Top things to do in Montenegro
Montenegro has stunning natural landscapes ranging from coastal towns with turquoise waters to snow-capped mountain peaks. Some of the best things to see and do involve getting out and exploring Montenegro’s incredible nature.
Raft the Tara River
Rafting in Montenegro is very popular during spring and summer. The Tara River in Montenegro is one of the wildest rivers in Europe, carving its way through the dramatic and rugged Tara Canyon.
An amazing rafting or river tubing trip down the Tara River offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure with Class III and IV rapids, all set against the backdrop of the canyon's towering limestone cliffs. Multi-day rafting trips are also available, allowing you to camp along the riverbank each night amidst the stunning canyon scenery.
Go on a Jeep Safari in Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park is stunning, with majestic peaks, glacial lakes, and canyons carved out by the Tara River. One of the best ways to experience the National Park is on an off-road jeep safari in Durmitor, allowing you to access some of the more remote parts of the park. Jeep tours give you the chance to discover waterfalls, mountain villages, fascinating historical sites, and viewpoints with incredible panoramas of the Durmitor mountain range. Keep an eye out for wildlife like brown bears, chamois, wild sheep, and more as you traverse the diverse landscapes within Durmitor National Park.
Exploratory Glory YouTube Channel
Hike up Mount Lovcen
Mount Lovcen, the proudly iconic mountain in Montenegro, towers 1494 meters over the Bay of Kotor. A road takes you up to the Njegoš Mausoleum at the summit, but you can also hike up one of the many trails, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the bay, Adriatic Sea, and mountains the entire way. The summit and Njegoš Mausoleum make for an epic payoff with some of the best views in the entire Balkans.
Visit the Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor is a true highlight of Montenegro, with stunning natural beauty and history dating back centuries. Take a scenic drive along the winding road that hugs the bay’s cliffsides, or hop on a boat tour and explore some of the smaller islands inside the bay. The Bay of Kotor also has many charming coastal towns like Kotor, Perast, and Risan with old-world architecture, churches, and historic squares.
Take a dip in the Adriatic Sea
Montenegro’s 214 kilometers of coastline along the pristine Adriatic Sea are idyllic, with clear waters and hidden coves that feel untouched. Some of the best beaches in Montenegro include Velika Plaža near Ulcinj, Buljarica Beach near Bar, and Sveti Stefan Beach right next to the iconic hotel island of the same name. Rent a lounger, grab a drink from one of the beachside cafes, and just relax as you soak up the Mediterranean vibes.
Eat and drink your way through Montenegro
Montenegrin cuisine offers a creative blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences. Staples include grilled meats, seafood stews, and flavorful vegetable and bean soups - all washed down with wine and rakija, the fiery local brandy. Try the fiercely traditional Bojana - smoked pork roast slow cooked with beans and potatoes - as well as traditional lake fish like Carp. Save room for some of Montenegro’s delicious pastries and dessert wines.
Visit historic Kotor
Walk the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO-listed walled city that dates back two millennia. Kotor’s ancient city center is characterized by Romanesque architecture, medieval palaces and churches, and stunning views overlooking the Bay of Kotor which have hardly changed in centuries. Spend an afternoon exploring St. Tryphon's Cathedral, the city walls, and Archbishop's Palace then end the day grabbing a cocktail to enjoy the magic of Kotor as the sun sets over the bay.
Nightlife in Budva
Budva is commonly known as the Montenegrin capital of nightlife, filled with cocktail bars, clubs, outdoor cafes, and lively beach parties. The pedestrian Old Town features beautiful Renaissance architecture, historic squares, and fortresses - but at night is taken over by revelers on the hunt for the best night out in Montenegro. Hit up the beach clubs along Mogren beach for all-day beachside partying, and as the sun goes down the bars and clubs in the Stari Grad (Old Town) open their doors and pump the music as Budva truly comes alive.
Visit Long Beach in Ulcinj
Long Beach in Ulcinj is one of the longest and widest sandy beaches on the Montenegrin coast, stretching for 8km and backed by tall pines. The beach offers stunning views of the Ada Bojana island and both ends of the beach feature beach clubs and restaurants. With calm, shallow waters, Long Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball and relaxing - and is an ideal spot to experience the Mediterranean beach lifestyle in Montenegro.