Our Curated Montenegro Itinerary: A Journey of Discovery

Planning a trip to the beautiful Montenegro? Read our ideal 5 Day Montenegro itinerary here for the perfect trip through the Adriatic coast of Montenegro.

Pristine and underrated, Montenegro is one of Europe’s most beautiful hidden gems. A small country with beautiful national parks, lovely landscapes, Medieval towns, and a gorgeous coastline, Montenegro has pretty much everything you could want from your next vacation destination.

Making a great alternative to the coast of Croatia which can get quite crowded in summer, the Montenegrin coast offers visitors some superb beaches, crystal clear water, cultural Medieval towns, and stunning scenery.

If Montenegro isn’t yet on your bucket list you might want to add this underrated spot and start planning your very own Montenegro itinerary to make the most of this exquisite coastline before word gets out.

In this blog post, you’ll be able to find our very own polished and curated coastal Montenegro itinerary as well as our travel tips. Whether you have just 5 days or even longer and want to experience the highlights as well as some hidden gems, keep reading to make the most of your trip.

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The Best Time to Visit Montenegro

The best time to visit Montenegro is in the should season. The shoulder season falls in the months of May and June, September and October. These are the best months to visit as they see far fewer visitors than the high season summer months.

During the shoulder season, the weather is also pleasant and warm but not too hot like it can be in July and August.

During the winter months, it can get quite cold in Montenegro, even on the coast. In general, this is low season and many hotels and businesses will close so you might be quite limited when it comes to eating, drinking and entertainment.

How Many Days in Montenegro?

Montenegro is a small country that’s easy to get around in. While the more time you have the better, 5 days is enough to discover all the gems on the Montenegro coast.

If you also want to go inland and discover the mountains and the national parks of the north, 7-10 days in Montenegro is ideal.

However, you could spend weeks slowly exploring all the hidden gems and undiscovered corners of Montenegro. It really is a beautiful country and it just depends on how much time you have to discover it.

Before You Go

Here are some important points and personal recommendations to note before planning your 5 Day Montenegro Itinerary. Some of these tips I wish I knew before I set off and I thought I’d share them with you here.

↠ Montenegro is a small country and the distances are short. You can fit quite a bit into your day as not much driving is involved. Having said that roads on the coast can get very congested during the summer- another reason why a shoulder season visit is recommended.

↠ This itinerary is best done by renting a car. It’s possible to get from one place to the other by public transport for the most part but places like Lovcen National Park and Ostrog Monastery are difficult to reach by bus. A car will generally give you the most freedom and flexibility.

We used Discover Cars to rent a car for our Balkans trip. You can check their super competitive rates here.

↠ This Montenegro itinerary focuses on Montenegro’s best coastal destinations, including Lovcen National Park and Cetinje, the old capital. I have heard great things about the mountainous regions of northern Montenegro but unfortunately, we didn’t manage to make it happen this visit.

If you can I’d highly recommend extending your trip a little and visiting Prokletije National Park, Ostrog Monastery, and Black Lake.

How to Plan Your Montenegro Itinerary

Most travelers rent a car and explore Montenegro on a road trip style itinerary, staying in different accommodations each night or every second night. While there is nothing wrong with this type of trip, there are some different ways to think about when planning your itinerary.

A road-trip – hire a car and drive to each place and stay at a different destination each night. This option allows you to see the most but it can also feel quite rushed.

Have a Base – This one is an excellent option for those that want to take their time in specific destinations or don’t have access to a rental car. For example, basing yourself in Kotor for 4 nights you can easily do day trips to a different place each day such as Tivat or Budva, or even Lovcen National Park.

A Bit of Both – There’s also nothing stopping you from doing a mix of both even if you have a car. It will also save the hassle of moving hotels every night. Basing yourself in Kotor for a few nights and then doing day trips is a lovely way to explore Kotor Bay. 

Getting to Montenegro

There are a number of places you can begin your trip when doing a Montenegro Coastal Itinerary. Here are the most popular options which I highly recommend but, where you start your trip will depend on your full Balkans itinerary.

Many factors such as airline routes, full itinerary, and time frame might affect where you start your trip.

Dubrovnik– Many travelers start their Montenegro trip in Dubrovnik, Croatia. This is because not only do you also get to see Dubrovnik, but there are also many direct flights available to Dubrovnik from a variety of European destinations.

While, yes you will need to cross a country border, the border crossing from Croatia to Montenegro is fairly easy and doesn’t take long in the shoulder season. Almost all rental car companies allow you to drive to Montenegro but make sure you notify them of your plans. We began our trip from Dubrovnik airport.

Tivat – The small coastal town on the Boka Bay does have its own airport and if you prefer to fly straight into coastal Montenegro, Tivat is your best bet. It’s not a huge airport but during the summer months, it has connections to Germany, the UK, Austria, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Turkey, and Israel among others.

Podgorica – Montenegro’s capital is one of the most obvious places to fly into. From Podgorica, it’s about an hour’s drive to the Montenegro coast.

Albania – If you’re doing a longer Balkans itinerary and are planning to visit Albania too you can drive into Montenegro and make the cute coastal town of Ulcinj your first stop.

Our Montenegro Itinerary: 5 Days Along the Coast

As we started from Dubrovnik and so do many other travelers, I’ve ordered the destinations in this order. If you’re crossing the border from Albania you can do the same itinerary just in reverse.

For those coming in from Podgorica or Tivat, you can start in the middle, but you will need to backtrack on yourself at some point.

5 Day Montenegro Road Trip Summary:

Day 1: Herceg Novi & Perast

Begin your 5 Days in Montenegro Itinerary in Herceg Novi, a wonderful seaside town, popular in the summer with a gorgeous old town. Herceg Novi offers travelers an enchanting blend of history, natural beauty, and a vibrant atmosphere.

As you wander through the winding streets of the Old Town, you’ll be greeted by centuries-old fortresses, charming squares, and a plethora of cozy cafes and local shops. The town’s rich history is evident in its architectural treasures, including the iconic Clock Tower and the imposing Kanli Tower.

Make sure not to miss spending most of the morning walking around the beautiful old town, visiting the beaches, and exploring the coastline.

Top Things to Do in Herceg Novi

–Climb up to the Spanish Fortress– Ancient fortress ruins located high above Herceg Novi with stunning views of the Bay.

–Explore the Old Town– Walk through the old town and savor the pretty stone streets. Make sure not to miss the iconic clock tower, the Kanli Tower, and St Joakim Church.

–Relax on the beaches– There are many different small beaches and coves to relax on during your time in Herzeg Novi. Herzeg Novi beach is a good option right next to town and so is Bla Bla Beach.

Perast

From Herceg Novi, it’s just a short drive around the Bay of Kotor to Perast. You’ll want to arrive in Perast just after lunch and stay until sunset as this is the most magical time in the small town.

Perast is the best place inside Boka Bay to watch the sunset- they are simply magical here. One thing to note is that due to the high mountains all around the bay, the sunset here is actually much earlier than on the coast. The sun will quickly disappear behind the mountains well before the official sunset time.

There’s actually quite a bit on offer in Perast from local museums to palaces and churches. It’s also a great spot for lunch right on the waterfront.

Things on Offer in Perast

–Go for a Stroll on the Waterfront– Perast’s waterfront is one of the most scenic places in town, especially at sunset. Walking down here you’ll pass several of Perast’s palaces and heritage buildings surrounded by mountains.

–Visit St. Nicholas Church– Perast’s main church which sits on the main square. You can also climb the bell tower in the summer.

–Visit the Palaces– There are some spectacular palaces in Perast and most of them have now been converted into museums or luxury hotels. Smekja Palace and Bujovic are definitely worth visiting.

–Take a Boat Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks– That artificial island you see in the Bay just by Perast? Take a boat to see the beautiful Our Lady of the Rocks church on the island.

For the full list of things to do read the full Slow Traveller’s Guide to Perast, Montenegro

Perast can also be visited on a day trip from Kotor if you want to continue to Kotor this evening. However, I personally much preferred Perast to Kotor- it’s far less crowded, touristy and because cruise ships can’t dock here it has a more historic and authentic feel.

I’d highly recommend staying the night in Perast to enjoy an evening stroll on the waterfront and the views of the Bay during sunrise the next morning.

Where to Stay in Perast

There are a number of lovely guesthouses and luxury hotels in Perast, given its small size. It makes Perast a great alternative to Kotor. Staying in one of the heritage hotels will also give you the opportunity to say in a noble family’s palace and a chance to look around.

–Heritage Grand Perast– a 5-star luxury in a renovated 18th Century palace. Stunning interiors, beautiful rooms, and views right on the Bay of Kotor. Check rates and availability here.

Heritage Hotel Leon Coronato – Another stunning, luxury option right by the water. Check rates and availability here.

Palace Jelena Rooms– Stay here for a chance to experience one of Perast’s most famous palaces without breaking the bank. Rooms here have exposed heritage stone, traditional furnishings, and breathtaking views from the balconies. Check rates and availability here.

Day 2: Kotor

Start the day backtracking a little from Perast to the stunning little village of Risan. Located just 10 minutes north of Perast, Risan is a small town on the edge of the Bay of Kotor. While it’s not as atmospheric or pretty as Perast, it is home to a collection of Roman floor mosaics that date back to the 2nd and 3rd century AD.

The mosaics were once part of a very large and luxurious Roman villa, they have been well-preserved since. Entrance to the site costs just a few euros.

From the site of the Roman mosaics, it’s also worth exploring the town. The Risan waterfront is really pretty and I suggest grabbing a coffee and a bite here too on the water’s edge before moving on to Kotor.

Spend the rest of the day in Kotor exploring its narrow, labyrinth streets and heritage stone architecture. There are some pretty spectacular things to do in Kotor, Montenegro. Make sure to explore the charming Stari Grad or Old Town of Kotor as well as spend some time ogling at the jaw-dropping views of the Bay of Kotor.

If you do have more than 5 days in Montenegro it’s here that you might want to extend your stay. Assigning some extra time for hikes and day trips to some other hidden gems in the area is recommended. 

Best Things to Do in Kotor

–Explore Stari Grad (Old Town)– there’s no place quite like it, the old town is picture-perfect and full of both Catholic and Orthodox churches, restaurants, cafes, and bars. While you’re exploring the Old Town, make sure to also find all the churches and palaces that’ll transport you back to old times.

–Hike to St. John’s Fortress – A great thing to do at sunset. the short hike up to St John’s Fortress past the picturesque church of Our Lady of Remedy is a must. The views of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor here are exceptional.

–Relax on Kotor Beach – Yes Kotor does have its own beach and if the weather is fine, why not take some time for it?

–Walk Along the City Walls– One of the best spots for views of the old town and its atmospheric squares.

–Take a boat trip to Montenegro Blue Caves– If you have the time then sign up for a tour to see this wonderful cave with mesmerizing turquoise hues and sunlight that illuminates the cave walls beautifully. Check out this Blue Cave Tour also heads to Mamula and Our Lady of the Rocks. 

READ MORE: 20+ Wonderful Things to Do in Kotor

Where to Stay in Kotor

–Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro – Historic, old-town luxury with a Montenegrin flare is what you can expect at this gorgeous property. The terrace here is probably one of the most beautiful in town and the rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable.  Check rates and availability here. 

Hotel Monte Cristo – Take advantage of this hotel’s location right in the heart of Kotor. Uniquely designed rooms that capture the spirit of the town beautifully. Make sure to also dine or have a drink at their stunning terrace overlooking town. Check rates and availability here. 

Day 3: Lovcen National Park, Cetinje, Tivat

On day three, depart Kotor early and begin driving the serpentine road up to Lovcen National Park.

The winding road is full of hairpin bends and it really is a stunning and fun drive. If you manage to head up for sunrise you’ll see the spectacular glow over the whole Bay. Not to mention there will be fewer people on the road which is a good thing on a narrow, curving road like this one.

Spend the morning exploring Lovcen National Park perhaps doing a short trek too. The main place to visit is the Njegos Mausoleum on the summit of Mount Lovcen. You can drive all the way up and then walk up to the mausoleum where you’ll have 360-degree views of the surrounding Mountains and even Skadar Lake.

If you feel like hiking up instead of driving you can park at the Hotel Ivanov Konak or at the Visitor’s Center from where the hike to the Njegos Mausoleum begins.

READ MORE: Visiting Lovcen National Park: The Ultimate Guide

Cetinje

Next, spend a few hours in the small town of Cetinje. Steeped in rich cultural heritage, Cetinje serves as the former royal capital and preserves its regal atmosphere with grand architecture, museums, and intriguing historical sites.

One of the most important places to visit is the elegant Cetinje Monastery, an iconic Serbian Orthodox monastery housing precious relics and captivating frescoes.

Make sure to also stroll along the charming streets lined with graceful 19th-century mansions and visit the National Museum of Montenegro to delve into the country’s past. You can also admire the grandeur of the Blue Palace, a former residence of the Montenegrin royal family.

Note that getting to Lovcen and Cetinje is a little limited without a rental car. There’s a public bus that goes from Kotor’s bus station to Cetinje about 5 times per day during the summer season but to visit Lovcen National Park you’ll need to take a taxi from Cetinje.

If you don’t have a rental car you might have to miss Lovcen National Park and just head to Cetinje in the morning and then Tivat in the afternoon.

Tivat

Arrive in Tivat and spend the evening taking a walk around the city and enjoying a superior dinner on the waterfront.

Tivat is one of the most upscale spots on the Montenegrin Adriatic coast, famous for its yachts and designer shops. If you’re up for a spot of shopping this would be the right place.

The restaurant scene in Tivat is also booming and it’s a great place to try some Montenegrin fine dining. Don’t miss dinner at the excellent Murano Restaurant at Regent Porto Montenegro or Caffe del Mare for fresh fish and seafood right by the water.

Where to Stay in Tivat

The Chedi Luštica Bay– Located just outside Tivat, this wonderful and vibrant luxury hotel combines Montenegrin charm with contemporary elegant design. With its own private beach, it’s the spot to really just relax. Check rates and availability here.

Regent Porto Montenegro– With warm and contemporary design, clean lines, and nautical-style furnishings, the Regent Porto provides guests with a luxury base in Tivat. Swoonworthy suites with beautiful views right on the port. Check rates and availability here.

La Fleur Boutique Hotel– Probably my favorite design-focused hotel in Montenegro, everything about La Fleur is just perfect, from the staff to the design. Wonderful spa and on-site restaurant too. Check rates and availability here.

Day 4: Tivat & Budva

Tivat doesn’t have an old town like Kotor, Perast, or Budva. Instead, it’s a modern town full of resort-style hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues but it is very scenic and pretty.

The best things to do in Tivat are to go for a walk along the port to check out the superyachts, go shopping, spend the morning enjoying your hotel, and spend a few hours at the famous pool club. If this doesn’t sound like your thing you can move on to Budva when you’re ready.

Budva

Another very popular and atmospheric city in Montenegro is Budva. Located on the Adriatic Coast, Budva has a wonderful old town, great, bustling beaches, and good nightlife.

You can spend the rest of the day in Budva taking advantage of all the pretty little streets in the old town, the cute squares with atmospheric cafes, and the long beaches all within walking distance of the old town.

Top Things to Do in Budva

–Explore Budva Old Town– Wander through the narrow cobbled streets of Budva’s Old Town and step back in time. Surrounded by Medieval walls, the old town features winding, narrow streets and centuries-old heritage stone buildings.

Admire the well-preserved architecture, visit historical sites like the Citadel, and explore the labyrinthine alleys filled with shops, restaurants, and lively bakeries.

–Relax on the Beaches– Budva has some great, long beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun. Some of the best beaches are Jaz Beach just to the west of town and Mogren Beach which has azure water.

–Visit the Citadel– Discover its fascinating history, visit the Budva City Museum housed inside, and admire the captivating vistas from its elevated position.

–Climb the City Walls– Ascend the ancient city walls of Budva for breathtaking panoramic views of the town and its surroundings.

–Take a Boat Trip– If you have time, jump on a boat tour to navigate the Budva Riviera from the water. You can discover all the hidden coves and secluded beaches as well as go snorkeling too.

Where to Stay in Budva

Dukley Hotel & Resort – A 5-star hotel option to consider just outside Budva. With trendy rooms and facilities, kind staff on hand to help with just about any request, and comprehensive services, this is a space you can truly unwind in. Check availability here.

Avanti Hotel & Spa – A lovely, atmospheric hotel with sleek, modern design and a wellness focus. Don’t miss an evening at their spa for the ultimate relaxing experience. A brilliant option for just over €100 per night. Check rates and availability here.

Day 5: Sveti Stefan

Moving down further south on the Budva Riviera and you’ll get to Sveti Stefan, a fantastic little town with several great beaches to explore.

The main draw to Sveti Stefan is a beautiful islet sitting amid the azure water, connected to the mainland by a stone walkway. The whole island belongs to Aman, a luxury resort that takes accommodation to a whole new level.

Normally access to the island, the walkway, and one of the beaches beside it is reserved for Aman guests only, however, the hotel has been temporarily closed for the last year or so. If you visit in 2023 or early in 2024 you might still be able to get access onto the islet before the resort opens again.

Top Things to Do in Sveti Stefan

–Admire the views of Sveti Stefan Island– Even if you can’t get onto the island itself you can still admire it from the surrounding beaches. This viewpoint here is also a superb spot for photos.

–Visit the Beaches– Enjoy the sun-kissed beaches surrounding Sveti Stefan. Lounge on the golden sands or pebbles, swim in the crystal-clear waters and bask in the tranquil ambiance of this idyllic coastal paradise.

My favorite beaches to visit are Milocer Beach, Queen’s Beach, and the stunning Crvena Glavica Beach just outside town.

–Visit Praskvica Monastery– Just a short distance from Sveti Stefan, the Praskvica Monastery offers a serene escape. Marvel at the beautiful frescoes, soak in the tranquility of the surroundings and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance.

Where to Stay in Sveti Stefan

If your budget allows it and once it’s open again, Aman Sveti Stefan would be without a doubt the best place to stay. Otherwise, the following make great options.

ĀNANTI Resort, Residences & Beach Club – The Leading Hotels of the World– An exclusive luxury escape in Montenegro just outside Sveti Stefan, this property boasts 8 luxury villa residences and 14 luxury suites. The ocean views from here are pretty incredible too. Check rates and book here.

Boutique Hotel Azimut– A superb mid-range option right by the beach in Sveti Stefan. Iconic views from the hotel terrace it’s a great place to stay and unwind. Check rates and availability here.

Bonus Days 6+: Petrovac, Ulcinj

If you have more time, even just one or two days to add to your Montenegro Itinerary, you can continue driving down the coast, toward Albania. You’ll pass some beautiful little towns like Krstac and Petrovac.

The first place worth stopping in and exploring is the hidden gem Petrovac. This little town isn’t on many traveller’s radar yet it’s extremely picturesque. Spending a few hours wandering around the beautiful old town, visiting Kastio Castle, admiring the vistas, and hiking the coastal trails.

Petrovac might even become your favorite place in Montenegro.

The next big town moving south along the coast is Bar. Bar is a rather new town but there are some decent beaches here and restaurants. However, I probably wouldn’t head here to go to the beach over the other stunning little coves and beaches further north on the Budva Riviera. Bar is a good spot for a local lunch, however.

A few miles inland from Bar, you’ll find Stari Bar, the ‘Old Bar’. This tiny old town resting on top of a hill is a lovely place to explore. It’s full of ancient walls and a fascinating mix of Catholic churches and mosques as well as the crumbling Bar Aqueduct. It’s a beautiful spot to explore for a few hours.

Ulcinj

Right before you reach the Albanian border you’ll get to Ulcinj, another vibrant seaside town. Ulcinj isn’t as well preserved compared to other towns like Budva or Kotor but it’s still charming and atmospheric.

Best Things to Do in Ulcinj

–Hike the ‘Ulcinj Walk’– a coastal walk starting just south of town on the coast, you’ll meander through forests along the pristine coast.

–Spend some time on the beaches– there are many lovely little beaches and coves on which you can lay down a towel. Ulcinj also has Montenegro’s only white sand beaches. Small Beach and Sapore di Mare are a couple of my favorites,

–Museum of Local History in Ulcinj– a good place to go to learn more about the local culture.

–Explore the Old Town– Wander through the charming Old Town and its narrow streets.

You can stay the night in Ulcinj or continue north to Skadar Lake and then Podgorica, backtrack back to Tivat or even continue to Albania.

Where to Stay in Ulcinj

–Hotel Pirate Old Town– A good budget option in the old town with bright and clean rooms and beautiful sea views. Check availability and book here.

–Hotel Teuta– A newly opened beautiful design hotel just outside town. Check it here.

Other Highlights in Montenegro to Add to your Itinerary

While this Montenegro itinerary only takes in the Adriatic Coast, Montenegro does have some other worthwhile attractions, stunning landscapes, and hip spots to visit during your time in the Balkans.

Here are some other destinations in Montenegro to consider adding to your itinerary if you have some more time- one week or even 10 days would be ideal. Remember that Montenegro is small and you don’t need to drive too far to get to any of these.

Ostrog Monastery

One of the most beautiful and famous monasteries in Montenegro, Ostrog monastery is perched high up on the rocky cliffs of Ostroška Greda. This magnificent monastery attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world who make their way up the winding road to get to its beautiful yet isolated location.

Ostrog Monastery holds immense cultural and religious significance, housing the relics of Saint Basil, a revered figure in the Orthodox Christian faith. You can visit the monastery’s chapels, adorned with intricate frescoes and ornate decorations.

The panoramic views from the monastery are worth the trip up here alone, stretching across the vast Montenegrin landscape.

Lake Skadar

If you finish this itinerary in Bar or Ulcinj, you’re just a stone’s throw away from Lake Skadar, a beautiful natural area shared by both Montenegro and Albania. Lake Skadar is an expansive freshwater lake that is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a tranquil ambiance.

You can explore the area by driving around it and exploring the viewpoints, taking a boat trip on the water, or going hiking in the surrounding mountains and lush greenery.

You’ll need a car to really explore the lake properly and don’t miss the famous view from this viewpoint.

Black Lake

Located in the northern mountains of Montenegro, Black Lake is a small yet mighty azure lake surrounded by the lush green mountains of Durmitor National Park. Not only is the lake a sight for sore eyes but there’s also plenty to do here too from swimming, hiking, kayaking, and biking.

In fact, you can easily spend the day exploring Black Lake and also the rest of the stunning Durmitor National Park.

Prokletije National Park

One of the most stunning national parks in Montenegro, Prokletije sits on the Albania border with Montenegro. It’s a heaven for hiking, dramatic mountain landscapes, and rivers and lakes with pristine, glacial water. If you’d like to go hiking before or after your coastal Montenegrin itinerary, this is the spot for it. 

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Have any questions about planning your perfect Montenegro itinerary? Let me know your questions and comments below, I’d love to hear from you.

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