Montenegro might be a small country, covering just 13,812 square kilometers, but it has an abundance of attractions for visitors. Located in the Balkans, Montenegro is known for its stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and medieval fortified villages. It also has unique ancient churches and monasteries to explore. With its beautiful beaches and numerous hiking options, Montenegro is an excellent choice for a summer getaway.
Planning to visit Montenegro? Here’s a guide to some must-see places and unforgettable experiences.
Kotor
Kotor is a fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, surrounded by striking limestone cliffs. The first activity in Kotor is to explore its fortifications. Climb the 1,355 steps to reach St. John’s Fortress, 260 meters above sea level, for breathtaking views. The Kotor Walls enclose the medieval old town, filled with Romanesque stone churches, winding streets, and squares. Walking through these narrow streets, you’ll be captivated by the medieval atmosphere, feeling as if you’ve stepped back in time. Don’t miss the Maritime Museum, which showcases the local seafaring history dating back to the 9th century. Close to Kotor is the beautiful town of Perast, just 12 kilometers away. Known for its elegant baroque palaces and churches, Perast also serves as the gateway to the tiny islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks.
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a hidden gem located on the Lustica Peninsula. This cove is famous for its iridescent blue waters, created by light reflecting off the sandy bottom of the round-shaped cave. You can reach the Blue Grotto by boat, with local operators offering boat and kayak tours to this serene spot.
Budva Riviera
Stretching 35 kilometers along the Adriatic coast, the Budva Riviera surrounds the town of Budva in western Montenegro and includes several towns and settlements such as Budva, Bečići, Miločer, Rafailovići, Sveti Stefan, and Petrovac. The area boasts several fabulous beaches, including Mogren Beach, Kamenovo Beach, Becici Beach, and Jaz Beach. Budva itself is renowned for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich history dating back to the 5th century BC. The narrow streets of Budva’s old town (Stari Grad), surrounded by Venetian-built stone walls, offer a vivid glimpse into the past, reminiscent of Dubrovnik but on a smaller scale.
Njegos Mausoleum
This is the final resting place of 19th-century bishop-prince Petar II Petrović Njegoš. Although the mausoleum is modest, the surrounding views are truly remarkable. It’s situated on Lovćen Mountain, part of the national park that shares its name. Lovćen is the black mountain that gave Montenegro its name, with “Crna/negro” meaning “black” and “gora/monte” meaning “mountain” in Montenegrin and Italian. The highest peak is Štirovnik at 1,749 meters, while the second highest, Jezerski vrh at 1,657 meters, is where the mausoleum is located.
Ostrog Monastery
Carved into an almost vertical cliff face of Ostroška Greda at around 850 meters above the valley, Ostrog Monastery is one of Montenegro’s unique sights. This gleaming white Serbian Orthodox church offers stunning views of the Bjelopavlići plain.
Durmitor National Park
Known for its dramatic rugged landscape, Durmitor National Park is the top hiking spot in the summer. The park is home to glacial lakes, canyons, and 48 limestone peaks, all over 2,000 meters high. As Montenegro’s largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers many beautiful places to visit.
Prokletije National Park
Even more dramatic and rugged than Durmitor, Prokletije National Park stands out as one of Montenegro’s top destinations. A lesser-known gem, it offers some of Europe’s least explored areas. The numerous jagged peaks, gorges, steep slopes, and river valleys make it a paradise for nature lovers and a perfect destination for hiking.
Whether you’re seeking historical sites, natural beauty, or just a great place to relax, Montenegro has something to offer every traveler.