Top 12 Unique Things to Do in Montenegro
There are so many fantastic things to do in Montenegro, and so this travel destination holds a whole range of great activities for its visitors. A breathtaking coastline, the gorgeous beaches in Montenegro, fascinating national parks, imposing mountains in the hinterland and beautiful places directly by the sea make Montenegro a popular destination in Europe. Whether on the coast or in the hinterland, this small country inspires with an incredible selection of attractions and destinations worth seeing. With so many highlights in Montenegro, it can be difficult to keep track of the best places to see. But what are the absolute best things to do in Montenegro, what are the insider tips, and which attractions and landmarks should not be missed?
In this travel guide, we have summarized the 12 best things to do in Montenegro, the top attractions as well as the most beautiful national parks of the country for you. In addition, there are numerous pictures as well as information and tips about Montenegro, which are guaranteed to help you plan your trip.
Kotor Old Town & Kotor Bay
The Bay of Kotor is one of the landmarks of Montenegro. This almost 30-kilometer-long fjord-like bay conjures up a picture-perfect backdrop and is a real magnet for visitors today. The most important attraction is the medieval town of Kotor, which was built as early as between the 12th century and the 14th century. During a walk along the narrow streets, past historic squares and old churches, you can discover the town on your own. Also nice is the somewhat steep climb to the fortress because from there you have a wonderful view over the old town down to the harbor, where the big cruise ships dock. An exploration tour through the old town of Kotor is a must-do on every trip to Montenegro, and you should not miss this outstanding attraction.
Tip: Breathtaking boat tours through the Kotor Bay, interesting city tours and many other cool excursions in Montenegro can be found here on GetyourGuide!
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is definitely one of the most beautiful attractions in Montenegro. This charming coastal town is located not far from Dubrovnik and is known as the entrance to the fabulous Kotor Bay. Especially the neat old town, one of the most stunning places in the country, is worth a visit. The Montenegrin coffee tastes especially good at the old main square, a good starting point to explore all the historical attractions like the old city walls and the fortress. Herceg Novi enchants its visitors with unique Mediterranean flair, wonderful old buildings and a fantastic view of the sea, so you should not miss this coastal town on any trip through Montenegro.
Tip: The Hotel Casa del Mare Blanche is a small, fine hotel in Herceg Novi and inspires with tasteful ambience and only 12 cozy rooms.
Lake Skadar
The Lake Skadar, in Montenegrin Skadarsko Jezero, is the second-largest lake in Southern Europe and stretches from Montenegro to Albania. The part in Montenegro is a national park and a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers. Especially stunning and a real highlight is the western end of the lake, the region around Rijeka Crnojevica, from which you have the most beautiful view of the lake landscape. During a boat trip, you can explore a sensitive ecosystem and with a little luck, you can even spot pelicans! A wonderful excursion destination during a vacation in Montenegro.
Tip: Unforgettable excursions and activities such as boat tours on Lake Skadar, bird watching or canoeing can be booked online!
Perast
The picturesque town of Perast is located in the middle of the Bay of Kotor and a visit is for sure one of the best things to do in Montenegro. The beautiful waterfront is lined with charming old stone villas from the Venetian era, which give the place an incredible charm. Especially worth seeing are the two small offshore islets of St. George and Gospa od Škrpjela, although only one of them, Gospa od Skrpjela can be visited. The best view of the monastery islands and the mountains in the background are from the coastal road. The coastal town of Perast, like the entire Bay of Kotor, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the top attractions in Montenegro!
Tip: The Monte Bay Retreat is a gorgeous boutique hotel and moreover one of the best places to stay in the town. The highlight is the infinity pool with a beautiful view!
Sveti Stefan
High up on the list of the best sights of Montenegro is Sveti Stefan. The small peninsula from the 15th century is breathtakingly beautiful and thus graces the postcards of the country, not without reason. Currently, the island of Sveti Stefan is a luxury hotel in a class of its own, but a section of beach in front of the island has been opened to the public. Here you can bathe on a real dream beach and at the same time enjoy a picture-perfect panorama. The Sveti Stefan beach is one of the most incredible places in the country, and a day at the beach in this breathtaking setting is a true experience.
Tip: The Boutique Hotel Villa Geba is a perfect choice for a vacation in Sveti Stefan. Guests love the design, the pool and the magnificent sea view.
Budva
The whole Budva Rivera in Montenegro is worth seeing because here you can find a considerable number of great beaches and attractions. Especially fascinating is the old town of Budva with its medieval city walls and numerous historical buildings. Although the city was almost completely destroyed in an earthquake in 1979, it was possible to reconstruct it. Today you can walk through picturesque alleys, drink coffee in small romantic squares and admire old churches and interesting monuments. There are also numerous beautiful beaches next to the old town, which invite you to take a dip in the cool water.
Tip: In Budva there is a gigantic selection of good accommodation, such as the great Avala Resort & Villas with pool, directly on the beach, and thus only a few steps away from the old town.
Beaches of Montenegro
The beaches in Montenegro are truly to fall in love with, and moreover, they are one of the reasons why this destination has become so famous. The gorgeous coastline in Montenegro offers its vacationers some of the best beaches in Europe. Most of the bays are fine pebble beaches with turquoise sea colors and top cleanliness. Especially popular with bathers and some of the most stunning bays and resorts can be found especially on the Budva Rivera, on the Lustica Peninsula, in Ulcinj and on the Kotor Bay.
Durmitor National Park
The Durmitor National Park is located in the north of the country and is one of the top places in Montenegro for outdoor adventures, hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. This has been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1980 and guests can expect several beautiful highlights in the most magnificent natural scenery. The mighty mountain massif is imposing, with the highest mountain peak, the Bobotov Kuk, at 2522 meters above sea level. Absolutely worth seeing in the national park is the “Black Lake”, also called Crno Jezero. It is one of the most stunning attractions in Montenegro and a trip there should not be missed. The picturesque glacial lake is located at an altitude of over 1,400 meters above sea level and is considered the most popular destination in the region.
Tara River Canyon
With a depth of an incredible 1,300 meters, the Tara River Canyon is one of the most spectacular canyons in the world and, moreover, one of the most important natural landmarks in Montenegro. On the Tara River, also called the tear of Europe, rafting tours are one of the most popular activities in Montenegro and is an unspeakable experience in this unbelievable ambience. Also recommended is the drive along the panoramic road from Biogradska Gora to Zabliak. Fantastic viewpoints of the turquoise blue Tara, steep rock faces and a breathtaking natural landscape will amaze visitors.
Lovcen National Park
The Lovcen Mountain is a breathtaking national park and a visit is one of the most beautiful things to do in Montenegro. The main attraction in this area is the Njegos Mausoleum, built on the top of Jezerski Vrh and offering a fabulous view. This is the final resting place of the poet prince Petar II, who once gave himself the nickname “Njegoš”. A short hike up 461 steps will take you to the monument, and at the same time you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the mountains. Also worth seeing is the ceiling of the chapel, which was decorated with over 200,000 gilded tiles. In addition, the national park offers great tours for mountain bikers and is ideal for hiking.
Tip: Day trips to the Lovcen Mountains are also offered on GetYourGuide! During a trip, there are often other attractions on the program, such as the Cetinje Monastery.
Biogradska Gora National Park
Biogradska Gora is the smallest national park in Montenegro and a real insider tip among the most beautiful sights in Montenegro. Due to its biodiversity, unique idyll and scenic beauty, this national park is particularly worth seeing. In the park you will find unbelievable hiking routes, beautiful alpine meadows and the deep black Biogradska Gora lake in the oldest primeval forest in Europe. If you love nature and hiking, this is the right place for you, and you should not miss this national park.
Ostrog Monastery
The Ostrog Monastery is definitely one of the most stunning historical attractions in Montenegro. The monastery complex was built in the 17th century by the Serbian Orthodox Church and is now a famous pilgrimage site. A special feature is that the structure was built directly on a steep rock inside two caves. It is located at an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level and, moreover, inspires with a magnificent view. The monastery with its unbeatable scenery is certainly one of the most beautiful things to see in Montenegro.
Read more about Montenegro:
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Lake Skadar: Visit Monenegro`s nature juwel
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Top 7 Beaches in Montenegro
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Bay of Kotor: All you have to know!
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Montenegro Travel Guide: A Perfect Road Trip Itinerary
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