Montenegro is known as a destination with a perfect balance of natural beauty and rich culture. This country is where you can find pristine beaches as well as dramatic mountain peaks making it a great destination for vacationers and adventure lovers. This Montenegro itinerary will ensure you enjoy the best parts of the country to their fullest.
I quickly fell in love with the country as soon as I stepped into it, and after multiple trips back, I still can’t get over how truly beautiful this small country is. So, whether you have a week or two to check out all the beauty, this Montenegro itinerary is tailor-made to make sure you can really make the most of the time available.
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Table of Contents
How to get to Montenegro?
Montenegro has two main international airports:
- Podgorica Airport (TGD)
- Tivat Airport (TIV)
Another option is to arrive in Dubrovnik, Croatia (DBV) international airport, which is just 30 km from Herceg Novi. There are buses or private transfers that will take you from the airport into Montenegro. This route will take approximately 1.5 hours.
Last but longer option is to arrive from Tirana, Albania. There are buses from Tirana to Podgorica and the trip can take up to 3 hours. You can also hire a private transfer to do this trip.
How to get around Montenegro?
Montenegro is a small country, but getting around can be tricky as it does not have the same level of transportation infrastructure we would be used to in the rest of Europe.
The best way to get around is by car. This will give you a chance to road trip across the country at your own pace. Roads along the coast are well-maintained, but make sure you drive carefully, especially in the mountainous areas.
To rent a car check out expedia.com or below:
If you do not feel comfortable renting a car or looking for a more budget friendly way, you can use the intercity buses. There are buses that connect the major cities like Podgorica, Kotor, Budva, Bar, and Herceg Novi.
How many days should I spend in Montenegro?
Depending on the type of trip or adventure you are looking for, and depending on the pace you want to travel at, you can spend anywhere between 7 to 30 days in Montenegro. In this post, I will share a 7 day, 10 day and 14 day ultimate Montenegro itinerary to help you plan the perfect trip that fits your travel style.
- 7 Days: Ideal for a exploring Montenegro’s key areas and highlights.
- 10 Days: An immersive trip allowing you to have a more relaxed trip with more diverse experiences
- 14 Days: Ideal for those who seek more adventure and more exploration of less popular spots
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When is the best time to visit?
Depending on the type of experience you are looking for, you can visit this country at different times. The most ideal time that I would recommend is between May and October.
Spring time (May – June) is the perfect time for sighteseeing, exploring the coastal towns. The temperatures will be milder and the cities will be less busy as there are less tourists during this time.
Summer months (July – September) will be the best time to visit if you want to enjoy the amazing beaches along the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Sea. But you must remember that this will be the height of tourist season and accommodations will be a bit more pricey than the other months and there will be more crowds. However, this will also be the perfect time for hiking in the North with the snow having melted.
Fall and winter (October – April) will be the cooler months of the year. From December to March, the northern region will become like a winter wonderland with many ski resorts full of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
What not to miss?
Here are the top must-visit places in the country:
Bay of Kotor: A UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. The Bay of Kotor offers some of the most scenic views in the country (possibly even in the Balkans). The charming medieval town of Kotor along the bay is a must-visit!
Sveti Stefan: This picturesque islet is now a luxury hotel but it is one of the best known landmarks in the country. The beaches and views around this islet are breathtaking and definitely worth a visit.
Perast: Another charming town on the coast of Bay of Kotor. This charming town is well known for its tranquil ambiance, beautiful streets and architecture
Durmitor National Park: Another UNESCO Site. This park offers amazing landscapes and a great opportunity for outdoor lovers to experience adventures such as hiking, rafting or winter sports.
The Perfect 7-Day Montenegro Itinerary
If you have a week to see everything, this 7-day Montenegro itinerary will be a very well-rounded experience.
The start of this journey is very much dependent on the airport you land at. There are two airports in Montenegro. One in the capital Podgorica and one in the coastal town of Tivat, which is more accessible to the cities around the Bay of Kotor.
My preference is always to try and fly into Tivat, and I will start this itinerary with this as the starting point.
Day 1-2: Kotor
Highlights:
- Walking up the Fortress walls for spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor
- Old Town for a lively evening atmosphere
Book the perfect accommodation in Kotor:
A trip to Montenegro is incomplete without a visit to Kotor. Start the trip right away with exploring the beautiful Old Town of Kotor.
You can spend the whole day discovering the Old Town, which is like being stuck in a maze of narrow cobbled streets. Along the way you will see ancient churches and beautiful squares spread through the old town.
The whole old town is surrounded by impressive medieval walls, with a lot of local shops and cafes. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the Venetian Clock Tower, Church of St. Luke and St. Mary to learn more about the history of Kotor.
I also recommend taking a walking tour. This is a fantastic way to explore and learn about the city’s rich history and stunning architecture.
If you are feeling adventurous, hike up to the Fortress of San Giovanni. The climb has 1,3500 steps, which may be a bit difficult, but I can guarantee you, that the views are absolutely worth it.
You can also walk alongside Plaza de la Marina, where you will see multiple restaurants and coffee shops. It makes for a great stroll. Enjoy the views!! They really are incredible. From here, you can also take various boat tours:
If you’re looking for more incredible views, you can go on one of Montenegro’s most scenic drives: the Kotor Serpentine Road from Kotor to Lovcen. This route is not the most pleasant, especially if you get car sick like I do but views will make you forget what you had to endure as soon as you reach the top.
- Pro tip: Stop at Restaurant Horizont for lunch with a view!
If you’re adventurous, you can even zipline mid way through the drive! If you’re not driving, consider taking a tour like this one.
Lovcen National Park also has some of the best hiking trails in Montenegro. So if you are into hiking, go there prepared.
At the top, is where you will also see the large and impressive Mausoleum. The Njegoš Mausoleum sits at the peak and it is one of Montenegro’s most iconic landmarks. This impressive structure is the final resting place a famous Montenegro ruler, poet, and philosopher.
Getting there can be quite a challenge as you have to climb 461 stone steps to reach the top. Make sure you give yourself enough time and energy to get to see the awesome 360° view.
If you don’t want to endure the many steps, you can take advantage of one of the newest and most exciting attractions, the Kotor Cable Car. This cable car opened in 2023 and takes you from Kotor up to Lovćen National Park in just 11 minutes! The roundtrip will cost 23 euros. The views of the Bay of Kotor from the top are absolutely breathtaking.
Day 3: Perast
Highlights:
- Beautiful church and museum of Our Lady of the Rocks
- A laid-back, beautiful atmosphere, especially at sunset
Book the perfect accommodation in Perast:
From Kotor, it is a brief drive to the enchanting small town of Perast, with well-preserved Baroque architecture. Essentially, the town of Perast itself is quite calm, but yet so charming and beautiful to see.
Perast has some of the most beautiful views of the Bay of Kotor. The combination of its boardwalk along the waterfront, historic landmarks, and mountainous backdrop makes for a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
This is also where you can take a boat tour to the small island of Our Lady of the Rocks, where you will see a nice church and a museum.
After the boat tour, enjoy a meal and a cocktail at one of the many restaurants along the water, where you can enjoy the sunset and the laid-back vibes.
Day 4-5: Tivat
Highlights:
- Porto Montenegro and its vibrant atmosphere
- Nightlife, shopping and restaurants
Book the perfect accommodation in Tivat:
Continue your trip along the coast of the Bay of Kotor on Day 4 and 5. To get to Tivat from Perast, you can take a longer and busier route back through Kotor or you can take a ferry, which will bring you to the heart of Tivat. The ferry costs 5 euros and it’s a fast way to get to Tivat.
Tivat is the most luxurious town in Montenegro. Although small, there is a lot you can do here. Enjoy a stroll along the marina, Porto Montenegro. As you walk along, admire the many luxurious yachts, dine at one of the many fine dining restaurants, and visit the upscale boutiques and art galleries along the promenade. Tivat has a vibe that makes it my favorite spot in Montenegro.
If you’re looking to enjoy some time at the beach, soak up the sun at Waikiki Beach Club. You can sip on cocktails, enjoy the music, and amazing water well into the afternoon.
Another option for unwinding in the afternoon is Buddha Bar. Here, you can lounge around their amazing pool, enjoy cocktails and some wonderful food. These two spots really make you feel like you are on vacation.
Day 6-7: Budva
Highlights:
- Stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters
- Budva Old Town & lively nightlife, restaurants, and seaside bars
- Sveti Stefan
Book the perfect accommodation in Budva:
Continue your coastal trip with and head to Budva. Budva is known for its picturesque beaches and lively atmosphere.
Start your day by exploring Budva’s Old Town, the charming streets, historic stone buildings, and scenic squares. You can go to the Citadel for great views of the Adriatic Sea. In the afternoon, go for a swim or relax on Mogren Beach or Slovenska Beach with amazing views, especially at sunset.
After sunset, experience Budva’s nightlife with beachfront bars, live music, and clubs.
On the next day, a 15-minute drive away, you can visit Sveti Stefan. A must visit and a highlight of Montenegro. Here you will see the famous and iconic island views while relaxing on the beach.
The island itself is private, but you can still admire its beauty from the shore. For even better views, you can walk along the trails leading to the Villa Milocer gardens and the nearby King’s Beach.
For other panoramic views, make sure to drive up or hike up to St. Sava Church, a charming 14th-century stone church on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic Sea. This peaceful spot offers one of the best panoramic views of Sveti Stefan. This is also the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.
This will end your 7-day Montenegro itinerary and up to this point, you would have seen some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Europe. But if you haven’t had enough and want to explore more, continue going south and seeing more of this amazing country
The Perfect 10-Day Montenegro Itinerary
Day 8-10: Bar & Ulcinj
Highlights:
- Stari Bar
- Relaxing at Velika Plaža (Long Beach)
For a 10-day Montenegro itinerary, continue your drive down the coast of Montenegro. You can make multiple stops along the way, including a stop at Petrovac, where you can see the Kastio Castle or spend some time at the beach.
Another stop you can make along the way is at Skadar Lake. This is the largest lake in the Balkans. Here you can take a Boat Tour, which takes you through the lily-covered waters and you can really enjoy the stunning scenery. This boat tour is in my opinion worth the detour, so make sure you put it on your list. Here are some suggestions for tours:
Continue your route and spend the next 1.5 days discovering the the small towns and beautiful landscapes in Bar and Ulcinj. These are the less-visited spots in the country but still worth a visit.
Make sure to visit Stari Bar and Ulcinj Old Town. Stari Bar is a charming medieval town set in the mountains, with great views and a fascinating history. Ulcinj Old Town is a cute historic town situated on a cliff above the sea, giving you breathtaking views.
If you only had 10 days for your trip, and followed this Montenegro itinerary, then this is where you would head back home or to your next destination. But if you have 2 weeks, then continue with the recommendations below and I am sure you will fall more in love with this country.
The Perfect 14-Day Montenegro Itinerary
Day 11-14: Durmitor National Park
Highlights:
- Explore Black Lake
- Visit Europe’s deepest Canyon – Tara River Canyon
Book the perfect accommodation in Zabljak:
The first 10 days of this Montenegro itinerary focused on relaxing along the coast. Now that you are going to spend more time here, it’s time to head north for an adventure.
Arrive in Zabljak, and check into a cozy mountain lodge or guesthouse. This is where you will start your visit to Durmitor National Park and the start of many hiking trails in this area.
For those looking for more adventure, you can spend a day white-water rafting on a tour, which takes you along the Tara River. And if that’s not enough, then you can try zip-lining across the canyon. These are two activities that you will love if you’re into outdoor adventure.
You can then visit the Tara Bridge that gives you breathtaking view of the canyon.
If you have more than 14 days
Day 15+
If are you are visiting Montenegro for more than 14 days, then you are in luck, because this time will allow you to explore some amazing parts of the country.
Highlights:
- Herceg Novi
- Lustica Bay
- Grebaje
If you are in Kotor and looking for a day trip, or travelling between Kotor and Podgorica, make a stop at Ostrog Monastery. This Monastery was built in the 17th century and it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans. The architecture is truly amazing as it looks like it’s carved into a side of the cliff – with amazing views of the valley below. It is definitely worth a visit if you have time on your trip.
If you are looking for a Montenegro itinerary that includes more time on the coastline , then add Herceg Novi and Lustica Bay to your list.
Kotor is always the first place everyone stops at when visiting Montenegro and rightfully so! But, Herceg Novi is a charming coastal town that is also worth spending some time in.
This town has a very laid-back vibe. You can wander through the old town and explore the Kanli Kula Fortress, or relax at Žanjice Beach. If you happen to be driving over from Dubrovnik, then this is the best starting point for your trip to Montenegro.
Another gem is on the coast, that you might want to add to your list is Lustica Bay. This town is a luxurious destination but definitely less crowded. This is where you will find boutique hotels, fine dining, and beautiful beaches like Plavi Horizonti. It’s makes for a perfect stop to an itinerary.
For Hiking Lovers
If you want to spend some time in the mountains of Montenegro, then you have so many options to choose from.
When you arrive in Durmitor National Park, you can continue the road trip to Piva Canyon & Lake. This is a very scenic spot that is perfect for adventure lovers.
Prokletije National Park, Grebaje Valley is a paradise for the hikers and those who love nature. You can find some amazing hiking trails in Montenegro, including the route to Talijanka Peak.
If you’re looking to experience the mountains of Montenegro, a two-day detour to Prokletije is perfect for you. You can also hike the many trails around Plav or Gusinje for an awesome adventure.
Alternative routes – How to best include these hidden gems in a Montenegro itinerary
If you’re wondering how the above fits into the proposed Montenegro itinerary, then check out the suggestions below:
- Coastal Escape (5–7 Days): Herceg Novi → Perast → Kotor → Tivat →Lustica Bay → Bar → Ulcinj
- Classic Road Trip (7–10 Days): Podgorica → Ostrog Monastery → Durmitor → Kotor → Perast → Herceg Novi
- Adventure & Nature-Focused (10+ Days): Podgorica → Durmitor → Piva → Podgorica → Plav → Grebaje → Skadar Lake → Kotor
To be well prepared for your trip, check out the post below for packing hacks, which will help you travel lighter and more efficiently.
7 Travel Packing Hacks – Ultimate Guide To Travelling With Only A Carry-on
You can adjust this itinerary based on your travel style and based on the number of days that you have. Either way you will love Montenegro and everything it has to offer.
A 14-day itinerary is the perfect amount of time to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, history, and stunning coastline and beaches.
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