13 Best Places to Visit in Montenegro: Top Destinations and Hidden Gems

Montenegro is a Balkan nation situated on the Adriatic Sea between Croatia, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. I can’t quite overstate how alluring this country is.

As I reflect on our trip, I’m overcome with the feeling of needing to return.

In this post, you’ll find a summary of all our favorite places to visit in Montenegro. These places include popular tourist destinations as well as hidden gems.

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1. Durmitor National Park

Hiking Paradise

Durmitor is one of Montenegro’s five national parks. It’s a dream destination for hikers.

From short and accessible trails to challenging multi-day treks, Durmitor can host any type of outdoor adventurer.

To plan your trip to Durmitor and find out where to hike, read our Durmitor National Park Hiking Guide.

Stay in the mountain town of Žabljak for at least three nights in order to hike Bobotov Kuk and Mount Prutaš.

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2. P14 Sedlo Pass Route

Scenic Drive through Durmitor National Park

The P14 road stretches from Žabljak to Plužine. This scenic route winds through the heart of Durmitor National Park.

Throughout the drive, you’ll see unique mountain formations, herds of goats, and herdsmen settlements.

You’ll want to stop incessantly for photographs. At the end of the route, you’ll descend to Plužine, with incredible views of Piva Lake.

Though narrow at times, the entire road is paved. The only place to grab a snack, or drink, is Konoba Lomni Do, which is located close to Sedlo pass.

There are three trailheads along P14: Sedo (Bobotov Kuk starting point), Dobri Do (Prutaš southern route starting point), and Todorov Do (Prutaš western route starting point).

Plan your trip: Montenegro Road trip Itinerary

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3. Rose, Luštica Peninsula

Hidden Gem in the Bay of Kotor

Rose is a tiny seaside village located at the tip of Luštica Peninsula. Along the shoreline, you’ll find a collection of charming stone houses.

Though sleepy in winter, a few eateries open up in the high season, including Adriatic.

You can visit this fishing village by either driving here directly, or taking a taxi boat from Herceg Novi, Tivat, or Budva.

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4. Sveti Stefan

Seaside Getaway

Sveti Stefan is a village along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. It’s famous for its gorgeous beach and offshore island, connected to the mainland by a stone causeway.

Sveti Stefan is our favorite place to stay along the Budva Riviera.

Learn More: Sveti Stefan Travel Guide

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5. Rijeka Reževići

Secret Beach in the Budva Riviera

Kati loves beaches. However, I really can’t understand the appeal of soaking up sunrays for hours on end. I get anxious and bored quickly.

That being said, the 4 hours I spent on Rijeka Reževići beach were some of the best hours of my 2018.

Hidden from the masses, this rocky cove with crystal-clear water is my definition of perfect.

There’s even an outdoor restaurant tucked behind the beach that serves delicious Mediterranean food.

If you visit in high season, arrive early. There is limited parking near the beach.

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6. Prokletije National Park

Dramatic Mountain Scenery

Prokletije National Park encompasses the Prokletije (Accursed) mountains of Montenegro. This mountain range extends into Albania and is often referred to as the Albanian Alps.

Though getting here is a journey and is best undertaken with your own vehicle, we highly recommend coming here if you love to hike.

This is one of Montenegro’s lesser-known destinations, and if you want to experience it, now is the time.

Curious how to plan a trip to Montenegro’s Accursed Mountains? Read our guide to Prokletije National Park.

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7. The Old Town of Ulcinj

Ancient Town

Ulcinj is a coastal city in southern Montenegro, very close to the Albanian border.

Though a bit shabby, the historic town of Ulcinj is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro because of its medieval architecture, charming residents, and dazzling views.

It was founded by the Illyrians over 2,500 years ago. For inspiring views, head to Sunset Bar. For delicious fish, eat at Fisherman Hari.

And, for accommodation, check out Hotel Pirate Old Town (luxury) and Guesthouse Maritimo (budget).

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8. The Beaches of Ulcinj

Pine-fringed Beaches

Ulcinj has a stunning coastline defined by scenic rocky coves as well as long sandy beaches. Lined with pine, the coastal air is distinctly sweet.

Mala Plaža, the sandy beach directly south of the Old Town, is lively and atmospheric.

As you head further south, you’ll find a number of beach clubs like Aquarius White and Sapore di Mare. Women should head to Ladies’ Beach, a beach only for women.

There’s no entrance fee, though a guard ensures that only women enter.

And for the adventurous souls, Velika Plaža (the Big Bech) is a kite-surfing destination.

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9. Komovi Mountains

Remote Mountain Region

The Komovi mountain massif is a great outdoor destination for visitors seeking a remote and offbeat place to visit in Montenegro.

Base yourself in Etno Selo Štavna (midrange), a simple chalet-style accommodation located on the Stavna vast plateau, the trailhead to Kom Vasojevićki. 

A visit to Komovi not only offers you beautiful views and solitude, but it also gives you a glimpse of traditional katun life.

A katun is a temporary herdsmen settlement. Learn more about hiking in Komovi in our Hiking in Montenegro guide.

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10. Njeguši

Home of Njegusi Proscuitto

Njeguši is a small village located within Lovćen national park, 24 km east of Kotor.

Come here to taste the delicious Njeguški pršut (Njegusi Proscuitto) – a dry-cured ham similar to Italian Prosciutto.

Locals credit the unique flavor and aroma of their cured ham to the mixture of beechwood smoke, sea salt, and mountain air.

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11. Kotor Serpentine Road

Steep hairpin road

As the name suggests, the Kotor Serpentine Road is a windy road, numbering 25 switchbacks.

It offers up some of the best views of Kotor Bay. We drove this road from Njeguši to Kotor around sunset and it was spectacular. Drive slowly and carefully.

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12. Kotor Old Town

UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bay of Kotor

Enclosed by medieval fortifications, the Old Town of Kotor is effortlessly charming. This is one of the top places to visit in Montenegro, so you won’t be alone.

Try to explore early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, after cruise visitors have departed.

For the best views of Kotor Old Town, walk up the 1350 steps to the hilltop Kotor Fortress (aka St. John’s Fort, or Castle of San Giovanni), hike up the Ladder of Kotor, summit Pestingrad, or visit Vrmac Ridge.

Learn more about Kotor:

• Best Things to Do in Kotor
• Our Favorite Kotor Hikes
• Where to Stay in Kotor

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Top Kotor Tours

Walking Tours

Kotor: Private Walking Tour with Wine and Food Tasting

Kotor: Private Guided Walking Tour

Boat Tours

Kotor: Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula and Blue Cave Boat Tour

From Kotor, Budva, Tivat or Herceg Novi: Boka Bay Day Cruise

Kotor: Perast Old Town and Our Lady of the Rocks Boat Tour

Kayak Tours

Bay of Kotor: 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour

Bay of Kotor: 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour

Day Trips

Montenegro: Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery Day Trip

Montenegro: Full-Day Tour to Lovcen National Park & More

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13. Lake Skadar

Largest Lake in the Balkan Peninsula

Lake Skadar is a large freshwater lake bordering Albania and Montenegro.

You can explore the lake by joining a boat tour, renting a kayak, or simply by the road. One of the best vantage points of Lake Skadar is from Pavlova Strana Viewpoint, aka horseshoe bend, on P16.

We highly recommend staying at Apartment Pajovic (midrange). 

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