Ultimate Montenegro Bucket List
Ultimate Montenegro Bucket List
Montenegro has been on my bucket list for a long time. This year I finally decided to go there for a short Summer getaway. Located in the Balkans at the shores of the Adriatic Sea, it had always fascinated me and it was the perfect spot for my birthday celebration in July. I had the best time and I’m very happy to share my Ultimate Montenegro Bucket List, based on my own experience.
Even if Montenenegro is a small country, its richness in terms of natural landscapes, culture and history makes it a great destination in Europe. From ancient historic towns like Kotor or Budva, to stunning mountain natural parks, pristine beaches and stunning bays with inlets, Montenegro has no shortage of things to offer to visitors.
Montenego is well connected by air with many European airports. There are flights to Pogdorica (Montenegro’s capital) and Tivat (nearby many of the most visited areas in the county). As there are no direct flights from Lisbon, I had to take a connection via Zurich. Another way to visit Montenegro is to include it in a Balkans roadtrip. Did you know it is only 2 hours driving from Dubrovnik in Croatia? So it’s also a very good plan to combine Montenegro with other countries in the region.
I stayed in Montenegro for 5 days, mostly in Kotor and Budva areas. I only regret the fact I didn’t have enough time to explore other regions of the country. I rented a car at the airport, which was the best option to explore Montenegro.
Let me share with you my Ultimate Montenegro Bucket List. I hope you enjoy this beautiful country as much as I did.
Be Mesmerised by the Beauty of Kotor Bay
Kotor Bay was my first stop when I arrived to the country and it immediately stole my heart. Located in the southwest of Montenegro, Kotor is a winding bay in the Adriatic Sea that extends through 27 kilometers long inland, bordered by two massifs of Dinaric Alps, the Orjen mountains and the Lovcen mountains. It is composed by smaller broad bays that are united by narrow channels.
Along Kotor Bay there are several historical medieval towns that makes this region very interesting from a natural, but also cultural perspective. When in the region, don’t miss towns like Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi or Perast. If you rent a car, you can easily drive around the bay and stop in the different towns. There are also nice beaches in the area where you can just relax and chill.
Due to the natural and historical richness of this area, it has been designated since 1979 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beauty of Kotor Bay surrounded by the mountains reminded me sometimes Swiss lakes bordered by the Alps, with a glimpse of charming Adriatic Summer vibes. In one word – stunning.
Walk Around Kotor Old Town
When in Montenegro, Kotor Old Town is undoubtedly a mandatory visit. It’s no surprise that this town with Venetian-style architecture and a well-preserved historic medieval old town, has been nominated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking around Kotor Old Town bring us back in time, as the town preserves a charming atmosphere from the past rich in history, tradition and culture.
Considered the best preserved medieval town in the Mediterranean area, Kotor offers to visitors a great number of monuments from churches, palaces, cathedrals to gates. It’s really worth to walk around its narrow streets and alleyways where we can find many options of restaurants with terraces, coffees and traditional shops.
Don’t miss St. Tryphon Cathedral, dedicated to the protector of the town, and probably the most famous building in Kotor. Stop in one of the terraces by Square of the Arms, at the heart of the city. There are other attractions that are worth to see, like the Tower Watch, the Cathedral of Sveti Tripun, the Church of Lady of Health, the Napoleon’s Theater or the Maritime Museum.
Kotor has one of the most impressive examples of fortifications in Europe, dating back to the IX century and with three entrance doors to the city. The bulwarks surrounding the town extend for 5 kilometers, with 50 meters high and 20 meters wide.
It’s possible to go to Kotor Castle, located at the highest point of the fortification walls, for the best views of the city and the bay below. Be aware that it’s a challenging and steep hike (you have to walk around 1300 steps), but the views from the top are definitely rewarding.
After I visited Montenegro in July, the new Kotor Cable Car has opened. It must be an amazing experience. After a 10 minutes ride with beautiful views to Kotor Old Town, the bay and the surrounding mountains, you will get to Kuk upper station in Lovcen National Park. I already added this to my list for an upcoming trip to Montenegro.
Drive the Kotor Serpentine
Probably the most famous drive in Montenegro is the Serpentine Kotor, which is part of the road connecting Cetinje to Kotor. I didn’t have time to do this drive, but it’s in my bucket list for the next time in the country.
From what I read and researched online, this scenic drive offers some of the most stunning views to Kotor Bay area. But it is only recommended for experienced drivers and during daylight. With 16 hairpin turns, a narrow road and pretty steep, this drive can be very challenging and even dangerous. If you have the right conditions and drive carefully, it seems that the views from the top are worth the effort.
Visit Scenic Perast
A place not to miss in Montenegro is Perast, a beautiful coastal historical town with views to the surrounding mountains and the Adriatic Sea. It was one of the highlights of my entire trip and the perfect place to spend my birthday.
Indeed Perast is one of the most visited places in Montenegro and it’s easy to understand why. This charming old town stretches along Kotor Bay for 1,5 kilometers, facing the narrowest part of the bay. For this reason it has some of the most beautiful postcard like views to the bay, the surrounding mountains and some nearby islets.
With a rich history, it was settled by Illyrian tribes, but if flourished later under the Venetian Republic with an intense trading activity. Unlike some other well-known cities in the country like Budva or Kotor that are walled, Perast is open to the sea.
Plan to spend a few hours exploring this town and start by the promenade at the shores of Kotor Bay. The town itself is absolutely charming with many palaces and churches. The most famous one is St. Nicholas Church, rebuilt in the 17th century. It stands out in the backend of the town. You can also climb the Bell Tower connected with the church, from where you have lovely views to the town and the bay.
Most of the palaces are private or had been converted into hotels. But there is one that you can actually visit, Bujovic Palace from the 18th century in baroque style. It houses now Perast Maritime Museum, providing interesting information about this topic and having an outstanding view from its balcony. Another interesting thing to do is climbing up to Our Lady of the Rosary Church, located on a hill at the end of the town.
It’s easy to get to Perast from Kotor. You can either take a public bus from Kotor, a boat tour from Budva or Kotor, or drive if you have a car. Just bear in mind that parking can be quite challenging. A very good tip is to get a boat ticket to Our Lady of the Rocks. Some boat tour operators offer free parking if you book a tour with them.
Take a Boat Tour to Our Lady Of the Rocks
While visiting Perast, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, one of the two islets in the coast of Perast. This is an artificial island that was created by bulwark of rocks and by ships loaded with rocks that were sinked.
According to the legends, two fishermen discovered there in 1452 an image of Virgin Mary and it was decided to build a small chapel. Later in 1722, it was built the church that still exists today as a tribute to Our Lady of the Rocks. Behind the church there is a museum about the history of Perast and a small gift shop.
It’s really worth to take a boat tour to the island, which itself is an enjoyable trip. Besides visiting the church and the museum, the landscape surrounding the islet with broad views to the Adriatic, the mountains and Perast is breathtaking.
Hike on Durmitor National Park
If you love nature and hiking, you shouldn’t miss Durmitor National Park in Montenegro, the largest one in the country. Located in Dinara mountain range, in the northwest of Montenegro, it hosts the highest peak in the country with over 2500 meters. But there are many other mountains to explore in the park higher than 2000 meters.
Additionally the region offers to visitors different glacier mountain lakes and the impressive Tara River Canyon, which is the deepest canyon in whole Europe. Take enough time to explore this area and visit some of the most renowned places in Durmitor. Crno Jezero (Black Lake), Piva Lake and River Canyon, Tara Canyon and Đurđevića Tara Bridge, Bobotov Tuk Peak, Jablan Jezero and Prejov Sedlo should be in your list.
Enjoy Lake Skadar
If there is something I regret about my trip to Montenegro, was not having enough time to go to Lake Skadar. Located at 30 minutes drive from Pogdorica on the border with Albania, it is the largest lake in Southern Europe.
The lake is part of a vast region of wetlands and a national park. It was nominated in 2011 a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich biodiversity, beautiful natural scenery and cultural heritage.
Indeed there is no shortage of things to do in the region, from bird watching (there are more than 260 species of birds in the area), to visiting typical fishing villages, pristine beaches and cultural sites.
One of the best ways to explore Lake Skadar is doing a boat tour. I’ve seen many pictures and videos of those cruises in the lake, sailing across the waters carpeted with water lilies and surrounded by impressive mountains. It should be a stunning experience.
Explore Budva
Another city that you need to add to your Montenegro bucket list is Budva. This coastal town has many things to offer to visitors. From a picturesque old town, pristine beaches and many choices of accommodation, restaurants and shops, Budva will keep you entertained.
The Old Town of Budva is one of the oldest in the Adriatic region, with more than 2500 years old! Get lost in the narrow streets of the Old Town and visit the Citadel Fortress. The Citadel started to be constructed in the 9th century, but nowadays it hosts a museum, a library, a restaurant with beautiful views and the Grad Theatre. You can also walk on the city walls, which entrance is located near the Citadel.
By the sea outside the walled town, there is a promenade full of restaurants with terraces, which are ideal for a nice meal facing the Adriatic and enjoying the typical cuisine from Montenegro. And if you are looking for some nightlife, you will also find it in Budva.
The surrounding area of the city is called Budva Riviera, so no surprisingly there are many beaches to explore while in Budva. Some of them are near the city, like Old Town Beach, Mogren Beach or Beach Greco. Some others are located in the coast from Budva to Sveti Stefan, like Kamenovo Beach or Pryzno Beach.
Another great beach is Hawaii Beach in Sveti Nikola Island, just opposite Budva town. The colour of the waters is amazing and it is accessible by water taxi or boat.
Around Budva is also worth to go off the beaten track to Krapina village up in the mountains, or to visit Podmaine or Rustovo Monastaries.
Spend a Day at the Iconic Stevi Stefan Beach
Located near Budva, one of the most iconic landmarks of Montenegro is Sveti Stefan. This fortress island connects to the land by a pathway. With terracotta rooftops standing out and surrounded by the intense blue Adriatic Sea, it seems to be out of a fairytale.
The history of this famous islet in Budva Riviera dates back to the 15th century, when the Ottoman were trying to conquer the lands bordered by the Adriatic Sea. In one of the campaigns to take this area, the locals won and kept the spoils from the boats that were trying to attack them. They used the spoils to build a small fortress town in a little islet with a church dedicated to St. Stephan, the town’s protector.
Throughout the centuries Sveti Stefan became a trade center. Only in 1960 it was decided to renovate it, becoming a famous hotel chosen by many celebrities from Hollywood and European royalty to spend their vacation. Nowadays it belongs to Aman Hotels and you can only visit the island if you can afford to stay in this luxury hotel. But even if you are not staying there and you cannot visit the island, it’s totally worth to spend some time in the village, the beach and Milocer Park nearby.
There are several options of restaurants and terraces in the promenade by the sea where you can have some food and drinks before heading to the beach. Indeed, don’t miss a relaxing day at Sveti Stefan beach, which has some of the warmest and most crystal clear waters I’ve already experienced, with the iconic Sveti Stefan island and fortress in the background.
It’s a pebbles beach, but the pebbles are so round and polished that even for me used to sand beaches, it was really nice. In the beach you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, but if you prefer there is a free area near the fortress where you can stay with your beach towels enjoying the Adriatic seaside.
For the best views of Sveti Stefan island, stop by the viewpoint located in the road from Budva to Sveti Stefan beach. You will be amazed!
Relax and Chill at a Perfect Infinity Pool
Even If I had the best time exploring the many sites Montenegro has to offer, I also enjoyed relaxing and chilling by one of the most amazing infinity pools ever. I stayed in Vivid Blue Serenity Resort, conveniently located near Budva and Sveti Stefan (less than 5 minutes driving from the best Sveti Stefan viewpoint that I just mentioned). It is the ideal place to stay while exploring this area!
It offers luxury accommodation, a spa, a great restaurant to taste typical Montenegro cuisine and a stunning infinity pool with the best views to the Adriatic Sea. The sunset views from Vivid Blue are simply breathtaking!
For more travel inspiration in the Mediterranean, check my Travel Guide to Mallorca and my Guide for a Perfect Summer Getaway in Corsica.
