The Ultimate Montenegro Bucket List
Check out this Montenegro bucket list for all the top things to do and see while exploring this amazing country!
Montenegro is my second home and a place I have spent a TON of time in. I spend around 3-4 months per year in Montenegro and ALWAYS find new things to do and see.
I am constantly asked what are the BEST things to do and see, so I came up with this Montenegro bucket list to make finding the must-dos a little bit easier!
Keep reading and start adding to your Montenegro bucket list.
You might also be interested in:
- Most Beautiful Beaches in Montenegro
- 20 Most Beautiful Places in Montenegro
- Is Montenegro Expensive?
- 7 Day Montenegro Itinerary
- Best Hotels in Montenegro
- Best Things to do in Herceg Novi, Montenegro
- Things to do in Tivat
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)
In This Post
The Ultimate Montenegro Bucket List
Top 5 HOTELS in Montenegro
➡️ Best Budget Hotel in Montenegro: Old Town Hostel in Kotor, Montenegro
➡️ Best Midrange Hotel in Montenegro: Hotel Monte Cristo in Kotor, Montenegro & Iberostar Slavija in Budava, Montenegro
➡️ Best Luxury Hotel in Montenegro: One&Only Portonovi, Herceg Novi, Montenegro & Regent Porto Montenegro in Tivat, Montenegro
Explore Perast
Visiting Perast is a must-do when in Montenegro. This little village is stunning and one of my favorite places to visit in the Bay of Kotor.
It is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon walking the streets, eating at the seafront restaurants, and admiring the beauty of the Bay. You can also take a quick 5-minute boat ride from here to Our Lady of the Rocks.
💡 There is not a TON to do in Perast but it is wonderful to visit or stay in if you are looking to stay in a central location to explore many places during your visit. I personally love it!
Perast is located just 25 minutes from Kotor by car. OR you can book a tour from Kotor to visit Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks by boat.
➡️ I highly recommend this Kotor to Perast Old Town boat tour!
Venture to Our Lady of the Rocks
Our Lady of the Rocks is the COOLEST man-made island located just a stones throw from Perast. This island is located in the center of the Bay of Kotor and is as beautiful as it is special.
💡 This is one of my favorite places to view the entire bay and the HUGE mountains that Montengeo is known for. Adding a visit here to your Montenegro bucket list is something I highly recommend.
This island was made by locals throwing rocks and sinking ships and is now one of the best places to visit for a unique story and stunning views. Here you will find just one small church and panoramic views of the bay of Kotor.
The only way to get to Our Lady of the Rocks is by boat. I highly recommend going on a tour like this one!
Go to Crno Jezero
Crno Jezero, literally translated to Black Lake, is a beautiful glacial lake located in Durmitor National Park. It is located within the mountains and trees and is SO different from the beaches and old towns Montenegro is known for.
Head here for swimming, hiking, boating, and more, and enjoy a different side of Montenegro. This is not something you will find on a ton of Montenegro lists but it is 100% a Montenegro bucket list MUST DO!
💡 This is located in the mountains so temperatures here are colder than along the coast – pack accordingly!
Visit Ostrog Monastery
Ostrog Monastery is one of the most significant spiritual sites in the Balkans and therefore a top Montenegro bucket list item. This amazing 17th-century monastery is perched high on the cliffs and built into the steep stone walls – it truly is amazing.
Beyond its beauty, it is one of the most important places of worship for Orthodox Christians. It is also believed to have healing powers.
💡 I love visiting Ostrog not only for its religious significance but also because it is AMAZING how it is built into the cliffs.
Explore Kotor Old Town
Kotor Old Town is one of Montenegro’s most famous towns and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an incredibly well-preserved medieval town located within the mountains and the Bay of Kotor.
💡 Kotor is one of Montenegros most visited places and as a result, it can get very busy in the summer months. The best times to enjoy it are before 9 AM and after 5 PM when the day trip and cruise ship crowds leave.
The maze streets, ancient stone buildings, and stunning architecture are unmatched. Kotor truly is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro that I urge everyone to add to their Montenegro bucket list.
➡️ Read More: Best Things to do in Kotor
Sail Around the Bay of Kotor
Sailing around the Bay of Kotor is MY number one Montenegro bucket list item. There is no better way to see and experience the magic of Montenegro than by boat.
💡 INFO: The Bay of Kotor is a bay that is similar to a fjord. It is a body of water located within the mountains of Montenegro.
Sailing around the Bay of Kotor is the number one way to see as many towns, beaches, and natural beauty in a short amount of time. From the mountains to the towns and beyond the things you get to see by boat are better than anything you can see by car.
➡️ Read More: Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe
Go on the Kotor Cable Car
The Kotor Cable Car is a new experience in Montenegro that connects the Bay of Kotor with Lovćen National Park. This is one of the most amazing ways to see the country and Bay from above.
The 11-minute cable car ride takes you from sea level to an elevation of 1,316 meters. In addition to the breathtaking views, the national park offers a range of activities and a restaurant with a fantastic view.
Tickets are 18 euros round trip and can be purchased at the ticket offices at DUB or KUK Station. Find more information on the official website here.
Take a Boat Tour in Skadar Lake National Park
Visiting Skadar Lake National Park is a must do while in Montenegro. Many people stay along the coast and don’t venture too far inland or visit any of the amazing national parks in the country which is such a missed opportunity.
While in Skadar National Park the best thing to do is take a boat tour. A boat tour provides a unique perspective on the park’s biodiversity, including numerous bird species.
➡️ My personal tour recommendation is this Guided Panoramic Boat Tour
Hike in Lovćen National Park
Going for a hike in Lovćen is one of the top things to do in Montenegro to enjoy the nature and natural beauty of this country. The park is famous for its dramatic mountain peaks, forests, and panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Sea.
💡 This is a Montenegro bucket list must do! However, I do suggest hiking early in the morning during the summer months as it gets incredibly hot midday.
Admire Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is a picturesque islet and luxury resort (called Aman Sveti Stefan) located along the Adriatic coast. This iconic island is known for its red-roofed villas, cobblestone streets, and stunning beaches.
It is located just 20 minutes from Budva and is a wonderful place to visit along the Adriatic Coast. There is not a TON to do here but walking around and admiring the iconic views is WORTH it.
💡 Sadly only hotel guests can enter the island you see – but it’s still beautiful to admire and see from the outside.
Explore Durmitor National Park
Exploring Durmitor National Park is an adventure into the country’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. This UNESCO World Heritage site is made up of towering mountain peaks, deep river canyons, glacial lakes, and beautiful pine forests.
This is the perfect place to hike, go mountain biking, white water rafting, and more. This is also where you will find the famous Black Lake (Crno Jezero) mentioned earlier in this Montenegro bucket list.
💡 Venturing to Durmitor is something unique and different that will show you a whole new side to Montenegro beyond its beaches and old towns.
Go To The Top of San Giovanni Fortress
Climbing to the top of San Giovanni Fortress in Kotor is one of the best ways to see Kotor and get some exercise along the way. The fortress is located above the Kotor old town and offers amazing views of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains.
💡 Do this hike between 8 AM and 9 AM before the sun is too hot.
You must climb around 1400 steps to reach the top but then are rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the fortress walls. The walk-up is not too difficult but it is slippery so proper footwear is needed.
💡 The price for this hike is 8 euros (this may increase as year by year it tends to go up).
Have Lunch Along the Coast
Having lunch along the coast is honestly one of my favorite ways to experience “local life” and culture. With stunning views and fresh Mediterranean cuisine, it doesn’t get better than this.
Some of my favorite coastal restaurants in Montenegro are:
- Stari Mlini
- Restaurant Veranda
- Underwater wine cellar Kraken Kotor
- LOCANDA Perast Ristorante Pizzeria
Enjoy Biogradska Gora National Park
Biogradska Gora National Park offers an escape from the beaches and towns in Montenegro to enjoy untouched wilderness and stunning natural beauty.
💡 Visiting Biogradska is a Montenegro bucket list must-visit that is off the beaten track and STUNNING!
This ancient forest is one of Europe’s last three remaining virgin forests. It is home to diverse nature, including centuries-old trees, beautiful lakes, and endless plants and trees to admire.
Rafting on Tara River Canyon
Rafting on the Tara River Canyon is an adrenaline adventure through one of Europe’s deepest river canyons. It is a must-do for a different kind of adventure in Montenegro.
Guided tours offer amazing experiences that will bring you to Tara River, provide lunch, and bring you down the rapids!
➡️ This is a top rated tour Tara River Whitewater Rafting
Party in Budva Old Town
Budva Old Town is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro for those looking for a holiday full of history, culture, and lively nightlife.
💡 Adding Budva to your Montenegro bucket list is perfect for a little taste of everything in Montenegro. Many people ask me where to visit in Montenegro for nightlife and my answer is always Budva.
From bars serving local wines to lively clubs with famous DJs, Budva offers something for every party-goer.
Read More: Things to do in Budva
Explore Stari Bar
Stari Bar is the oldest old town in Montenegro that offers a journey through centuries of history and culture. Located near the modern city of Bar, Stari Bar is a fascinating open-air museum with ruins dating back to Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian times.
💡 Located in the South of Montenegro many people don’t travel all the way to Bar so it is much less busy than other cities in the country – making it all the more special.
Where to Stay in Montenegro
Some of the best places to stay in Montenegro are outlined below!
➡️ Best Budget Hotel in Montenegro: Old Town Hostel in Kotor, Montenegro
➡️ Best Midrange Hotel in Montenegro: Hotel Monte Cristo in Kotor, Montenegro & Iberostar Slavija in Budava, Montenegro
➡️ Best Luxury Hotel in Montenegro: One&Only Portonovi, Herceg Novi, Montenegro & Regent Porto Montenegro in Tivat, Montenegro
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Love,
SSW
