

Podgorica is quite underwhelming – the only real ‘landmark’ for tourists to see is the clocktower. I would love for you to prove me wrong – if you think I missed the mark on Podgorica, let me know in the comments what I should have seen or done and maybe I’ll give it another try!

14. Don’t skip one of Europe’s prettiest (and most underrated) train rides

One thing Podgorica does have going for it is its railway station. Not the station itself – although the bakery inside does have one of the best Bureks in the Balkans – but rather the trains that run through it.

Belgrade to Bar is a legendary stretch of railroad that starts in the Serbian capital and culminates on Montenegro’s southern coast. The most scenic part of the journey happens to be the section between Podgorica and Bar, where the train passes over a long, narrow bridge that floats on top of marshy Lake Skadar .

If you don’t have time for the whole 12-hour journey, you can enjoy the 60-minute Podgorica to Bar stint . Tickets only cost a couple of dollars, and Bar itself is a wonderful place in its own right, especially Old Bar with its ancient olive groves and aqueduct .

15. Don’t miss a boat ride on the biggest lake in the Balkans

Skimming the surface of Lake Skadar on the train is one thing – taking a boat ride for an up-close look at the marshes and wildlife is another. Shared between Montenegro and Albania, this is the largest lake in the Balkans , one of the oldest lakes in Europe – and one of the most visually pleasing spots in the region. It’s one of the top places in Europe for bird watching – but even if you have no interest in birds or wetlands, it’s still a very enjoyable activity.

Virpazar is the easiest place to charter a boat for a 2-3 hour jaunt on the water. Find a captain who speaks your language and can narrate the journey. When I did this trip, our captain was a fountain of knowledge on local flora and fauna and brought the area to life with his vivid descriptions and tidbits of information. In spring nesting season, you can see herons, spoonbills, eagles and much more.

Boats also depart from Rijeka Crnojevića at the western end of the lake but are a touch more expensive because there’s less demand.

16. Sveti Stefan is worth it just for the views

Sveti Stefan is probably the most iconic place in Montenegro – you’ll often see the islet with its brick-coloured rooftops and narrow land bridge gracing the covers of travel magazines.

Before I arrived in Sveti Stefan, I had no idea that the island is off-limits to tourists . (Unless of course you’re staying at the Aman, the resort that bought out the entire island and blocked off access with a velvet rope.)

I have to be honest, I was more than a little disappointed when I realised I couldn’t explore the alleyways of Sveti Stefan. I guess it’s my own fault for not doing my research. But my despair was short lived when I realised that the island looks much better from afar anyway.

There are viewpoints all over the mainland where you can get different vantages. The best is the one I mentioned earlier at the Church of Saint Sava, high in the hills above town. I also really enjoyed walking through the coastal park north of the island at sunset.

Is Sveti Stefan still worth visiting even if you can’t set foot inside the main attraction? In my opinion it’s a definite ‘yes’. As well as the views, Sveti Stefan is a stone’s throw from the Bay of Kotor and other places on the southern coast (including Petrovac), making it a good base for exploring. There are some lovely guest houses and restaurants here, too.

17. The best Montenegro beaches are in the south

Montenegro has no fewer than 115 beaches scattered along its 290-kilometre coastline, most ranging from grey rocks to pink pebbles. For white-sand beaches , you’ll need to head to the southernmost part of the coast around Ulcinj .

Ulcinj has a strong Albanian influence and feels quite different to other places in Montenegro. It’s a total contrast to the Bay of Kotor and much more popular among regional tourists than the cruise ship crowd.

Though not a patch on the beaches further south on the Albanian Riviera, the coast here is quite pleasant. The best thing about swimming in Ulcinj is that you’re always in the shadow of Ulcinj Fortress , a majestic castle set over the sea.

18. Montenegrin cuisine is for meat lovers

From Cevapi and Burek to mountains of fish and seafood on the coast, meat is always on the menu. Like any Slavic country, Montenegro food is heavy on protein and more limited when it comes to fresh fruit and veg.

Having said that, it would be unusual for a restaurant/cafe in a city or larger town to not offer at least a few vegetarian-friendly options. Some traditional dishes such as Kacamak , a mountain dish made from cornmeal, potatoes and Kajmak cream cheese, are vegetarian by design. Almost every restaurant has a big selection of meat-free soups and salads, too.

Italian food is hugely popular in Montenegro so at a pinch, you can always find a Neapolitan pizza or a three-cheese pasta to fill your belly. If you have dietary requirements, consider eating meals at your guest house where you can put in special requests ahead of time.

19. Montenegrin wine is surprisingly good

Montenegro’s Mediterranean climate lends itself to cultivating grapes. Though not nearly as well-known on the world stage as Croatia or even North Macedonia , Montenegro’s wine culture is one of the oldest in the region, predating wine-making in Italy and France.

Montenegro is synonymous with deep, aged red wines made from Vranac grapes. All of the country’s vineyards are located in the eastern zone between Podgorica and Lake Skadar and can be visited on a trip along the Wine Route from the capital. Popular vineyards include Winery Masanovic, Savina and Cermeniza.

Even if you don’t partake in a vineyard tour or wine degustation, you can still taste Montenegrin wine (and brandy) at restaurants around the country.

20. Almost everybody smokes – but not indoors

One of the things I definitely did not enjoy about Montenegro was the prolific smoking. Montenegro has the highest tobacco-consumption rate in Europe, with the average adult lighting up 4,124 cigarettes in a year (four times more than the US average). Yikes.

Thankfully, things appear to be moving in the right direction. In August 2019, Montenegro banned smoking in indoor public places , including in restaurants and cafes. If you’re sitting outside, you should still be prepared for a side of second-hand nicotine with your salad nicoise.

Smoking is commonplace among taxi and bus drivers, too. Don’t be afraid to speak up if the driver lights up.

21. Most Shops in Montenegro are closed on Sundays

A small tip but a biggie for unsuspecting tourists – almost every shop in Montenegro is closed on Sundays . That includes grocery stores, mobile phone shops, corner stores, malls and some (but not all) pharmacies. Most banks are closed all weekend long.

This has been the norm since the country’s Internal Trade Act came into effect in October 2019. It also prohibits retail trade on public holidays (there are 14 national holidays in Montenegro, check the dates here ).

If you happen to be in Montenegro on a weekend or holiday, plan accordingly and stock up on snacks the night before!

Plan your trip to Montenegro

If you’re considering a trip to the Balkans, I hope this underrated nation is on your radar!

Here are a few resources to help you plan the perfect itinerary.

• 15 best places to visit in Montenegro
• My suggested Montenegro road trip itinerary
• 21 essential things to know before you visit Montenegro
• Essential tips for driving in Montenegro
• Best things to do in Kotor
• My complete guide to Perast
• Guide to the Podgorica Bar train
• More Balkans road trip ideas

Montenegro essentials

Here are my favourite resources to help you organise your visit to Montenegro.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Montenegro on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use Local Rent to hire a budget-friendly car from a local agent (prices start from 15€/day) or jump on the Discover Cars website to hire a car through an international company.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel and apartment deals on Booking.com , the most popular booking platform in Montenegro.

TOP-RATED MONTENEGRO DAY TRIP: Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery (from $60/person).

MORE TRAVEL TIPS: Check out this post – 21 things to know before you visit Montenegro .

Any more Montenegro travel tips you’d like to share? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

29 Comments

Hi Emily! Love your article! My fiance and I spontaneously bought flight tickets to Montenegro for our honeymoon trip during Easter weekend. Now we have to decide where to stay – what do you recommend? Our priorities are food, nice walking paths and coastline.

Hi Dominika, you could check out my Montenegro itinerary for ideas. My favourite place on the water was Perast, it is just lovely.

From your comments, I take it that you would choose to stay in Perast rather than Tivat if given the choice. We are in the process of putting together an Oct. 2024 journey there.

Hi Steve – one thousand percent, yes. Perast is one of the loveliest places in the region. Small of course, but overwhelmingly beautiful and charming.

Hi Emily, Any thoughts on a solo female traveling in Montenegro? You noted in general it was safe but it sounds like you weren’t traveling on your own. Is it common to see solo female travelers?

Hi Melissa, that’s right, I was travelling with my husband. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back alone, though!

In general I think the Balkans is perfectly suitable for solo females. My friend Kami often travels solo to the region – I can recommend checking out her blog (and specifically this post) for more insights and tips : https://www.mywanderlust.pl/solo-female-travel-in-the-balkans/

Thanks so much Emily for this wonderful, information filled post. You made my mouth water and my camera trigger finger ache. We leave in a week and plan to spend a month in “all” of Montenegro, from seaside towns to high in the mountains. Very good advice on the cruise ships, we thought we had thought of everything. Fortunately, our stay in Kotor gives us 2 days without a big cruise ship, a fateful planning without knowing about the cruise ships. Keep up the excellent writing. Will be reading more! Johnna…TwoTravelinChicas

Awesome Johna! I look forward to reading about your trip and hearing your tips, too. Enjoy!

Thanks Emily for your blog on Montenegro. Excellent stuff. I am a Brit living in Slovenia since 1998, I am doing a Balkan trip by car for 2 weeks at the beginning of August with the family. I found your article and info very good, to the point, pragmatic and useful. We are driving from Ljubljana, through BiH (Sarajevo), then Žabljak, Nikšič, Podgorica, Stari Bar and then into Albania via Lake Skadar. Back via Northern Macedonia and Serbia. Thanks again for the useful road tips and places to see. Cheers and lep pozdrav. Andy Hunt Vodopivec.

Wonderful Andy! Have an amazing trip!

Hi! Do you know a website where to check the cruise ship schedule to avoid them in Budva and Kotor?

Hi Mari – you can try the site CruiseDig.

Beautifully written and informative. Reading this as I’m drinking Rose looking over the Bay in Perast. Very accurate and informative. Greetings from a 60+ NZ couple who will be checking out your log for our next trip.

That’s amazing Maya! I am just a little bit jealous of you!! Enjoy the rest of your time in Montenegro!!

I will travel from Budapest (Hungary) to Montenegro at the beggining of September and plan to visit the North-eastern part of the country. I appreciate your help!

Hi Emily – I am using your guides for Montenegro and Albania to help with trip planning for this July-August. I will be in Albania first, ending in Shkoder. Do you know the best transportation from Shkoder to Montenegro and could you suggest a good starting point in Montenegro if coming from Shkoder? Thanks.

Hi Scott, thanks for your comment!

Ulcinj has a large Albanian population and in summer, many Albanians head to the beaches there for the holidays. We travelled from Ulcinj to Kosovo via Shkoder, as it was the most logical route with frequent bus connections. Ulcinj is quite interesting, too – definitely worth a look around!

Hi Emily! I love your travel guide. It’s very helpful for someone who is planning a trip. I am using your website to find info about the country, cities, weather, visa req. etc before I travel.

Dear Emily, thanks a lot for your thoroughgoing description and useful advises! We will travel from Budapest (Hungary) to Montenegro at the beggining of September and plan to visit the North-eastern part of the country. I appreciate your help! Best wishes! Andrea

Haven’t been there but planning to be there

My friend and I (two women) are planning a trip into Montenegro and are considering April 2022. We also love the idea of renting a car for our travels. Do you have any advise on what to expect in April? Having read about the rain, we are a bit concerned it is too early in the year for a driving trip. Will the tourist towns be too empty? Should we wait and try for June, instead? Thanks!

I drove from April 10-17 and was in the country for a couple more days either side of that. So reading my posts should give you an accurate impression of what it’s like in April. We did encounter closed restaurants in some of the smaller towns (e.g. Sveti Stefan) and some rainy weather – but in my opinion it was more than a worthy trade off because it was far less crowded than in summer. Not sure what next season will be like though!

Great article! Thanks! I’m planning to do my wedding there on the 3rd of October. I have no idea what are the best places with an ocean view to do it and I’m scared that the place I choose will be too cold. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Amazing, congratulations! I can’t make any promises about the weather, but Perast and Kotor were by far my favourites places on the water.

If you want to go further south, Petrovac beach is very pretty too (and much quieter) with its stunning castle and rock formations.

I hope this helps!

Thank you for all the information and tips for Montenegro. I am planning a trip there in July this year. Just wanted to know about the covid restrictions if you can help me with it.

Hi Charu, I’m not in Montenegro currently so I can’t speak to the situation on the ground. I suggest you have a look at the ministry website or travel advice issued by the US embassy.

Kindest, Emily

Well written and appreciate all the tips.

I have been to Montenegro 3 years ago, and I want to go back again to do some hikes. This country is one of a kind. So small and that means easy to explore it all in one week.

I’m the same, Ausra – I have to go back again to see more of the national parks! I was there in late spring so it was lovely on the coast but still a little chilly in the mountains.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Subscribe to future posts

• Travel Here
• Najnovije vijesti
• Crna hronika
• Naša uprava
• Biznis akademija
• Olimpijske igre
• Ostali sportovi

• Moda i ljepota
• Kuhinja i kuća
• Ljubav i seks

• Pišite ombudsmanu
• Etičke smjernice redakcije
• Uslovi korišćenja
• Pravila komentarisanja
• Impressum Daily Press
• Čitalac reporter
• Terms and Conditions/Privacy Policy
• Newsletter - Recepti
• Zaštita podataka o ličnosti
• Mundobasket 2023 Tabele
• Montenegro4U
• Travel to Montenegro

Insider's Guide: Things to Do in Podgorica Montenegro

When it comes to exploring Montenegro, most tourists have their sights set on the picturesque Bay of Kotor or the vibrant town of Budva. However, nestled in the heart of the country is the capital city of Podgorica, which often goes unnoticed by travelers. Despite its lack of popularity, Podgorica has its own unique charm and plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From ancient Roman ruins to modern architectural wonders, there is something for everyone in this underrated city worth visiting.

Key Highlights

• Explore the historic ruins of Doclea and immerse yourself in the ancient city's rich history.
• Visit the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a stunning Orthodox cathedral with impressive architecture.
• Relax at Gorica Hill and enjoy panoramic views of Podgorica while experiencing thrilling activities at the adventure park.
• Discover the art at the Centre of Contemporary Arts, showcasing the works of local artists and temporary exhibitions.
• Take a stroll across the Millennium Bridge, one of Podgorica's iconic attractions, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.
• Experience the local flavors at Plantaze Winery, where you can taste the delicious local wines and take a vineyard tour.

Top Things to Experience in Podgorica, Montenegro

As Montenegro's capital, Podgorica is the country's most important city, both economically and culturally. One of the top things to experience in Podgorica is a visit to the Millennium Bridge , a cable-style bridge that offers breathtaking views of the city and the Moraca River . Another must-see attraction is the Mall of Montenegro, a popular shopping destination that offers a variety of stores and restaurants. Additionally, be sure to visit the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a stunning Serbian Orthodox cathedral that showcases impressive architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Explore the Historic Ruins of Doclea

One of the highlights of Podgorica is the opportunity to explore the historic ruins of Doclea . This ancient Roman settlement was once a bustling hub of civilization and is now an archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. As you wander through the ruins, you can admire the remains of Roman buildings, including a theater, temples, and residential areas. Take a step back in time and imagine what life was like in this ancient city.

Visit the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ

A visit to Podgorica would not be complete without exploring the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ . This impressive Orthodox cathedral is a symbol of the city and a must-see attraction. Step inside and marvel at the intricate frescoes, beautiful chandeliers, and stunning architecture. The cathedral offers a peaceful sanctuary, where you can take a moment to reflect and admire the religious art , including a painting depicting Karl Marx burning in hell . Whether you're religious or not, a visit to this magnificent cathedral is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Relax at Gorica Hill and Enjoy Panoramic Views

For breathtaking views of Podgorica, head to Gorica Hill . This natural park is located just a short distance from the city center and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Take a leisurely walk along the trails and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also visit the adventure park located on the hill.

The best way to experience the stunning views is by choosing a random trail and starting your hike. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Gorica Hill is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature, including the monument to Partisans .

Discover the Art at the Centre of Contemporary Arts

Art enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the Centre of Contemporary Arts in Podgorica .

This cultural hub showcases the works of local artists and hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Explore the diverse range of artistic expressions and immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Podgorica. The center also offers guided tours, providing insights into the artists and their creative processes. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or simply curious about local talent, the Centre of Contemporary Arts is a must-visit destination in Podgorica, showcasing art from not only local artists, but also from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Stroll Through the Millennium Bridge

One of the most iconic attractions in Podgorica is the Millennium Bridge. This cable-style bridge spans the Mora;a River and connects the old and new parts of the city. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge and enjoy the picturesque views of the river and the surrounding cityscape. The Millennium Bridge is particularly stunning at night when it is illuminated with colorful lights. Don't forget to capture some memorable photos of this architectural masterpiece during your visit to Podgorica, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee under the bridge.

Experience Local Flavors at Plantaze Winery

No visit to Podgorica is complete without experiencing the local flavors at Plantaze Winery . Montenegro is known for its excellent wines, and Plantaze is one of the best things to do in Podgorica. Take a vineyard tour and learn about the winemaking process, from grape to bottle.

Sample a variety of local wines and indulge in the rich flavors of Montenegro. The winery also offers a restaurant where you can pair your wine with delicious local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the Montenegrin wine culture and savor the unique flavors of this beautiful region.

Take a Refreshing Dip in the Moraca River

Escape the summer heat by taking a refreshing dip in the Moraca River. Located in the heart of Podgorica, the river offers a tranquil oasis where you can cool off and relax. Whether you prefer to swim, float, or simply soak your feet, the crystal-clear waters of the Moraca River provide the perfect respite from the city's hustle and bustle. Pack a picnic and spend a leisurely afternoon by the river, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the soothing sound of flowing water. Don't forget your swimsuit and towel for a refreshing swim in the Moraca River.

Wander Through Old Town Podgorica

Step back in time and wander through the charming streets of Old Town Podgorica . Despite the city's modernization, the Old Town still retains its historic charm with its narrow streets and traditional architecture. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the old stone buildings, colorful facades, and intricate details.

As you wander through the Old Town, keep an eye out for the vibrant street art that adorns the walls. These colorful murals and graffiti add a modern twist to the historic surroundings, making it a good place to explore and soak in the old Podgorica vibe. Don't forget to stop by the local cafes and shops to experience the authentic atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.

Admire the Architecture of Ribnica Bridge

The Ribnica Bridge is not only a functional bridge but also a historical landmark and architectural masterpiece. This old stone bridge, also known as the Old Bridge, spans the Ribnica River and connects the old and new parts of Podgorica. Take a moment to admire the intricate stonework and the charming arches of the Old Bridge. The Ribnica Bridge is not only a practical way to cross the river but also a beautiful symbol of Podgorica's rich history. Take a leisurely walk across the Old Bridge and soak in the views of the river and the surrounding cityscape. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this historical landmark.

Enjoy a Day Out at Lake Skadar

Just a short drive from Podgorica lies the stunning Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans. This natural paradise is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spend a day exploring the lake and its surrounding areas, whether by boat, kayak, or hiking. Discover the diverse wildlife, including rare bird species, and soak in the breathtaking views of the lake and its picturesque shoreline. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of Lake Skadar and create lasting memories of your visit to Podgorica.

See the Clock Tower and Learn Its History

No visit to Podgorica would be complete without seeing the Clock Tower, a historical landmark and symbol of the city. This Ottoman-era structure has stood the test of time and witnessed the city's many transformations, from Ottoman rule to modern times. Marvel at the elegant architecture and intricate details of the tower, and learn about its historical significance. The Clock Tower is not only a visual delight but also a fascinating piece of history, offering insights into the city's past. Don't forget to take a moment to appreciate the panoramic views of Podgorica from the top of the tower.

Dive Into Culture at the Podgorica City Museum

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Podgorica at the Podgorica City Museum. This museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the city's history and culture. Explore the permanent and temporary exhibitions and learn about the traditions, customs, and achievements of the people of Podgorica.

From archaeological finds to artworks, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of the city's cultural heritage. Take your time to appreciate the fascinating displays and gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant culture of Podgorica.

Find Peace at Dajbabe Monastery

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find peace at the Dajbabe Monastery. Nestled in a natural cave, this Orthodox church is a spiritual retreat where visitors can find tranquility and serenity. Explore the monastery's beautiful gardens and admire the peaceful surroundings. Step inside the cave church and marvel at the religious frescoes that adorn its walls. Take a moment to reflect and find inner peace in this serene sanctuary. Whether you're seeking spiritual solace or simply a quiet place to relax, the Dajbabe Monastery offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Podgorica.

Sample Montenegrin Cuisine in Traditional Restaurants

Sample the delicious Montenegrin cuisine in Podgorica. Indulge in local specialties at traditional restaurants, from hearty meat stews to fresh seafood. Try dishes like 'evapi and kacamak, paired with local wines. Finish with pala;inke for a sweet treat and savor the authentic flavors of Montenegro.

Revel in the Nightlife and Meet Locals

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Podgorica and get a taste of the local culture. The city comes alive after dark, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants offering a lively atmosphere and a chance to mingle with the locals. Start your evening with a visit to one of the trendy bars in the city center, where you can enjoy a cocktail or a glass of local wine. Move on to a nightclub and dance the night away to the latest hits or live music. Whether you're looking for a laid-back evening or a wild night out, Podgorica has something to offer for every taste.

Venture to Niagara Falls of Montenegro

Just a short drive from Podgorica, you'll find the "Niagara Falls of Montenegro" known as Vodopad Nijagara on the Cijevna river. This natural wonder is a series of stunning waterfalls set amidst a beautiful landscape. Take a scenic hike through the surrounding forests and reach the main waterfall, where you can witness the power and beauty of nature.

The cascading water and lush greenery create a picturesque setting that is perfect for photography. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pools beneath the falls. Experience the natural beauty of Montenegro and be amazed by the breathtaking Niagara Falls.

Uncovering Hidden Gems in Podgorica

While Podgorica may not be as well-known as other tourist destinations in Montenegro, it is home to hidden gems worth exploring. Discover the secluded Cijevna Canyon for stunning views and visit the Martinići Donkey Farm for a unique experience with lovable creatures.

Discover the Secluded Cijevna Canyon

For a tranquil escape from the city, head to the secluded Cijevna Canyon. This natural wonder is located just outside of Podgorica and offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Take a hike along the canyon and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings. Discover hidden waterfalls and secluded swimming spots, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. The Cijevna Canyon is a hidden gem that showcases the natural beauty of Montenegro and provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Cultural Insights: Events and Festivals in Podgorica

Podgorica is rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural events. Explore the Podgorica Cultural Summer for performances, concerts, and exhibitions. Discover Montenegrin cinema at the Montenegro Film Festival. Immerse yourself in the local culture and vibrant arts scene of Podgorica, including the bustling fresh produce market at the Mall of Montenegro.

Experience the Podgorica Cultural Summer

The Podgorica Cultural Summer is a must-visit event for anyone interested in the arts and cultural experiences. This annual festival takes place during the summer months and offers a diverse program of performances, concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events. From traditional music and dance performances to contemporary art exhibitions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Podgorica Cultural Summer and discover the rich cultural heritage of Montenegro.

Don't Miss the Montenegro Film Festival

Film lovers should not miss the Montenegro Film Festival , a celebration of Montenegrin cinema and international film. This annual event showcases the best of Montenegrin filmmaking and offers a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work.

From feature films to documentaries and short films, the festival presents a diverse program that reflects the cultural diversity of Montenegro. Attend screenings, meet filmmakers, and immerse yourself in the world of cinema at the Montenegro Film Festival.

Beyond the City: Day Trips Worth Taking

Podgorica is a vibrant city and an ideal base for exploring nearby areas. Day trips to Lovćen National Park offer stunning landscapes and hiking trails. Explore the historical town of Cetinje with its rich cultural heritage, or visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ostrog Monastery, known for its breathtaking architecture and spiritual significance. Delve into Montenegro's natural beauty and cultural heritage with trips from Podgorica.

Embark on an Adventure to Lovcen National Park

Nature lovers and adventure seekers should not miss a trip to Lovcen National Park. Located just a short drive from Podgorica, this national park offers breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and stunning panoramic views. Embark on an adventure through the park's hiking trails and discover its diverse flora and fauna. Reach the summit of Mount Lovcen and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Bay of Kotor. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast, Lovćen National Park promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Montenegro.

Explore the Historical Town of Cetinje

Discover the historical town of Cetinje, the old royal capital of Montenegro. Located just an hour's drive from Podgorica, Cetinje is a treasure trove of historical landmarks and cultural heritage. Explore the town's charming streets, lined with grand buildings and traditional architecture. Visit the Cetinje Monastery, a spiritual and cultural center that houses important religious relics. Admire the Presidential Palace, the former residence of Montenegro's rulers, and learn about the country's fascinating history. Cetinje offers a step back in time and a chance to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Montenegro.

Visit the Breathtaking Ostrog Monastery

One of Montenegro's most iconic landmarks, the Ostrog Monastery is a must-visit destination. Perched on a cliffside, this stunning monastery is a place of pilgrimage and spiritual significance. Its unique architectural design blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating a breathtaking sight. Explore the monastery's grounds and admire the beautiful frescoes and religious artifacts. Take a moment of reflection in the peaceful atmosphere of this spiritual sanctuary. The Ostrog Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to Montenegro's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit podgorica.

The best time to visit Podgorica is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot, while winters can be cold and rainy. Avoid the peak tourist season to avoid crowds and higher prices.

Can You Recommend Any Local Food to Try in Podgorica?

When in Podgorica, don't miss the chance to try traditional Montenegrin cuisine. Some must-try dishes include cevapi, a type of grilled meat, kacamak, a hearty cornmeal dish, and palacinke, thin pancakes filled with Nutella or jam. Explore the local culinary scene and savor the flavors of Montenegro.

Are There Any Tips for Traveling Within Podgorica?

Getting around Podgorica is easy with its well-connected public transport system. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to navigate the city. Taxis are also readily available. If you prefer to drive, car rental services are available. Remember to familiarize yourself with the city's traffic rules and parking regulations.

Bonus video: