Montenegro offers everything — scenic views, history, and many fun activities. What should you do? Here are the 10 best things to do in Montenegro.
Tourism in Montenegro is on the rise. It’s hoped that 30 percent of the country’s GDP will be made up of tourism by 2030. If you’re planning your own Montenegro vacation, you might be wondering what the best things to do in Montenegro are.
Foreigners tend to know little about this small Balkan state, and that’s a huge shame. The nation is chock-full of beautiful scenery, friendly people, and masses of history.
We’re here to right that wrong. We’ve pulled together a list of the best things to do in Montenegro, whatever it is that you’re interested in.
Ready to discover some of the best-kept secrets of Montenegro and plan a once-in-a-lifetime vacation? Then read on!
1. Visit Budva
Do you want to enjoy one of the ritziest places that Montenegro has to offer? A visit to Budva is one of the must-do things to do in Montenegro if you like the high life.
The marina is home to yachts and amazing nightlife, while Jaz Beach plays host to the fantastic Sea Dance Festival. Budva was ruled by the Venetian Republic for over 400 years, and the Stari Grad (old town), plays host to stunning Venetian architecture.
The Citadella, churches, museums, and breathtaking architecture are a superb accompaniment to the glitz and glamour of modern Budva.
2. See the Natural Beauty of the Bay of Kotor
Cruise ships often stop at the beautiful Bay of Kotor and with good reason! It’s easily one of the most beautiful places to see on your Montenegro vacation.
Huge mountains seem to jut out of crystal blue water, looking like the fjords of Norway. The city of Kotor is well worth seeing: it’s a majestic walled city full of museums. Views of the city are dominated by St. John’s Fortress, and we’d recommend visiting this spot.
One of the best things to do in Montenegro is to take a cruise out onto the bay. It’s like nowhere else on Earth. To learn more, check out this guide.
3. Stay at Sveti Stefan
If you want to experience one of the best resorts that Montenegro has to offer, then you should stay at Sveti Stefan. This island, near Budva, has 50 different rooms and suites to stay in, each one a work of art.
Step onto the pink sandy beaches and go for a swim in the Adriatic. You might even see some celebrities, with this resort a favorite of the rich and famous.
While it’s expensive, we think that enjoying an amazing seafood dinner while watching the waves come in is worth it.
4. Visit the Blue Grotto
This is one Montenegro travel tip that you might not see in a guidebook. Head to the Lustica Peninsula and you’ll be met with quaint villages and this incredible natural wonder.
The water in the blue grotto is almost fluorescent in its shade of blue. The shape of the cave and the sand on its bed all come together to produce this incredible natural wonder. Taking a boat trip to the Blue Grotto is sure to be one of your favorite things to do in Montenegro.
5. Climb Mount Lovcen
If you’re wondering why Montenegro is called Montenegro, look to Mount Lovcen. Climbing this mountain is a must, with its incredible views over Kotor.
The mountain is part of the Lovcen National Park, which you could spend days in. We’d recommend visiting Ivanova Korita. This resort is popular with all ages and includes a ski slope for those of you who love winter sports.
While at Mount Lovcen, you need to visit the Njegos Mausoleum. Dedicated to the memory of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, the mausoleum is a work of art. Inside the chapel, you’ll find a huge eagle containing his remains beneath a golden ceiling.
6. Hike in Biogradska Gora
If you love hiking, skiing, mountain biking, or a host of other outdoor activities, you will love Biogradska Gora. One of only three untouched virgin forests in Europe, this forest is Montenegran nature at its very finest. Huge trees, deep undergrowth, mountain lakes and more all await you at this national park.
Hiking trails are common and you can take an off-road vehicle into the national park if you’d prefer. A snapshot of ancient Europe that’s protected from human interference, Biogradska Gora is one of the best natural sights to see on your Montenegro vacation.
7. Raft Down Tara Canyon
After the Grand Canyon, Tara Canyon is the deepest canyon in the world. If you love whitewater rafting, this is the place in Montenegro to do it.
We also recommend going to the Durdevica Tara Bridge. This bridge sits 564 feet above the Canyon’s floor and boasts incredible views. For the daredevils among you, you can also take a zipline from the bridge: just make sure that you’ve got a head for heights before you do!
8. Soak Up the Capital
What Montenegro vacation would be complete without a visit to the capital, Podgorica? One of the prettiest cities in the Balkans, Podgorica is a real mix of old and new architecture that makes for some amazing holiday pictures.
Occupied by the Ottomans for hundreds of years, the capital is where the “east meets west” history of Montenegro is at its most prominent. In the old town, Stari Varos, mosques rub shoulders with the cathedral.
For those interested in the history of the region, visiting Podgorica is one of the most important things to do in Montenegro.
Want More Things to Do in Montenegro?
While we’ve given you a good selection of things to do in Montenegro, this list is far from exhaustive and is meant to pique your interest. We hope it’s done that!
If you’re interested in booking a trip to this stunning nation, then dig into its history and modern attractions. Make a list of everywhere you want to go, then see how much you can do on one vacation!
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