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10 Days in Montenegro: A Journey Through Charming Old Towns, Stunning Mountains, and Pristine Lakes
Are you looking for an adventure-filled road trip? This small Balkan country boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe. From picturesque coastal towns to rugged mountain ranges, Montenegro offers a wealth of experiences for the all travelers. In this article, we’ll take you on a 10-day road trip through Montenegro. We’ll guide you through the must-see destinations and hidden gems that this country has to offer. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
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1. Basic Information about Montenegro
Montenegro is located on the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania. It has a coastline along the Adriatic Sea, and its terrain is mostly mountainous, with the highest peak being Bobotov Kuk in the Durmitor mountain range. The climate in Montenegro is Mediterranean along the coast, with hot summers and mild winters, while the northern parts have a more continental climate.
Montenegro has a rich and diverse history, dating back to ancient times. In the 9th century, Montenegro was part of the Byzantine Empire, followed by periods of Venetian and Ottoman rule. Montenegro became an independent kingdom in 1910 and joined Yugoslavia in 1918. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Montenegro declared independence in 2006. Montenegro has a diverse culture influenced by its history, with a mix of Slavic, Mediterranean, and Ottoman traditions.
2. Plan Your Trip
The best time to visit Montenegro is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. The weather during these months is pleasant, with fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season. Additionally, you’ll get to enjoy the blooming flowers in spring or the vibrant fall colors in autumn.
The main international airport in Montenegro is Podgorica Airport (TGD). Here are a few options to reach Montenegro:
- By Air: If you’re flying internationally, you can book a flight to Podgorica Airport or Tivat Airport (TIV), which also receives some international flights. Several major airlines offer direct flights to Montenegro from various European cities. Check with your preferred airline for available routes.
- By Land: We drove all the way from Germany with our van trough Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia. If you’re already in the region, you can consider taking a bus or renting a car to reach Montenegro.
Getting around Montenegro it is best to get a rental car or drive with your own one. When you wanna rent a car, you can get the best rates here.
3. Day 1-2: Kotor
Kotor is a must-see destination in Montenegro, with its charming Old Town, stunning architecture, and beautiful scenery. Have you ever been to the Lake of Garda in Italy? Then you will have some flashbacks here even though it’s not a lake in Kotor. In addition to exploring the Old Town which is also UNESCO world heritage and hiking up to the Kotor Fortress, be sure to visit the Maritime Museum, which showcases the city’s rich history and seafaring heritage.
You can also take a day trip to the nearby town of Perast and visit the picturesque Our Lady of the Rocks island, which houses a beautiful 17th-century church. Another beautiful town in the bay of Kotor that we visited and can totally recommend for a day trip or longer is Herceg Novi.
4. Day 3: Lovcen National Park
Lovcen National Park is a beautiful mountain range located in the central part of Montenegro. It’s a great destination for hikers and nature lovers, with its stunning views, pristine forests, and numerous hiking trails. The highlight of the park is the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos, located at the top of the Jezerski vrh peak. This impressive structure offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is a great spot for taking photos.
5. Day 4-6: Budva and the Coast
Budva is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro and for a good reason. This charming coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively nightlife. After exploring the Old Town and taking a day trip to Sveti Stefan, be sure to visit the stunning Mogren Beach, which is known for its turquoise waters and beautiful surroundings. You can also take a boat tour around the bay and visit the island of St. Nicholas, which offers stunning views of the coastline.
Fun Fact about Sveti Stefan: it is the most photographed motif in the country. It’s a small island that can be reached via a little headland. Sadly it’s a big hotel nowadays so either you sleep there, which is really expensive or you pay an entrance fee of 25€. That’s why we only took the nice view in. You can stop at a view point next to a small souvenir stall or at the car park in town. The beach on the left side is only for hotel guests and the one on the right is as nice as the other one but free.
We stayed some nights at the beautiful Lucice beach near Petrovac. At least in the off-season, there won’t be many people and you can enjoy crystal clear water and stunning sunsets.
6. Day 7-8: Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park is located in the northwestern part of Montenegro and is a great destination for hikers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. The park is known for its stunning glacial lakes, rugged mountains, and deep canyons. You can hike around the stunning Black Lake, go white-water rafting on the Tara River, or take a cable car up to the top of the Durmitor mountain range for breathtaking views. Before you leave be sure you once drove over the stunning Tara bridge.
7. Day 9: Ostrog Monastery
The Ostrog Monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Montenegro. This stunning monastery is built into the side of a mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Be sure to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the monastery, and observe the customs and traditions of the Orthodox faith.
8. Day 10: Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore the beautiful surroundings by taking a boat tour to the tiny fishing village of Virpazar, where you can taste some of the local cuisine and learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage. You can also go kayaking or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the lake, or hike around the stunning national park that surrounds it. Don’t miss the Pavlova Strana Viewpoint (picture below).
9. Conclusion
Montenegro may be small, but it has a lot to offer. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage, Montenegro is a destination that should not be missed. This guide has provided everything for your 10-day Montenegro road trip, but there is so much more to explore and discover. We did all those sights in the exact same amount of time, but of course you can always take more time or skip some things. Right now we think Montenegro is still a hidden gem in Europe, but it won’t be forever, so pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
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