Montenegro, which sits culturally between East and West, is a magical country with a wealth of incredible places to visit. From stunning beaches to historic fortresses and towering mountains, here are the top spots to go in this Balkan nation!
This cliffside dining spot offers unmatched views of the Bay of Kotor and surrounding mountain ranges. You can enjoy a glass of wine and dine on a plate of homemade prosciutto and cheese from a nearby village.
Kotor
Kotor’s picturesque medieval old town is one of Montenegro’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s encased in huge walls, terracotta-roofed stone houses and narrow pedestrian streets.
In summer, it gets incredibly busy. The town is also alive with children playing pick-up games of tag, laundry hanging from lines between terracotta houses and locals sitting in cafes to catch up.
A trip to Kotor is the perfect addition to any bigger Montenegrin trip. It’s close enough to other towns such as Durmitor National Park and Budva for easy day trips, and it’s an excellent base for exploring the stunning Lovcen National Park.
There are a number of monuments within the Old Town that are well worth taking in, including St. Tryphon Cathedral, which boasts a clutch of religious relics and frescoes. The Clock Tower is also a must-see.
Budva
One of the most popular tourist hotspots in Montenegro, Budva has a lot to offer. The city is known for its beaches and nightlife, but it also has a picturesque Old Town.
A walk around the narrow streets of the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Budva. It was rebuilt after two earthquakes and is still very pretty.
The Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys with lots of lovely buildings. Trg izmedu crkava, or 'the square between the churches' is a great place to start your exploration.
A stroll along the promenade is another must-do, where you’ll see a wide range of boats ranging from charming fishing vessels to opulent yachts. Dukley Marina is another fantastic area to wander, with plenty of restaurants and bars that look out over the bay.
Cetinje
The old royal capital of Montenegro, Cetinje is one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. With its majestic palaces, intriguing museums, and lively local traditions, it offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
The town's main square is awash with historic buildings and cafes. Embassies from various European countries are scattered across the streets.
A short walk from the main square, you'll find the Cetinje Monastery. This is an important monastery that has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times over the centuries.
You'll also see Biljarda, the former residence of Peter II Petrovic Njegos, whose personal belongings and furniture are on display here. A few more museums, like the Ethnographic Museum and King Nikola's Palace, are all within walking distance.
Ulcinj
Ulcinj, Montenegro is the perfect destination for a relaxing summer holiday. It has one of Europe’s longest beaches and a pretty old town that is worth exploring.
The city is also home to the country’s largest saltpan, which is a nesting site for flamingos. Nature lovers should add a trip to Biogradska Gora National Park to their itinerary, which is filled with fast-flowing streams, sparkling lakes, and flower-filled meadows.
The best way to get to know the local culture is to spend time in the historic old town. It has thick cobbled streets and hidden nooks and crannies that provide epic sea views.
Lustica Peninsula
The Lustica Peninsula is a stunning part of Montenegro, known for its virgin nature and favorable climate. Here you can enjoy a secluded holiday at any time of the year.
- It is surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes making it a great place for hiking and mountain biking. It is also an excellent location for swimming and sunbathing.
- There are plenty of stunning beaches to choose from on the peninsula including Plavi Horizonti (Blue Horizon) which is surrounded by green pinewoods and boasts some of the most picturesque views in the area. Zanjice is another large pebbly beach that attracts a lot of people in the summer season.
- The best way to see the peninsula is to book a boat trip. From the marina boats leave several times a day and take you to Zanjice Beach, Blue Cave and Mamula Island.
