From the gentle sea coast to the rugged mountain peaks, Montenegro has it all.
Montenegro is gradually attracting the attention of tourists looking for a budget-friendly alternative to overcrowded Croatia.
At the same time, there is sometimes not enough information about Montenegro, so most visitors limit themselves to the most popular beach resorts, overlooking the other magnificent “pearls.”
The travel portal Travel Off Path has named five must-visit places in this trendy Balkan country.
Kotor is a mini-Dubrovnik, but without the crowds
This seaside town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the heart of a winding bay surrounded by cliffs on both sides and fed by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
“Fortified with walls, drawbridges, watchtowers, and other structures, and crisscrossed by cobblestone streets that seem to have stepped out of a medieval fantasy role-playing game, this is one of the most picturesque ancient cities in Europe,” the authors of the article note.
Sometimes Kotor is even called a “mini-Dubrovnik”, and there are indeed similarities: characteristic Dalmatian buildings of ochre color with green shutters in the Italian style, picturesque squares with fountains dominated by Romanesque churches, and narrow alleys, but with much smaller crowds (even though it is one of the most popular cities in Montenegro).Advertisementad
To enjoy the best views of the stone-built city of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor, tourists are advised to climb the St. John’s Fortress, an ancient citadel located on a hill.
Perast is a cozy fishing village
A few minutes’ drive from Kotor, in the same bay, is Perast, a picturesque fishing village centered around a medieval bell tower.
Kotor may look quieter and more unusual than Dubrovnik in Croatia, but it is still incredibly crowded during the cruise season. Perast does not have crowds of cruise ships: just one main promenade, stone townhouses and a few cozy seafood restaurants.
For such a small town, with a population of only 250 people, it has an impressive collection of Venetian buildings, including more than 16 baroque palaces with their faded stone facades.
However, the main attraction here is the Island of Our Lady, an artificial island with a single baroque church with a luxurious interior. The boat taxi ride takes only 5 minutes and costs around \$10 each way.
Cetinje is the most beautiful mountain village in Montenegro
“Today, Podgorica holds the title of the country’s administrative center and its most important city, but if you’re not fond of brutalist architecture, traffic congestion, and graffiti-covered concrete blocks, the capital of Montenegro may seem a bit… dull. In contrast, Cetinje has a primarily pedestrian-friendly center with lantern-lit streets lined with colorful historic houses, majestic palaces, and museums,” the authors of the article note.
In the background are the dark green mountains that literally gave the country its own name: Monte Negro, or the Black Mountain. Staying here for a few days, you will find a huge selection of hiking trails.
Some of the must-visit places include the Orthodox Cetinje Monastery, which houses ancient icons and Montenegrin relics, the Cipur Court Church, where members of the former Petrovic dynasty are buried, and the former presidential residence, the Blue Palace.
Budva: less ostentatious luxury, more living history
As beautiful as the mountainous interior is, Montenegro’s Mediterranean charm lies in its Adriatic coastline, shaped by more than two thousand years of Greek colonization, Roman rule, Venetian trade, and later Yugoslav socialism.
The modest port of Budva, in contrast to the more popular city of Kotor, truly captures the essence of Montenegro and does not seem overcrowded with tourists. Nestled on a historic peninsula, surrounded by gentle waves on both sides, Budva is a walled city of cobblestone streets, Romanesque church towers, quaint cafes, and a Venetian citadel.
The locals still live in the old rock-cut houses, enjoying the sun on Mogren Beach, a pebbly stretch with stunning views of the fortified complex, and sipping cocktails at sunset in the old port.
Durmitor is almost like Switzerland, but much cheaper
This huge national park, with its jagged peaks, pine forests, and glacial lakes stretching to the horizon, is reminiscent of Switzerland, but without the exorbitant prices and traffic jams caused by tourist buses.
One of the most stunning emerald lakes in Europe, Lake Crno, offers tourists hiking trails that run along its entire coastline, climbing picturesque mountain ranges, and winding around quiet villages dotted with alpine-style wooden chalets that seem untouched by time.
Meanwhile, in the Tara River Canyon, rafting enthusiasts conquer breathtaking spots, and for perfect sunrises, it’s worth heading to Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak in the range, offering a rugged Dolomite-style panorama.
Durmitor is all about slow nights in cozy houses scattered across the alpine meadows, fresh mountain air, starry skies, and a wild nature that feels truly untouched.