There's absolutely nothing better than discovering a hidden gem in Europe, and Montenegro is precisely that! This tiny Balkan country packs a serious punch with its dramatic coastline, medieval towns, and stunning mountain landscapes. Here's my ultimate guide to Montenegro – there's simply no better place for combining beach relaxation with mountain adventure!
Montenegro's beauty is the best I've ever seen and this adventure guide will ensure you make the most of your trip! This includes the best scenic routes and hidden gems as well as the top spots for exploring the Bay of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, and beyond!
I've spent the last 3 months living in Montenegro and have fallen in LOVE!
But it's not just the kaleidoscope of blues in the Adriatic Sea. There are charming coastal villages, pine-covered mountains, crystal clear lakes, stunning monasteries, adorable storied towns, and winding roads that lead you from place to place.
Before coming to Montenegro to see it for myself, I thought the Instagram pictures had to be enhanced. But it's all real. Having traveled to 54 countries and spent nearly 80% of my time on the road for the past 6 years, this is one of my favorite places on earth.
At a Glance: One Week Montenegro Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Podgorica > Bay of Kotor Day 2: Kotor Old Town & Perast Day 3: Budva & Sveti Stefan Day 4: Lake Skadar National Park Day 5: Durmitor National Park & Black Lake Day 6: Tara River Canyon & Ostrog Monastery Day 7: Lovcen National Park > Podgorica
Best Time to Visit Montenegro
Let me be ultra clear: Montenegro is gorgeous year-round, but timing matters depending on what you want to experience.
Summer (June-August): Peak season with hot weather and busy beaches. Perfect for swimming and water activities, but expect crowds along the coast and higher prices.
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October): My personal favorite seasons! You'll enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and still-swimmable waters in early fall. Plus, the hiking trails are open and gorgeous.THE AIR IS PERFUMED! I've truly never been somewhere that smells THIS good!
Winter (November-March): The coastal areas remain mild, while mountain regions like Durmitor transform into affordable ski destinations. Kotor is magically peaceful without the cruise ships.
Day 1: Arrive in Podgorica > Bay of Kotor
I recommend flying into Podgorica, Montenegro's capital. It's usually cheaper than Tivat, and car rentals are more affordable here. I HIGHLY recommend renting a car. The winding coastal roads offer epic views, and having your own wheels lets you discover hidden beaches and mountain viewpoints that tour buses simply can't reach.
If you haven't been to Podgorica, I recommend spending a few hours here to visit. While not as charming as the coastal towns, it has interesting Orthodox churches and the modern Millennium Bridge.
However, if you're wanting the full scale of Montenegro's beauty, I recommend heading straight to the Bay of Kotor – often called Europe's southernmost fjord (though technically it's a sunken river canyon).
The drive from Podgorica to Kotor is about 1.5 hours. It's a lovely drive full of stunning mountains and your first glimpses of the bay's impossibly blue waters.
As you approach Kotor, you'll wind around the bay on a narrow road with jaw-dropping views at every turn. I recommend stopping at the Perast viewpoint – the perfect spot to snap your first “I can't believe this is real” Bay of Kotor photo.
Spend the night in Kotor's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Venetian architecture and a maze of narrow marble streets. I recommend staying within the walls for the full medieval experience!
Definitely embrace the locals… aka, the cats! There's even a dedicated cat museum in Kotor.
Day 2: Kotor Old Town & Perast
Day 2 is one of my favorites! Wake up early and hike Kotor's ancient fortress walls before the day gets hot. The city walls zigzag up the mountainside behind town, and the views are absolutely spectacular.
There are 1,350 steps to the fortress at the top, but don't worry – there are plenty of spots to stop and take photos (or catch your breath). Be prepared for this hike to take about 2 hours round trip. Bring water and wear proper shoes – this isn't a flip-flop friendly adventure!
After your hike, explore Kotor's Old Town with its charming squares and numerous churches. St. Tryphon's Cathedral and the Maritime Museum are must-sees to understand the area's history.
In the afternoon, drive 20 minutes around the bay to Perast, a tiny baroque gem with stunning stone buildings lining a single street along the water. From here, take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a beautiful church filled with silver votive plates from sailors.
Return to Perast for dinner right on the water as the sun sets over the bay. The seafood here is incredibly fresh – order the local black mussels or grilled squid for an authentic taste of the Adriatic.
Day 3: Budva & Sveti Stefan
Today, journey south along the coast to Budva, a lively beach town with its own gorgeous walled Old Town. Spend the morning exploring the medieval streets, climbing the citadel walls, and enjoying the views.
Budva has some excellent beaches right in town, but I suggest heading a bit further to Mogren Beach with its dramatic cliffs or Becici Beach for softer sand. Pack your swimsuit and spend a few hours relaxing by the crystal clear Adriatic.
In the afternoon, continue south to the postcard-perfect Sveti Stefan, a 15th-century fortified islet connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. While the island itself is now a luxury resort closed to non-guests, the views from above are stunning, and the public beaches on either side of the causeway are gorgeous.
For the absolute best view, drive up to the viewpoint above Sveti Stefan for that picture-perfect shot of the terracotta roofs against the deep blue sea. I promise you, it's even more breathtaking in person than in photos!
Stay overnight in either Budva or in one of the charming small hotels near Sveti Stefan for a quieter experience away from Budva's nightlife.
Day 4: Bar, Stari Bar & Sutomore
Today, explore our home base during our 3-month stay in Montenegro – the wonderful southern coastal area of Bar and Sutomore!
Start your morning in the vibrant port city of Bar, Montenegro's main seaport and a fascinating blend of old and new. The modern part of Bar has a lovely promenade lined with cafes where you can enjoy an espresso while watching boats come and go in the harbor.
Next, head up to Stari Bar (Old Bar), and prepare to be amazed! This abandoned medieval town sits dramatically on a cliff about 5km from modern Bar and dates back to the 10th century. The ancient stone ruins are incredibly atmospheric, with crumbling houses, churches, and fortress walls that tell the story of centuries of Venetian, Ottoman, and Slavic influences.
As you wander through the stone archways and narrow paths, you'll discover ancient olive oil presses, Turkish baths, and the remains of medieval homes. The panoramic views of the valley below and out to the Adriatic are absolutely spectacular. Don't miss the 2,000-year-old olive tree just outside the walls – one of the oldest in Europe!
In the afternoon, make your way to Sutomore, our beloved home for three months. This charming beach town has a beautiful 1.5km long sandy beach with gorgeous mountain backdrops. While less touristy than Budva, Sutomore has everything you need – beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, cozy cafes, and a relaxed local vibe that I absolutely fell in love with during our extended stay.
For sunset, head to the small fortress overlooking Sutomore beach (Tabija Fortress) for incredible views of the entire coastline. This was my favorite evening ritual during our months living here – watching the sun disappear behind the mountains as the Adriatic Sea turned golden.
Spend the night in Sutomore at one of the beachfront apartments or small hotels. The nightlife is more laid-back than Budva but still offers plenty of outdoor cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the mild evening air.
Day 5: Lake Skadar National Park
After enjoying Montenegro's coast, it's time to explore its stunning interior! Head to Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, straddling the border with Albania.
Start at the visitor center in Virpazar, where you can arrange a boat tour of the lake. The landscape here is completely different from the coast – lush and wild with water lilies, reed beds, and over 280 bird species including the rare Dalmatian pelican.
The boat tours typically last 2-3 hours and take you past monasteries on tiny islands, fishing villages, and through dramatic mountain landscapes reflected in the clear waters. Some tours include stops at local wineries where you can taste Montenegrin wines like the potent red Vranac.
For lunch, try a lakeside restaurant serving fresh carp or bleak – local fish specialties prepared in traditional ways. The fish is usually served with a cabbage salad and cornbread.
In the afternoon, you can hike one of the trails around the lake for panoramic views or drive to the Pavlova Strana viewpoint for the iconic horseshoe bend vista that graces many Montenegro postcards.
Stay the night in rustic accommodations near the lake or drive back to your home base in Sutomore, which is about 45 minutes away.
Day 6: Durmitor National Park & Black Lake
Today is all about Montenegro's magnificent mountains! Set out early for the 3-hour drive north to Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic limestone peaks, dense pine forests, and gorgeous glacial lakes.
Your first stop should be Žabljak, the highest town in the Balkans at 1,450 meters. From here, it's a short walk to Black Lake (Crno Jezero), a stunning glacial lake surrounded by thick forest and mountain peaks. The 4km trail around the lake is an easy hike suitable for all fitness levels and offers spectacular views. In summer, brave souls can swim in the chilly waters!
For more adventurous travelers, tackle one of the trails up to the park's higher peaks. Bobotov Kuk (2,523m) is the highest and offers incredible panoramas across Montenegro and into neighboring Bosnia and Albania.
Wildlife spotting is excellent here – keep your eyes peeled for chamois (mountain goats), eagles, foxes, and if you're extremely lucky, the rare European brown bear or wolf.
Stay overnight in Žabljak at one of the cozy mountain lodges or family-run guesthouses. The local cuisine is hearty and perfect after a day of hiking – try the kacamak (a polenta-like dish with cheese) or lamb cooked under a metal dome called sač.
Day 7: Tara River Canyon & Ostrog Monastery
Day 7 brings even more natural wonders! Start with the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, an impressive concrete arch bridge spanning the deepest canyon in Europe. The Tara River Canyon is a breathtaking 1,300 meters deep in places and stretches for 82 kilometers.
For adrenaline seekers, this is the place for white-water rafting! The Tara River offers some of Europe's best rapids (Class II-IV depending on the season). Half-day and full-day rafting trips can be arranged in Žabljak or directly at the rafting camps along the river. The scenery from the water level is absolutely incredible – towering cliffs, waterfalls, and untouched forests.
If rafting isn't your thing, you can zipline across the canyon or hike down to the river on well-marked trails.
In the afternoon, drive to one of Montenegro's most incredible sights – Ostrog Monastery. This 17th-century Orthodox monastery is built directly into a nearly vertical cliff face, 900 meters above the Zeta valley. It seems to defy gravity, and the bright white buildings against the gray rock create a startling vision as you approach.
The monastery is still active with monks in residence and is an important pilgrimage site. Inside, you'll find beautiful frescoes and the relics of Saint Basil of Ostrog. The views from the monastery terraces across the valley are spectacular.
Return to Podgorica or back to your base in Sutomore, completing your Montenegro adventure loop.
My Favorite Places in Montenegro
After spending 3 months based in Sutomore and exploring every corner of this incredible country, here are my absolute favorite spots that you shouldn't miss:
Kotor Old Town: Nothing compares to the feeling of wandering these medieval streets early in the morning before the cruise ships arrive. The fortress hike offers my favorite view in all of Montenegro – that moment when you turn back and see the entire bay spread out beneath you is simply magical.
Perast: This tiny baroque town stole my heart with its elegant stone palazzos and peaceful waterfront. The bell tower of St. Nicholas Church offers incredible views, and the seafood at Conte Restaurant is some of the best I've had anywhere in the world.
Stari Bar: These ancient ruins have an almost mystical feel, especially in the late afternoon when the light turns golden and the stones seem to glow. Walking through the centuries-old streets, I felt like I'd stepped back in time.
Black Lake (Crno Jezero): The reflection of the pine trees and mountains in the still waters of this glacial lake is breath-taking. Walking the full loop around the lake was one of my most peaceful experiences in Montenegro.
Sutomore Beach at Sunset: Having lived here for 3 months, watching the sun sink behind the mountains from our local beach never got old. The way the light plays on the water as the day ends is simply spectacular. This feels like a locals place but is still full of life. Great access to beaches, restaurants and close to Budva, Kotor, and Bar.
Ostrog Monastery: The spiritual energy here is palpable. Whether you're religious or not, standing on the monastery terrace looking out over the valley below is a humbling experience.
Tara Canyon View from Đurđevića Tara Bridge: The first time I looked down into the impossibly deep Tara Canyon, I literally gasped. The turquoise river cutting through the densely forested gorge looks like something from a fantasy movie.
Sveti Stefan from the Viewpoint: This iconic islet looks like a fairytale setting, especially in the early morning light when the stone buildings glow warm orange against the deep blue Adriatic.
Lake Skadar Boat Ride: Gliding through lily pads with mountains reflecting in the water while spotting rare birds was one of the most serene experiences of my travels.
Ulcinj: Beautiful walled city that feels like stepping back in time.
Where to Stay in Montenegro
Now that you know some of the best places to visit in Montenegro, let's look at where to tuck in at night. I suggest a mix of accommodations to get the full Montenegro experience:
Kotor Old Town: Stay within the medieval walls for the full historical experience. Hotel Vardar offers luxurious rooms in a central location, while Apartments Old Town provide more space and often come with charming stone walls and wooden beams.
Perast: Splurge on Monte Bay Retreat for incredible views and stylish rooms in a renovated palace.
Budva: Hotel Astoria combines old-world charm with modern amenities in the heart of the Old Town.
Sutomore: After trying several accommodations during our 3-month stay, Villa Milena was our favorite with its seafront location and spacious apartments with balconies overlooking the Adriatic.
Stari Bar: Apartments Ponta offer comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the old town ruins and olive groves.
Lake Skadar: Eco-Resort Cermeniza offers sustainable bungalows with lake views and home-cooked meals using ingredients from their organic garden.
Žabljak: Hotel Soa in Durmitor National Park has comfortable alpine-style rooms and excellent mountain views.
You simply cannot go wrong in Montenegro. The picturesque coastline is matched only by the dramatic mountain peaks, the towns are quaint and charming full of rich history, and the crystal clear waters, untouched nature, and friendly locals all add to the beautiful experience. Our 3 months living in Sutomore gave us a deeper appreciation for this country's incredible diversity – from the sunny beaches to the rugged mountains, all within a couple hours' drive. It's easy to see why more and more travelers are discovering this Balkan gem. I think we should all visit before everyone else catches on!
