Things to see in Montenegro: The Best Must-Sees!
Do you want to visit a jewel in the Balkans and wondering about things to see in Montenegro?
Want to see some great things in Montenegro?! Yes, I have to admit, Montenegro is one of my favorite countries in the Balkans as a holiday destination. While I have visited the country multiple times, I keep on discovering new gems.
Although Montenegro might be less known or visited than its neighbor Croatia as a holiday destination, I hope to change that with this list of great places to visit.
Let’s dive in!
Best Things to see in Montenegro
Montenegro is a beautiful country and has a lot to offer from great beaches to charming little towns:
1. Kotor Bay
One of my favorite places is Kotor Bay. This bay is bordered by impressive mountains and is home to a number of charming towns and villages, including the medieval city of Kotor. This bay provides a window into the area’s fascinating history and stunning environment.
It’s also a popular place for cruise ships to dock during their trips around the Adriatic Sea. And I’m talking about serious large cruise ships here.
To me, Kotor feels like the rich and famous type of place. It has a very luxurious vibe. You can also rent a small boat and explore the waters yourself.
2. Biogradska Gora National Park
If you’re really into nature, I would suggest a trip to the breathtaking Biogradska Lake. This place is one of Europe’s last remaining primordial woods. The stunning views and diverse ecosystem of this national park will definitely impress you!
3. Ostrog Monastery
The Ostrog Monastery is an impressive feat of engineering and religious devotion. If you enjoy history, this ancient Orthodox Monastery, carved into the cliffs, is a must-see destination. Furthermore, it’s considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans.
You can book different types of tours here. Add it to your bucket-list because it’s a cool piece of architecture!
4. Budva
I have been to Budva twice. It’s a great place to unwind on the lovely beaches of the Budva Riviera. It’s one of Europe’s most picturesque pieces of land. Are you looking for some fun in the evenings as well?
Budva has a vibrant nightlife culture as well, making it the ideal location for soaking up the sun during the day and dancing the night away. There are also some great restaurants along the beach with amazing fresh and local seafood.
5. The charming town of Perast
Another great gem in Montenegro. I’m talking about the charming town of Perast, which is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is home to numerous well-preserved Baroque churches and castles.
You can take in the relaxed atmosphere as well as the town’s extensive cultural legacy.
A lot of places in Montenegro have that similar typical look due to the sandy colors of the houses and the surrounding dark grayish mountains. It’s distinguishes Montenegro from the other countries in the Balkans to me.
6. Biosphere Reserve Skutari
In the very north of Montenegro, in the Biosphere Reserve Skutari (a.k.a. Lake Skadar), you can explore a great diversity of flora and fauna that the country has to offer. This reserve offers a rare chance to take in the grandeur of this breathtaking environment.
You can also find various species of birds that are exclusive to the area. This reserve lies on the border with Albania. I would therefore recommend a visit to Albania as well.
7. Trnovačko Lake
It was an unforgettable experience for me to visit Trnovačko Lake in Montenegro. The lake is encircled by breathtaking, stunning mountains, which are shrouded in thick forests and populated with charming settlements.
The sky above is reflected in the water because of its crystal-pure clarity. Furthermore, I found that the pebble-strewn lakeshore is a favorite place for locals to swim, sunbathe, and fish.
The day I visited, the weather was nice and sunny, which created a relaxed setting and permitted me to take in the amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
I would say that the Trnovačko lake is a natural treasure of Montenegro and especially a great location for anyone seeking a quiet and serene getaway from the city.
Just take your hiking shoes, some food and drinks and you’ll be in for a great day around the lake.
8. Durmitor National Park
Just like many other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Montenegro also has national parks. I have already named a few on this list. But, Durmitor certainly is a next level national park to me.
You can immerse yourself in some of the most breathtaking scenery the Balkans have to offer by entering the park. The Durmitor Massif, the magnificent Black Lake, and Europe’s deepest canyon all can be found in this park.
9. Cetinje – The Former Royal Capital
If you’re rather looking for some cultural experience, I would suggest a trip to Cetinje. Did you know that Cetinje was the capital city of Montenegro during the nineteenth century? Podgorica is the current capital city of the country, but Cetinje is perceived as the historical capital.
Here you can learn more about the fascinating history of this once-royal city, which is now home to a number of galleries and museums, including the National Museum of Montenegro.
Without a doubt, I would recommend to discover the city’s various cultural and historical gems.
10. Sveti Stefan
Lastly, you should really plan an escape to the tiny island of Sveti Stefan while you’re in Montenegro. The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway and is home to a luxurious resort and a stunning beach. I fell in love with this place straightaway when I saw it.
All the different colors from the sea, the air and the island itself make it seem like a living painting. It’s an idyllic gem that offers a peaceful retreat from the world and a chance to soak up the sun on the shore. What more to wish for?
Things to see in Montenegro: FAQs
The information below is related to things to see in Montenegro and will give you some more great insights!
What is Montenegro best known for?
Montenegro is known for its charming seaside towns, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural history. Beautiful towns like Budva, Kotor, and Ulcinj can be found along the Adriatic coast, which is famous for its beautiful beaches, clean waters, and picturesque villages.
The Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon, and the Biogradska Gora National Park are just a few examples of the breathtaking natural beauty that you can find in Montenegro. Architecture, music, dancing, and cuisine all resemble the nation’s diverse cultural past.
If you’re looking for adventure, Montenegro is a popular choice. Visitors from all over the world come to participate in activities like hiking, rafting, and skiing.
Also, there is a long history of wine production in the nation, and a number of great wines are produced, including Vranac, Krsta, and Pro Corde. Worth a try!
A Short History of Montenegro
What’s the best way to briefly describe the history of Montenegro? Well, the country joined Serbia as a constituent country of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as a result of the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
Later, in 2003, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia changed its name to Serbia and Montenegro, and a loose federation of the two republics was formed as the new nation.
However, ongoing tensions resulted in a referendum that led to independence for Montenegro in 2006. On top of that, the country officially became a candidate for EU membership in recent years.
Montenegro has everything to be a great tourist destination. I can tell you from my own experience. Here are my ten personal reasons why.
Which is better Kotor or Budva?
It really depends on your preferences here because Kotor and Budva are both stunning coastal cities in Montenegro, but they offer different ambiances and attractions.
Kotor is situated in a stunning bay and encircled by towering mountains. The town is know for its old town that has been restored, its historic walls, and its numerous churches and museums.
It is also an excellent place to get started on outdoor pursuits like biking, kayaking, and hiking. For those looking for a quiet break, Kotor is perfect because of its more serene and romantic atmosphere.
Contrarily, Budva is a livelier city known for its thriving nightlife, beaches, and hip cafés and restaurants. A variety of water sports and activities are available in the town, which is a very popular summer holiday spot.
While not as well-preserved as Kotor’s, Budva’s old town nonetheless exudes beauty due to its winding alleyways, quaint squares, and old houses. The ideal destination for individuals looking for a vibrant and enjoyable holiday is Budva because of its more cosmopolitan and active atmosphere.
I personally enjoy Budva more than Kotor.
How many days do you need in Montenegro?
To be honest, your itinerary and hobbies have a big impact on how long it takes to tour Montenegro. However, I do advise to stay for at least five days in order to experience the country’s highlights.
The beautiful coastal towns may be explored, national parks can be visited, and adventure sports like hiking and rafting can be done during this time.
But, if you have the time, it’s best to stay for at least a week or longer to fully appreciate Montenegro’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Longer stays allow you to explore the nation’s fascinating history in greater detail, try more of its delectable food, and take in the stunning scenery more leisurely.
It doesn’t matter if you have a few days or a week to spare. Montenegro is a beautiful location that will really surprise you!
The Wrap Up: Things to see in Montenegro
So, how about things to see in Montenegro? This country obviously has a beautiful long coastline. There are more great towns to visit as well, such as Herceg Novi, Bar and Ulcinj.
Once you’ve been to the country, it will always draw you back and you just want to see more and more. Montenegro feels like a country where you hop from place to place and it keeps on suprising you.
It might be hard to get around by public transport, though. Therefore, if you’re planning a road trip by car, you can read some do’s and don’ts while traveling through the Balkans.
Your restless voyager,
Dustin
