Montenegro is an absolute gem in Europe, with its stunning landscapes and rich history. Whether you’re craving swimming in turquoise waters, seeing breathtaking mountain views or exploring historic towns with beautiful architecture, Montenegro has it all. While it might not be the first destination that comes to mind, this Balkan country is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, and I can’t recommend it enough. Here’s a 5-day itinerary that takes you from the seaside towns to the mountains, ensuring you get to explore the best bits that Montenegro has to offer.
Day 1: Sveti Stefan and Ostrog Monastery
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Kick off your adventure with a stop in Sveti Stefan, one of Montenegro’s most iconic sights. This tiny island-turned-luxury resort is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, and the views from the famous viewpoint are postcard-perfect. While the island itself is private, you can still enjoy the surrounding beaches, where the turquoise waters invite you for a dip. If you’re really curious to visit the island, you will need to join a guided tour. Make sure to get some photos from the viewpoint on the roadside, then descend close to the beach where you can find another viewpoint on the walkway behind the private beach. Then, you can enjoy the beach on the left side of the island which is public.
From Sveti Stefan, head to the Ostrog Monastery, an architectural and spiritual wonder built on a high cliffside. This 17th-century monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans and offers a peaceful atmosphere along with stunning views of the surrounding valley. If you’re looking to learn more about the monastery’s fascinating history, consider joining a guided tour to Ostrog Monastery. If time allows, you can also pair this visit with a stop in Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, for a quick taste of the city.
Day 2: Lake Skadar and Budva
Day two is dedicated to nature lovers. Spend a full day at Lake Skadar National Park, the largest lake in the Balkans. There are countless ways to experience this stunning landscape. You can kayak along the lake’s tranquil waters, go on a boat tour or simply take in the views as you drive along the scenic road through the park and stop on the roadside for some incredible viewpoints. My favourite was Pavlova Strana, where you have panoramic views of the lake and river bends.
In the afternoon head back to Budva, which is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic Coast. The charming streets of Budva Old Town are filled with history, quaint shops and cafés. While there, visit the Church of St. Sabba the Sanctified and the Budva Citadel. Outside the Old Town, Budva offers a diverse selection of restaurants and bars. This is also the town with the best beaches – Ričardova Glava and Mogren Beach are the closest to the Old Town, but Becici and Kamenovo are great options too. If you’re staying overnight, check out the hotel we stayed in Budva.
Day 3: Kotor Old Town and Fortress
On day three, head to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved mediaeval Old Town. This is the place to get lost in Montenegro’s history. The Old Town has lively squares, beautiful churches and lots of adorable cats roaming freely. There’s even a dedicated shelter with a garden for the cats of Kotor. Spend your day wandering, and discover the narrow streets, looking for gems like the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon.
If you ask me, Kotor feels even more magical on a Summer night. It’s just a romantic atmosphere. Pick a restaurant with outdoor seating on one of the squares and really soak in that experience. You might hear someone playing music in the background or just the laughter of other people enjoying the moment.
One of the best things you can do while in Kotor, is to climb the Kotor Fortress. It’s steep and might take you around an hour to reach the top, but then you get rewarded with panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the walk is quite rugged, and take a bottle of water and a snack. You can enjoy a bit of rest at the top. You might see vendors too, but it’s best to come prepared.
Day 4: Lovćen or Durmitor National Park
For your fourth day, I’d suggest another day in nature. If you prefer a mix of nature and history, visit Lovćen National Park. The drive through the park is an adventure in itself with winding roads offering breathtaking views of Montenegro’s mountains and valleys. It’s also a shorter drive from Kotor/Budva. Rent a car to fully enjoy the stunning scenic routes and make stops whenever you please.
Don’t miss the Mausoleum of Njegoš, which sits at the top of the park’s highest peak. There will be some stairs to climb after you park the car and you might notice the altitude. The best part is when you go through the mausoleum to the 360-viewing platform where you can see as far as Durmitor Park and Skadar Lake! It’s truly breathtaking. If you’re driving back from the park around sunset time, enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Kotor on the serpentine road as you descend to Kotor. There are several viewpoints along the way.
Alternatively, if you’re more into hiking and outdoor activities, head to Durmitor National Park. It’s a 3-hour drive from Kotor. The Black Lake is a particularly beautiful spot with walking trails around the shores. If you are feeling even more adventurous why not try the more challenging hiking routes? The park is also known for its deep canyons, crystal-clear rivers and beautiful forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Day 5: Perast, Herceg Novi and the Blue Cave
Take it slow on your final day and explore more of Montenegro’s coastal beauty. Start in Perast, a pedestrian-only town filled with charming Baroque architecture and stunning views of the Bay of Kotor. This small town is perfect for a stroll on the promenade next to sea or exploring the back streets too. You can read all about Perast on this article.
From here you can easily get on a taxi boat to visit the nearby Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a fascinating history. Or you can also go on a boat tour to the Blue Cave, a beautiful natural wonder. The cave gets its name from the glowing blue waters inside created by the sunlight reflecting through the entrance. Many tours also stop at nearby beaches for a swim, so bring your swimsuit.
End your Montenegrin adventure with a relaxed vibe in the picturesque seaside town of Herceg Novi. This town is slightly less visited by tourists, making it a great spot to explore. Enjoy one last time the beautiful architecture and the perfect views of the Adriatic Sea.
How to get to Montenegro? Your travel options
Montenegro has two international airports – Podgorica (TGD) and Tivat (TIV). Podgorica Airport is near the capital and offers more and cheaper flight options all year-round, while Tivat airport is closer to the coast and has more routes available during Summer.
You can get direct flights from big European hubs like London, Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul or Rome. Both major and low cost airlines operate here.
Tivat airport is only a 15-minute drive to Kotor, so taxis, buses or a car rental will get you quickly to the coastal towns. From Podgorica airport its a 1.5-hour drive (90km). The most convenient way is to rent a car on arrival, which will also give you more freedom to move around the country. Alternatively, you can take a bus, but you will have to connect in Podgorica.
Many visitors to Montenegro also come via Croatia. Dubrovnik airport is only a 15-min drive to the border between the two countries! A drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor is around two hours, depending on the traffic at the border.
Montenegro may be a small country, but it offers so much variety to visitors with its landscapes, history and coastal towns. You may notice that because of the mountains there are a lot of serpentine roads, which will force you to drive slower and really take in the views. This 5-day itinerary takes you from the beaches and historic towns of the coast to the breathtaking mountains and national parks, giving you a taste of everything this country has to offer. Trust me, Montenegro is an absolute gem of Europe. Save this itinerary to help you plan your trip to Montenegro. It’s one destination that you won’t want to miss!
