Established as an independent country in 2006, the small Balkan nation of Montenegro is quickly
becoming a popular travel destination.
Gorgeous beaches, verdant mountains and postcard-perfect historic towns draw an increasing number of
visitors every year.
Add a mild Mediterranean climate into the mix, toss in opportunities for active pursuits
ranging from mountain biking to whitewater rafting, and it’s no wonder that tourism
is now the driving force behind Montenegro’s growing economy.
Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Montenegro:
Number 10.
Herceg Novi.
At the entrance of Kotor Bay is Herceg Novi, which translates as New Castle.
Herceg Novi is located right at the foot of Mount Orjen, and it is a scenic, historic
but pristine alternative to some of the larger coastal cities in the region.
The city dates back to the 14th century, and in that time several empires and cultures
have inundated and left reminders of their presence.
Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the area was known as Castelnuovo, and it was passed
through the hands of the Ottoman Empire, the Albania Veneta and even the Republic of Venice.
Number 9.
Lake Skadar.
As the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar sprawls across both the Montenegrin and Albanian
borders.
This long, snake-shaped lake flows through lush valleys, steep mountains, and even around
floating islands.
It’s also one of the country’s biggest nesting grounds for birds.
There are over 280 different species that call Lake Skadar home, including the Dalmatian
pelican and the great crested grebe.
The best time for bird watching is from late spring to autumn; however, you’ll still
be able to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities at any time of the year.
Number 8.
Sveti Stefan.
You’ve probably seen photos of Sveti Stefan plastered all over your Instagram feed.
This charming islet is actually a five-star resort, situated in the Adriatic coast along
the Budva Riviera.
A narrow isthmus connects it with the mainland.
Even if you don’t have the cash to splurge on one of their 50 rooms or cottages, you
can still marvel at Sveti Stefan from the two pebble beaches on either side of the isthmus.
The bright orange rooves of the resort surrounded by the shimmering blue waters are arguably
some of the most iconic symbols of Montenegro.
Number 7.
Mount Lovcen.
One of the most striking natural features in Montenegro, soaring Mount Lovcen is capped
by two mammoth peaks of granite.
Part of a national park, Mount Lovcen inspired Montenegro’s name and is a symbol of national
pride.
Climbs to the top of the mountain offer panoramic vistas of the fortified city of Kotor, the
surrounding hills and the Bay of Kotor.
With its circular viewing platform, the nearby Njegoš Mausoleum is a destination for sightseers
as well as for those who want to pay their respects to the poet and philosopher buried
there.
Number 6.
Cetinje.
Founded in the 15th century, Cetinje is best known for the many European embassies built
when the city served as Montenegro’s capital.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town’s inland valley location at the
edge of the Ottoman Empire made it a strategic spot for diplomacy.
Today, the elegant mansions constructed in the Continental architectural style have been
converted into to museums, academies and administrative buildings.
Other interesting sights include the 15th century Vlah Church with its fence made from
Ottoman rifles and the Cetinje Monastery with its collection of Early Christian Era relics.
Number 5.
Ostrog Monastery.
Situated high up in a giant rock, the Ostrog Monastery is the country’s most unusual
architectural site and a major Christian pilgrimage destination.
The entire monastery was carved out of a cave in a nearly vertical mountain cliff with only
the whitewashed façade left visible.
Built in the 17th century as a refuge against the Ottoman Empire, it houses the remains
of its founder, who was sainted after his death in 1671.
The monastery includes two inner cave churches ornamented by frescoes, some of which were
painted directly on the rock walls.
Number 4.
Perast.
Located to the northwest of Kotor and sharing the same gorgeous fjord-like bay, pretty Perast
is a small town notable for it stone-crafted villas and historic churches.
Two of the city’s picturesque chapels are situated on tiny islets, Our Lady of the Rocks
and St. George.
Back onshore, the Church of St. Nikola is worth a visit for the pleasant views that
a climb up to the belfry offers of the town and bay.
While there’s no beach in this bay-front city, the stone jetties along the waterfront
are popular places for sunbathing and relaxing.
Number 3.
Durmitor National Park.
Situated in the Dinaric Alps, the thickly forested Durmitor National Park is a paradise
for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The park includes the high-altitude peaks of the Durmitor Massif, 18 glacial lakes and
the Tara River, home to the world’s second deepest gorge.
Skiing and snowboarding are the main activities in winter while whitewater rafting, camping
and hiking attract visitors in the warm-weather season.
The park’s wildlife includes wild boars, brown bears, and the most varieties of butterflies
found anywhere in Europe.
Number 2.
Budva.
Located in the center point of Montenegro’s coastline, Budva boasts a picturesque Old
Town, an abundance of beaches and several important cultural institutions.
Dating back over 2,500 years, it’s one of the oldest preserved villages in the country.
It’s the city’s vibrant nightlife, however, that makes Budva the most popular place to
visit in Montenegro.
By night, revelers crowd the city’s many bars, clubs and restaurants, and then spend
the day relaxing at one of the many beaches in
the region.
Number 1.
Kotor.
Considered one of the best preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic coast, the fortified
town of Kotor is tucked against the steep mountains surrounding the deep channels of
the Bay of Kotor.
While Kotor’s architecture reflects the various empires that ruled over the region,
it is best known for its Venetian-flavored Old Town, which is dominated by the 12th-century
cathedral.
The church’s carved stone altar is an exquisite example of the stonemasonry skills Kotor was
known for in the Middle Ages.
Treks up the upper town walls to Kotor’s hilltop fortress reward hardy hikers with
breathtaking views of the city and deep-water bay.