If you love the deep nature, genuine culture and off the beaten path destinations, Montenegro is the place to visit with our expert guide, Mladen!
Kotor
This walled town and UNESCO World Heritage Site(since 1979) is situated between glistening blue waters and dramatic peaks. Not only is Kotor visually striking, but also a treasure trove of historic sites and relics.
On top of the churches, buildings, and streets themselves, travelers can find the Maritime Museum of Montenegro, which tells about the town’s seafaring history. Work up an appetite for local cuisine by hiking to the hilltop Fortress of San Giovanni or swimming in the cooling waters of Kotor Bay.
Cetinje
This town, founded on 1494 is the former royal capital as well as the cradle of Montenegrin culture, so called open musem of Montenegro. The charming and well-preserved old town is compact and walkable, ideal for touring and sightseeing. Travelers can check out churches, museums, and monasteries. It’s also a great place to sample traditional Montenegrin food and drinks.
Perast & Island Churches
This picturesque stone town sits at the edge of the Bay of Montenegro. It was once amongst the wealthiest of coastal towns, evident in the captain’s mansions that remain. It lies across two Island churches, the 9th-century Benedictine Abby of St. George and the 15th-century Our Lady of the Rocks church. It is the best place to discover the legend behind the manmade Our Lady of the Rocks church and the history of the local Fasinada festival.
Njegos Mausoleum
At the night of Lovcen National Park(1 of 5 National Parks in Montenegro) lies the marble mausoleum of former Montenegrin ruler Petar Petrovic-Njegos. The building rests atop 461 steps and there, the ruler’s remains are enclosed in a granite eagle 1,676 meters above sea level. This site also offers amazing views, on a clear day you can see 80 percent of Montenegro from this spot.
Budva
Budva is a riviera town known for its lively beaches and nightlife, mainly favorite among the younger generation of travelers. The glitzy coastal town is adjacent to large harbors filled with glamorous yachts. By contrast, the old town Stari Grad boasts Venetian architecture, marble streets, and a charming citadel. Nearby destinations include the village of Kaprina and the island of Sveti Nikola. Best time to visit in July and August.
Herceg Novi
This quaint fortified city stands at the gate of the Bay of Kotor and is a must-see for anyone visiting. The Old Town offers historic churches, military fortresses, modern restaurants, and bustling cafe bars. A stone’s throw from the city, a pebbly beach and clear waters await.
Durmitor National Park
With glaciated limestone valleys and rushing rivers, Durmitor National Park is a must-see for wilderness lovers. This is another UNESCO site in Montenegro. Highest peek of Durmitor is the highest peek of the country, Bobotov Kuk, 2523m above the sea level. The national park spans 39,000 acres between north-western Montenegro and parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visitors who hike to rocky summits and glacial likes, bike the mountain trails or raft the white waters of the Tara River will be absolutely thrilled by Montenegro’s natural beauty. Another top activity in this National Park is white water rafting in second deepest canyon in the World, and deepest one in Europe, Tara river canyon.
Ostrog Monastery
Carved into the sheer vertical face of a rock cliff lies this Orthodox pilgrimage site, which was built in the 1667 and remains a popular sacred destination to this day. Discover antique painted frescoes, spectacular churches, and a natural spring as well as sweeping views of the Zeta valley. This is by far most important Ortodox monastery in country, visited and respected by locals and foreigners no matter which religion they belong to…
Lake Skadar
Another National Park which is must see while in Montenegro. The largest freshwater lake in the Balkans, Skadar lake straddles the countries of Montenegro and Albania(2/3 belong to Montenegro, 1/3 to Albania). Its beauty is evidenced by the fact that it was the historic summer residence of the Montenegrin royal family, in times before Cetinje was founded as a capital of Montenegro. With its well-preserved rolling Karst terrain and flower-strewn shores, Skadar Lake remains a pristine natural wonder and birder’s paradise.
Mount Orjen
Montenegro is not only home to the largest lake in the Balkans, but also the highest mountain on the Adriatic coast. Mount Orjen’s(1894m) slopes are a haven for alpine adventurers year-round. A ski resort, mountain huts, and Coastal Mountain Traverse trail offer ample opportunities to explore this wild terrain.
