17 Must-Visit Spots in Montenegro

Whether you’re a hiker or history lover (or both), don’t miss these destinations

January 3, 2025

Top Visit Spots in Montenegro — Montenegro Bay. Photo courtesy of the author

In the last few years, Montenegro has begun to emerge as one of the favored destinations for the world’s expats and nomads—and for good reason, as detailed in my previous article.

Here I’ve compiled a list of towns, parks, mountains and more, representing the best places to go in and around Montenegro.

1. Durmitor National Park

Montenegro Bay — Black Lake is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Durmitor Park. Photo courtesy of iStock/popovic.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durmitor National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. With its dramatic mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and expansive hiking trails, it’s a destination that offers breathtaking views and thrilling outdoor activities. Don’t miss Black Lake or the challenge of reaching Bobotov Kuk, Montenegro’s highest peak.

2. Bay of Kotor

Often compared to the fjords of Norway, the Bay of Kotor is a picturesque landscape surrounded by steep mountains and medieval towns. The Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with winding alleys, churches, and cafes, making it a perfect destination for history lovers and wanderers alike.

3. Kotor City

Kotor Bay — Kotor City at night. Photo courtesy of iStock/Bogdan Lazar.

Nestled within the Bay of Kotor, Kotor is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. The city’s ancient walls, which stretch up to the peaks of Mount Lovćen, provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Kotor is also known for its charming streets, beautiful churches, and vibrant culture.

4. Perast

Kotor City at night — A view of Perast from the water. Photo courtesy of iStock/joci03.

Located on the shores of the Bay of Kotor, Perast is a peaceful, historic town known for its Venetian-style architecture. Visit Our Lady of the Rocks, an island church built on a man-made island, and enjoy the quiet, reflective atmosphere of this picturesque town.

5. Herceg Novi

A view of Perast — TheClock tower in Old Town Herceg Novi, Montenegro. Photo courtesy of iStock/GoodLifeStudio.

At the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, Herceg Novi is a charming town with a rich history. Explore the Kanli Kula fortress, the Savina Monastery, and the town’s beautiful Mimosa Festival—a celebration of spring that draws visitors from all over Montenegro.

6. Budva

The Clock tower in Old Town Herceg Novi, Montenegro — Old Town Budva, Montenegro, known to be at least 26 centuries old. Today it features ancient houses, narrow streets, cafes, and shops. Photograph courtesy of iStock/AIS60.

Known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, Budva is a lively coastal town. The Budva Old Town offers a captivating mix of cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, while the surrounding beaches, such as Mogren and Jaz, provide the perfect place to relax and unwind.

7. Cetinje

Old Town Budva, Montenegro — The city of Cetinje. Photo courtesy of iStock/Gelia.

Cetinje is the historical capital of Montenegro and a town filled with museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks. It’s home to the Cetinje Monastery, the National Museum of Montenegro, and the Royal Palace, which reflect the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country.

8. Biogradska Gora National Park

The city of Cetinje — Lake Biograd, Biogradska Gora national park in autumn. Photo courtesy of iStock/DVrcan.

This magnificent national park is one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe. Biogradska Gora offers visitors a rare glimpse of untouched nature, with towering trees, glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife. It’s a peaceful and rejuvenating escape for those looking to connect with nature in its purest form.

9. Lovćen National Park

Lake Biograd, Biogradska Gora national park in autumn — The mausoleum of Njegos located on the top of the Lovćen Mountain in Lovćen Park . Photo courtesy of iStock/sun.

Lovćen National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning panoramic views of Montenegro. The Njegoš Mausoleum, located at the top of the mountain, honors the famous poet and ruler Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. The park is perfect for hiking, and the views of the Bay of Kotor and surrounding mountains are simply breathtaking.

10. Ostrog Monastery

Ostrog Monastery is one of Montenegro’s most revered spiritual sites, built into the cliffs of Mount Ostrog. This stunning Orthodox monastery attracts thousands of pilgrims each year who come to witness its stunning architecture and to pay homage to Saint Basil of Ostrog. The site offers a sense of peace and awe, with incredible views of the surrounding valley. It’s a must-visit for those interested in Montenegrin culture and spiritual history.

11. Ada Bojana

Ada Bojana is a small island on the Adriatic coast, known for its laid-back atmosphere, nudist-friendly beaches, and artsy, bohemian vibe. With its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, Ada Bojana is a retreat for free-spirited travelers looking for a unique, creative, and tranquil getaway.

12. Tivat & Porto Montenegro

Ada Bojana beach — Porto Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea coast in Tivat. Photo courtesy of iStock/Wirestock.

Tivat is an up-and-coming coastal town known for its Porto Montenegro marina, which is a luxurious haven for yachts and a hotspot for both leisure and business travelers. The town offers modern amenities, upscale restaurants, and beautiful beaches, making it a great base for exploring the Montenegrin coast.

Read more like this: Why Montenegro Is the New Nomad & Expat Hotspot

13. Sveti Stefan

Porto Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea coast in Tivat — Sveti Stefan island in Budva, Montenegro. Photo courtesy of iStock/bloodua.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Montenegro, Sveti Stefan is a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Known for its stunning beaches and the Aman Resort, this picturesque spot has long been a favorite of the rich and famous. The island’s beauty and historical significance make it a must-see destination.

14. Lipska Pecina (Lipa Cave)

Inside Lipa Cave near Cetinje in Montenegro. Photo courtesy of iStock/makaule.

A hidden natural gem, Lipska Pecina is one of the largest caves in Montenegro. It features impressive stalactites and stalagmites and is a popular destination for those interested in exploring the underground beauty of the country.

15. Tara River Canyon

The bridge on Tara river canyon, aerial view. Photo courtesy of iStock/Popartic.

The Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its incredible natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, it offers thrilling opportunities for rafting, hiking, and exploring pristine wilderness.

16. Skadarsko Jezero (Lake Skadar)

Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and an area of great ecological importance. It is a protected national park and a paradise for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and boaters. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountains and lush vegetation, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking peace and natural beauty.

17. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Aerial view of Dubrovnik. Courtesy of iStock/Dreamer4787.

OK, this one’s not in Montenegro, but did you know that Dubrovnik—the stunning Medieval setting for much of Game of Thrones—is only a 45-minute drive from Montenegro? This makes it an ideal day trip and the perfect bonus stop for travelers visiting the delightful Dalmation coast.

With Montenegro’s rich history, incredible natural landscapes, and Mediterranean charm, it offers the perfect boost to any Balkan journey. Montenegro’s wild beauty is a call to the adventurous spirit in all of us.

Whether you’re exploring the breathtaking Bay of Kotor, hiking through the dramatic peaks of Durmitor, or discovering the quiet charm of Perast, this small country packs a punch when it comes to offering unforgettable experiences.

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Milica Tepavac has a master’s degree from the University of Technical Science (Department for Industrial Engineering) in Novi Sad, Serbia. She is a hypnotherapist allowing her to combine all her passions and talents.