Wondering about your next summer destination? If so, we have something unique to show you – Montenegro. This country has only around 600 thousand people, but is well known for its handball and water polo players. The country is located on the beautiful coastline of Adriatic Sea. Montenegro is a country of hidden beaches, emerald bays and excellent cuisine, therefore a beautiful vacation is guaranteed.
Usually tourists would go straight to the coastline..although we would suggest you to do the same, don’t forget about the other part of this country – rocky hills, breathtaking lakes, hidden historic cities etc. Today, we will show you our Ultimate guide how to spend your vacation in Montenegro in a perfect way.
Fasten your seat belts because we are about to kick off this Adriatic journey!
Budva – Start Your Vacation In Montenegro In A Busy Coastline City
Budva and its old town are pretty popular vacation place in Montenegro. Narrow stone streets with shops, galleries and cafes overlap with towers, stairs and gates – this is the closest way to describe the old town. Budva is usually overcrowded during summer months, so we would suggest you to spend 2 days there and continue your trip around the coastline. For these 2 days, we would recommend you few things:
- Have a seafood dinner in one of the following places: Jadran restaurant, Tri ribara restaurant or Porat restaurant;
- Visit Mogren Beach – the beach is right in the center of Budva, but still it has a unique shape and surrounding.
- Visit the old town of Budva – it is surrounded by medieval walls, which existed even in the 9th century, and can be accessed with five entrances. If you climb the walls, you will see the city and its surroundings from a different perspective. Many here are waiting for the sunset to see the golden color flow across the Adriatic.
- Sunbath at St. Nikola island – in Montenegro people call it “Hawaii”
- Visit Trsteno and Kamenovo beaches – you won’t regret it! While you are at Kamenovo, pay a visit to Zoff Restaurant (beach bar with fresh fish and a true zen experience).
- Party like never before! Budva and its outdoor clubs are very, very popular attractions for hot, summer nights.
Bigovo – A True Vacation In Montenegro
After a hectic Budva, we are moving to a smaller place for a true vacation. Bigovo used to be a small fisherman village turned into a small piece of heaven for families or couples. We would recommend you following activities:
- Rent a small boat and go to Plavi Horizonti beach (one of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro, English translation is “Blue Horizons”);
- Eat at Grispolis restaurant – seafood is a speciality;
- Enjoy beautiful clear water and one of many small beaches;
- Just relax, chill, read a book and enjoy the tranquility.
Next Station – Tivat
Our next station is Tivat where you can spend couple of days in a picturesque town that has become a favorite destination for tourists all over the world in recent years. The reason for this lies in the charm of this city, as well as its luxury marina Porto Montenegro, which put it on the map of lovers of yachts and luxury. While you are there, here is our list of must visit places:
- Have a sunset dinner at Marina Porto Montenegro. We recommend a restaurant called A Posto Giusto;
- Walk around the city and get to know people and history;
- Visit some of the most beautiful beaches: Przno, Oblatno, Kamelija, Kalardovo, Veslo, Miriste, Zanjic.
- Visit “Island of Flowers” by boat.
Beautiful Old Town Of Kotor
Kotor is my absolute favorite place in Montenegro! Kotor is a city on the coast of the Bay of Kotor, and this town has just over 20,000 inhabitants. In summer, the number of people staying in Kotor doubles. This medieval town fascinates tourists from all over the world with its appearance and charm. Kotor turns summer into a very special experience. Ancient and yet modern, it manages to remain one of Montenegro’s most beautiful summer destinations. Here are our favorite things to do in Kotor:
- Visit Castle Of San Giovanni – climb to the top of the castle (especially during sunrise or sunset);
- Drink a coffee or wine in one of the locals in the old town;
- Visit Perast – this small village is so romantic and cute! Its beauty and charm will put you in the past, in a retro Italian movie. Definitely, a huge MUST VISIT;
- Rent a boat and organize a wonderful cruise ride around Boka Bay, you will love it!
Lovcen Mountain
Mount Lovcen rises above the coastal region and at the same time forms the hinterland of the town of Kotor. This mountain plays an important role in the culture of the Montenegrin people. Lovcen is a symbol of statehood and national identity. The highest peaks are Stirovnik and Lake Peak, where is the Mausoleum of Peter II Petrovic Njegos, one of the greatest thinkers Montenegro, is also located.
Tara – Lake And The Canyon
For centuries, this river, also called “Tear of Europe” is creating so many breathtaking seals and abysses. Waterfalls and some peaceful parts of the Tara River give the impression of fairytale landscapes. The banks of the river are overgrown with lush vegetation, and it especially stands out for the black pine whose trees are up to 400 years old. This untamed river, challenges adventurous tourists to indulge in it and spend unforgettable moments rafting. The Tara River and Tara Canyon have been proclaimed World Natural Heritage.
Skadar Lake
The shore of Lake Skadar is picturesque and full of wetlands and peninsulas and bays. Skadar Lake hides numerous endemic species of flora and fauna. Skadar Lake is rich in cultural and historical monuments that are scattered throughout this national park. The small abandoned fishing villages right next to the water also represent an exceptional cultural heritage. Here are our top picks for Skadar and its surrounding:
- rent a boat and do the tour around the lake. Even try out your fishing skills if you are up for a challenge;
- Visit Rijeka Crnojevica and enjoy local cuisine;
- Visit Winery Kopitovic;
- Visit Virpazar, a small village.
Ulcinj And Ada Bojana
Ulcinj, the most vibrant city of the Adriatic, needs to be truly experienced and explored. The Ulcinj Fortress dates from the Illyrian period and as such is a cultural and historical monument of inestimable value. It is also said to be the most romantic fortress in the southern Adriatic.
Ada Bojana has a length of 3 km of beautiful sandy coast with various sports facilities for all lovers of active holidays. You won’t feel at all that you are in Montenegro because it is different from everything you have seen there so far. You need to come to Ada Bojana if you want to get away from the street and city noise and just enjoy.
Here we will finish our journey for your perfect vacation in Montenegro (for now). In the meantime, here is an article of the most beautiful beaches of Adriatic coastline that you can check out.
