Montenegro Travel Guide: Top 10 Places to Visit for an Unforgettable Trip

Stay connected while exploring Montenegro’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture with Airtel’s tailored International Roaming plans, ensuring seamless communication during your unforgettable travel experience.

The Balkan country of Montenegro packs a big punch for its small size. Dramatic mountains rise abruptly from the glittering Adriatic Sea. Medieval towns cling to the slopes. In the rugged interior, jewel-like lakes reflect the peaks and canyons carve deep into the landscape. With so much natural beauty and historic charm to discover, Montenegro is a dream destination.

Ready to start planning your trip? Here are the 10 best places to visit in Montenegro:

1. Kotor

The UNESCO-listed old town of Kotor is a must-see. Backed by towering cliffs, the walled city is a maze of cobbled lanes, handsome stone buildings and lively squares. Hike up the 1,350 steps to the Castle of San Giovanni for panoramic views over the bay.

Some of the top things to do in Kotor include:

• Admiring the medieval architecture

• Visiting the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon

• Taking a scenic drive along the 25 hairpin bends of the Kotor Serpentine road

2. Budva

The coastal town of Budva is one of the most popular tourist places in Montenegro. The atmospheric old town sits on a small peninsula, encircled by 15th-century ramparts. Budva is also known for its lively nightlife and string of pretty pebble beaches.

3. Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park is a spectacular wilderness of limestone peaks, glacial lakes and dense pine forests. The park is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro for hiking, with trails for all levels. In winter, it transforms into a ski resort.

Top experiences in Durmitor National Park:

1. Hike around the 18 glacial lakes, including Black Lake

2. Enjoy panoramic views from the summit of Bobotov Kuk (2,523 metres)

3. Brave the zipline across the Tara River Canyon – Europe’s deepest gorge

4. Sveti Stefan

The island village of Sveti Stefan is an iconic sight, with its cluster of red-roofed buildings set on a pink-sand beach. Once a humble fishing village, it’s now a luxurious resort. Even if you don’t stay over, it’s worth visiting for the stunning photo opportunities.

5. Perast

Sitting pretty on the Bay of Kotor, the small town of Perast is known for its striking Venetian architecture. Don’t miss the two picturesque islands just offshore – one with a monastery, the other with a Catholic church.

6. Ostrog Monastery

Built into a sheer cliff face, the Ostrog Monastery is a remarkable feat of architecture. The bright white complex is an important pilgrimage site, drawing Orthodox Christians from across the Balkans. Even for non-religious visitors, it’s an unforgettable sight.

7. Biogradska Gora National Park

Biogradska Gora National Park protects one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests. It’s a lush landscape of ancient trees, clear streams and meadows filled with wildflowers. Lake Biograd reflects the surrounding peaks like a mirror.

8. Cetinje

The sleepy town of Cetinje was Montenegro’s capital from the 15th century right up until 1946. It has a fascinating history and many important buildings, including the Cetinje Monastery and several former embassies. Nearby Lovcen National Park is ideal for hiking.

9. Ulcinj

Near the Albanian border, Ulcinj is an ancient seaport with a distinct Turkish vibe. The old town is filled with minarets and mosques. Just south of Ulcinj, the 12 kilometre long Beach is a hit with kitesurfers and a nesting site for endangered Dalmatian pelicans.

10. Tara River Canyon

The Tara River Canyon is a spectacular 82 kilometre-long gorge, reaching depths of 1,300 metres. White water rafting is the best way to experience its scale and power up close. The water is so clean you can drink it. The impressive Đurđevića Tara Bridge spans the canyon.

Some interesting facts about Montenegro:

• Montenegro means ‘Black Mountain’—a reference to Mount Lovćen

• It has just 620,000 residents, making it one of Europe’s smallest countries

• The local currency is the Euro, although Montenegro isn’t in the EU

• There are an incredible 117 beaches along the 293 kilometres-long coastline

How to Get to Montenegro

Montenegro has two international airports: Podgorica and Tivat. You can also reach the country overland from neighbouring Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. Trains connect Bar and Podgorica. Buses are the main way to get around Montenegro, supplemented by taxis.

When to Visit

The peak tourist season is July-August. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October), when the weather is still pleasant. Winter brings snow inland, but the coast remains mild.

Where to Stay

Montenegro offers diverse accommodation, from resort hotels to family-run B&Bs. Some top options:

• Huma Kotor Bay Hotel (Kotor): waterfront location, infinity pool, stylish rooms

• Splendid Conference & Spa Resort (Budva): private beach, spa, sea-view balconies

• Bianca Resort & Spa (Kolasin): mountain views, indoor pool, traditional restaurant

• Boutique Hotel Piazza (Ulcinj): historic building, rooftop restaurant, Turkish decor

Montenegrin Cuisine

Traditional Montenegrin food is hearty and meat-heavy, with lots of stews and roasted dishes. Along the coast, you’ll find excellent seafood and Italian influences. Don’t miss these local specialities:

• Njeguški pršut – dry-cured ham from Njeguši village

• Kačamak – a porridge made from cornmeal, potatoes and cheese

• Ispod sača – meat and vegetables slow-cooked ‘under the bell’

• Buzara – seafood stew with prawns, clams or mussels

With so much to see and do, Montenegro is a destination you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether you’re exploring famous places in Montenegro like Kotor and Budva, or discovering off-the-beaten-path spots, you’ll be blown away by the country’s natural beauty and warm hospitality.

Stay Connected in Montenegro with Airtel’s International Roaming Plan

One last tip – don’t forget to pack a good roaming plan. With Airtel’s Postpaid international plans, you can use your phone in Montenegro just like you would at home, without worrying about excessive charges. That means you can look up information, navigate with Google Maps, and stay connected with loved ones as you explore this incredible Montenegro tourist place.