The ULTIMATE Montenegro Bucket List: 30+ Things to Do and Places to See in Montenegro (Besides Kotor!)

Looking for the best things to do in Montenegro? Congratulations and Dobrodošli (welcome), you’re in the right place!

Although Montenegro might seem like a small country at first, it’s big on adventures, activities, and things to do.

From jaw-dropping views of the rugged Montenegrin mountains to the warm splashes of water along the coast, to idyllic cobblestone streets running through the city… There’s something for every type of traveler once they come to Montenegro.

Let’s take a really quick look at the figures to see what I’m talking about:

Montenegro has five official national parks and around 80% of the country is covered in mountains. In fact, the country’s name, Montenegro, means ‘black mountain’!

Of course, we can’t forget about its gorgeous riviera — Montenegro has more than 290 km (180 mi) of coastline and dozens of world-class beaches.

Sandwiched in between the beaches and mountains are captivating cities with thousands of years of history, flavor, and charm.

In this post, I’ve put together more than 30 activities, sightseeing spots, and things to do while traveling in Montenegro.

Editor’s note: You’ve probably noticed that I mentioned things to do in Montenegro besides Kotor in the title, and that’s not an accident. Kotor is probably the most famous place in Montenegro, which is why I added all Kotor-related activities at the end of this article. I hope to give other, less-visited places their time to shine and inspire you to get off the beaten path while doing so. :)

Ready to plan your trip to Montenegro and add a ton of new to-do’s to your itinerary? Let’s check it out!

PSA: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book something through them. This is at no cost to you and helps keep this site running. Thank you!

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Eat at a Charming Waterside Restaurant in Perast

If you’re looking to drink an Aperol Spritz with waves softly rolling near your table, gentle sunshine beaming on your face, and charming yet historical buildings in the background, then congrats: you’ll find it in Perast!

This unassuming little town north of Kotor makes for a perfect day trip (it’s only 15 minutes away from Kotor’s Old Town!) or an overnight stay. However, what really makes Perast shine are the idyllic waterside cafes and restaurants that seem to jut into the Bay of Kotor.

Here you’ll find mouth-watering seafood — it is, after all, caught locally just kilometers off the coast! — a serene atmosphere, and views that look like they came straight out of a postcard.

Looking for more information (and, of course, great restaurant recommendations) about Perast? Check out my detailed Perast City Guide here!

If you’re short on time, there’s also a fantastic Perast day trip from Kotor.

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‘Swim’ Over to Our Lady of the Rocks

Although Perast may attract you with its charming seaside cafes, it also has two of the biggest tourist attractions in Montenegro!

St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks are two islands located off the coast of Perast and can be reached via kayak or boat.

The story of Our Lady of the Rocks goes back to the 15th century, when a group of sailors discovered an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock near the shore. Inspired by this miraculous event, the group started a tradition of adding a rock every time they came back home after a successful voyage at sea. Over time, the pile of rocks grew bigger and bigger, until it turned into an island!

Nowadays, the tradition of throwing rocks into the sea is alive and well: Every year on July 22, locals celebrate Fašinada by taking their boat to the island and adding more rocks to the perimeter.

However, if you can’t make it to Perast in July, no worries — you can visit the island any time by renting a kayak or going on a day trip. Here are some of the most popular options:

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Feel The Authentic Atmosphere at Ulcinj’s Seaside Promenade

Although the majority of Montenegro is Christian, you’ll find intricate mosques near the southern coast, where the population is predominantly Muslim thanks to its proximity to the border with Albania.

One of the most famous mosques in Montenegro is Seaman’s Mosque, which is located right near Ulcinj’s central beach. The entire area has a special atmosphere when you’re strolling near the promenade (or exploring the ruins of the old city) and you hear the call to prayer. It feels as if you’ve been transported somewhere in Egypt or Turkey!

Want to virtually travel to this fantastic seaside gem? Check out my Ulcinj travel guide here!

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Chill Out in Ada Bojana

Just 15 km (9 mi) south of Ulcinj is another fantastic place to add to your bucket list: Ada Bojana!

The name ‘Ada Bojana’ translates to river island, and thanks to its unique geography, the area is famous for its river houses and water cottages.

Some of the best include Sojenica Ivona (pictured above), Hakuna Matata, and Enjoy River House.

Prefer something a little more active? Ada Bojana is a destination in itself with plenty of activities to do, including kitesurfing/windsurfing, camping, paragliding, horseback riding, and more. For the truly adventurous, there’s even a nudist resort called FKK Ada Bojana.

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See 50 Shades of Iridescent Blue at the Blue Cave

The Luštica Peninsula, located ‘behind’ the Bay of Kotor, is still very much an off-the-beaten-path destination.

However, one of the biggest attractions in this quiet area is the Blue Cave, so-called thanks to the color that appears when waves of light hit the bottom and are reflected in the water. In the right conditions, even the ceiling turns blue!

There are daily boat tours to the Blue Cave, either as part of a bigger tour (i.e. visiting Mamula Island and the Blue Cave) or stand-alone kayaking and snorkeling tours like this one.

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See Montenegro’s History Come Alive in the Old Royal Capital

Although Cetinje was the first capital and held the title for 400-some years; has cheerful colorful houses along the main pedestrian street; and is the cultural heart of the country, it still feels as if this is the most underrated city in Montenegro!

Tucked behind Lovcen National Park, the majority of visits to Cetinje are in the form of short, two-hour stopovers on day trips. However, if you have the time, I would highly suggest visiting and staying in Cetinje overnight.

Cetinje is the perfect city to get away from the crowds of tourists, as well as learn something new about Montenegro. The city is often referred to as the capital of culture thanks to its numerous museums (there are six spread across the city!) and close proximity to other famous Montenegrin sites (such as the historical village of Njeguši).

Cetinje makes for a wonderful day trip from Kotor or Budva (it’s less than an hour from either city) or as a stand-alone destination. Want to learn even more? Check out my Cetinje travel guide here!

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Go Spelunking in Lipa Cave

Actually, hold on and don’t leave Cetinje just yet!

Although Montenegro is mostly famed for its majestic mountain peaks, there’s another form of nature that’s hidden under the ground: Lipa Cave!

Just 6 km (3.7mi) from the center of Cetinje is one of the largest caves in Montenegro: there are over 2.5 km of tunnels, with many more that are still waiting to be discovered.

You can easily reach Lipa Cave via taxi and learn more by taking an interesting one-hour tour with a cave guide for about 10 EUR per person.

There are also Adventure Tours available for adrenaline junkies, where you can rappel down the cave on a rope, explore off the beaten track nooks and crannies, and learn more about the cave with your personal guide.

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Visit Northern Montenegro

If you look up Žabljak on Google Maps, at first glance it looks like a tiny mountain town in the Balkans… And you’d be right.

(It has a population of only 1,700!)

However, Žabljak’s beauty lies in the fact that it’s a great ‘gateway’ to the northern part of Montenegro. Žabljak is the highest town in the country because it’s located on the Durmitor mountain range. Great views, plenty of things to do, and charming scenes abound in this region.

During the summer, you can hike around the nearby mountain ranges, take a dip in the Black Lake, or enjoy some peace and quiet near the lush green meadows.

However, Žabljak really comes alive during the winter thanks to the numerous ski resorts located in the area. In fact, it’s the most popular area for skiing and snowboarding in the entire country!

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Get Closer to Nature at Durmitor National Park

Remember I mentioned Durmitor mountain range in the point above? Well, there’s an entire national park for you to go out and explore!

Durmitor National Park is quite famous in Montenegro and has some pretty impressive superlatives: it’s the largest national park (out of five) in the country, has 48 rugged peaks, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Awesome, right?

The easiest way to get to Durmitor National Park is to rent a car or take the bus to Žabljak, the ‘gateway’ to the park.

From there, you can enjoy hiking the many routes around the park (including to Bobotov Kuk, the highest point!), go rafting in the Tara Gorge, or just chill out in nature.

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Sleep Under Millions of Stars in a Cabin

What better way to chill out in nature than with a cozy mountain cabin?

Thankfully, Montenegro has plenty. You can find the majority of cabins near national parks or towns in the mountains, although that’s not a requirement. In fact, there are even authentic ‘traditional villages’ called Etno selo, similar to those found in Ukraine or Moldova.

Here are some of the best cabins in Montenegro to check out:

Zablak

🌲 Etno Selo Smrčevo Brdo — Pictured above, these traditional cabins are cozy and are managed by a friendly owner!
🌲 Lazar&Mila Apartments — With large panoramic windows, you can enjoy seeing the sun rise right from your cabin.
🌲 Vila Tara — Set amongst the rolling hills, Villa Tara has a gorgeous interior design and can fit up to 6 people.
🌲 Woodland — If you want to feel the freedom of nature yet still be close to Žabljak, this cabin is for you – it’s only 2km from the center!

Eastern Montenegro

🌲 Eko Katun ROSI — Peace and quiet among the lush hills of Prokletije mountains await. There’s also an on-site restaurant and free bike rentals!
🌲 Jela Natural Resort— Featuring spacious cabins in the woods, the area has plenty of hiking trails and natural attractions.
🌲 Farmstay Oka i Po — This farmstay has traditional Montenegrin cabins in a quaint and traditional setting.

Skadar Lake

🌲 Ethno Village Skadar Lake — Why not upgrade your trip to Skadar Lake with this cute lakeside bungalow?

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Feel The Magic of Nature at Crno Jezero Lake

One of the absolute highlights of Durmitor is none other than the ethereal Black Lake. From the moment you set your eyes on Crno Jezero, it feels as if you’ve been transported to a dramatic Montenegrin fairytale!

The lake is only 3.5 km from the town of Zabljak and offers plenty of things to do: you can hike the perimeter of the lake, rent a small boat during the summer, or enjoy a picnic by the shore.

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See the Jaw-Dropping Tara Bridge

One of the most-visited destinations in northern Montenegro, the Tara Bridge and its five graceful arches rise above one of the deepest canyons in the world.

One of the best ways to see the Tara Bridge is actually from below — by rafting on the Tara River. There are also zipline tours across the Tara, or for the truly adventurous, bungee jumping from the bridge!

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Take a Pilgrimage to the Monastery Carved Into a Mountain

The Ostrog Monastery is known as a place of miracles.

In fact, the entire story of how this monastery was carved into the face of a mountain cliff is still debated to this day! Was it by sheer will or was it a miracle?

Nonetheless, visiting the Ostrog Monastery is a popular day trip (such as this one!) for both tourists and locals, as it’s considered to be one of the most important holy sites in the entire country. More than a million people make the pilgrimage to the monastery every year, especially on May 12th, the feast day of Saint Basil of Ostrog (the saint to whom the monastery is dedicated).

If you have the chance, check out the beautiful frescoes painted onto the walls and ceiling of the mountain.

Low on time? You can see Durmitor, Tara, and Ostrog Monastery in one tour!
The Full Day North Montenegro Tour features a trip to see the deepest canyon in Europe, a hike around Black Lake, and a visit to Ostrog Monastery – click here to see more.

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Explore the (Many) Fortresses of Herceg-Novi

Montenegro’s westernmost city (it’s only 12 km from the border with Croatia!), Herceg Novi is primarily known for two things: castles (its name literally means ‘New Castle’) and sunshine (it gets 200 days of sunshine every year).

Why not combine both and enjoy a sunny day exploring the fortresses and castles of Herceg Novi? There are half a dozen to discover, with the most popular being Forte Mare, which was in use back in the 1300s.

Check out my Herceg Novi post for a list of all the forts, as well as a complete travel guide to the city.

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Take the Bar to Belgrade Train

One of the most popular train trips in Europe, the Bar to Belgrade train is a ‘must-have’ experience in Montenegro!

This route starts in Montenegro’s seaside town Bar, connects through the capital, Podgorica, and continues to Serbia’s capital, Belgrade. It’s known as one of the most scenic railways in Europe, as you’re bound to see beautiful lakes, mountains, and canyons outside of your window.

Best of all, you can take the entire 10-hour journey from Bar to Belgrade for only 20 or 30 EUR, which is perfect if you’re planning a multi-country trip through the Balkans!

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Lake Skadar

Speaking of the Bar to Belgrade train… If you take the entire route, you’ll pass through Montenegro’s most famous lake, Lake Skadar, on your way from Bar to Podgorica.

In fact, the road is so thin in some places that It feels as if you’re gliding through the water, right next to the water lilies and blue waves!

Lake Skadar deserves its own entry because of how serene and beautiful it is. It’s very popular during the spring, when the weather warms up and locals rent a boat to go out on the water.

While you’re cruising along Lake Skadar, don’t forget to check out the small islands (particularly the one with Monastery Kom), go birdwatching, or explore the fortresses.

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Stari Bar

One final note about Bar before we move away from the region…

Although the actual town of Bar is fairly quiet and residential, a few kilometers away lies the ruins of the ‘original’ city, called Stari Bar (Old Bar). Take a walk through the impressive Stari Bar Fortress, see the oldest olive groves in the country, or wander around the picturesque old town.

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Crnojevic River

Life in Montenegro during the middle ages wasn’t easy, especially with territory disputes, shaky alliances, and the constant fear of the Ottoman Empire.

There’s even an old local saying that the Rijeka Crnojevica was formed from all of the tears shed by Ivan Crnojevic when he thought about how much his people suffered.

Nowadays, the Rijeka Crnojevića charms visitors with its stunning rich emerald color and opportunities to see wildlife like fish, birds, and more.

The Rijeka is a popular attraction to visit during the summer, especially if you stop by the village with the same name or do a stand up paddleboard tour . You can combine it with a tour to Lake Skadar (which the river runs off of), or by itself.

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Enjoy a Jaw-Dropping View of Rijeka Crnojevića

Have you ever wondered where to find the famous ‘horseshoe bend’ photo that graces many Montenegro travel brochures?

Surprise: there’s actually a viewpoint right across the spot where it ‘bends’ called the Pavlova Strana Viewpoint!

However, keep in mind that the viewpoint can only be reached by a narrow road, so use caution and drive carefully. Prefer to have someone else do the driving? No worries — Pavlova Strana is one of the stops on the Panoramic Montenegro Photography Tour.

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Try Montenegro’s National Cuisine…

Freshly-caught seafood, simple yet tasty salads, and mouth-watering meats and cheeses are just some of the dishes that you’ll see on a typical menu during your time in Montenegro.

Why not try one (or all!) of Montenegro’s specialties? Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

🥓 Njeguški Pršut — Also known as ‘Montenegrin prosciutto,’ Njeguški pršut is dry-cured ham (similar to its Italian cousin) that originates from a small village near the mountains. Authentic Njeguški pršut is made with salt from Ulcinj, smoked on a special type of beech tree, and then left to dry for 15 days in order for the taste to really come out.

🧀 Njeguški Sir — Montenegro is famous for its meat and cheese, with Njeguški Sir topping the list. Made in the same village as prosciutto, Njeguški Sir is a semi-hard and slightly salty cheese that is popular all around the country.

🍚 Crni Rižot — ‘Black risotto’ is a popular staple in restaurants and cafes around the entire Balkan coastline. The dish gets its name from the black rice, which is colored by cuttlefish ink (and, of course, the cuttlefish itself is added!)

🥯 Burek — A simple yet delicious dish, burek is a piece of pastry made with flaky phyllo dough and stuffed with meat, cheese, or veggies. You can find this dish in any bakery around the country.

🥞 Palačinke — Last but certainly not least, top off your meal with this delicious dessert — a crepe-style pancake with sweet filling.

Want to try alllll the Montenegrin foods? I highly recommend a food tour, such as this Rick Steves-approved food tour or this food tasting at a traditional winery.

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… At Njeguši Village

Since we’re on the topic of food, it would be silly not to include one of the most famous villages in Montenegro: Njeguši!

Located in Cetinje province, Njeguši village is famous for being the birthplace of Montenegro’s royal family and the birthplace of Montenegro’s most beloved-dishes.

Foodies can try authentic Njeguški Pršut (prosciutto) and Sir (cheese), as well as eat in the oldest restaurant in Montenegro.

Fun fact: Did you know it takes almost a year to produce high-quality Njeguški pršut? Don’t forget to take a tour of the smoke room, where the pršut is stored until it reaches peak flavor.

The village is best reached by car. No transportation? No problem! Njeguši is a popular stop on many day trips, such as the following:

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See Where Montenegro Got Its Name

If you’re near Njegusi village, don’t miss a side trip to Lovcen National Park, which was the inspiration for the country’s name.

That’s right: Montenegro’s name in the local language is Crna Gora, which means ‘black mountain’ and was coined by Stefan Milutin in 1276 after he saw Mount Lovćen covered in dense trees that gave it the appearance of, well, a black mountain!

See for yourself on a trip to Lovcen National Park, which houses the mausoleum of Montenegrin ruler Petar II Petrovic Njegos at the top as well as a stunning view of the mountain ranges below.

Want to spend an entire day at Lovcen? There are plenty of things to do, such as hiking, ziplining, and cycling.

The easiest way to get to Lovcen National Park is by renting a car. If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tours that include a stop at Lovcen in their itinerary, such as this one.

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Strike a Pose Near the Ballerina Statue

The quintessential symbol of Budva, the Ballerina Statue has been featured on virtually every brochure and travel guide to the city.

Funnily enough, people aren’t sure if she’s really a ballerina or actually a gymnast, and there’s at least a dozen stories about her origin!

You can learn the full story (including a few legends) on my Budva blog post, but one thing’s for certain: while you’re here, don’t forget to copy her pose while you take a photo!

Other popular things to do in Budva include exploring the Old Town, partying the night away (Budva is known as the ‘Montenegrin Miami’), and kayaking along the riviera.

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Sveti Stefan

If you’ve ever seen a photo of an island with quaint stone houses, huddled together with their red-tiled roofs, then you’re already acquainted with one of Montenegro’s most famous attractions!

Sveti Stefan was originally a fishing village in the 15th century, but later fell into disrepair and was given a new life when it was renovated into a luxury resort.

Sveti Stefan is fully open and functional, especially as a summer getaway for the elite. The hotel’s guest list reads like a who’s-who of celebrities, from famous actors to musicians, writers, sportsmen, and more. Who knows, maybe you’re staying in the same room that Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, or even Marilyn Monroe once had!

Although the actual grounds of Sveti Stefan are off limits to everybody except hotel guests (interested? Book here ), you can take a paid walking tour or admire the islet from afar. There are plenty of fantastic viewpoints near the road to get that perfect shot, as well as mini hiking trails.

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Wake Up With the Bay of Kotor Outside Your Window

If you want to feel like a celebrity but aren’t interested in dropping serious cash on a Sveti Stefan suit, fear not, I have just the thing!

There are plenty of apartments and villas with jaw-dropping views of Kotor Bay that aren’t too far from the city itself. In fact, some start at just $40/night — for a million-dollar view, that’s an amazing deal!

We splurged on a terrace suite at Sirena Apartments for our anniversary, and let me tell you guys: it’s so worth it. We were glued to our sun chairs all day and evening, watching the boats go in and out of the bay, listening to the birds, and soaking it all up.

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“Hawaii” Island

Did you know that you can visit the island of Hawaii without leaving Montenegro? That’s right!

Located just one kilometer off the coast of Budva is Saint Nikola Island, or better yet known as Hawaii Island thanks to the blue waters and sandy beaches surrounding the island. You can catch a ferry to the island for around 3 EUR per person, either as a quick trip or for an entire day.

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Relax on a Beach

Phew, that was quite the trip around Montenegro, wasn’t it? Now it’s time to relax. The only problem is choosing which of these amazing beaches to visit first!

⛱ Dobrec Beach — Accessible only by boat, the U-shaped Dobrec Beach offers peace and tranquility from crowded cities. There’s an on-site restaurant serving fresh seafood and hammocks for rent.

⛱ Jaz Beach — Just 6 km west of Budva is this lovely beach, which has 1.2 km of coastline and plenty of activities. It’s great for families or day trippers because there are cafes and restaurants nearby, plenty of parking, and kiosks where you can rent a paddleboat, kayak, or even a jet ski.

⛱ Mala Plaža – Located right in the center of Ulcinj, ‘Little Beach’ is such a cute and picturesque place to chill out and enjoy Ulcinj! My absolute favorite beach in Montenegro, Mala Plaža has these sweet thatched umbrellas (a la Maldives or Bora Bora style) and calm waters.

⛱ Lucice Beach — Some 800 meters from the village of Petrovac, Lucice offers turquoise waters surrounded by pine forests and warm sand.

As mentioned in the introduction, here is a separate section on the best things to do in Kotor :)

Be Rewarded With Stunning Views Atop Kotor Fortress

Some 1,350 steps above the city of Kotor is St. John Fortress, which offers amazing panoramic views of the bay below. However, you’ll have to work for it — the climb takes about 2 hours and zig-zags between 70 switchbacks!

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Don’t worry, he’s friendly :)

Pet Alll the Cats

Kotor is known as the city of cats – in fact, there’s a joke that, although Kotor’s coat of arms has two lions, they’re actually two cats in disguise.

Take some time and enjoy mingling with the ‘locals’ — most Kotor cats are very friendly and will run up to you for some scratches the second you lock eyes.

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Get Lost in the Old Town

Last but certainly not least, go back in time as you wander through Kotor’s Old Town, finding hidden plazas and inviting cobblestone alleys. Prefer to stay on track? There are also short and fun walking tours that will acquaint you with Kotor’s interesting history.