Whether you’re staying in Podgorica, Montenegro’s stunning capital city, or exploring multiple destinations on a road trip, Montenegro has plenty to offer, from scenic mountains and relaxing beaches to historical towns and cities. Read on to discover the best places to visit in Montenegro:
Top places to visit in Montenegro
There are plenty of tourist attractions in Montenegro, from exciting excursions through mountains and lakes, to cultural days out in its historical cities. Here’s our top 5 places to visit in Montenegro:
Bay of Kotor
Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated by the Adriatic coast. Top things to do in Kotor, Montenegro include strolling through the charming medieval town of Kotor and visiting its impressive fortification and historic churches. A visit to Perast, also known as the ‘Pearl of Venetian Baroque’ due to its many Venetian-style buildings, is also a must-do. If you’re driving from Podgorica to Kotor, the journey takes about two hours through stunning forests and lakes.
Budva
Among the best things to do in Montenegro is relaxing on the beaches of Budva. Lounge on the sandy shores of Becici Beach and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Don’t forget to visit Budva Oild Town for its medieval walls, quaint shopping streets and its vibrant nightlife. The drive from Podgorica to Budva takes just over one hour. If you have time, take a quick stop to visit the ruins of Fort Kosmac which is on the way.
Durmitor National Park
Visit the stunning Durmitor National Park, a scenic mountain region featuring glacial lakes and impressive canyons. In fact, the Tara River Canyon is one of the top things to do in Montenegro, as it’s the deepest canyon in Europe. The Black Lake is also worth visiting, especially if you’re into outdoor activities like rafting, canoeing, and hiking. If you’re visiting from Podgorica, drive up north towards the national park taking a scenic two-hour drive.
Blue Cave
Among some of the top tourist attractions in Montenegro is a visit to the Blue Cave located by the Lustica Peninsula. This stunning cave can be visited by boat and features pristine turquoise waters that glimmer as the sunlight filters through the cave. To visit this cave from Podgorica, drive towards Tivat and follow the road signs to the Blue Cave, known as Plava Spilja. The drive takes about an hour and 45 minutes.
Podgorica
No trip to Montenegro would be complete without visiting its capital city, Podgorica. Top tourist attractions in Podgorica include a visit to the Orthodox Temple of Christ’s Resurrection, the Millennium Bridge, and Lake Skadar. If you’re renting a car in Podgorica Airport, the drive to the city center only takes 12 minutes.
Montenegro food & drink
Curious to know what food in Montenegro tastes like? Montenegrin cuisine is deeply influenced by various Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman culinary traditions. Here’s the traditional food in Montenegro you should try:
• Kacamak – this hearty dish similar to polenta is made with cornmeal and served with cheese or kaymak, a local soft cheese.
• Cevapi – these delicious small grilled sausages are usually served with flatbread, chopped onion and ajvar (a typical red pepper spread) and are a popular type of street food in Montenegro.
• Njeguski prsut – this dry-cured ham is a delicacy that must be tried when in Montenegro. This ham comes from the Njegusi region and is often served as an appetizer with local cheese and olives.
As for popular drinks in Montenegro, try the many specialty herbal teas made from traditional Montenegrin herbs.
Festivals and events in Montenegro
There are plenty of exciting events and festivals in Montenegro, from folklore festivals to contemporary music. Here’s our top recommendations:
Sea Dance Festival
One of the top things to do in Montenegro is join a summer music festival. Sea Dance Festival is held every year in August in the coastal town of Budva and features some of the best electronic, rock, and pop talent from all over the world.
KotorArt Festival
This prestigious music festival celebrates classical music hosting some of the best contemporary musicians and orchestras. Held annually every July, this festival takes place in stunning locations such as churches, picturesque squares, and the impressive Kotor Fortress.
Mimosa Festival
Celebrate the arrival of spring with this lively folkloristic event. The Mimosa Festival is held in the coastal town of Herceg Novi and celebrates the joyous atmosphere of springtime with traditional folk dances, street food, and art exhibitions.
Best Time to Visit Montenegro
Montenegro can be visited all year round. Visit in summer if you’re after a relaxing beach experience but be prepared for more tourists as this is high season. Alternatively, opt for spring or autumn if you prefer milder weather and fewer tourists. If you’re into skiing and winter activities, visit the stunning Kolasin or Zabljak ski resorts.
