Introduction
Montenegro may be small, but it packs an incredible punch when it comes to natural beauty, history, and culture. Tucked between the Adriatic Sea and the rugged mountains of the Balkans, this country has something for every type of traveller. Whether youโre dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, medieval towns, or dramatic mountain landscapes, Montenegro delivers. When I first visited, I couldnโt quite believe how much diversity I found in such a compact area. One moment youโre strolling through the cobbled streets of a walled city, the next youโre hiking through pristine national parks or lounging by the coast.
Itโs still relatively off the radar for many tourists, which means you can explore some of the most stunning spots in Europe without the crowds. Plus, Montenegro is incredibly affordable, so itโs easy on the wallet, even if youโre craving a Mediterranean getaway. In this guide, Iโll take you through why Montenegro should be at the top of your travel list and highlight the best places to visit.
Table of Contents
Reasons You Should Visit Montenegro
1. Breathtaking Coastal Towns
Montenegroโs Adriatic coast is an absolute stunner, with historic towns, crystal-clear waters, and beaches that feel like theyโve been pulled straight from a travel brochure. If youโre looking for that classic Mediterranean vibeโthink terracotta roofs, cobblestone streets, and sparkling blue seasโMontenegroโs coastline has it all, without the tourist overload you might find in Croatia or Italy.
One of my favourite places is Perast, a tiny village just up the coast from Kotor. Itโs impossibly charming, with its stone houses and churches framed against the Bay of Kotorโs deep blue waters. The highlight here is hopping on a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a fascinating legend and a church you can explore. You can spend hours wandering the sleepy streets or just sitting by the water with a cold beer, watching the boats drift by.
For a bit more buzz, Budva is the place to go. Itโs got everythingโgreat beaches, a lively nightlife, and a medieval old town thatโs fun to explore. Plus, itโs a stoneโs throw from Sveti Stefan, one of the most photographed spots in the country. Iโd recommend visiting Budva in the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn), when youโll get the best of both worlds: perfect weather and fewer tourists.
2. Incredible Mountain Scenery
As soon as you venture inland from the coast, Montenegroโs landscapes shift dramatically. Suddenly, youโre in a world of towering peaks, deep canyons, and sparkling lakes. The mountains here are seriously underratedโperfect for hiking, skiing, or just taking in the views.
Durmitor National Park is one of the most breathtaking places Iโve ever hiked. I tackled the Bobotov Kuk trail, the highest peak in Montenegro, and while the climb was tough, the panoramic views from the top were worth every step. If youโre not up for a full-day hike, you can always explore the Black Lake (Crno Jezero) at the base of the mountains. Itโs a beautiful spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk around the lake.
In winter, Zabljak is the go-to for skiing and snowboarding. Itโs not as polished as resorts in France or Austria, but thatโs part of the charm. Plus, itโs a fraction of the cost, making it a great spot for budget-conscious skiers. Even if you visit in the warmer months, Zabljak makes a great base for exploring the rugged beauty of the Tara River Canyon, the second-deepest canyon in the world. I tried white-water rafting on the Tara, and the combination of adrenaline and scenery was unforgettable.
3. Rich History and Culture
Montenegro might be small, but its history is deep and complex. The country has been shaped by the influences of Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians, and you can see this rich heritage reflected in its architecture, art, and cuisine.
Kotor is the crown jewel when it comes to Montenegrin history. I spent hours getting lost in the maze of narrow streets in its UNESCO-listed old town. Every corner reveals something newโa tucked-away piazza, a centuries-old cathedral, or a cafรฉ with perfect views of the towering mountains behind the town. If youโre feeling energetic, hike up to the Castle of San Giovanni for panoramic views of the bay. Itโs a steep climb, but the view from the top is one of the best Iโve seen in Europe.
Cetinje, the old royal capital, is another place where history comes to life. Itโs much quieter than the coastal towns, but thatโs part of its charm. You can visit the Cetinje Monastery, which houses relics like the hand of Saint John the Baptist, or take a walk around the grand, slightly faded old embassies from the days when Cetinje was a diplomatic hub.
4. Delicious Food and Wine
Montenegrin cuisine is an underrated delight, with a perfect mix of Mediterranean and Balkan influences. Expect lots of grilled meats, fresh seafood, and hearty stews, all made with locally sourced ingredients. If youโre a seafood lover, youโre in luck. The coast is packed with restaurants serving up freshly caught fish and shellfish.
I had some of the best seafood of my life in a tiny restaurant in Herceg Novi, where the grilled octopus and squid were so tender they practically melted in my mouth. Inland, try local specialities like kacamak, a hearty dish made from potatoes and cheese, or njeguลกki prลกut, a delicious cured ham from the village of Njeguลกi.
Montenegro also produces excellent wines, though they donโt get as much attention as they deserve. The countryโs sunny climate is perfect for grape-growing, and youโll find both reds and whites that are more than worth your time. Iโd recommend visiting one of the family-run wineries in the Lake Skadar region, where you can enjoy tastings and tours. Vranac, a robust red, is a local favourite and pairs perfectly with a meaty dish like cevapi.
5. Small but Packed with Adventure
One of the best things about Montenegro is how compact it is. You can drive from the coast to the mountains in just a couple of hours, making it incredibly easy to pack a lot into a short trip. Whether youโre into hiking, kayaking, cycling, or simply soaking in the scenery, Montenegro has an adventure for you.
One day, I was exploring the ancient streets of Kotor, and the next I was kayaking across the tranquil waters of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans. The lake is a haven for wildlife, especially birds, so donโt forget your binoculars if youโre into birdwatching. For the more adventurous, try canyoning in Nevidio Canyon or paragliding over the dramatic cliffs near Tivatโboth experiences will get your heart racing and give you a whole new perspective on the landscape.
Best Places to Visit in Montenegro
1. Perast
If youโre looking for a picture-perfect coastal village, Perast is it. Tucked along the Bay of Kotor, Perast feels like a step back in time. The town is small, but its baroque palaces and churches, all built from the same pale stone, give it an air of quiet grandeur. There are no beaches here, but thatโs part of its charmโyou come to Perast to relax, take in the views, and enjoy the tranquillity.
A must-do in Perast is taking a short boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a beautiful church. The story goes that local sailors built the island by dropping stones into the bay after every successful voyage. Itโs a peaceful place to explore, with great views of the mountains and the bay.
2. Kotor
Kotor is one of those places that feels like a dream. Its medieval old town, nestled between the mountains and the bay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thatโs as atmospheric as it gets. I loved getting lost in its winding alleys, discovering tiny squares, churches, and cafรฉs tucked away from the busier streets.
The highlight of Kotor, though, is the hike up to the Castle of San Giovanni. Itโs a steep climbโover 1,300 stepsโbut the panoramic views over the bay and old town are worth every drop of sweat. Start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. And donโt forget to treat yourself to a well-deserved ice cream at the bottom afterwards.
3. Ulcinj
Ulcinj, on Montenegroโs southern coast, is a world away from the more polished towns to the north. This lively town is known for its mix of culturesโit was once a pirate haven and has a strong Ottoman influence, which gives it a unique vibe compared to the rest of the coast.
The highlight here is Velika Plaลพa, the longest beach in Montenegro, stretching for 12 kilometres along the Adriatic. Itโs much less developed than other beaches, so thereโs plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sand and sea. Ulcinj is also close to Ada Bojana, a triangular island at the mouth of the Bojana River thatโs popular with kitesurfers.
4. Cetinje
Tucked into the mountains just inland from the coast, Cetinje is the former royal capital of Montenegro and still feels like the cultural heart of the country. Itโs a small, peaceful town, with grand old buildings that hint at its diplomatic past. Cetinje Monastery is the main attraction, home to important religious relics, including a fragment of the True Cross.
If youโre into history, youโll love wandering around the old embassies and royal palaces. Biljarda, the former residence of Petar II Petroviฤ-Njegoลก, is particularly interesting for a glimpse into Montenegroโs royal past. And while youโre in the area, donโt miss a drive up to Lovฤen National Park, where youโll find Njegoลกโs Mausoleum, perched high on a mountain with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Budva
Budva is Montenegroโs party town, but thereโs more to it than just nightlife. The old town, Stari Grad, is a walled maze of narrow streets, hidden squares, and seaside cafes. Itโs touristy, but still a great place to wander and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. The townโs beaches, particularly Mogren Beach, are some of the best on the coastโperfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
Just outside Budva, youโll find Sveti Stefan, a tiny islet turned luxury hotel thatโs one of Montenegroโs most famous landmarks. Even if you canโt afford to stay there, you can admire it from the beach and take in the picture-perfect view.
6. Podgorica
Podgorica, Montenegroโs capital, doesnโt have the charm of Kotor or Budva, but itโs worth a visit to get a sense of the countryโs more modern side. The city is a mix of Brutalist architecture and leafy parks, and while itโs not as pretty as the coastal towns, thereโs a certain appeal to its rawness.
I found Gorica Hill to be a peaceful spot, with great views of the city and surrounding mountains. The Millennium Bridge is another highlight, especially at night when itโs all lit up. Podgoricaโs cafรฉ culture is strong, so take your time and enjoy a coffee in one of the many open-air spots around the city centre.
7. Zabljak
If youโre heading to the mountains, Zabljak is your base. This small town sits in the heart of Durmitor National Park and is a hub for outdoor adventures. Whether itโs skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, Zabljak is a paradise for nature lovers.
The nearby Tara River Canyon is a must-seeโitโs the second deepest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon. I went white-water rafting here, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. If youโre not into rafting, the canyon also offers stunning hiking trails with some of the best views in Montenegro.
8. Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi sits at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and has a laid-back charm thatโs hard to resist. Itโs known for its steep streets, lined with flowers and old stone buildings, and its many fortresses. Forte Mare and Kanli Kula offer great views over the bay and are fun to explore.
The town has a more relaxed vibe than Budva or Kotor, making it a great spot to unwind by the sea. There are plenty of rocky beaches where you can swim in the clear Adriatic waters, and the townโs many cafรฉs and restaurants are perfect for a leisurely lunch.
9. Tivat
Tivat used to be little more than a quiet coastal town, but itโs transformed into a hotspot for luxury tourism, thanks to Porto Montenegro, a sleek marina filled with yachts and high-end restaurants. If youโre looking for a taste of the good life, this is the place to be.
Despite its glitzy new image, Tivat still retains some of its traditional charm, especially in the old town. Take a walk along the waterfront, or if youโre feeling more adventurous, rent a boat and explore the nearby Bay of Kotor. The Gornja Lastva village, perched on a hill above Tivat, offers a more peaceful, rustic experience with beautiful views of the bay.
10. Niksic
Niksic is a bit off the beaten path for most tourists, but if youโre interested in exploring Montenegroโs interior, itโs worth a visit. The town is known for its beerโNiksicko Pivo is Montenegroโs most famous brew, and you can visit the brewery to learn more about its history.
Niksic also makes a great base for exploring Ostrog Monastery, one of Montenegroโs most important religious sites. The monastery is built into a sheer cliff face, and the view as you approach it is absolutely breathtaking. Even if youโre not religious, itโs an impressive place to visit.
Conclusion
Montenegro is a country that punches far above its weight. Whether itโs the stunning coastal towns, the towering mountains, or the rich culture and history, thereโs something here for every kind of traveller. Iโve been lucky enough to explore much of what this beautiful country has to offer, and Iโm constantly surprised by how much there is to see and do.
If youโre looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, fascinating history, and a bit of adventureโall without the hefty price tag of other Mediterranean countriesโMontenegro is the place to go. Trust me, it wonโt be long before youโre planning your next trip back.