Recently, Montenegro has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe. To be honest, the reasons are all laid out directly in front of you. Rugged mountains, medieval cities, and breathtaking beaches along the Adriatic Sea: Montenegro doesn't mess around for such a little Balkan gem. Did you know that Montenegro is home to 620,000 people but has entertained over 2.5 million tourists?
How to Get to Montenegro
It is not difficult at all to get to Montenegro. There are several options for flying into Montenegro, with the two main international airports being Podgorica (the capital) and Tivat (on the coast).
Up to recent statistics, the airport of Tirana has become surprisingly busy with 10.7 million passengers per year, not to mention another possible entry point to the area.
Many travelers also choose to enter from neighboring Croatia, particularly the city of Dubrovnik, some 2 hours by car from the Bay of Kotor.
The borders can get pretty slow to cross, especially during peak summer months, so keep that in mind if you're coming this way and factor in some extra time.
Most European visitors do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days; the same applies to Americans and Canadians.
Nonetheless, it is always best to double-check entry requirements before your journey since regulations change periodically.
Getting Around Montenegro
I firmly believe that renting a car in Montenegro is the best way to discover this beautiful country. Although it is a small nation (with a drive from the northern mountains to the southern coast taking only a few hours), having wheels enables you incredible access to the hidden treasures away from tourist trails.
Public transportation exists but often disappoints; the local buses have been known to keep whimsically unpredictable schedules, especially in the outlying areas. If you are an intrepid driver, you'll be fine, but prepare for mountain roads that are narrow and sharply twisting.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Kotor
Your holiday begins in Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site that will immediately take your breath away. After checking into your accommodation, head straight to the Old Town, a medieval masterpiece with narrow, winding streets and charming “piacas”.
The ancient city walls climb dramatically up the mountainside, giving you a hint of the amazing views to come. Spend your afternoon wandering through the maze-like streets, popping into the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the Maritime Museum. As evening approaches, find a cozy restaurant in one of the small squares to sample some fresh seafood and local wine.
Kotor welcomes around 600k tourists annually, with most coming during the summer months. Still, the atmospheric old town remains one of the most magical things to do in Montenegro.
Day 2: The Bay of Kotor and Perast
It's time to get up and get prepared for what is going to be an amazing day as you explore the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Since you gave me a good first recommendation starting with a boat again, there's no other way to enjoy this beautiful fjord-type bay: travel for 3 to 4 hours while spending just around €25-30 per head.
Stop by the lovely Perast town and the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks, which according to local legend, makes sailors drop stones over centuries to make those islands, during your excursion.
Then, dare yourself with the hike up to San Giovanni Fortress to enjoy those spectacular views that you won't believe: it has 1,350 steps, but it's worth it.
The entry fee is around €8, and the climb takes around 40-60 minutes, depending on your pace. Finish the day with a delicious sunset dinner along the waterfront, watching as the bay transforms as lights begin to twinkle around the water.
Day 3: Budva and Sveti Stefan
Head to Budva, about half an hour from Kotor (though this might take longer in the summer months due to traffic). Begin with the relatively small but charming Old Town of Budva, surrounded by Venetian walls and full of cafes for a morning coffee.
Now, it is time to hit the beach. Mogren Beach, just a short walk from Old Town, is one of the best beaches in Montenegro.
It has crystal-clear waters for swimming, and there are enough places to rent loungers, too. After lunch, drive further south to the well-known islet of Sveti Stefan, perhaps the most-photographed spot in Montenegro.
While the island itself is private, you can view and take some fabulous pictures of it from the public beach. With nearly a million tourists each summer, Budva is the busiest coastal resort in Montenegro.
Day 4: Lovcen National Park
Time to leave the seaside and head to experience Montenegro's mountain views. Lovcen National Park offers some of the country's most spectacular views and a completely different atmosphere from the coastal areas.
The drive itself is an adventure, taking you up the famous serpentine road known as the "Ladder of Kotor," with 25 hairpin turns. At the summit of Mount Lovcen (1,749 meters), visit the Njegos Mausoleum, dedicated to Montenegro's most celebrated ruler and poet.
Day 5: Lake Skadar National Park
The Lake Skadar National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. The best way to explore is definitely by boat from the small town of Virpazar or Rijeka Crnojevica.
Tours typically cost around €25 per person for a two-hour excursion. The lake is home to over 270 bird species, including the rare Dalmatian Pelican, bring binoculars if you're interested in birdwatching.
The nature is stunning, with mountains reflecting in the tranquil waters dotted with water lilies. After your boat ride, explore the Godinje wine region, where local families have been producing wine for generations.
The indigenous Vranac grape thrives here, creating robust red wines that pair perfectly with traditional Montenegrin cuisine.
Day 6: Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country's most loved natural areas.
The drive from the coast takes about 3 hours, so start early. Your first stop should be Black Lake (Crno Jezero), a stunning glacial lake surrounded by dense pine forests and overlooked by rugged mountain peaks.
There are several well-marked hiking trails around the lake, suitable for different fitness levels. For adventure seekers, the Tara River Canyon offers world-class rafting experiences at 1,300 meters deep, it's the second deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon.
Day 7: Return to Kotor
For your final day, head back to Montenegro's beautiful coastline. Depending on your departure plans, you might want to visit a new coastal town like Herceg Novi or simply enjoy again in Kotor.
Final Thoughts on Montenegro
History buffs, beach lovers, adventure lovers, and foodies will all find something interesting here.
In a week, you can experience one of the most fabulous ranges of scenery and activities as some huge countries would struggle to match.
From the UNESCO Bay of Kotor to the wilderness mountains of Durmitor, from the animated beaches of Budva to tranquil Lake Skadar, this little Balkan jewel indeed gives a big punch for its size.