Day 1: Arrive in Kotor
Kotor is likely where you’ll start your Montenegro journey. The town sits along the Bay of Kotor, offering views of dramatic mountains falling into the sea. Spend your first day walking around the Old Town. The cobbled streets are full of little cafes and restaurants that cater to both locals and tourists.
If you’re feeling up for a challenge, hike the 1,350 steps up to the Castle of San Giovanni. The view from the top is stunning; you’ll see the bay and the town below in its entirety. It takes around 1-1.5 hours to reach the top at a moderate pace. Bringing water is a must if you’re hiking in the warmer months.
In the evening, grab dinner in Old Town. Try a hearty bowl of local seafood pasta or meat dishes like cevapi. End the day by relaxing along the waterfront with a drink.
Day 2: Visit Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
On Day 2, take a short trip to the nearby town of Perast. It’s roughly 20 minutes by bus from Kotor. The village is small but charming, lined with historic stone buildings and churches.
From Perast, you can catch a boat to the popular man-made island, Our Lady of the Rocks. The legend says the island was created by sailors who laid stones here after every successful voyage. Visit the church on the island and look out at the stunning views of the bay.
Spend the afternoon wandering the peaceful streets of Perast before heading back to Kotor in the evening. If you want something different for dinner, try a restaurant along the bay offering grilled fish or octopus.
Day 3: Lovćen National Park
Today, venture inland to Lovćen National Park, which is less than an hour’s drive from Kotor. Lovćen is known for its mountainous terrain and is the location of the famous Njegoš Mausoleum.
To reach the mausoleum, you’ll need to climb about 460 steps, but the view from the top makes it worth the effort. Once you’re there, you’re standing on the very peak of the second-highest mountain in Montenegro. From here, you can see the surrounding mountains and even out to the sea on a clear day.
Take a short nature walk in the park before enjoying a traditional meal in a local restaurant. Many places around here serve dishes like “raštan” (a Montenegrin cabbage stew) or “njeguški pršut,” a famous ham from this region.
Drive back to Kotor in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Budva and Sveti Stefan
On Day 4, head out to Budva. This key coastal town is a 30-40 minute drive from Kotor and offers lovely beaches alongside its Old Town. Spend the early morning walking around Budva’s old city walls and checking out the 15th-century Citadel. The views from the Citadel over the Adriatic Sea are postcard-perfect.
After exploring, hit one of the nearby beaches for a few hours of relaxation. Mogren Beach, just a short walk from Old Town, is a great spot to swim or sunbathe.
In the late afternoon, take a quick bus or taxi to the island-hotel of Sveti Stefan. While the island itself is a luxury resort and can’t be visited without a reservation, you can still enjoy the view from a nearby lookout. The iconic red-roofed buildings of Sveti Stefan surrounded by the turquoise sea are totally picture-worthy.
Have dinner back in Budva, perhaps trying local seafood again, and enjoy the nightlife if you prefer a livelier evening.
Day 5: Durmitor National Park
Today, you’ll head north into Montenegro’s mountains. Durmitor National Park is about a 2-3 hour drive from Kotor or Budva, so it’s an early start. This area is a must-see for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities.
Durmitor is known for its hiking trails and glacial lakes. A popular and easy hike is the trail to the “Black Lake,” only about 30 minutes from the park entrance. The lake is beautiful, ringed by towering peaks and thick forests.
If you’re more adventurous, you can join a rafting tour in the Tara River Canyon, the second-deepest canyon in the world. There are also options for ziplining over the canyon if you’re seeking a rush of adrenaline.
Stay overnight in the small town of Žabljak, tucked inside the park, where you’ll find cozy mountain lodges serving up warming stews and local schnapps.
Day 6: Explore the Tara River Canyon
Day 6 gives you another chance to take in the natural beauty around Tara River Canyon. Start the day by visiting the Tara Bridge, which spans the canyon. Built in 1940, the bridge offers sweeping views of the canyon below and is an excellent spot for photos.
For an active morning, rent a bike in Žabljak and cycle along the scenic roads towards the bridge. Alternatively, you can opt for an exhilarating morning of whitewater rafting. The rapids on the Tara River range in difficulty, so even beginners can enjoy a safe yet thrilling experience.
Enjoy a laid-back afternoon in Žabljak by exploring more of Durmitor national park. Another recommended short walk is the trail through the pine forest that leads to some smaller, hidden lakes.
Day 7: Podgorica and Lake Skadar
End your trip by heading to the capital city, Podgorica. This morning, drive the roughly 2.5 hours south from Durmitor to reach the city and visit the main attractions. Visit Clock Tower and the ruins of Doclea to get a feel for the city’s history. Podgorica is not as tourist-heavy as Kotor or Budva, but it’s worth a short stop before heading further south.
After lunch, make your way to Lake Skadar, just 30 minutes from Podgorica. The lake is Montenegro’s largest, and on the Montenegrin side, it’s protected as a national park. You can take a boat trip on the lake, where you’ll see small islands, monasteries, and mostly untouched nature.
Wrap up your day by enjoying some fresh carp or trout caught from the lake. If time allows, catch sunset views from the old town of Virpazar, located near the lake.
It’s a perfect peaceful end to your Montenegro journey.
Leave a reply