Montenegro

The Coast

Explore Kotor's Stunning Old Town

Wander through the labyrinthine medieval streets and discover hidden squares.
Climb the ancient fortifications (Ladder of Kotor) for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay.
Visit historical landmarks such as St. Tryphon Cathedral, the Maritime Museum, and the Gates of Kotor.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Piazza of the Arms (Trg od Oružja), the main square, which often hosts evening events.
Look for the Cats of Kotor, a beloved symbol of the city.
Enjoy the Kotor nightlife: a laid-back nightlife scene with charming pubs and bars within the Old Town walls, often with live music.
Indulge in fresh local seafood especially the local mussels.

Discover the Charm of Perast

Admire the well-preserved baroque architecture of this picturesque coastal town.
Take a boat trip to the iconic islet of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) and explore its church and history.
Visit the islet of St. George (Sveti Đorđe), a natural island with a Benedictine monastery (viewed from the boat).
Enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Experience the Buzz of Budva

Explore the Venetian-era Old Town (Stari Grad) with its narrow streets and historic buildings.
Relax on its sandy beaches such as Mogren Beach (known for its beauty) and Slovenska Plaža (longer and more lively).
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs.
Visit the Citadel for panoramic views of the coastline.

Admire the Beauty of Sveti Stefan

View the iconic 15th-century islet (now a luxury resort Aman Sveti Stefan) connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus.
Enjoy the surrounding public beaches on either side of the isthmus.
Capture picturesque photos of this stunning location.

Discover the Charm of Petrovac

Explore the Venetian fortress (Castio) overlooking the bay.
Relax on its pleasant sandy beaches such as Petrovac Beach and Lučice Beach (a short walk away).
Enjoy the quieter and more family-friendly atmosphere compared to Budva.

Explore Bar's Rich History

Wander through the atmospheric ruins of Stari Bar (Old Bar), an abandoned medieval town with churches, palaces, and fortifications.
Visit King Nikola's Palace, the former residence of the Montenegrin royal family in the modern part of Bar.
See the ancient olive tree in Stara Maslina, one of the oldest olive trees in the world.

Experience Ulcinj's Unique Blend

Explore its historic Old Town (Kala), with influences from various cultures.
Relax on the long sandy beach, Velika Plaža (Long Beach), stretching for several kilometers.
Discover Ada Bojana island at the mouth of the Bojana River, known for its unique atmosphere and seafood restaurants.
Visit Valdanos Bay with its olive groves and historical significance.

Discover Herceg Novi's Fortresses

Explore Kanli Kula (Bloody Tower), a former prison with an open-air theater.
Visit Forte Mare (Sea Fortress) with its historical exhibits and views.
Discover the Citadel and other fortifications throughout the town.
Stroll along the vibrant Skver promenade by the sea.

Explore Porto Montenegro in Tivat

Wander through the luxury marina with its impressive yachts.
Enjoy the high-end shops, restaurants, and bars along the waterfront.
Visit the Naval Heritage Collection museum.

Discover the Luštica Peninsula

Explore its traditional villages, olive groves, and hiking trails.
Find hidden coves and beautiful beaches like Plavi Horizonti.
Consider a boat trip to the Blue Cave (Plava Špilja).
Visit the Austro-Hungarian fortresses offering historical insights and views.

Mountains & The North

Explore Durmitor National Park & Black Lake

Hike around the stunning Black Lake (Crno Jezero), the most accessible and largest of Durmitor's glacial lakes.
Discover other beautiful glacial lakes like Biogradsko Lake (though technically in Biogradska Gora), Zminje Lake, and Suva Lokva.
Enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery, with peaks like Bobotov Kuk (the highest). Consider hiking trails of varying difficulty.

Witness the Majestic Tara River Canyon & Bridge

Admire the views of the deepest canyon in Europe from the impressive Đurđevića Tara Bridge.
Consider thrilling activities like white-water rafting along the Tara River.
Experience the adrenaline of zip-lining across the canyon.

Discover the Primeval Beauty of Biogradska Gora National Park

Explore one of the last three large primeval forests in Europe.
Visit the serene Biogradsko Lake, perfect for a walk or a rowboat ride.
Enjoy hiking trails through the diverse flora and fauna of the park.

Explore the Rugged Peaks of Prokletije National Park (Accursed Mountains)

Admire the dramatic and jagged peaks of this stunning mountain range.
Consider challenging hiking trails to glacial lakes like Hridsko Lake or through the valleys.
Experience the remote and wild beauty of this less-visited region.

Visit the Unique Lake Skadar National Park

Enjoy boat trips on the largest lake in the Balkans, known for its diverse birdlife (a Ramsar site).
Explore the lake's numerous islands and visit some of its monasteries.
Consider kayaking or canoeing on quieter parts of the lake.
Visit traditional fishing villages along the shores.

Explore the Historical Town of Cetinje

Visit the former royal capital of Montenegro and explore its historic buildings.
Discover museums such as the National Museum of Montenegro and the King Nikola Museum.
See the Cetinje Monastery, an important religious site.

Enjoy the Panoramic Views from Lovćen National Park

Drive the scenic roads up Mount Lovćen.
Climb to the Njegoš Mausoleum on Jezerski Vrh (Lake Peak) for breathtaking panoramic vistas of Montenegro.
Explore the hiking trails within the national park.

Discover Plav & Gusinje and their Alpine Scenery

Explore the town of Plav and the beautiful Plav Lake.
Visit Gusinje, nestled at the foot of the Accursed Mountains.
Enjoy hiking in the surrounding mountains and exploring glacial lakes like Hridsko Lake (accessible from Plav/Gusinje).

Visit Mojkovac on the Banks of the Tara River

Explore this town located on the Tara River, offering access to both Durmitor and Biogradska Gora National Parks.
Learn about its history, including its mining past.

Experience Žabljak, the Heart of Durmitor

The highest town in the Balkans, serving as the main base for exploring Durmitor National Park.
Enjoy the mountain atmosphere and access to numerous hiking trails and activities (skiing in winter).

Suggested Travel Itinerary

Montenegro - 5 Weeks

Days 1-4: Arrival in Tivat & Exploring the Bay of Kotor

Immerse yourself in the UNESCO-protected old town, wander its streets, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Hike part of the Ladder of Kotor for initial breathtaking views of the bay.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Piazza of the Arms (Trg od Oružja), the main square, which often hosts evening events.
Indulge in fresh local seafood especially the local mussels.

Days 5-6: Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks - Coastal Charm

Take a scenic car ride or boat to Perast. Admire its baroque architecture.
Enjoy a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George islets, exploring their history and beauty.
Relax by the water in Perast and enjoy a seafood lunch.

Days 7-10: Budva's Old Town & Beaches - Coastal Buzz

Travel to Budva. Explore the Venetian-era old town and its Citadel for panoramic views.
Relax on Mogren Beach or explore other nearby beaches. Enjoy the coastal vibe.
Experience Budva's nightlife or enjoy a leisurely evening stroll along the promenade.

Days 11-12: Sveti Stefan & Petrovac - Picturesque Stops

Visit the iconic Sveti Stefan for photos and enjoy the surrounding beaches.
Continue to Petrovac, explore its fortress (Castio), and relax on its sandy beaches.

Days 13-14: Lake Skadar National Park - Birdlife & Boat Trip

Travel to Lake Skadar National Park. Enjoy a boat trip on the lake, observing the diverse birdlife and traditional fishing villages.
Explore some of the lake's islands and monasteries. Consider kayaking on quieter sections of the lake.

Days 15: Cetinje - Former Royal Capital

Travel to Cetinje, the former royal capital. Explore its historic buildings, museums (National Museum), and the Cetinje Monastery.

Days 16-18: Lovćen National Park & Journey North

Travel to Lovćen National Park. Drive the scenic roads and enjoy the views.
Climb to the Njegoš Mausoleum on Jezerski Vrh for panoramic vistas of Montenegro. Enjoy some hiking trails in the park.
Begin your journey north towards Durmitor National Park, perhaps stopping in a smaller town along the way.

Days 19-22: Durmitor National Park - Black Lake & Hiking

Arrive in Žabljak, the gateway to Durmitor. Explore the beautiful Black Lake (Crno Jezero) with a walk around its perimeter.
Enjoy a day of hiking in Durmitor National Park, choosing a trail based on your fitness level and interests. Consider trails around other glacial lakes.
Experience the mountain atmosphere of Žabljak.

Days 23-24: Tara River Canyon - Views & Optional Activities

Visit the impressive Đurđevića Tara Bridge and admire the views of the Tara River Canyon.
Consider zip-lining across the canyon or a short rafting excursion if time allows.

Days 25-27: Biogradska Gora National Park - Primeval Forest

Travel to Biogradska Gora National Park. Explore the beautiful Biogradsko Lake with a walk or a rowboat.
Enjoy hiking through one of the last primeval forests in Europe, taking in the unique ecosystem.

Days 28-30: Plav & Gusinje - Alpine Scenery

Travel to the Plav & Gusinje region in the northeast, surrounded by the Accursed Mountains.
Explore Plav Lake and enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks. Consider a short hike.
Visit Gusinje and experience the local atmosphere, with the dramatic Prokletije mountains as a backdrop.

Days 31-33: Prokletije National Park - Rugged Peaks (Optional Hike)

Explore the stunning Prokletije National Park. Admire the rugged peaks and glacial landscapes.
Consider a day hike into the park if you are prepared and have appropriate gear. Otherwise, enjoy the views from accessible viewpoints.