Home to some of the continent’s most beautiful beaches, multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and national parks frequented by bears and wolves — Montenegro is arguably Europe’s best kept secret. There are far fewer crowds here compared to its northern neighbour Croatia, so you’ll often have many of the country’s sites and attractions entirely to yourself — particularly out of season. So, without further ado, here’s our roundup of 14 of the best things to do in Montenegro:
1. Cruise the beautiful Bay of Kotor
If you’ve heard of Montenegro, then you’ll likely have heard of the Bay of Kotor. It’s one of the Med’s most striking landmarks and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1979. Around 28km (17 mi) long, it’s surrounded by two striking massifs of the mighty Dinaric Alps — one of Europe’s most impressive mountain ranges stretching over 645km (401 mi) in length.
The best way to see the bay itself is via a boat cruise that takes you across the cobalt waters to ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’ — a tiny islet home to a large Catholic church and accompanying museum. Rumour has it that the island was created over the centuries by seamen laying rocks here after each successful return voyage. The practice continues to this day at an event called fašinada — when local people head to the island every July 22 at sunset.
Cruise across the Bay of Kotor on: Highlights of Montenegro
2. Hike along alpine Balkan borderlines
Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to weave your way through the most stunning alpine scenery Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo has to offer. As you cross the passes between borders, tasty dinners await you and your hiking mates at guesthouse after mountain guesthouse including in Montenegrin hamlets like Babino Polje. In the Ropojana Valley, considered a natural wonder in Montenegro, you’ll find jagged peaks and natural waterfalls in a valley carved out by an ancient glacier. Prepare to feel breathless at much more than just the walk itself!
Scale alpine borderlines on: Hiking in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro
3. Sample local eats on Luštica Peninsula
A fantastic place to connect with nature, the Luštica Peninsula is set at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and home to secluded coves, medieval fortifications, and tranquil fishing villages. This is where you’ll get to see the real Montenegro, as local people still live as they have for centuries, growing produce delicacies like olives, cheese, wine, prosciutto, and rakija — a fruit brandy considered the national drink of many Balkan countries.
It’s an incredibly picturesque place and best explored on foot, with a set of two wheels, or via a boat or kayak — particularly if you want to see hidden gems like the ‘Blue Grotto’ cave. If this sounds a bit secluded, you can get your bar and restaurant fix in Luštica Bay — an upmarket spot set around a yacht harbour.
4. Explore Herceg Novi's ancient buildings
Dubbed the ‘City of the Sun’, Herceg Novi is a captivating place famous for its glorious weather, ancient fortresses, charming squares, and seafood eateries. It’s a great spot to spend a few days, particularly if you’re a history buff. While there’s plenty to see and do, the star of the show is arguably Fort Mare — a magnificent fortress dating way back to the 13th century. They show occasional open-air cinema screenings and hold concerts here from time to time , so it’s worth checking out what’s on.
It’s also worth hiking up Mount Orjen, whose summit lies at 1893m (6210 ft). There tends to be snow up here for half the year, and it’s got world-class mountain biking trails too if you’re into something even more adventurous. Vineyards abound in the nearby countryside, and you should also make your way to nearby Igalo, with both hot springs and healing sea mud.
5. Birdwatch in the Balkan’s largest lake
The vast Lake Skadar measures an impressive 400 sq km (154 sq mi), meaning it’s officially the Balkans’ largest lake. A serene spot, it’s surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and is renowned for being one of the best places in Europe to go birdwatching. Expect to see a whole host of water birds here, including pygmy cormorants, squacco herons, and endangered Dalmatian pelicans.
If you’re looking to explore the smattering of charming villages dotted about the lake, then we’d recommend renting a bicycle. Don’t miss a visit to Vidikovac Godinje — an observation deck with panoramic vistas over the glittering lake.
6. Wander the tiny town of Perast
The tiny town of Perast is one of the best-preserved towns on the entire Adriatic Coast, and home to 17 Baroque churches and 19 churches. Not bad for a place that can be walked from end to end in a matter of minutes. It’s well worth a visit for history buffs, as this UNESCO-listed spot has influences going all the way back to the Neolithic Period — otherwise known as the final period of the Stone Age.
Wander around here and soak up the scenery — maybe stop for a cold glass of wine or an iced coffee to call off from the midday sun. Speaking of the sun, get yourself here for sunset — it’s arguably one of the best in the whole of the Adriatic.
7. Hike through Lovćen National Park
Located just a stone’s throw from Kotor and an easy day trip, Lovćen National Park is a must on any visit to Montenegro. It holds a special place in the heart of all Montenegrins, and the towering mountain in the centre, Mount Lovćen, soars to an impressive height of 1,749m (5738 ft).
It’s also the final resting place of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš — a PrinceBishop (or monarch), poet, and philosopher considered to have brought both modernity and centralization to Montenegro during his reign. The mausoleum set atop Lovćen — or ‘Black Mountain’ — is well worth a visit and you can hike the trails here to soak up postcard-like views.
8. Admire yacht life in Porto Montenegro
Now if you’re looking for some glitz and glam, make your way to Porto Montenegro in Tivat. Looking more like Monaco than Montenegro, it underwent a massive refurb back in 2009 and 2010 and now attracts the rich and famous — thus, a great place for people watching.
You can admire the superyachts as the cruise in from the Bay of Kotor, but if you’re looking for some entertainment options, then head to the nearby ‘Lifestyle Village’. Here you’ll find a whole gamut of fancy boutiques, restaurants, bars, and even a museum.
Explore Tivat and Porto Montenegro on: Montenegro Sailing — Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik
9. Party til dawn on the Budva Riviera
Speaking of bars, there’s a whole lot of them on the Budva Riviera — a 35km (22 mi) long strip of the glittering Adriatic Coast boasting beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and plenty of entertainment options. The epicentre here is arguably the town of Budva, which is easily Montengro’s most-visited spot.
Yes, you’re bound to be sharing it with plenty of other people — including many cruise holidaymakers during the summer season — but if you’re looking to let your hair down, then this is the place to do it. There are plenty of places here to dance until dawn, but you can also tuck into world-class seafood and while away the hours on the beach. Don’t miss a visit to the Stari Grad (Old Town), home to the ruins of a Roman-era Necropolis.
10. Get active in Durmitor National Park
Arguably one of Montenegro's most impressive regions, there’s plenty to see and do in this scenic spot carved out by glaciers. Durmitor National Park is one of the last bastions of wilderness in Europe, and synonymous with towering limestone peaks — 48 in fact — shimmering glacial lakes, and extensive pine forests.
It’s a major ski area come the winter months of December to March — and much more affordable than its European counterparts — as well as a major region for mountain biking, hiking, and wild swimming. There’s plenty of wildlife here too — keep your eyes peeled for soaring golden eagles, wild boar, newts, chamois, and even brown bears and wolves if you’re lucky!
Hike in Durmitor National Park on: Montenegro: Medieval Towns & Mountain Views
11. Tear down the Tara River on a raft
The mighty Tara Canyon is 1300m (4265 ft) at its deepest point, 82km (50.9 mi) long, and billed as ‘The Tear of Europe’. It’s a truly magnificent feat of nature, and the best way to see it is by jumping aboard a white water raft to tackle the rapids of the aquamarine Tara River. At some points of the year they reach an adrenaline-inducing class five. Note to self — you will get soaked!
12. Head off the map in Bijelo Polje
Situated in a picturesque valley of the Lim River and surrounded by high mountains, the pleasant town of Bijelo Polje lies in a remote part of the country — meaning you really get away from it all.
You’ll find no five-star resorts or hordes of tourists here — this is where you’ll find the country at its most traditional, so it’s a great place for insight into the local way of life. There are plenty of caves located just outside of town, as well as several thermal springs thought to have healing properties. The best time to come is arguably spring when chamomile flowers begin to blossom — it’s the reason why the town takes its name ‘White Field’ in Serbo-Croatian.
Visit the remote north-east of the country on: Montenegro & Albania Adventure
13. Lounge on the Adriatic's longest beach
Starting to close out our list of things to do in Montenegro is a visit to Velika Plaža — which literally translates to ‘Long Beach’. Stretching 13km (8.07 mi) from Bojana to Port Milena, the longest beach along the Adriatic is a lovely place to kick back even if the water is a bit too shallow for swimming. Get active by trying your hand at one of the many kiteboarding rentals or just chill out at the beach bars offering a tipple or two after working up a thirst.
14. Tack on a bonus trip to Croatia
Leaving Montenegro and its many charms behind is a tall order but who can resist going big on the Balkans when you’re already in the area? For active adventurers, small but mighty Croatia is just a stone’s throw away and offers endless hiking, kayaking, and snorkelling opportunities. Chart the stunning coastline of Koločep on foot, paddle out in a sea kayak for a unique perspective on Dubrovnik’s iconic walls, and dive into history at the UNESCO-listed sites of Šibenik and Diocletian’s Palace. It’ll get your heart pumping as you fall even more in love with the Balkans than you did in Montenegro.
Keep the Balkans love going on: Active Croatia Discovery
