20 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in Montenegro | From a Local
Discover the 20 most beautiful places to visit in Montenegro below!
Montenegro is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Europe. It is full of towering, green and black mountains, charming villages, and a plethora of beaches with deep blue waters.
Montenegro is a country I have a TON of experience traveling in. I have spent every summer for the last 5 years living in Montenegro and exploring all the different towns, villages, and beaches. I would almost call myself a local to a few places! I love to share my knowledge and the beauty of this country with you.
The places in this post range from tiny towns to distinct areas, to attractions, to beaches and beyond. All of which are located inside the beautiful country of Montenegro.
There is a place to visit in Montenegro for every type of traveler! I have traveled extensively all over Montenegro and can confidently say everyone will find something that fits their travel wants and needs.
Now, let’s delve into the 20 best places to visit in Montenegro to make your Adriatic adventures as amazing as possible.
(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
20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Montenegro
In a rush? Here are 5 of the most beautiful places to visit in Montenegro:
➡️ Rose, Montenegro,
➡️ Herceg Novi, Montenegro
➡️ Lovcen National Park
➡️ Kotor, Montenegro
➡️ Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
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
🚗 Rent a car in Montenegro with Discover Cars
Zanjice Beach
One of my personal favorite choices as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Montenegro is Zanjice Beach. You will likely not see this as an option on a genetic “best places to visit in Montenegro” list as it is more of a local find.
This beautiful beach is one of the best-unspoiled gems in the country. It is not full of things to do but rather a place to visit to enjoy unspoiled nature and some of the clearest water in the country.
I love visiting to escape the busier cities and towns along the coast and to enjoy a more relaxing local beach day experience.
Zanjice Beach is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The unspoiled beauty and calming atmosphere offer something for everyone.
💡 Be sure to book a sunbed and lunch reservation in advance for Ribarseko Selo a restaurant and beach club that offers the perfect beach day experience.
This is my favorite beach club in the country with an amazing restaurant. The restaurant has NO menu only fresh catches of the day and their own garden where you make your own menu on the spot.
To access Zanjice Beach, you can take a boat ride from nearby towns like Herceg Novi or Kotor, and admire the stunning beauty of the Bay of Kotor along the way. Tickets cost around €10 each round trip depending on the departure town and boat.
➡️ Read More: 7 Day Montenegro Itinerary
Rose
Located at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor sits a tiny yet gorgeous village called Rose. This small fishing village is a hidden gem in Montenegro just waiting to be explored.
It is among the best places to visit in Montenegro and is exactly what you would imagine when you picture a Mediterranean holiday!
This idyllic village is located pretty remotely across the bay from Herceg Novi and on the end of the Lustica Peninsula.
It is the number one place to visit to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere where you can sunbathe along the shores, swim, and enjoy a meal and drink at one of the three main restaurants.
My favorite restaurant – and the one I HIGHLY recommend you make a lunchtime reservation at – is Forte Rose, a hotel with an amazing fresh restaurant.
To reach Rose you can:
🚗 Drive along the coastal road
🚤 Take a ferry from Herceg Novi (€7 round trip each)
Porto Novi
Porto Novi is a place of luxury and beauty, securing its place among the best places to visit in Montenegro. This exclusive coastal resort village offers a blend of luxury accommodations, high-end beach clubs, restaurants, shops, and stunning Adriatic views.
In Porto Novi, you can experience a new of Montenegro that is less fishing villages and old towns and more modern villas and luxurious amenities. The village is located right in the Bay of Kotor which only adds to its beauty.
💡 I honestly love visiting Porto Novi. It is home to one of my favorite beach clubs and Japanese restaurants called Tapasake. You do need to book in advance for a sunbed here (minimum spend €60 / person and the sunbed is included).
Luštica Bay
Luštica Bay is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro due to its unmatched beauty and diverse offerings. With clean, high-end beaches, clear blue waters, and a breathtaking mountain backdrop, Lustica Bay is a unique and beautiful escape!
While here you can enjoy a ton of different activities from exploring the town to relaxing on one of the beaches. Luštica Bay is another one of Montenegros’ more luxurious places to visit with upscale accommodations, golf courses, and fine dining.
It is a very new development in Montenegro that was built within the last decade as a place for a high-end holiday.
Fun Fact: you are not allowed to take photos in the Luštica Bay village.
However, Lustica Bay is not one of the best places to visit in Montenegro just because of the luxurious town. It is also popular because of its beautiful beaches most notably Almara Beach Club.
Read More: Is Montenegro Expensive?
Mamula Island Hotel
Mamula Island Hotel, a true gem among the best places to visit in Montenegro, promises a super unique blend of history and luxury. Accessible by boat from Herceg Novi, this exclusive island hotel offers a unique opportunity to stay in an old prison-turned-luxury hotel.
You can only visit Mamula Island if you are a guest of the hotel or are visiting for a special event you have tickets for. If you do stay here and visit you will get to experience one of the most unique stays in the country!
Limoneto
Limoneto is a new restaurant/hotel/beach club located within the Bay of Kotor. It is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro for those seeking a relaxing beach day or meal with some of the most stunning views of the lush green mountains.
It is part of the Casa Del Mare hotel group and offers a high-end super luxurious environment from beginning to end.
Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is one of the most iconic spots and easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Montenegro. This historic islet-turned-luxury resort is incredibly beautiful with its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and iconic orange roofs!
The luxury resort that is located on the islet is The Aman Svet Stefan the inside of the island is only accessible by hotel guests of this hotel.
💡 An idea of how luxurious it is: this is where tennis star Novak Djokovic got married!
However, you don’t need to enter the old town to enjoy Sveti Stefan. You can also admire it from one of the viewpoints of the road above, and relax on the beach in front of it, or simply walk around and enjoy it from a distance.
Petrovac
Petrovac is a coastal paradise and ranks high among the most beautiful places to visit in Montenegro. Its beautiful beaches, historic charm, and vibrant atmosphere are unmatched.
This quaint town is kind of like a hidden gem in Montenegro that offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Walk along the promenade, relax on the beach, and explore nearby historical sites.
➡️ Read More: Top 10 Beaches in Montenegro
Bar
Bar, a captivating coastal town, is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro. It is located in Southern Montenegro and is a place most people skip in favor of the Bay of Kotor – but you shouldn’t. Bar is one of the most historic towns in Montenegro and is full of little gems.
Bar is home to the most important medieval archaeological site in the Balkans and one of the world’s oldest olive trees which is said to be over 2,000 years old. It is a top destination for those seeking a plethora of history and culture.
Kotor Old Town
Kotor is one of the most popular and touristy places in Montenegro and for a good reason. It is beautiful, historic, and full of culture.
The old town is surrounded by giant stone walls that date back to the 14th century. As a result, it has been granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Inside the huge stone walls is a beautiful old town that is full of ancient palaces, churches, and cobblestone streets. This area is most well known for its orange thatched roofed houses and stunning architecture.
Moreover, Kotor’s old town is full of rich history and a complicated past that is exciting to delve into. This makes it one of the most popular tourist spots in Montenegro.
💡 LOCAL TIP: If you want to avoid the mass of tourists that visit Kotor’s old town in the summer, try heading there early in the morning (before 10 AM) or in the evening (after 6 PM)!
Heading to this place in Montenegro will leave you breathless and in awe of the historic beauty of the country. Kotor’s Old Town is a site you do not want to miss. And if you plan to spend a day or two here be sure to follow a Kotor city guide to help plan your stay!
➡️ Read more: Best Things to Do in Kotor
Kotor Fortress
The Kotor Fortress is one of the most well-known places to visit in Montenegro due to the iconic views you can see from the top. It is located in Kotor, and there is a path that leads up from Kotor’s Old Town.
The hike up is around 1300 steps and is a pretty intense journey to the top. However, the views from the peak of the fortress are beyond rewarding.
The top of the fortress is one of the most magical places to visit in Montenegro which offers stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor, the city of Kotor, and the country’s fantastic scenery.
Just beware – the hike costs 8 euros each! This price has been going up each year and is quite steep in my opinion, and all just for a grueling hike. More so, the way up is full of rocks, and they are incredibly slippery, so make sure you have grippy shoes, to prevent hurting yourself.
The way up has multiple picturesque places where you can stop and snap a photo, therefore, if you are unable to make the whole hike you will see a ton of stunning sites and views regardless.
Try going on this hike before 9 AM, because the sun is still behind the mountains and it is not quite as hot and demanding. Nonetheless, this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Montenegro that will blow you away!
➡️ Book this tour for amazing panoramic views beyond the fortress!
Perast
Perast is a quaint village located along the Bay of Kotor. This village is located just a short distance from Kotor and offers a welcome escape from the busy streets of Kotor.
The roads are beyond picturesque, and the views from the waterfront are mesmerizing. Spending some time walking around this charming town is perfect for capturing some unique and beautiful photos of Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor.
Although Perast is small, it does have quite a bit to do. The city has 17 churches, a museum, some beaches, and a few restaurants.
All of the above-mentioned are great options for things to do in Perast; however, the most enjoyable one is enjoying a drink and something to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Our Lady of the Rocks
Our Lady of the Rocks is a tiny island located in the middle of the Bay of Kotor, some hundred meters from the coast of Perast. The island is small, and exploring the whole thing will take no more than an hour (depending on how much exploring you do).
However, despite its small size, this little island holds a rich history, and – since it is an artificial island – its construction holds a fascinating story.
The island of Our Lady of the Rocks began as a tiny island of rocks and residents decided to expand on the small land formation by sinking old ships and throwing rocks into the water! Through this, the island became large enough to construct one church, which now dates back to 1722.
Our Lady of the Rocks is a great place to visit to experience Montenegro’s religious history and to see 360-degree views of the stunning Bay of Kotor.
Porto Montenegro
Porto Montenegro is a luxurious yacht marina and residential village located in the Bay of Kotor. It was developed for mega yachts but it has evolved into a full-fledged community.
The area is home to high-end apartments, upscale restaurants, boutiques, and beach clubs. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, stunning coastal views, and upscale atmosphere making it a popular destination for travelers of all kinda.
💡 There are a ton of super yachts docked here which are super fun to look at.
➡️ Read More: 10 Best Things to Do in Tivat
Catovica Mlini
Catovica Mlini is a stunning restaurant located just off the Bay of Kotor in the small town of Morinj. This restaurant is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro for amazing food and an even better atmosphere.
The restaurant is surrounded by lush greenery and has a pond with fish circling the venue. All aspects combined result in an atmosphere unmatched by any other restaurant in the country.
Catovica Mlini specializes in traditional Montenegrin food, especially fish. At this restaurant, you can eat some of the best seafood in the country!
Due to the scenery and delicious dishes at Catovica Mlini, it is a more pricey option in Montenegro, but it is 100% worth it for the experience and service.
To get there, you will drive down small dirt roads that may feel like you are heading the wrong way. However, after driving for a short while, you will come across the green-filled parking lot with a freshwater well in the middle. Once you see this, you will know you have arrived.
Lovcen National Park
Lovcen is a national park and mountain in Montenegro that is located between Kotor and Budva. This park is a tourist hotspot due to its natural beauty and stunning views.
Although the drive up the mountain offers various stopping points for stunning views, the most popular attraction in Lovcen is Njegoš Mausoleum.
This Mausoleum is located at the highest point in Lovcen and beyond offering amazing views of the Bay, it also has a significant history for Montenegrins. The Mausoleum is home to the remains of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, who was an icon, poet, and philosopher.
Heading to the top of Lovcen is excellent for paying respect to this important Montenegrin icon and for seeing some of the best views in the country. On a good day, you can even see Croatia and Albania in the distance!
Ostrog Monastery
Ostrog Monastery is an extremely significant Serbian Orthodox Monastery that is built almost vertically into the cliffside of a mountain. This Monastery attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year of all faiths.
This Monastery attracts so many visitors because it is not only a sacred place but also historical and cultural.
Many people go to Ostrog to pray over Saint Basil of Ostrog’s remains which have been preserved in a cave for more than three and a half centuries. Saint Basil is considered a miraculous saint as his body has not decayed, which is regarded as a miracle by Christians.
More so, witnesses of healings have been connected to the Monastery, and many stories of St Basil’s miracles are told all around Montenegro.
Please note: This is an extremely important and sacred place in Montenegro. If you go be sure to dress appropriately, and don’t just go to take photos but to respect the church.
Budva Old Town
Budva is a lovely coastal town that is full of beaches and great nightlife. However, it is most well known for its beautiful Old Town. The Old Town in Budva consists of narrow stone streets, museums, charming cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Being inside the Old Town walls offers the ultimate Montenegro experience that feels like you have been transported to the past.
Spending some time in the streets is great for looking in some local shops, eating some authentic Montenegrin dishes, and capturing the picturesque streets on camera.
➡️ Read More: Top things to do in Budva
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is another coastal city, but with an added charm that makes it the best in Montenegro. The little town is located at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor. And is built into the surrounding mountains.
The city has an enchanting vibe and atmosphere about it that is unmatched by any other place in Montenegro. This is mainly because it is less touched by tourism!
Although many people flock to the big and popular cities in Montenegro, sometimes the smaller towns like Herceg Novi are better and more enjoyable.
Heading to Herceg Novi is a great idea if you love beaches, old fortresses, and old towns. This coastal town is completely lined with beaches for you to lay out on and the water is clear and refreshing.
More so, there are two fortresses for you to climb and conquer as well as a cute old town that is beyond picturesque.
💡 This is my favorite place in Montenegro that I sometimes think about not adding to these lists so they remain my own little hideaway!
Blue Caves
The Blue Caves in Montenegro are one of the country’s most amazing tourist attractions. There are Blue Caves in different countries all around the world but the Blue Caves in other locations (Italy, Greece, Brazil) are much more popular and therefore much busier than the ones in Montenegro.
As a result, this is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro to see a popular and sought-after sight, with few crowds.
The Blue Caves are an astonishing natural phenomenon that makes the water inside a cave a bright, vivid blue that looks almost unnatural.
In Montenegro, the Blue Caves are located near Herceg Novi and a trip here won’t cost more than 20 euros. More so, boats are going to the Caves very frequently.
➡️ Book this TOUR!
Additional Information
How to get to Montenegro
There are quite a few ways to get to the beautiful country of Montenegro, below are all available options.
🛩️ By Plane: Getting to Montenegro by plane is usually the most efficient way to arrive. There are quite a few airports that you can arrive at that may bring you straight to your destination or may require an additional drive or bus ride to arrive. The best airports to arrive at are:
- Tivat Airport
- Podgorica Airport
- Dubrovnik Airport
🚤 By Sea: There are quite a few cruise ships that go along the Adriatic Coast and head to Montenegro. If you are a cruise lover or want to see the whole coast with ease, a cruise is a great option.
🚗 By Car: Montenegro is a small country and getting around to different places is relatively quick and easy, especially if you have a car. Renting a car or arriving by car is a great option for getting to Montenegro and also for exploring the country! Just beware that parking in popular cities can get pretty hard during the peak daytime hours.
🚗 Rent a car in Montenegro with Discover Cars
Where to stay in Montenegro
The best places to stay in Montenegro are Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Budva. These are all beautiful and central locations in Montenegro are will allow you to travel to other cities and sites with ease.
➡️ 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
When to Visit Montenegro
The best time to visit Montenegro is either the summer months (June – August) or the pre/post-summer months (May & September). In the summer months, the city is alive with tours, people, and attractions, and everything is open. However, Montenegro is boiling in the summer and the heat can be pretty extreme.
I am not a heat lover at all but I always go to Montenegro in the summer because this is when the country is in full swing of excitement. The shoulder months are great if you want to see the beauty of the country without the scorching temperatures.
Best Tours in Montenegro
There are a ton of beautiful places to visit in Montenegro. And there are even more than what is on this list! If you are considering heading to Montenegro for a holiday, I highly suggest you go. This country is unmatched by any other and its history, scenery, and atmosphere will blow you away.
Like this post? Pin “20 best places to visit in Montenegro” for later!
Love,
SSW
