The hidden gem of the Balkans, Montenegro is a country that is small but mighty. With a coastline along the shimmering Adriatic Sea, historic cities and the soaring peaks of the Dinaric Alps, this Montenegro itinerary caters to every kind of wanderer.
Whether you are seeking adventure or tranquillity, by choosing to visit Montenegro I believe you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable trip far from the beaten path.
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How Many Days in Montenegro?
Montenegro is one of the smallest countries in Europe, however, don’t let this trick you into thinking just 2 or 3 days will be enough. It’s even popular to simply do a day trip to Kotor from Dubrovnik, Croatia and call it there.
But there is plenty to do and to see the highlights without feeling rushed, you will need to spend between 5 and 7 days here.
I think 5 days in Montenegro will provide you with a great introduction to this Balkan country. A handful of days along the Adriatic coastline, exploring ancient cities and golden beaches with a short detour to explore one of the national parks.
However, if you want to take your time and really delve into everything Montenegro has to offer, I would allow one week which will give you the opportunity to take it slow and spend more time in the national parks, hike through the Dinaric Alps and discover the more off the beaten path spots.
Getting To & Around Montenegro
To reach Montenegro, you have a couple of options depending on the time of year and your style of travelling. The most popular option is to fly, there are two airports in Montenegro, Podgorica (TGD) or Tivat (TIV).
For the purpose of this itinerary, Tivat is the best option seeing as we begin and end along the coast but if it was more convenient for you to fly into Podgorica (the capital city of Montenegro) then you could easily rearrange the itinerary to suit.
Another option, more popular with those doing a European road trip is to take the seasonal ferry from Bari, Italy to Bar, Montenegro. This 9-hour ferry cuts out 20 hours of driving so if you are already in Italy, this is a great option.
The trains and buses in Montenegro are limited and can, at times, be unreliable. There are a handful of international buses that connect Montenegro with neighbouring countries such as Serbia, Croatia, Albania, and Bosnia & Herzegovina but once you have arrived, hiring a car is the best option for getting around.
This will give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and reach the further-flung destinations without worrying about timetables or cancelled services. You can browse options here.
There are a few things to note whilst driving in Montenegro. Always allow additional time to your sat nav estimation, you will find yourself stuck in a lot of traffic jams in Montenegro, especially on the outskirts of the cities and along the coast.
Whilst the roads are generally in good condition, this is a mountainous country, with plenty of high-altitude roads complete with hairpin bends. If you are not a confident driver, it may be best to stick to the cities along the coast.
5- to 7-Day Montenegro Itinerary
Day 1 – Kotor
Our itinerary starts in Kotor, a picturesque city nestled along Montenegro’s stunning Adriatic coastline. It may be one of the most popular places to visit in Montenegro, largely due to the cruise ships that enter the bay throughout the summer, but Kotor is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town and often referred to as Europe’s southernmost fjord, this medieval gem is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and charming squares.
Climbing the 1,350 steps to reach the San Giovanni Fortress may not seem like the best way to start your day but it is definitely worth the effort. Heading up first thing in the morning is not only a great way to wake up but it also means you avoid doing the climb in the midday heat.
Around halfway up you can stop for a rest at the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, there is also a viewpoint here to give you a sneak peek of what you can expect from the top. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy stunning views of Kotor Bay and the terracotta rooftops below.
There is a €15 fee to take this hike, and see the church and the fortress. Whilst that may seem steep, the views across the bay on a clear day are truly spectacular and are definitely worth it.
After viewing the city from above, it’s time to weave our way through the historic cobblestone streets. Kotor’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the perfect place to discover the city’s history along with the mediaeval city walls. As you are strolling around, make sure to visit the River Gate (North) and the Gurdić Gate (South) to see a drawbridge and the fortress walls.
If you want to learn more about the history of Kotor you can join a walking tour. I also recommend adding a stop to the Maritime Museum before enjoying a sunset stroll along the bay.
Being a coastal city, you can expect the local cuisine to feature plenty of fresh seafood, alongside traditional Montenegrin dishes such as cevapi (Grilled minced meat sausages, served with flatbread and ajvar or kačamak (A hearty cornmeal dish with potatoes, cheese, and cream, perfect for the cooler evenings).
For the purpose of this itinerary, the first two nights will be spent in Kotor (though you can spend 4 nights here, as well and plan to take day trips).
Where to Stay in Kotor
Hotel Monte Cristo – Located in the old town in the same square as the Maritime Museum, this is a lovely little hotel in Kotor. There is room service, free parking and breakfast available each morning.
HealthyStudio512 – These rooms and apartments are located in the Old Town close to the Sea Gate. Many contain kitchenettes for self-catering and some have a private patio. There is also a shared terrace and laundry facilities.
Old Town Kotor Hostel – A highly-rated hostel in the Old Town, there are both dorms and privates available here. There is also a swimming pool to enjoy and social events organised, as well.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Kotor hotels!
Day 2 – Blue Cave, Our Lady of The Rocks, Savina Winery, Perast
Day 2 begins in one of the best ways possible, with a boat trip. The Bay of Kotor is a spectacular sight from the city itself but it gets even better when you head out onto the water.
The majority of the boat tours depart from Kotor but if you want to head out to Perast earlier in the day, there are a few options from there too.
Typically, this is a 3-hour trip such as on this half-day tour which includes visiting Our Lady of The Rocks, a small man-made island with a small church, an abandoned submarine tunnel and stopping off at the Blue Cave for an optional swim along the way.
The best trips also include a stop at Mamula Island where you can learn about its history as a prison during World War 2.
After exploring the bay on the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, it’s time to head north following the coastal road to Perast. Much smaller than the city of Kotor, Perast is known for being one of the oldest settlements in Montenegro with its Baroque architecture, stone palaces, serene waterfront and its Venetian history.
Spend your afternoon wandering through the cobblestone streets, exploring the unique buildings and grabbing some lunch at one of the cafes along the bay.
Montenegro may not be the first place you think of when wine is mentioned, thoughts go straight to France and Italy, but this small Balkan country is home to hundreds of vineyards.
The country is known for its indigenous Vranac grape, which produces full-bodied red wines with flavours of dark fruits and spices. Other grapes used in Montenegrin wines include Krstač, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
If you are interested in the local wine and want to go on a vineyard tour, the Savina Winery just outside of Perast offers an excellent experience, pairing their wines with olives also grown on their farm. Tours are reservation only so make sure to book a slot to avoid missing out.
If you are not interested in a full vineyard and cellar tour but still want a unique wine-tasting experience, the Kraken Floating Wine Bar can be found between Perast and Kotor. To reach the floating platform, you take a short boat ride from the shore.
Then, sample some of their unique wines, aged on the seafloor, covered in barnacles and shells. They claim the constant pressure, temperature, the current and lack of light and noise provide the perfect conditions for ageing wine much faster than in a cellar.
The idea was inspired by the news that a shipwreck found in 2010 contained perfectly preserved wines and champagnes.
Day 3 – Lovćen National Park
Centered around Mount Lovćen, the Lovćen National Park is home to dramatic peaks, lush forests and panoramic views of the Adriatic coast and surrounding landscapes. Often referred to as the “black mountain” that gave Montenegro its name. You can visit independently if you have a car or join an organised tour.
Before taking one of the scenic hikes in the region, first, head up to the Njegos Mausoleum – the highest mausoleum in the world. You can drive most of the way to the summit, leaving just over 400 stairs to reach the top or you can hike up from Ivanova Korita.
Here lies the remains of Petar II Petrovic Njegos, a Prince-Bishop of Montenegro, a famous poet and philosopher. His historic works are still considered to be some of the most important in Montenegrin and Serbian literature.
After taking in the beauty of the national park from above the clouds, it’s time to head down into the valleys and woodlands to experience nature up close. There are several options for hikes, depending on what sort of adventure you are seeking. Most of the hikes start in Ivanova Korita, which is a small village just below the Mausoleum.
One of the best hikes in the area – and the one I recommend – is the Wolf Trail, a moderate hike suitable for any keen walkers.
For the next few days, you can opt to stay in either Kotor or in Budva as we continue exploring Montenegro.
Where to Stay in Budva
Garni Hotel Arka – A bright hotel 400 metres from Slovenska Beach, this place offers double rooms and furnished apartments. They have A/C, room service, private parking and a fab breakfast on offer.
Fontana Hotel & Gastronomy – This plush hotel has beautiful, spacious rooms and a great on-sie bar and restaurant. It’s centrally located in Budva and the large, modern rooms offer both sea ad city views.
Freedom Hostel – Boasting a terrace with a sea view and a great social atmosphere, this hostel is perfect for budget and solo visitors. There are lots of dorms and rooms to choose from and great facilities.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Budva hotels!
Day 4 – Budva & Sveti Stefan
Budva is another coastal city with an ancient history. Its beautifully preserved Old Town surrounded by medieval walls, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, charming squares, and historic landmarks like the Citadel and St. Ivan Church.
Spend your morning strolling around the city streets, stopping off at a cafe for a bite to eat along the promenade.
Beyond the city centre, there are several breathtaking beaches, such as Mogren and Jaz. Mogren is the closest to the citadel but from there, at low tide you can walk along to Jaz and the Blue Beach Club. This beach has more of a resort feel to it with hundreds of sun loungers set out along the shore.
Just down the road from Budva, you will find one of the most photographed scenes in all of Montenegro, the island resort of Sveti Stefan. Connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, this historic fishing village has been transformed into an exclusive luxury resort managed by Aman Resorts.
Complete with cobblestone streets, sandy beaches and terracotta-roofed buildings. This jumble of photogenic buildings is inaccessible to non-residents so unless you are staying at the resort, unfortunately, you cannot access the island. This doesn’t stop you from taking photos from the mainland and enjoying the surrounding beaches, however.
Budva is known as Montenegro’s party city, so depending on whether that suits you or not, you could opt to spend the evening visiting the many beach clubs, bars and nightclubs before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 5 – Lake Skadar & Podgorica
Driving further south along the main coastal road, day 5 begins with a visit to Lake Skadar. The largest lake in the Balkans, Skadar straddles the border between Montenegro and Albania.
Encompassed by rugged mountains and charming villages, the lake is part of a protected national park, renowned for its floating meadows of water lilies, island monasteries and diverse flora and fauna.
This area is particularly popular amongst birdwatchers, flocking to its marshes that are home to over 280 bird species, including the rare Dalmatian pelican.
I think the best way to explore the area is either by boat or making use of the cycle trails on two wheels.
The two main villages alongside the lake are Virpazar and Vranjina but the main must-see attractions are the historical landmarks, such as Žabljak Crnojevića, an ancient fortress, and Grmožur Island, often called Montenegro’s “Alcatraz.”
Continuing on from the shores of Lake Skadar, our journey takes us up to Montenegro’s capital city Podgorica. To explore a country’s capital, you may think you would need more than an afternoon but Podgorica has earned the reputation as Europe’s most boring city.
Whilst this isn’t entirely fair, it does mean you can see the highlights relatively quickly.
There is a traditional Balkan old town district as well as the ‘downtown’ modern district. As you stroll around, don’t miss the scenic bridges that crisscross the rivers Ribnica and Moraca that converge within the city.
If you only have time to visit one, walk through King’s Park to visit the traditional stone Ribnica River Bridge. Before departing, make sure to stop in at the cafe ‘Baščaršija’ to try the local speciality, Burek. This is a filo-based savoury snack with a variety of fillings such as meat, vegetables and various cheeses.
If you only have 5 days in Montenegro, this is an excellent place to end your trip. Podgorica has excellent transport links for onward travel. There is an airport here as well as trains and buses heading off in every direction across Europe.
Alternatively, if you are spending the full week in Montenegro or even longer, the next few days are focused around the mountainous national parks in the north so it’s best to find accommodation closer to Durmitor National Park.
Where to Stay in Podgorica
Hotel Keto – Located within 10 minutes from Podgorica’s main square, this bright hotel is a good mid-range choice. There is free parking, a bar and restaurant to enjoy, breakfast, and a range of rooms including single, double, triple and both suites and apartments.
Boscovich Boutique Hotel – A luxe option in the centre of the city, this hotel is close to attractions like the Natural History Museum. There are countless plush rooms to choose from suitable for single visitors, couples and families.
Q Podgorica – A hip hostel offering both dorm rooms and privates, this is a great budget option with a good social atmosphere. There are kitchen facilities, inviting common areas and a central location.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Podgorica hotels!
Day 6 – Biogradska National Park & Tara Canyon
Whilst you could drive directly to the more popular, larger national park, Durmitor, it is well worth the short detour to spend the morning exploring the smallest national park in Montenegro, Biogradsko. For those without a car, you can join a tour from Podgorica to the national park.
Centered around Lake Biograd, this mostly forested national park is home to 500-year-old ancient trees, 7 glacial lakes and the peaks of several mountains. There are hiking and biking trails to discover around the park ranging from just a few hours to several days.
Most of these trails start at the small car park and visitor centre beside Lake Biograd. You can walk around the lake in around an hour or, if you want a slightly longer hike, head up towards Mt Bendovac for the most incredible views of the valleys below.
Making our way towards Durmitor, there is another stop on the route that is worth visiting, the Tara Canyon. Known for its crystal clear waters, the Tara River flows through Europe’s deepest canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls.
The Tara bridge spans the width of the canyon, 150m in the air. From here, if you are feeling brave, you can take the zip line across the canyon. If heights aren’t your thing, you can also rent kayaks and water rafting equipment to explore the river below.
Where to Stay in the Dinaric Alps
Guest House Durmitor Paradise – A rustic hotel located in the town of Žabljak, there is free parking available, along with an exceptional breakfast and rooms perfect for singles, couples or families.
PeaksView Chalets – Situated in Žabljak, these one or two-bedroom chalets are perfect for a luxe escape in Montenegro’s mountains. There are beautiful surroundings, a convenient location and each unit has a fireplace, washing machine and kitchen facilities.
Hostel Hikers Den – This is the only hostel in the down of Žabljak. Perfect for budget travellers, those solo or wanting a social atmosphere, there are good common areas to enjoy along with dorms and private rooms.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in the Dinaric Alps!
Day 7 – Durmitor National Park
The last day is focused around the jewel in the crown, the Durmitor National Park. Durmitor is well worth the €5 per person entrance fee. Make sure to keep your ticket handy as warrens do double-check throughout the day.
Similarly to Biogradska NP, you can take an organised tour if you don’t have a car or take a day tour that combines both national parks if you are short on time.
From Žabljak, it’s a short drive to the Black Lake, which is actually two lakes in the summer when the water levels are low.
The hike around this lake is 3km and takes around 1 hour but if you have longer and want to visit several other mountain lakes, escaping the crowds, you could extend your hike to include Snake Lake and Barno Lake, this trail is 8km. If you would prefer to explore on the water, boat hire is also an option.
As long as you are up and out early enough, you should have time on your final day to visit the Black Lake and drive the Durmitor Loop, a picturesque mountain pass that loops around the national park.
This epic route is an excellent way to explore the park if you are a road trip fan, passing by tiny mountain villages, flocks of sheep and their shepherds, lush forests and a horizon full of mountains.
If you would rather stretch your legs, taking a longer hike is another great way to explore the area. The Jezara trail is the perfect choice for hikers of all levels, passing by 4 lakes with relatively low elevation gain. The entire loop takes around 3 hours, depending on how long you stop for lunch along the way.
The thrill seekers may prefer to summit the tallest mountain in Montenegro, Bobotov Kuk (2,523m). This trail is one of the most popular in the national park but there is a fair amount of elevation along the 10km route taking between 5 and 6 hours so if you decide to tackle it, make sure you are well prepared and take plenty of water and snacks!
From Durmitor, it takes 2.5 hours to drive back to Kotor. From here you can either return home or continue your travels. Alternatively, Sarajevo and Mostar are also around 4 hours away so if you would prefer to continue the road trip into Bosnia and Herzegovina, that is also an option.
Have More Time?
If you have more than one week in Montenegro, you could either opt to spend more time in your favourite city, visit some of the more ‘out of the way’ destinations or tackle a multi-day hike or bike ride in the mountains.
Ostrog Monastery is slightly out of the way hence why it wasn’t included in this itinerary but if you have more time, this building carved into the rock face is worth a visit.
Another destination that was not on route but you may want to add to your itinerary if you have more time is Stari Bar, especially if you are interested in Montenegrin history. Here you can explore the remnants of ancient fortifications, churches, and Ottoman architecture, including a 14th-century aqueduct and the iconic clock tower.
If you’re craving more time along the Adriatic Coast, you could also make sure to stop in the town of Herceg Novi, which is very close to the Croatian border.
If you are a keen hiker, you are likely to have heard of the long-distance trail ‘The Peaks of the Balkans’. A 192 km trail that weaves its way through Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, exploring some of the most wild, untouched areas in Europe.
Whilst this trail is not for the faint-hearted with over 1000m of elevation and 8-9 hours of hiking each day, it is one of the most spectacular ways to discover the Balkans. You can opt to take on a guided or self-guided hike if you would like more guidance and assistance with booking rooms along the route.
There are several shorter and more accessible multi-day hikes if you would like to extend your stay but don’t want to take on the entire circuit. Most of these can be found in Durmitor National Park.
The perfect blend of bustling cities, serene coastlines and dramatic mountain landscapes, Montenegro is a small country that truly has it all. The hospitality of the locals is unrivalled, with local wines and cuisine you have never tried before and jaw-dropping nature around every corner.
Are you planning to visit Montenegro? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
