Visit Montenegro: Bay of Kotor, mountains and itinerary

On a territory smaller than Connecticut, Montenegro links the Bay of Kotor hemmed in by cliffs, the beaches of the Budva Riviera, Lake Skadar and the canyons of Durmitor, all within a few hours by road.

Why travel to Montenegro?

Montenegro packs a UNESCO-listed Adriatic coast around Kotor and mountain ranges above 2,500 metres into a small Balkan territory in south-eastern Europe. It uses the euro without being an EU member, and its airports at Tivat and Podgorica are linked to major European cities.

What to discover in Montenegro?

The Bay of Kotor

This deep bay, often compared to a fjord, is UNESCO-listed together with the fortified old town of Kotor. Allow two to three nights for Kotor, the Baroque village of Perast and its islets, and the road around the bay. In July and August, several cruise ships can dock on the same day: visit the old town early in the morning or in the evening. Tivat airport is about ten kilometres away, and Dubrovnik, in Croatia, is about two hours away depending on the border wait.

The Budva Riviera and the southern coast

South of the bay, Budva combines a small walled old town with a seaside resort that is very lively in summer. Further on, the islet of Sveti Stefan is the country's best-known image. The sea becomes pleasant from June to September; in August the beaches are packed and prices peak. In the far south, Ulcinj offers a long sandy beach and a different, mostly Albanian atmosphere, a few kilometres from the Albanian border. Allow at least three days for the coast.

Durmitor and the northern canyons

In the north, Durmitor National Park, UNESCO-listed, peaks at Bobotov Kuk, 2,523 metres. Žabljak, about 3 h 30 by road from Kotor, is the base for the Black Lake, a half-hour walk away, and for hikes from June to September. The Tara Canyon, one of the deepest in Europe, is run by raft from May to October, the river later forming the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Allow two to three days there and a car, as buses are scarce.

Lake Skadar, Cetinje and the monasteries

Shared with Albania, Lake Skadar is the largest in the Balkans and a national park known for its birds, including the Dalmatian pelican. Boat trips leave from Virpazar, about 30 minutes from Podgorica. Cetinje, the former royal capital, takes half a day, before climbing to Njegoš's Mausoleum on Mount Lovćen via a winding road and then 461 steps. Ostrog Monastery, carved into a cliff about an hour from Podgorica, is the country's main Orthodox pilgrimage site.

Cities to visit in Montenegro

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Montenegro's must-sees

Six sites behind the country's reputation, from the Adriatic shore to the northern peaks.

Kotor City Walls

Around 1,350 steps lead to St John's Fortress above the old town, for a plunging view over the bay; start early to avoid the heat.

Our Lady of the Rocks

A church built on an artificial islet off Perast, reached in a few minutes by boat, with a small museum of seafaring votive offerings.

Njegoš Mausoleum

The tomb of the prince-bishop and poet atop Mount Lovćen, with a panorama over almost the whole country on a clear day.

Ostrog Monastery

A white Orthodox monastery set into a sheer rock face, a major pilgrimage site; covering clothing required to enter.

Đurđevića Tara Bridge

A concrete arch bridge spanning the Tara Canyon, the starting point of zip lines over the void.

Durmitor's Black Lake

A glacial lake ringed by pine forest at the foot of the peaks, a half-hour walk from Žabljak, ideal for an easy loop.

Frequently asked questions about Montenegro

Should I stay in Kotor, Perast or Tivat to visit the bay?
Kotor is the most practical for the old town and the walls climb, but also the busiest. Perast is much calmer in the evening once the excursions have left. Tivat, close to the airport, suits late arrivals and offers more recent accommodation.
How long does it take to climb Kotor's city walls?
Allow about an hour to climb to St John's Fortress, on an uneven staircase of around 1,350 steps, and 45 minutes to come down. An entry fee is charged in season. In summer, go at opening time or late afternoon, with water and closed shoes.
Can I do a Dubrovnik to Kotor return trip in a day?
It is doable, but it makes a long day: about two hours of driving each way without waiting, and the border crossing between Croatia and Montenegro can take over an hour in summer. It is better to spend at least one night in the bay.
When should I raft the Tara?
The season runs from May to October. May and June bring stronger flow and livelier rapids thanks to snowmelt; July and August are calmer and suit families. Choose an operator that provides a wetsuit and life jacket.
Can you visit Sveti Stefan?
The islet is occupied by a hotel complex whose access is reserved for its guests. You admire it from the neighbouring beach and from viewpoints on the coastal road, the most photographed view being above the village, on the Budva side.
Do I need a car to go from the coast to Durmitor?
It is strongly recommended: buses to Žabljak are few and the park's sites are spread out. The drive from the coast takes about three and a half hours on winding mountain roads, and the pass can be snowy until spring.

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