Montenegro is a stunning country with historic towns, picturesque beaches, and dramatic mountains that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The best way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes is to rent a car in Podgorica and set off on your own adventure.
Find the 10 best places to visit in Montenegro in our guide.
#1. Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor is Montenegro’s most stunning natural wonder.
The bay is a series of several smaller bays on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with historic towns like Kotor, Perast, and Risan, the Bay of Kotor is a perfect place to spend a few days exploring.
Go hiking, visit historic churches, and dine on fresh seafood.
#2. Durmitor National Park
Located in northern Montenegro, Durmitor National Park is one of Montenegro’s top attractions.
The park is home to stunning mountains, glacial lakes, and dense pine forests. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking the park’s many trails in the summer and skiing on the park’s slopes in the winter.
Must-see attractions include Crno Jezero, also known as the Black Lake and the Tara River Canyon.
#3. Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is a picturesque island town on the Montenegrin coast that is connected to the mainland by a tombolo causeway. The historic town was once a fishing village and is now home to luxury beach resorts.
Even if you cannot afford to stay overnight, spending a day strolling through the stone-paved streets, sunbathing on the pink sand beaches, and dining at one of the island’s upscale restaurants is a delight.
#4. Old Town Kotor
Kotor is a historic walled city on the Bay of Kotor that should not be missed.
The old town is filled with Venetian architecture, historic churches, and winding alleyways. Walk the city walls for panoramic views of the bay, visit the Maritime Museum, and simply get lost wandering the charming cobblestone streets.
Kotor comes alive at night, so stick around to dine al fresco on tasty local fare and grab a drink while listening to live music.
#5. Ostrog Monastery
Carved into a sheer cliff face, Ostrog Monastery is one of the most stunning monasteries in the Balkans.
The monastery is open 24 hours a day and attracts both religious pilgrims and casual visitors gazing in wonder at its dramatic setting. The Lower Monastery contains the tomb of Saint Basil of Ostrog, who the monastery is dedicated too.
There are also remnants of frescoes on the walls of its chapel.
#6. Perast
The coastal town of Perast sits opposite the town of Kotor on the Bay of Kotor.
Once an important naval base during Venetian rule, Perast remains an unspoiled example of Venetian architecture with picturesque stone villas and churches along its waterfront promenade.
The town’s most famous landmarks are St. George Church sitting on a man-made island in the bay and Lesendro Tower, a defensive tower you can climb for panoramic views of Kotor Bay.
#7. Budva
Budva is Montenegro’s premier beach town located on the country’s Adriatic coast. Budva’s beaches attract sun seekers during the summer months, while Budva’s charming old town, filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife, makes it a popular destination all year round.
Visit the Citadel, a 15th-century fortress ruin that now serves as an outdoor concert venue, and the Museum of the Town of Budva to learn about the area’s history. When the sun goes down, Budva’s bars and nightclubs rev up for a night of partying along the beach promenades.
#8. Podgorica
As Montenegro’s capital city, Podgorica is worth exploring for at least a day. Compared to Montenegro’s coastal towns, Podgorica has more of an urban vibe with government buildings, businesses, and a university.
Starting from Gorica Hill, stroll through the Old Town, checking out historic sites like the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ and the Clock Tower. For panoramic city views, head to nearby Gorica Park.
#9. Skadar Lake
Skadar Lake is the largest lake in the Balkans, bordering Montenegro and Albania. The lake is surrounded by mountains and fed by springs, creating a lush habitat for birds, fish, and plants.
Boat tours of the lake visit isolated stone monasteries, scenic villages, and a pelican habitat. On the Montenegrin side of the lake, the town of Virpazar is a great base for outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and bird-watching.
#10. Bar
The port town of Bar on Montenegro’s southern coast has a long and turbulent history dating back over 2,000 years. Today Bar is a low-key beach town with an interesting Old Town, historic churches, and archaeological sites.
Walk the ruins of Stari Bar (Old Bar), a medieval walled city destroyed in an earthquake, and visit Bar’s olive groves, some of the oldest in Europe. The nightlife in Bar is more laid-back than in the party towns of Budva and Kotor.
Is it worth visiting Montenegro?
With stunning beaches, historic towns, mountain lakes, canyons, and monasteries, Montenegro offers an incredible variety of attractions for every traveler.
Podgorica car rental makes it easy to explore all the natural and man-made beauty this small Balkan country has to offer at your own pace. What are you waiting for? Start planning your Montenegrin road trip today!