14 Incredible Things To Do In Montenegro

PUBLISHED September 2016.
UPDATED April 2025.

Looking for the best things to do in Montenegro? From charming old towns and sun-drenched beaches, to dazzling peaks and spellbinding canyons, this guide covers all the most beautiful places to visit in Montenegro. 

Back in 2016, a blissful fortnight in Herceg Novi was my very first introduction to Montenegro and the Balkans, where my mornings were spent behind the laptop and afternoons reserved for slow exploration, pottering about the cobbled streets adorned with bougainvillea and pomegranates, feeding my yoghurt and cherry swirl ice-cream obsession, kayaking across the bay, strolling the lively promenade and visiting every patch of beach that lay within walking distance.

Now some 9 years and half a dozen visits later, it’s the mountains that continue to call me back time and again, with the occasional off-season Adriatic stopover thrown in for good measure.

Montenegro may be small but it has so much to offer, whether you’re after a beach break, a hiking adventure or a city sojourn.

You’ll find enchanting old towns that span thousands of years of history, sun-drenched turquoise beaches that rival those of Greece, flower-strewn valleys and dazzling limestone peaks that offer up magnificent opportunities for hiking, and vast tracts of wilderness carved by pristine rivers that simply beg to be explored.

Planning your visit? These are the best things to do in Montenegro.

Montenegro has two international airports located in Podgorica and Tivat. Both are reasonably well-connected to the rest of Europe, as well as a handful of destinations in the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia.

Travelling Montenegro by car is ideal to conveniently access the remote mountains, wilderness areas and stunning panoramic roads, however there is also a solid network of buses and two train lines that will get you to most key tourist destinations.

Driving here can be somewhat chaotic with general flouting of the road rules being common practice, though things have improved greatly since my very first visit to Montenegro.

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FIND YOUR RENTAL CAR   //   Podgorica is the best place to pick up your rental car with numerous options available from the airport and downtown area. Tivat is also a decent alternative. I recommend using Discover Cars who offers a variety of suppliers at competitive rates for the region. Find the best deals here.

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TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT   //    The central bus station in Podgorica is the country’s main transport hub and you’ll usually need to transfer here when travelling between the north and south. Tickets ordinarily need to be purchased in advance from the ticket office or on board in smaller villages. It’s also worth having cash on hand for the extra fees that get added for baggage, station use and ticket printing.

See bus timetables here.

Montenegro’s two train lines are operated by ZPCG and extend from Podgorica to Nikšić, and Bar to Bijelo Polje (and onwards to Belgrade) offering spectacular views as you whizz above the narrow gorges of the remote central mountains.

See train timetables here.

Nestled between steep granite walls that encase a glimmering turquoise bay, the UNESCO-listed old town of Kotor holds an enviable location and is easily the prettiest in Montenegro.

Filled with twisting cobbled laneways, crumbling staircases and hidden courtyards adorned with drying laundry and colourful shutters alongside the many famous cats which call these streets home, this charming historic centre a delight to explore.

Kotor’s compact old town can be seen in a matter of hours at a leisurely pace, hitting the key sights including the Clock Tower, the 12th century romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas and the old town walls which extend north from the Gurdić Gate and east from the Kampana Tower.

Hiking the historic fortified walls which extend behind the old town is another highlight, however this now attracts a rather steep €15 entry fee.

A possible alternative it to climb the longer and more rugged switchback-laden Ladder of Kotor which ascends the slopes a smidge further north and is free to access.

From Kotor, don’t miss a visit to the lovely village of Perast which sits further around the bay.

Stroll along its beautiful promenade, enjoy an ice cream in the sunshine and climb the bell tower of the Church of Saint Nicholas for gorgeous views, before climbing aboard a water taxi to visit the small island of Our Lady of the Rocks and its small church.

Now, while Kotor is absolutely beautiful and an essential stop on every Montenegro itinerary, it’s worth keeping in mind that the summer crowds do become completely overwhelming here, fueled by the enormous cruise ships that enter the bay – sometimes up to three at a time – and inject thousands of visitors into the tiny fortified city.

You’ll have a far more pleasant experience visiting outside peak season, otherwise be sure to get out early before the heat and crowds of the day arrive. It’s also well worth checking the cruise ship schedule to avoid their arrival if you can.

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READ MORE   |   Things to do in Kotor

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Plan Your Visit To Kotor + Perast

Get There   |   Kotor lies just half an hour from Tivat or 2 hours from Podgorica via Budva. Perast sits around the centre of the bay, 14 km from Kotor itself along the E65 / E80.

Traffic along this coastal road can become extremely congested during peak periods and parking in both Kotor and Perast can be difficult so many visitors prefer to arrive without a car or park elsewhere and travel into town by bus, taxi or on foot.

Kotor is well connected by bus and the local Blue Line service travels between Kotor and Perast every hour.

Entry Fees   |   Entry to Saint Tryphon’s Cathedral costs €4, while access to the fortress walls behind the old town costs €15.

Take A Boat   |   Water taxis travel from Perast to Our Lady of the Rocks frequently and cost €5 per person return, plus €3 to access the island, with a designated waiting time of either 30 minutes or 1 hour. Be sure to speak directly with the captains at the marina as other operators are known to wildly overcharge.

Alternatively, take a guided boat tour directly from Kotor with stops at Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks. See tour options here.

Where To Stay   |   Kotor has no shortage of accommodation sprinkled throughout the old town, or amongst the more laidback suburbs of Dobrota to the north and Škaljari which extends around the south of the bay. While the old town is wonderfully atmospheric, keep in mind that it is pedestrian only and can get noisy, especially during peak season.

Old Town Hostel   |   One of Montenegro’s favourite backpacker haunts, this social hostel is tucked away in the old town and offers spotless dormitory and private rooms, an excellent breakfast and a charming host in an historic stone building. Check rates and availability here.

Apartments Kotor Old Town   |   Also nestled in the old town, here you’ll find a selection of comfortable and spacious private apartments equipped with a kitchenette. Check rates and availability here.

Hive Luxury Suites   |   This newly-renovated guesthouse is located on the main square in the heart of the old town and boasts spacious, modern rooms. Check rates and availability here.

Bay View Apartments   |   Set in Dobrota just a short walk from the old town, Bay View offers a warm welcome and simple, functional apartments with sea views and private parking. Check rates and availability here.

Marea DeLuxe Apartments   |   Set to the west of Kotor in Škaljari, here you’ll find sizable, well-equipped apartments, with a rooftop lounge area and hot tub that offers sublime views over the Bay of Kotor. Check rates and availability here.

Encompassing the spectacular mountains of northwest Montenegro, Durmitor National Park is defined by an immense massif of chiselled limestone peaks that soar above an ocean of forested foothills and lake-studded meadows.

It’s one of my absolute favourite places in Montenegro and the second largest national park in the country, acting as a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts keen to tackle its a vast network of hiking trails.

There’s everything from easy lakeside strolls and gentle valley walks, to more demanding ridgeline traverses and technical cable-supported ascents, and between it all, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views that take in the vast glacial valleys, glorious flower-strewn meadows, stark peaks and enchanting lakes that make Durmitor a dream destination for hikers.

For those keen on a less active visit, the wonderfully scenic 79 km Durmitor Ring Road showcases some of the area’s most vibrant scenery from behind the wheel and can be paired with a short detour towards Pluzine for a glimpse at the brilliant blue Piva River.

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READ MORE   |   All The Best Things To See An Do In Durmitor National Park

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Plan Your Visit To Durmitor National Park

Get There   |    The small mountain town of Žabljak is the gateway to Durmitor National Park and the best place to base yourself when exploring the area. From Podgorica, it’s a 2.5 hour drive following the M18 and P5. By bus, you’ll find frequent services connecting Podgorica with Žabljak.

Take A Hike   |   There are many fantastic hikes in Durmitor National Park that cater to a range of abilities. Some of my favourites include:

Difficult   |   Bobotov Kuk    //   Medjed + Terzin Bogaz

Moderate   |    Prutaš Peak + Škrčko Lake   //   Planinica   //   Sušica Canyon   //   Crvena Greda

Easy   |   Black Lake Circuit   //   Jablan Lake   //   Curevac

Entry Fee   |   Access to Durmitor National Park attracts an entrance fee of €5 pp/day or €13.50 for an annual pass.

Where To Stay  | 

Hostel Hikers Den   |   For budget travellers, look no further than this homely hostel located right in the heart of town which offers both dormitory and private rooms, a communal kitchen and knowledgeable owners. Check rates and availability here.

Srna Chalet   |   A lovely, wallet-friendly guesthouse located a short walk from Žabljak’s main square, Srna Chalet offers a range of private rooms with a shared bathroom in a large wooden house with a super helpful host. Check rates and availability here.

Spruce Hill Village   |   With a stunning mountain setting just 10 minutes from Žabljak, Spruce Hill Village boasts a collection of charming self-contained chalets that are perfect for those eager to escape to the countryside. Guests love the warm hospitality and traditional breakfast. Check rates and availability here.

Casa di Pino Eco Lodge   |   For a touch of luxury, Casa di Pino is an excellent option boasting modern, comfortable rooms, friendly staff, a great breakfast and sauna to melt away those tired muscles. Check rates and availability here.

UNESCO-listed Biogradska Gora National Park and the vast wilderness that surrounds Kolašin in central Montenegro are simply bursting with beautiful, rarely hiked trails.

Lake Biograd is the centre piece where a lovely 3 km circular walk guides you through a sea of virgin centuries-old beech forest as you make your way around its shores. Wooden boats, kayaks and bikes are also available for hire.

Further east, the national park sprawls into the Bjelasica mountain range which is crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails and speckled with summer katuns.

At 2,139 m, Crna Glava is the highest peak within the park and can be accessed from Vranjak in the south or Lubnice in the east.

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Plan Your Visit To Biogradska Gora

Get There   |   Biogradska Gora lies 1.5 hours north of Podgorica, or just 40 minutes from Kolašin. There are no direct buses to the national park, but taxis and tours can be arranged from Kolasin which is well-connected by public transport.

Entry Fee   |   Access to Biogradska Gora National Park attracts an entrance fee of €3 pp/day or €13.50 for an annual pass.

Where To Stay  |  Just a short drive away, Kolašin makes an ideal base for exploring Biogradska Gora.

Max Apartments   |   Top-rated Max is an excellent budget option offering a range of self-contained studio apartments in the heart of Kolašin. Check rates and availability here.

Chalet Kolašin   |   A classic mountain chalet, this 4-star hotel in Kolašin offers spacious rooms with mountain views, an onsite spa and sauna perfect for post-hike relaxation and includes an excellent breakfast. Check rates and availability here.

Blessed with Montenegro’s best beaches and one of the oldest historic towns on the Adriatic, the Budva Riviera is the single most popular destination in all of Montenegro.

Resting on a small peninsular that juts out at the western end of the bay, Budva’s fortified old town is an undoubtable highlight, tracing the influences of the Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian empires over more than 2,500 years.

Get lost among the warren of twisting cobbled laneways that stretch between the city gates and central square where you’ll find the Church of Saint John the Baptist and its Venetian bell tower, and the Citadel, alongside other key historic sights.

Extending beyond the town beneath the dramatic coastal mountains, the dazzling strip of the Adriatic known as the Budva Riviera encompasses an idyllic string of around 30 bays.

Directly west of Budva, Mogren Beach is a crowd favourite boasting pristine turquoise water that is easily accessible from the old town, while further along, Jaz Beach is another popular choice. Heading south, the beaches that surround Sveti Stefan are also sublime.

It’s worth noting that during the height of summer this area and its beaches swell with visitors and becomes disgustingly overcrowded which was precisely what put me off visiting for quite so long. Arriving in early spring or late autumn is a far better option when the coastline remains wonderfully peaceful and free of the ever-present parasols, beach loungers and oppressive crowds.

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READ MORE   |   The Best Things to do in Budva

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Plan Your Visit To Budva

Get There   |   As a coastal hotspot, Budva is well connected and easy to reach, though traffic and parking are both a problem over summer. From Podgorica, the M2.3 offers the most direct route, bringing you into Budva in around an hour.

Kotor and Tivat are located just 45 minutes away, while coastal towns further afield, like Herceg Novi, Ulcinj, Bar and Sutomare can all be reached in 1.5 to 2 hours.

By bus, there are frequent daily services to Podgorica, Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi, Bar and Cetinje.

Where To Stay   |    Budva caters to a range of tastes, from cosy guesthouses to luxury hotels, with the option of staying in the charming old town or busy city centre.

Freedom Hostel   |   One of the only budget options in the Budva old town, Freedom Hostel has an excellent location with well-organised dorm rooms, a communal lounge, kitchen and laundry space. Check rates and availability here.

Apartments Trifunovic   |   Set in the heart of the old town, Trifunovic is a solid mid-range option and offers a selection of comfortable, well-equipped apartments that are perfect for longer stays and require a 3-night minimum. Guests love the lush internal courtyard which gazes onto Budva’s iconic Venetion bell tower. Check rates and availability here.

Hotel Majestic   |   Hotel Majestic offers one of the best views over the historic centre, alongside beautifully designed rooms, an excellent breakfast on the terrace and a chic bar and restaurant space. Check rates and availability here.

Hotel Vela   |   This modern, boutique hotel is located just 10 minutes from the old town and offers bright rooms, a leafy courtyard, an attentive host, excellent breakfast and onsite parking. Check rates and availability here.

Towering between Kotor and Cetinje, Lovćen National Park offers up one of the best views in Montenegro. It was a place I almost skipped entirely, but in the end, was somewhere I didn’t want to leave.

Reached via a winding mountain road that will have any fellow motion sick travellers feeling a little worse for wear, Lovćen culminates in Jezerski Vrh which climbs to 1,657 m.

Perched on the summit, the dramatic Njegoš Mausoleum connects with a covered flight of 461 steps which leads to a west-facing viewing platform that overlooks the magnificent mountains that surround the Bay of Kotor and beyond.

It’s particularly beautiful in the late afternoon when the surrounding landscapes are awash with golden light.

The mausoleum closes about an hour before sunset (around 4 p.m. in winter and 8 p.m. in summer) so aim to arrive with plenty of time to spare.

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Plan Your Visit To Lovćen National Park

Get There   |   From Cetinje, a small mountain road skirts around the massif to the summit, but from Kotor, don’t miss the spectacular P1 serpentine road which approaches from the west.

Lovćen is best visited by car to arrive in time for sunset, however it’s also included as a stop on a number of day-tours in the region for those travelling without their own transport. See tour options here.

Entry Fees   |   Access to Lovćen National Park attracts an entrance fee of €3 pp/day or €13.50 for an annual pass. Entry to the Njegoš Mausoleum costs €8 .

Where To Stay  |   Located just an hour away, Kotor makes an ideal place from which to visit Lovcen National Park. See recommendations for Kotor above.

Defined by an imposing limestone massif that towers above an ocean of ancient forests and rolling meadows, Komovi is the stuff of fairytales, embodying a wild remoteness and etherial beauty that is completely infectious.

The vibrant green landscapes are speckled with summer katuns and ooze bucolic charm, while the vertiginous cliffs of its triple peak – Vasojevićki Kom, Ljevorečki Kom and Kučki Kom – present some of the best hiking in Montenegro.

Komovi has historically referred to this single massif, however in 2018, the Komovi Nature Park was established to protect the wider region, encompassing the source of the Tara River and the enchanting Bukumirsko Lake, as well as the unspoiled mountains and glacial lakes that surround them.

For those looking to get off the beaten path in Montenegro, Komovi is a wonderful place to visit and was a highlight of my most recent trip.

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READ MORE   |   A Complete Guide to the Komovi Mountains

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Plan Your Visit To the Komovi Mountains

Get There   |   Štavna is the best access point for the Komovi massif and lies around an hour from both Kolašin and Andrijevica, or 2 hours from Podgorica. The final few kilometres are along rough dirt road.

For Bukumirsko Lake and the wider Komovi Nature Park, you’re better off arriving from the west via Veruša. The road here is paved but mostly in poor condition and turns into dirt road on the approach to the lake and beyond Mokra.

Entry Fees   |   To access the Komovi Mountains near Štavna, there is a €2 entrance fee per day.

Where to Stay   |   Štavna makes an ideal place to stay for the peaks, while Mokra or Veruša are better placed for visiting the far side of the park.

Kobil Do Guesthouse   |   Offering rustic but cosy bungalows, you really can’t beat the location of Kobil Do with garden views looking straight onto the stark peaks and across the valley where distant mountains are silhouetted against the setting sun. Check rates and availability here.

Katun Mokra   |   A selection of A-frame bungalows and apartments that are simple, spacious and well-equipped for a comfortable countryside stay, set in a gorgeous valley surrounded by mountains. Check rates and availability here.

Protruding into the Adriatic via a narrow isthmus, Sveti Stefan with its tight knot of terracotta rooftops and rose-coloured bays is one of Montenegro’s most famous destinations and looks like something out of a storybook.

To the right of the island, the beach is privatised for hotel guests only, unless of course you want to fork out €180 for the privilege, while the very pebbly beach to the left is partly covered in sun beds with small pockets available for public use.

Extending north, a footpath connects Sveti Stefan with Milocer and Queen’s which are both peaceful and secluded, framed in neatly pruned conifers with crystalline blue-green water and a mix of sand and small pebbles.

Ordinarily both are fully privatised and managed by Villa Miločer, the former summer residence of Queen Maria Karađorđević of Yugoslavia and part of Aman Sveti Stefan, however, since the hotel is temporarily closed, these beaches are currently open to the public. They’re one of the area’s best kept secrets and my favourite of the local beaches.

Perched high on the hillside, don’t miss sunset from St. Sava Church which offers sweeping views along the coastline and a perfect vantage point over Sveti Stefan as fiery hues stain the sky.

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Plan Your Visit To Sveti Stefan

Get There   |   Located just 10 minutes from Budva along the E80 coastal road, Sveti Stefan makes an easy day trip. Parking can be tricky though, particularly over summer. If you get lucky, there’s limited free parking along the main road, otherwise parking by Sveti Stefan’s beach is a rather steep €4/h, or €2/h at Milocer and Queen’s Beach.

Alternatively, local buses run every 20 to 30 minutes from Budva to Sveti Stefan and can be flagged down at any of the southbound bus stops along the Adriatic Highway. Tickets cost €2 to €2.50. See details here.

Where To Stay   |   There are a number of accommodation options located in Sveti Stefan, but given its proximity, it’s popular to stay in either Budva or Petrovac and visit on a day trip instead.

Prokletije may be Montenegro’s newest national park, only being established in 2009, but it’s also among the most spectacular where chains of jagged peaks plunge into vast glacial valleys, setting the scene for some of the country’s most impressive and challenging hikes.

Nudging up against the Albanian border, Prokletije National Park is best known for its two wildly impressive valleys – Grebaje and Ropojana – where keen hikers will have the highest peaks in the Dinaric Alps at their fingertips.

The Three Peaks Trail is unmissable, guiding you between the summits of Volušnica, Talijanka and Popadija which dominate the northwest flank of the Grebaje Valley and offer up unparalleled views of the magnificent Karanfili massif.

Around the corner, take a peak at the powerful Grla Waterfall and mesmerising turquoise pool of Oko Skakavice before entering the humbling, otherworldly heart of the Ropojana Valley where dramatic spires puncture the sky and soar above the green stripe of the Ropojana Lake.

Continue on to Peja Pass for a peak into the Albanian Alps, or for something more demanding, choose between Rosni Peak, Buni i Jezerce or the indomitable Maja Jezerce which holds the crown as the highest peak in the Accursed Mountains.

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Plan Your Visit To Prokletije National Park

Get There   |    Prokletije National Park lies around 2.5 hours from Podgorica via the A1 and M9 / P9 mountain road that cuts through Andrijevica. By bus, there are regular services between Podgorica and Plav or Gusinje, but from there you’ll need to arrange a taxi or walk to reach the national park.

The road is unsealed once you enter Prokletije at Grebaje, but is paved through Vusanje until you reach the main parking area.

Entry Fees   |   Prokletije National Park attracts a €3 entry fee or €13.50 for an annual pass.

Where To Stay   |   Grebaje and Vusanje are located just 30 minutes apart and both make a beautiful starting point for exploring these mountains. Plav is also a possibility and offers more services, though is far less scenic.

Bungalows Prokletije   |   Set in a lovely garden between the mountains in Grebaje Valley, these cute-as-a-button bungalows offer comfortable loft beds and cosy rooms equipped with a fridge and kettle. Small and simple but functional. Check rates and availability here.

Guesthouse Kollata   |   A basic family-run guesthouse in Vusanje offering private rooms with a shared bathroom in the main house, while the garden chalet has private facilities. Hearty meals are available and served on the terrace with beautiful views towards the valley. Check rates and availability here.

Ema Apartments   |   For those that would prefer to be located in Plav, Ema Apartments offers modern, beautifully appointed rooms equipped with a kitchenette and ensuite set just back from the lake. Enjoy access to the outdoor terrace with a backdrop of Prokletije’s spectacular peaks. Check rates and availability here.

Hidden amidst steep, chiselled mountains, Kapetanovo Jezero or Captain’s Lake, takes pride of place in the sprawling wilderness of the Lukavica plateau and is a place enveloped in complete serenity.

Tourism here is still very much in its infancy, with the solitary access road only recently being paved, but that is entirely part of its appeal. Wifi and phone signal are out of reach, centuries-old shepherd trails weave across the landscapes, and the jangle of cowbells and collective bleating of sheep coalesce to form a pleasant bucolic soundscape.

While there are many opportunities for hiking in this remote wilderness punctured by rugged peaks and rolling meadows, infrastructure is extremely limited meaning a number of routes lack markings, a discernible trail or both.

Manito Lake and the isolated katun of Markov Mramor both hold spectacular positions and are easy to reach, while more intrepid visitors should consider tackling Nikolin Vrh which dominates the western flank of Kapetanovo Jezero, or Veliki Žurim which can be reached from the neighbouring village. The views from both are sublime overlooking the boundless mountains that extend in all directions.

Best of all though is witnessing sunrise over the lake, when the landscapes are calm and silent, waiting in anticipation for the veils of golden morning light to cascade across the landscapes.

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READ MORE   |   Lukavica + Kapetanovo Jezero

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Plan Your Visit To Lukavica

Get There   |   With its new road, access to Lukavica and Kapetanovo Jezero has improved greatly, but Google Maps will almost certainly direct you the wrong way.

From Podgorica, the lake sits just 90 km away, but the winding route takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Follow the M18 towards Nikšic and head east into the outskirts of town. Take the cobbled hill through Oblatno and keep to the right to remain on the correct route.

Where To Stay   |   There are two basic guesthouses located on the southern shore of the lake which have a beautiful setting but rudimentary facilities. You’ll find many more options of accommodation in Nikšic.

The Luštica Peninsula forms the narrow mouth of the Bay of Kotor and feels distinctly Mediterranean with vast tracts of carefully tended olive groves, charming fishing villages, and secluded swimming holes which speckle the coastline.

Visit the charming fishing village of Rose, where its white-washed facades are decorated with fuchsia bougainvillea and a wide promenade wraps around the waterfront. Located nearby, you’ll also find a handful of historic sights, including a rusted shipwreck which rests on the rocks, and a wartime submarine bunker tucked away in the hillside.

Continuing along the southern side of Luštica Peninsula, there are several beaches on offer, ranging from quiet, secluded coves to family-friendly bays to pumping party hotspots.

Žanjice and neighbouring Mirišta are both popular choices, Oblatno is easily accessible but also tends to be loud and crowded, while Plavi Horizonti Plaža or Blue Horizons offers a wide shallow bay and sandy beach. A pair of beach chairs here will set you back between €15 and €50.

My personal favourite is the lovely Dobra Luka – a protected bay with crystalline blue water that sees far fewer visitors than elsewhere in the area.

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Plan Your Visit To Luštica Peninsula

Get There   |   Luštica is easily reached from Tivat, Kotor and Budva which lie less than an hour away via the E80, with a single road that skirts around the peninsula and peels off into narrow tracks to the various beaches and villages.

Where to Stay   |   There are many options for accommodation on Luštica Peninsula, however most travellers choose to visit on a day trip and base themselves in Tivat, Kotor or Budva instead.

Carving a path through northern Montenegro, the spectacular Tara Canyon sits within Durmitor National Park and forms the deepest canyon in Europe with the Tara River churning through its centre.

Fed by pristine turquoise water and surrounded in gorgeous views, rafting on Tara River has become one of the most popular things to do in Montenegro.

Depending on the time of year, the trip can vary from a fun but relatively mellow paddle, to a high velocity, white-water experience where you’ll most likely end up in the freezing water on more than one occasion.

For maximum thrills, April is the best time to visit when spring snowmelt causes the river to swell, while July to September will provide a more easy-going adventure. With declining snow fall in recent years, the seasonal force of the river is also shifting slightly, but this remains a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Tara Canyon from its depths.

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Plan Your Visit To Tara River

Get There   |   Rafting tours can be arranged from many key destinations in Montenegro, including Kotor, Budva, Tivat, Herceg Novi or Žabljak, as well as directly from to Šćepan Polje, a small village on the Tara River, which lies 2.5 hours from Podgorica.

Book Your Tour   |    Most Tara River Rafting Trips begin from Brštanovica and travel downstream to Šćepan Polje which lies at the confluence of the Tara and Piva Rivers and marks the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tours generally spend around 3 hours on the water covering the most exciting part of the canyon where you’ll hurtle over 30 rapids with opportunities to swim along the way, including in a small pool that boasts just 5°C water. Think of it as nature’s ice bath.

Wetsuits, helmets and dry bags are provided and guests receive a full safety briefing before setting off. Lunch is usually also included with combined accommodation and rafting packages available. Prices start from €60 for a half-day rafting experience and climb to €100+ for tour packages that include transport or accommodation.

Check tour options here.

Mrtvica Canyon was somewhere I stumbled upon completely by accident, sparked by a photo of the mythical Gate of Wishes that sent me down a rabbit hole of investigation.

Tucked away in the rugged mountains of central Montenegro, Mrtvica Canyon is one of the country’s best kept secrets, where staggering peaks soar overhead and vertiginous cliffs tumble into a forested belt which crowds around the impossibly turquoise ribbon of the Mrtvica River.

Extending for 15 km between Međuriječje and Velje Duboko, Mrtvica Canyon feels like stepping into another world and conceals two unique points of interests – the enchanting Gate of Wishes, a curious rocky arch surrounded by mossy forests and a mesmerising blue pool, and Danilov Put, a historic military trail hewn into the cliff face that remains from the former days of Yugoslavia.

Both lie within the first half of the canyon and can be visited on a straightforward 6 hour return hike, though you’ll want to allocate more time for swimming in the bone-chilling natural pools that lie along the way.

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READ MORE   |   A Complete Guide To Mrtvica Canyon

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Plan Your Visit To Mrtvica Canyon

Get There   |   The Mrtvica Canyon hike begins from Međuriječje which lies along the E80 / E65 directly north of Podgorica or southwest of Kolašin and can be reached in around 45 minutes from either.

Where To Stay   |   Kolašin makes a great base from which to visit Mrtvica Canyon.

Max Apartments   |   Top-rated Max is an excellent budget option offering a range of self-contained studio apartments in the heart of Kolašin. Check rates and availability here.

Chalet Kolašin   |   A classic mountain chalet, this 4-star hotel in Kolašin offers spacious rooms with mountain views, an onsite spa and sauna perfect for post-hike relaxation and includes an excellent breakfast. Check rates and availability here.

Straddling the border between Montenegro and Albania, the glittering expanse of Lake Skadar is recognised for its vast wetlands, abundant bird life and fertile landscapes replete with vineyards and orchards.

Framed in an impressive wall of razor sharp peaks and rolling hills speckled with remote villages, it’s also a wonderfully serene place to kick back and watch life unfold on the water.

Tucked away on its northwest shoreline, pocket-sized Virpazar is the gateway to the area and an ideal jumping off point from which to explore.

A boat or kayaking tour into the wetlands is the best way to see Lake Skadar, but there’s plenty more to occupy your time in the region. Don’t miss a visit to nearby Godinje, Rijeka Crnojevića, Pavlova Strana Viewpoint and Lipa Cave which all lie within an hour’s drive.

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READ MORE   |    A Short Guide To Virpazar

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Plan Your Visit To Virpazar

Get There   |   Virpazar is located just 30 minutes from Podgorica or an hour from Budva along the E80. It’s also easy to reach by both bus and train, falling along the popular Podgorica-Bar route.

Take a Tour   | 

Most boat tours follow a similar route that focusses on the northwest fringes of Lake Skadar, weaving deep into the sinuous arteries of the wetlands to witness its abundant bird life. Trips usually last for 2 to 3 hours with prices starting from around €15 per person for group tours (plus the national park fee).

Book your boat tour here.

Entry Fees   |   For Lake Skadar National Park, there’s a €5 entry fee which applies to anyone heading out on the water and is charged in addition to the price of the boat and kayaking tours.

Where To Stay   |   Virpazar’s bustling centre provides easy access to local restaurants and sightseeing boats, but the peaceful countryside that surrounds it also makes a wonderful base.

Guesthouse Vukasevic   |   A decent budget choice in the heart of Virpazar with a friendly host and comfortable rooms with attached balconies that look onto a quiet, leafy square. Check rates and availability here.

Lake Valley   |   Boasting a collection of cosy stone chalets set around a central courtyard and pool, Lake Valley is a welcome oasis in the stifling summer heat and one of the best-rated options in town, though it is on the pricier side. Check rates and availability here.

Cascading across the green slopes that stretch between Mount Orjen and the sea, Herceg Novi was once the premier beach destination during the heyday of Yugoslavia. The region’s brutal dictator Tito even had his summer residence here.

Wedged beside Croatia’s southernmost border, these days it remains a magnet for local holiday makers where the beautiful old town springs to life, the cobbled streets overflow with bougainvillea and the beachfront promenade buzzes with beachgoers. Things do get busy over summer, but off season it remains a laidback beach town.

Stop by Savina Monastery and Kanli Kula, the old fortress overlooking the bay, and meander between the winding cobbled streets and flowered courtyards of the old town, before making your way to Forte Mare and finding a spot on one of Herceg Novi’s pebble bays or concrete swimming platforms to while away the afternoon.

Spanning for 7 km along the waterfront between Igalo and Meljine, the Pet Danica Walkway is a wonderful place for a stroll, where the left side tends to have a more relaxed atmosphere, and the right is more lively, laden with waterfront restaurants and bars.

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READ MORE   |    Things to do in Herceg Novi

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Plan Your Visit To Herceg Novi

Get There   |   Herceg Novi sits along the stunning Adriatic Highway which spans the entire coastline from Croatia to Albania. Either follow the scenic coastal road around the Bay of Kotor, or head towards Lepetani and take the ferry across the narrow channel to Kamenari before continuing on down the coast. Ferries depart every 20 minutes and cost €4 (winter) or €5 (summer) for cars.

Where To Stay   |   Herceg Novi is one of Montenegro’s pricier towns where budget-friendly accommodation is sparse, while modern, boutique villas and sprawling luxury resorts crowd around the waterfront. If you’re looking for a place to splurge, this is it.

Boka Bay Residences   |   A beautifully renovated guesthouse near Meljine, around 20-minutes from the old town, guests love the friendly host, beach views and bright comfortable rooms. Check rates and availability here.

Hotel Perla   |   A large boutique hotel set along the promenade close to Savina Monastery, Perla offers functional, contemporary rooms with either garden or sea views, an in-house restaurant, parking, a pool and water access. Check rates and availability here.

Lazure Hotel & Marina   |   Set in an historic 18th century stone villa, this newly renovated boutique hotel sprawls along the waterfront in Meljine and boasts an outdoor pool, private beach, spa and wellness centre and several bar and dining venues, alongside a selection of bright, modern suites. Check rates and availability here.

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