Montenegro
Montenegro

Montenegro Travel Guide

A tiny little country across the Adriatic Sea from Italy measuring at only 5,333 square
miles, Montenegro can be overlooked next to the larger Mediterranean nations. But
don’t be fooled. Despite being the smallest country in the Balkan Peninsula, Montenegro
is teeming with beautiful mountains, medieval towns set on the water, and even a
glacier-formed massif.

Official Language: Montenegrin

Population: 630,000

Capital City: Podgorica

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Power Outlet: Types C and F

Montenegro Beach

Places to Visit in Montenegro

How to Hike the Ladder of Kotor, Montenegro (+ Map & Photos)

There are plenty of great things to do in Kotor, such as touring the Old Town, walking the medieval walls, or going on a scenic drive around the Bay of Kotor. For those looking for a little more adventure, how about hiking the Ladder of Kotor? This hike takes you high up into the mountains […]

22 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Montenegro

Montenegro is a gorgeous country. With its walled coastal towns, stunning Bay of Kotor, misty mountain peaks, and off-the-beaten-path wetlands, this small country is full of surprises. Most people visit Kotor on a day trip from Croatia, but there is enough to do here for days, even weeks. We had just two days here, which […]

Photographing the Famous View of Lake Skadar: Pavlova Strana

Montenegro is full of surprises. For a small country, it is filled with amazing sites, the most popular being the Bay of Kotor and the coastal towns. But the real surprises of Montenegro are inland. Places like Skadar National Park. When I saw images of a lush, green, “Horseshoe Bend” type place and learned it […]

Montenegro Itineraries

Balkan Peninsula Itinerary: Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina

This Balkan Peninsula itinerary is perfect for those who want to explore this gorgeous corner of Europe. Tour three countries, visit coastal, medieval towns, cruise the Adriatic Sea, lounge on some of Europe’s most unique beaches, dine on fresh seafood, and climb the highest mountain in the Adriatic Sea, if you desire. Croatia is a […]

2 Days in Montenegro: The Bay of Kotor and Beyond

While planning our itinerary to the Balkan Peninsula, we had a decision to make. Spend several days in northern Croatia, visiting Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes, or go south to Montenegro. After seeing photos of Kotor, Sveti Stefan, and the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro was the winner. And it blew away our expectations. We spent 2 […]

10 Epic Days on the Balkan Peninsula: Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina

For 10 awesome days we toured the Balkan Peninsula, visiting Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. What an incredible trip. From walking the medieval walls in Dubrovnik to viewing the spectacular landscapes of Montenegro to getting a history lesson in Sarajevo, this is one of our favorite trips of all time. Here are the highlights from […]

Top Experiences In Montenegro

Gaze across the Bay of Kotor. Kotor is a small medieval town full of restaurants, shops, and small museums. Wander the old town, then climb the city walls for a stunning view out over the bay and city of Kotor below.

Our Lady of the Rocks. From the small coastal town of Perast, take a boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks, a catholic church built on a small, artificial island.

Herceg Novi. A small coastal town that sits near the mouth of the Bay of Kotor. Stroll through the charming old town, visit the Kanli-Kula fortress, and enjoy the view from the Savina Monastery.

Lake Skadar (Pavlova Strana): Lake Skadar is one of Montenegro’s most famous attractions: a freshwater lake straddling Montenegro and Albania. Home to 270 species of birds, Lake Skadar is a famous destination for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the lake and tributaries by boat. Make sure to capture the most famous view of Lake Skadar, called Pavlova Strana (the side of Pavle), in which you can see Lake Skadar’s horseshoe bend.

Hike in Durmitor National Park: Durmitor is a massif formed millions of years ago by glaciers. In 1980 it was recognized as a World Heritage site. There’s plenty of adventure to be had in Durmitor and its gorges, including rafting on the Tara River, hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering.

Mount Lovćen: Also a national park, this is the very mountain that inspired Montenegro’s name, Crna Gora (Black Mountain). The trek to either of the two summits, Štirovnik and Jezerski, is very rocky, but it is home to two historically significant sites: the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos, and a view of the land Lovćen divides.

Ostrog Monastery. The Ostrog Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox church built into the side of a rocky cliff. Learn about St. Basil and marvel at the genius 17th century architecture of the monastery. At the top, enjoy a panoramic view of the Bjelopavlići plain and the Zeta River.

Sveti Stefan. A walled fort turned luxury resort, Sveti Stefan is one of the coolest looking coastal towns in Montenegro. The town is seated on a small island with a narrow causeway connecting it to the mainland, with the beautiful Milocer Beach just a short walk away.

Budva. This walled coastal town is known for its nightlife and sandy beaches, and only a 15-minute drive north from Sveti Stefan.

Lipa Cave. One of Montenegro’s largest cave systems, guided tours showcase the dramatic display of stalagmites and stalactites.

When To Visit Montenegro

The best time to visit Montenegro is from May to August, during the summer season. Visitors will have the best sunlight along with highs around the mid-eighties (Fahrenheit), perfect for outdoor sightseeing and water-based activities. While it can be crowded during the summer, this weather is best for seeing the flora of Montenegro’s landscape at its peak.

The earlier in the summer season you arrive, the less crowds you’ll face, along with more pleasant temperatures.

Places to Visit Near Montenegro

Best Things to Do in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

The town of Mostar is one of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s most popular destinations. With cobblestoned streets, old stone buildings, and its beautiful bridge spanning the picturesque Neretva River, this town looks like it was plucked from the pages of a fairytale. This small town attracts thousands of visitors per year. Seeing Stari Most, the Old […]

11 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

I think we fell in love with Dubrovnik even before setting foot in Croatia. An ancient, walled medieval city on the Adriatic Sea, filled with world class restaurants and narrow cobblestoned lanes to explore…what’s not to love? One day is all you need to see the best of Dubrovnik, although we recommend spending more time […]

Top Ten Things to Do in Split, Croatia

Split, the second largest city in Croatia, is a mix of modern life and ancient history. With ruins dating back to the Roman Empire, a bustling waterfront, and fresh seafood served daily at many of the restaurants in town, Split is well worth a visit on a tour through Croatia. If you are planning a […]

Photographing Stari Most: Where to get the Best Views in Mostar

I admit it. I was obsessed with getting the perfect photo of Stari Most (the Old Bridge) in Mostar. This fairytale bridge has been on my photography bucket list ever since I saw photos of it on other travel websites. In order to have the best experience, we planned on being in Mostar for 24 […]

Walking through the Beautiful Town of Trogir, Croatia

Trogir was our introduction to the gorgeous towns that line the Dalmatia Coast of Croatia. And what a great way to start our tour of Croatia…Trogir is a gem that should be included even on the fastest of itineraries. Trogir is located just thirty minutes west of Split by car. The old town is located on […]

9 Must-Have Experiences in Sarajevo

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city with a tumultuous history. WWI started here in 1914 with the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria. In 1984, Sarajevo was broadcasted into homes all over the world, as millions of people tuned in to watch the Winter Olympics. Just 6 years later, the world […]

Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info

10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip

Europe is a joy to explore. With world-class cities, medieval towns, historical sites, the snowcapped Alps, gorgeous beaches, and some of the world’s most delicious food, you have the perfect ingredients for your next vacation. If you want to spend 10 days in Europe, we have ten amazing itineraries to share with you.  In this […]

15 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe

Having a car provides a lot of freedom and convenience when traveling through Europe. You can travel at your own pace, stop frequently to take in the view, and get to some places that are difficult to reach with public transportation. However, there are some things to know about renting a car in Europe. Knowing […]

30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)

It is no secret that Europe is filled with beautiful places to visit. With its grand cities, fairytale-like towns, soaring mountain ranges, and gorgeous beaches, there is a seemingly endless list of gorgeous places to explore. Whether you are planning your next trip to Europe, or just trying to figure out where to travel to […]

7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe

If you are planning your first trip to Europe, it can be an overwhelming experience. Where should you go? How much will it cost? How many places can you visit? Does this sound familiar? We get emails every day from people who want advice planning their first trip to Europe. And we see the same […]

Best Hikes in Europe: Our 20 Favorite Day Hikes

Europe is one of our favorite places to go hiking. There’s no better way to explore the dramatic and varied landscapes here, from the snow-capped Alps to coastal trails to the remote, volcanic interior of Iceland. In this guide we list 20 of the best hikes in Europe, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful […]

Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag

Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography gear guide, with links and explanations of our photography gear and accessories. At the end of this post, we offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling. Photography Gear Guide The […]