Wild natural beauty with steep limestone cliffs and rugged mountain roads, fortified towns home to historical fortresses and citadels, and spectacular bays and inlets that seem almost untouched by civilisation form the basis for Montenegro tourism’s appeal – which is apparent from the moment you step foot in the country.
Check out our list of the best things to do and see with the Montenegro travel guide below!
Hike the Fortress in jaw-dropping Kotor
If there is one reason to cross the border, it’s the bay of Kotor. A stunningly walled old town with a seemingly out of reach fortress embedded in the sheer mountainside find their home in an incredible harbour location, where cruise ships navigate their way through fjord-like scenery. If you’re up for it, the somewhat steep hike to the top of the Fortress offers spectacular views that will have your camera’s memory card protesting in no time. Kotor is Montenegro’s answer to Dubrovnik, and it’s a mighty fine competitor.
Chill out at Budva Riviera
Not to be confused with its Czech cousin’s namesake, walled, cobbled, church-filled Budva is namely Montenegro’s most pleasant beach town with happening nightlife to boot.
Explore the old capital of Cetinje
The old royal capital holds embassies alongside history museums showcasing Montenegro’s long and storied past, with the country’s administrative powers handed down from the rugged mountain location leaving a quaint and calm piazza-ridden town.
The young capital of Podgorica
One of Europe’s youngest capitals since Montenegro gained independence as late as 2006, Podgorica is situated on the flat plains and is enjoying its solitary journey after years of Ottoman and Soviet occupation.
Kayak through Tara River Canyon
Europe’s ‘grand’ effort is as deep as they come and carved by the fast-flowing Tara River, making it an ideal spot for adventure sports such as rafting and canyoning, with spectacular views from its path through rugged Durmitor National Park.
Soak up some sun at Sveti Stefan
You’ll need a fistful of Euros to stay at this islet luxury resort that was once a medieval stone village. High profile guests such as Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren have been known to lap up the five-star hotel service here, with resorts such as this standing in stark contrast to the communist hotels found around the country.
Take in the view from Ostrog Monastery
This tucked away sanctuary for the Orthodox Christian Church hides in the caves of a limestone cliff overlooking the Bjelopavlići plain. It’s a popular destination for pilgrims to make confessions to the holy founder, St. Basil of Ostrog.
Stone villas and fisherman’s cottages
The countryside throughout Montenegro is dotted with rustic stone villas and fisherman’s cottages, which form a picturesque foreground for the stunning scenery. Many villas and fisherman’s cottages have been converted into accommodation, where lucky travellers can lay their heads for an authentic experience of Montenegrin living.
Courtney Gahan is a serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC
