Things to Do in Montenegro That You Can’t Miss

written by local expert Becky Rogers

Becky is an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast and is now living in France as an expat. When she is not writing about travel gear and various destinations she has visited during her travels, you can find her playing with her two dogs.

A slice of heaven along the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is a city that offers you so much. From ancient towns and historic monuments to rugged mountains and primeval forests, this pocket-sized treasure will show you why the phrase “all good things come in small packages” couldn’t be more true.

There’s never a bad time to visit Montenegro! You’ll never be short of things to do, so if you’re heading there or are just looking for some sweet travel inspiration, here are some amazing things to do in Montenegro that you just can’t miss.

Explore Durmitor National Park, a hiker’s paradise

Home to Montenegro’s second-highest peak, Bobotov Kuk, the natural beauty that is Durmitor National Park attracts many hikers and outdoor enthusiasts year after year.

Aside from this challenging hike, the park also boasts local villages, scenic strolls, cycle paths, natural wonders like the Black Lake, and a plethora of wildlife such as bears and wolves.

This fabulous tour takes you through the best parts along the coastline and mountains!

kotor old town

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Wander the charming streets of the Old Town in Kotor

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the charming coastal town of Kotor wins the hearts of many.

With dramatic sea and mountain scenery, the old town is surrounded by towering walls erected by the Greeks in the 4th-7th century BC. Once a fortified village, Kotor is steeped in history and culture. Quaint narrow streets and alleyways lead to main squares full of rustic restaurants and bars, all just waiting to be explored.

We suggest going on a guided walking tour of Kotor so you can see the highlights and get familiar with the surroundings.

If you’re looking for more, check out this complete list of things to do in Kotor!

Discover Sveti Đorđe

If you’re partial to relaxed vibes, this 28 mile-long barrier island is the place to be. Sveti Đorđe is off the coast of Perast in the Bay of Kotor and is home to many quiet beaches, nature trails, forests perfect for camping, and lovely local restaurants that tick the box for casual dining.

Travel Tip: Not sure if you need a visa to Montenegro? You can easily get information for an online visa to check a country’s visa requirements before you travel. As Montenegro is not part of the Schengen zone, it’s a good idea to confirm if you need a visa before you go!

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Relax at Velika Plaža

In a vibrant coastal city in the Ulcinj Municipality, you’ll find Velika Plaža, a stunning sandy beach stretching from Port Milena in Ulcinj all the way to Bojana River.

You can spend hours or even days stretching out on the sand and soaking in the rays. Or if you need some entertainment, you can explore the city which has a bustling port, art museums, an aquarium, and the Queen Mary.

Travel Tip: We love renting cars whenever we travel — it just gives you so much freedom to explore at your own pace. In Montenegro, renting a car gives us the freedom to go on day trips on our own, without having to join organized tours. Click here to compare car rental prices. You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is!

bjelasica mountains in montenegro

Explore the Bjelasica mountain range

If you love to ski, the Bjelasica mountain range in North Central Montenegro is full of ski resorts and sweet slopes in the Winter season.

Home to the Crna Glava, the highest peak in the mountain range standing at 2,139m high, this natural landscape is also great for hikers, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Hike to the peak of Lovćen

A symbol of Montenegro, Lovćen is so much more than a mountain and national park in the southwest of the country. Yes, this rocky region in the Dinaric Alps is the largest mountain in Montenegro. And yes, it is popular for its expansive hiking trails and panoramic views.

What it’s famous for, however, is how sacred it is considered to be by the locals. At its distinctive peak, you will find the world’s tallest mausoleum, the resting place of the greatest hero of the Montenegrin people and the heart of the country.

Treat your taste buds at Konoba Catovica Mlini

Steeped in 200 years of history, this charming restaurant is located in an idyllic setting in the middle of Kotor, nestled between streams and ponds.

Considered one of the best restaurants in the Boka Region (to those who are lucky enough to find it), Konoba Catovica Mlini offers the finest food and service which you can enjoy with stunning mountain views all around.

Admire Our Lady of the Rocks

The second island off the coast of Perast in the Bay of Kotor is Our Lady of the Rocks.

A minuscule artificial island created by a bulwark of rocks and sunken old and seized ships loaded with rocks, this picturesque place features a 17th-century Roman Catholic Church with an art museum. That may be it for entertainment but the image of this place and the surroundings are something to behold.

If you want to make the most out of your day, a boat trip during the day should cover most of the hotspots!

View Boat Tour Details

Gaze at Kotor Cathedral

If you’re a fan of Romanesque churches and religious artwork and treasures, Kotor Cathedral will keep you amused for hours. Admire the building itself which was built in 1166. And don’t forget to delve inside to see the many gold and silver religious relics and frescoes up close.

kotor cathedral

Pay a visit to the impressive Ostrog Monastery

An amazing place to visit, you will first be taken aback by the setting of the monastery itself.

Set against an almost vertical background, the Monastery of Ostrog looks as if it has been carved into the middle of a cliff face. High up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda, this 17th-century monastery and pilgrimage site will wow any traveler.

Spend a day at the Black Lake

Located on Mount Durmitor in the Municipality of Žabljak in Northern Montenegro, you’ll find an impressive glacial lake.
The largest and most visited part of the national park, the Black Lake earns its name from the towering mass of Međed (the Bear; 2,287m) that casts an inky shadow on its waters. A stunning body of water lined with pine trees, this place is a perfect stop on your hike. Or you could just spend a full day here relaxing by the waters.

Head South to Ada Bojana Island

Away from noisy streets and the bustle of the city, this charming seaside isle is the perfect tranquil escape.

Legend says that this tiny slice of paradise was created from a shipwreck, with years of depositing sand and river sediment sculpting what we see today. A stunning natural treasure, Ada Bojana offers sandy shorelines, waterfront restaurants, and quaint accommodations.

shakshuka brunch

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Byblos

If you’re in Podgorica and looking for something out of the ordinary, head to Byblos for brunch.

A Lebanese Restaurant serving Middle Eastern goodies, you can try all sorts of delicacies from shakshuka and cheese saj to foulh mudammas. Pair any of these with the traditional Turkish coffee that Montenegrins love, Kuvana Kafa, and you’ll be made.

Stroll down the Budva Riviera

An ancient town armed with a secret seaside can be found in Western Montenegro, just a two-hour drive from the popular city of Dubrovnik.

This secret seaside is known as the Budva Riviera. Step through an arched doorway in Budva’s medieval walls and you’ll find a 35km long strip of the Adriatic Coast. The Riviera is dotted with a series of sheltered coves and eight miles of sand and pebble beaches just waiting to be explored.

Make your stay in Montenegro at Hotel Art Media

Check out this affordable stay at one of the most hospitable, tranquil, and beautiful locations.

While Hotel Art Media may be considered slightly away from main sights, it more than makes up for it in its stunning surroundings, first-rate service, and excellent facilities. For a more intimate stay in Montenegro, seek out this hidden gem.

Go rafting in Tara Canyon

Take a day trip from the Budva promenade and you’ll discover Montenegro’s natural wonders, namely the Tara Canyon in the Durmitor National Park.

Although the current is fairly sedate, you can have some real fun rafting in its waters. If you want to up your adrenaline for the day, you can even do ziplining here too! It has the biggest zipline in Europe at 152m high and 865m long.

Take in a memorable sunset at Tivat

A pretty town at the foot of Mount Vrmac, Tivat is known for offering a plethora of water sports as well as being the “it” spot for hikers and mountaineers. A slice of coastal paradise in Montenegro, walk down the stretch of unspoiled sandy beach and watch the sunset cast a warm orange glow over the waters.

glass of wine overlooking vineyard

Enjoy a wine tasting at the Castel Savina Vineyard

Savina is an incredibly beautiful place, surrounded by lush green forests and mountains overlooking the tranquil blue waters of the Bay of Kotor.

For all wine lovers, the cherry on the cake is the Castel Savina Vineyard. Spend a day wandering through the lines of trees, sitting in the peaceful landscaped gardens overlooking the water, and tasting the finest vintages of the region.

Pop in to see Podgorica

Have you really traveled the country if you haven’t visited the capital and largest city in Montenegro?

A pint-sized city steeped in an interesting history, Podgorica is worth a visit — even just for a day. If you have more time, visit some of the top things to see and do here including Lake Scutari, the Ostrog Monastery, the Millennium Bridge, and the Tara River Canyon.

Fill your belly at Pod Volat

For all meat aficionados, you cannot miss enjoying a meal at Pod Volat if you’re visiting the capital, Podgorica.

Offering a variety of traditional meat dishes that will whet your appetite, this nationally-recognized restaurant is known for its goulash and grilled meats in particular. Have a taste of the most succulent meat meals that are true to Montenegrin culture at really reasonable prices.

kitesurfing

Try kitesurfing at Velika Plaža

Velika Plaža, or Big Beach, is located near the Albanian border and it is a prime location for kitesurfing.

If you’re an avid surfer, you can rent the equipment and get out there. If you’re not, it’s time to suit up and learn! In the summer, there are many surf schools offering lessons.

Float on transparent blue waters at Lake Biograd

Surrounded by a magnificent virgin forest with fresh air and blue waters for miles around, Lake Biograd is an amazing place to visit and one that should be near the top of your list of things to do in Montenegro.

Nestled in Biogradska Gora National Park in Kolašin municipality in northern Montenegro, this is the biggest glacial lake you’ll find — and probably the most beautiful.

Experience the best coffee you’ve ever had in Cafe Quindo

In Armenia, you will find a popular place that serves the best Columbian coffee you’ll ever have and this place is known as Cafe Quindo.

Selling coffee by the pound, cookies, and waffles that will satisfy your sweet tooth, and Columbian food that will blow your socks off, this cafe is perfect for a visit at any time of the day.

Scale a high-ropes course at Ivanova Korita

Get your adrenaline up and kicking by taking on the high-ropes course at Ivanova Korita in Lovćen National Park. A series of rope trails set up in the trees throughout the national park, you can opt for the difficulty of your choice and have hours of fun monkeying around.

Experience true peace and tranquillity at Mogren Beach

About 100m west of the Old Town in Budva, you can enjoy a secluded sandy beach sheltered by cliffs called Mogren Beach. Pitch up here for the day with no plans and discover your surroundings, swim in the turquoise blue waters, or sunbathe until your heart is content.

strobe lights in a club

Get your party on at Top Hill nightclub

If you’re looking for the best clubs in Budva or you’re just partial to electro music, Top Hill is the place you need to be. Great drinks, music, and a dancefloor all make for a great evening where you can bust out your best moves.

Discover Montenegro’s smaller towns like Rose

Off the beaten tourist path, Rose is a cozy fishing hamlet just waiting to give visitors an insight into real Montenegrin village life.

Set right on the coast, this quaint village is full of quiet coves, sandy beaches, and calm lookout points, and it boasts a picturesque port offering the freshest seafood. A popular diving spot, Rose is the epitome of the serenity of nature.

Feel the thrill of tandem paragliding

Looking for an unforgettable adrenaline experience? Montenegro Adventure Center can give you one of the best thrills of your life.

Starting from the mountains in Budva, you will jump off with an instructor and put your life in the hands of your parachute. Spending the next 30 minutes or so literally flying through the air with incredible views of the Adriatic, before landing safely on Bečići Beach (the longest and one of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro).

It’ll be an unforgettable experience!

View Paragliding Tour

bay of kotor, montenegro

As you can see, there are so many things to see and do in Montenegro. It’s time to put this beautiful country on your travel list, and find the time to do them all!


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Things to Do in Montenegro | Montenegro is full of wonders, waiting to be discovered! Here are the top things to do in Montenegro that you can't miss out on.

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