Montenegro is a small yet stunning country packed with natural beauty and history. You’ve got mountains, beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, and charming old towns all within a short distance from each other. Five days is a great amount of time to get a taste of everything, without feeling rushed. Here’s a flexible and relaxed itinerary to help you make the most out of your time in this Balkan gem.
Day 1: Arrive in Kotor
Morning: Explore Kotor Old Town
Once you arrive in Kotor, spend the morning exploring the beautiful Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walled city is packed with narrow streets, small squares, and ancient churches like St. Tryphon’s Cathedral. You can easily get lost here, but it’s never a bad thing—you’ll always end up discovering something new.
Afternoon: Hike to Kotor Fortress
After wandering the Old Town, hike up to the Kotor Fortress. The climb up takes about 45 minutes to an hour, but the panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor are worth every step. Don’t forget water and sunscreen, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. The best times for this hike are early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Evening: Dinner and Drinks by the Bay
In the evening, head back down to Kotor Old Town for a relaxed dinner. Try some local Montenegrin dishes like Njeguški pršut (dry-cured ham) and freshly caught seafood. Kotor offers plenty of small restaurants and cafes with bay views—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Day 2: Day Trip to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
Morning: Visit the Town of Perast
Just a 30-minute drive or bus ride from Kotor is Perast, one of the most picturesque towns in Montenegro. Spend the morning strolling around its peaceful waterfront. The town is small, but every corner offers something photogenic.
Afternoon: Boat Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks
From Perast, hop on a short boat ride to the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks. This tiny island is home to a church and a museum filled with local history. The boat ride only takes around 10 minutes, but the island offers a great view of Perast and the surrounding mountains.
Evening: Sunset in Kotor
Head back to Kotor for the evening. If you haven’t already, find a cafe along the Bay of Kotor to catch the sunset. The mountains surrounding the bay glow golden, creating the perfect end to the day.
Day 3: Budva and Sveti Stefan
Morning: Stroll Through Budva’s Old Town
On your third day, head out to Budva, roughly a 30-minute drive from Kotor. The Old Town of Budva isn’t as intricate as Kotor, but with its Mediterranean charm, it’s definitely worth a visit. You’ll find narrow streets, old stone houses, and plenty of local shops and cafes to explore.
Afternoon: Beach Time or Visit Sveti Stefan
After exploring the Old Town, you can either relax on one of Budva’s beaches or visit the nearby iconic islet of Sveti Stefan. Although you can’t access the main part of Sveti Stefan as it’s a luxury resort, you can still snap some stunning photos from the nearby viewpoint. If you’d rather hit the beach, Budva has several to choose from, including Mogren Beach and Jaz Beach.
Evening: Dinner in Budva
End the day with dinner in Budva. The town has plenty of seafood restaurants, but you’ll also find traditional Montenegrin dishes like čevapi (grilled meat) and kačamak (a kind of local polenta).
Day 4: Lovćen National Park and Njeguši Village
Morning: Visit Lovćen National Park
On day four, drive up to Lovćen National Park. The park offers some of the best views in Montenegro, overlooking the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Sea. Visit the Mausoleum of Njegoš, dedicated to one of Montenegro’s most beloved rulers. Reaching the summit involves 461 steps, but once again, the views are spectacular.
Afternoon: Visit Njeguši Village
After visiting the mausoleum, drive or take a tour to Njeguši village, famous for its prosciutto and cheese. Many tours offer tastings of the local food and wine. It’s a great place to slow down for lunch and soak up the quieter side of Montenegro.
Evening: Return to Kotor
Head back to Kotor for the evening. If you’re still feeling energetic, you could take another quiet stroll through the Old Town, now likely quieter than earlier in your trip.
Day 5: Lake Skadar and Podgorica
Morning: Lake Skadar National Park
Start your final day by visiting Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans. Take a boat tour to see the abundant birdlife and water lilies, or just wander around the lake and enjoy the serene atmosphere. It’s a great spot for nature lovers.
Afternoon: Head to Podgorica
After finishing up at Lake Skadar, make your way to Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital. While it isn’t as tourist-heavy as other spots, it’s worth checking out. Spend a couple of hours visiting highlights like St. George Church and Millennium Bridge. If you’re curious about local wines, pay a visit to Plantaže Winery, just outside the city.
Evening: Wrap It Up in Podgorica
End your Montenegro trip with a relaxed dinner in Podgorica. The city offers both modern restaurants and more traditional spots, so there’s a bit of something for everyone. Reflect on your trip through Montenegro’s incredible coastal and mountainous landscapes.
Useful Tips for Your Montenegro Trip
Getting Around
Montenegro is well connected by buses, but renting a car will give you more flexibility. The roads are generally in good condition, and distances are short. Just be careful on winding mountain roads!
Currency
Montenegro uses the Euro, even though it isn’t part of the EU. ATMs are available in most towns, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash, especially when you head into smaller villages.
Language
Montenegrins speak Montenegrin, which is very similar to Serbian. While English is widely understood in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Montenegro is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. Summer can get hot and crowded, especially around popular spots like Kotor and Budva.
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