Montenegro genuinely surprised me. This Balkan gem packs so much into such a tiny country – I found myself stopping the car every few minutes just to stare at another incredible view. One day I’d be soaking up the sun in the Bay of Kotor, the next hiking through pristine national parks where time stands still.
From the walled towns dotting the Adriatic coast to the rugged peaks of Durmitor, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Montenegro that left me in awe. Here are my 12 favorite spots that prove small countries can pack the biggest punch.
👉 Find Your Perfect Montenegro Accommodation
👉 My Favorite Tour in Montenegro
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Montenegro
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Montenegrin adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last winter, I flew to Male for just $445 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Skip the tourist spots in Kotor’s Old Town and head to local konobas just outside the walls – prices drop by half for the same Montenegrin dishes. In Budva, the green market vendors sell fresh burek and cevapi for breakfast at local prices. For coastal trips, stock up at the IDEA supermarkets. Their deli section offers perfect picnic supplies for beach days.
- Transport: I recommend using the efficient intercity buses. Book at the station rather than online for better rates. For Bay of Kotor exploring, the Blue Line bus connects all the small towns for a fraction of boat tour prices. Consider basing yourself in Perast or Herceg Novi instead of Kotor. You’ll save on accommodation while enjoying less crowded waterfronts.
Montenegro may have a reputation for being the next Croatia, but there are plenty of ways to experience its incredible coastline and mountains on a budget. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Montenegro:
The Prettiest Places to Visit in Montenegro
Montenegro feels like Europe’s best kept secret. Trust me – after watching the sunset over stone villages and pristine bays, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t talking about this place. Let me show you what makes it so special!
1. Black Lake
- 📍 Location: Žabljak, Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 🥾 Hikers, 🌲 nature lovers, 🧘 peaceful travelers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the forest loop trail, renting a rowboat, watching sunrise over the lake
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for clear skies and warm temperatures 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Soa – Cozy mountain hotel with forest views just a short walk from the lake
Black Lake (Crno Jezero) is one of Montenegro’s most magical natural spots. Tucked inside Durmitor National Park, this glacier-fed lake sits at the base of towering peaks and is surrounded by thick pine forests. It’s actually two lakes—Big and Small—that connect during the rainy season and split apart in summer.
A well-maintained loop trail circles the lake, making it easy to explore on foot without needing a guide. It’s a peaceful walk, and the reflections of the mountains in the water are unreal. Rowboats are available for rent if you want a different vantage point or just a quiet float near the edge.
Nearby cafés and benches make this a perfect spot to relax after a hike. Black Lake is ideal if you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a slice of untouched alpine beauty at your own pace.
2. Bukumirsko Lake and the Komovi Mountain
- 📍 Location: Kuči region, Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 🏞️ Off-the-beaten-path travelers, 🥾 alpine hikers, 📸 photographers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking around the lake, photographing Komovi’s jagged peaks, camping under the stars
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for dry trails and blooming meadows 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Komovi – Simple mountain hotel with local meals and easy access to hiking routes
Bukumirsko Lake is a peaceful, high-altitude escape surrounded by alpine meadows and the dramatic backdrop of the Komovi Mountain range. Located in the less-touristy Kuči region, it offers some of the best remote hiking and nature photography opportunities in Montenegro.
The lake itself is small but incredibly scenic, reflecting the jagged peaks of Komovi on a calm day. Hikers can follow nearby trails for short walks or longer treks into the surrounding mountains. While it’s a great day trip from Podgorica, camping is also popular for those who want a quiet night under the stars.
Since the area isn’t heavily developed, it’s best to come prepared with snacks and supplies. If you’re seeking something quieter than the busier national parks, Bukumirsko Lake delivers raw natural beauty with hardly any crowds and unbeatable mountain scenery.
3. Durmitor
- 📍 Location: Žabljak, Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 🏔️ Adventure lovers, 🥾 serious hikers, ❄️ winter sports fans
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing Bobotov Kuk, skiing in Žabljak, exploring glacial lakes and canyons
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to September for hiking, December to March for snow sports ⛷️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Polar Star – Alpine-style lodge with hearty breakfasts and mountain views
Durmitor National Park is Montenegro’s adventure capital, packed with limestone peaks, deep canyons, and over a dozen glacier lakes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers something for every season, from hiking and rafting in summer to skiing in winter.
The most famous summit here is Bobotov Kuk, which stands at 8,274 feet and rewards climbers with panoramic views that stretch across the Balkans. You’ll also find scenic trails, peaceful pine forests, and wildflower-filled meadows that change colors with the seasons.
In colder months, Durmitor transforms into a snowy playground. Žabljak becomes a hub for skiers, snowboarders, and those looking to try snowshoeing or sledding. It’s an ideal destination for travelers who want a real outdoor challenge surrounded by some of the most rugged scenery in the country.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
4. Gornji Stoliv
- 📍 Location: Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 🧗♂️ Hikers, 🧘 peace seekers, 🌄 slow travelers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the stone path to the village, visiting St. Ilija Church, taking in Bay of Kotor views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for warm hiking weather and clear skies 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Palazzo Radomiri Heritage Hotel – Restored seafront villa with mountain views and easy trail access
Gornji Stoliv is a hidden hillside village overlooking the Bay of Kotor. To reach it, you’ll hike an old stone path that winds up from Donji Stoliv, passing chestnut trees, wildflowers, and crumbling ruins along the way. It’s a quiet, atmospheric climb that feels like stepping back in time.
At the top, you’ll find St. Ilija Church, some traditional stone houses, and sweeping views over the bay below. The area is mostly abandoned, adding a peaceful, untouched feel to the experience. It’s a great hike if you want something short but rewarding.
Make sure to bring water and proper shoes, since the path can be uneven in spots. Gornji Stoliv is perfect for travelers who enjoy history, nature, and getting away from the main tourist zones without needing to go far from the coast.
5. Kotor Old Town
- 📍 Location: Kotor, Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 🏰 History buffs, 🛍️ casual explorers, 📷 Instagrammers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing Kotor Fortress, walking the medieval walls, visiting St. Tryphon Cathedral
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to avoid cruise crowds 🚢
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Monte Cristo – Historic boutique hotel in a restored 13th-century building inside the Old Town
Kotor Old Town is Montenegro’s best-preserved medieval town, set inside ancient city walls at the foot of a fjord-like bay. Narrow alleys lead to stone squares, cathedrals, and fortress gates that date back to Venetian times. It’s a compact, walkable town packed with photo ops around every corner.
Climb the San Giovanni Fortress steps early in the day for panoramic views over the red-tiled rooftops and sparkling bay. You can also stop into small museums, local cafés, or artisan shops that line the winding streets. Despite its popularity, it still feels authentic if you go early or off-season.
Staying within the walls puts you close to everything, but it can get busy midday. Kotor is a must for any traveler interested in Montenegrin history, architecture, and coastal charm all in one place.
6. Lake Skadar
- 📍 Location: Montenegro–Albania border
- 🏆 Best For: 🦆 Birdwatchers, 🛶 kayakers, 🍇 wine lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Boating past lily fields, birdwatching at dawn, wine tasting in nearby villages
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for bird migrations and blooming water lilies 🪻
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Eco Resort Cermeniza – Rustic vineyard stay near the lake with homegrown food and local tours
Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and one of Montenegro’s most biodiverse spots. The Montenegrin side is a protected national park filled with wetland trails, island monasteries, and villages that still live off fishing and winemaking. It’s peaceful, authentic, and full of surprises for travelers who love nature and slower experiences.
Birdwatchers flock here in spring and fall, when pelicans, herons, and other rare species pass through. The lily-covered waters are best explored by kayak or boat, especially in the early morning when it’s quiet. Birding tours are easy to book at Virpazar, and some even include lunch by the shore.
Nearby villages like Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevića are great bases for day trips, boat rentals, and sampling homemade rakija. Lake Skadar is ideal for travelers who want to combine eco-tourism, scenery, and a bit of rustic charm.
- Read next: Beautiful Places in Albania
7. Ostrog Monastery
- 📍 Location: Near Danilovgrad, Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 🙏 Pilgrims, 🏔️ scenic views, 📜 culture seekers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Upper Monastery, lighting a candle inside the cave chapel, admiring the cliffside setting
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for easier access and dry weather ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Sokoline – Hilltop stay with views of the valley and easy monastery access
Ostrog Monastery is Montenegro’s most important pilgrimage site and one of its most visually striking landmarks. Built into a vertical cliff, this whitewashed monastery appears to grow straight out of the mountain rock and draws visitors from across the Balkans.
The Upper Monastery is the main highlight and holds the relics of Saint Basil, attracting Orthodox Christians and curious travelers alike. Reaching it involves a winding road and a short walk uphill, but the panoramic views from the top make it more than worth it.
Visitors should wear modest clothing and plan extra time if visiting on a holiday. There’s also a Lower Monastery you can stop at along the way. Ostrog offers insight into Montenegro’s spiritual life and gives a unique perspective on the country’s religious traditions and architectural resilience.
8. Pavlova Strana Viewpoint
- 📍 Location: Near Rijeka Crnojevića, Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 📷 Scenic photographers, 🚗 road trippers, 🌿 nature lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Stopping at the curved lookout, drone photography over the river bend, exploring nearby villages
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for greenery and calm weather 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Pelikan – Cozy stay in Rijeka Crnojevića with riverside views and boat tour options
Pavlova Strana Viewpoint is one of Montenegro’s most iconic photo stops, known for its dramatic horseshoe bend of the Crnojević River. Tucked in the hills near Lake Skadar National Park, this overlook feels remote even though it’s just a short drive from main roads and villages.
It’s especially popular with photographers at sunrise or sunset, when the light hits the winding river and lush hills. If you have a drone, this is one of the best places in the country to use it. The viewpoint doesn’t require hiking, but the roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully.
After snapping photos, head down to Rijeka Crnojevića for a relaxing boat ride or a riverside meal. Pavlova Strana is perfect for road trippers who want a peaceful stop with some of Montenegro’s most breathtaking natural scenery.
9. Perast
- 📍 Location: Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 🚤 Island hoppers, 🏛️ culture lovers, ☀️ relaxed travelers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks, strolling along the stone promenade, exploring baroque churches
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm weather and calm seas 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Monte Bay Retreat – Cliffside hotel near Perast with panoramic views and private terraces
Perast is a tiny baroque town on the Bay of Kotor that looks frozen in time. It’s known for its elegant stone buildings, narrow alleys, and the twin islands floating just offshore. The vibe here is calm and romantic, with no cars allowed in the main town center.
One of the top things to do is take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a church and small museum. Back on land, the promenade is lined with cafés, historic houses, and little churches that are open to visitors.
Perast is much quieter than Kotor and works well as a half-day trip or an overnight stop. It’s a great fit for travelers who want a peaceful coastal escape without the cruise ship crowds that visit bigger towns.
10. Piva River Canyon
- 📍 Location: Northwestern Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 🚗 Scenic drives, 📷 photographers, 🚣 adventure seekers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the canyon road, admiring Piva Lake views, rafting nearby rivers
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for clear roads and canyon visibility ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Ethno Village Izlazak – Rustic cabins near the canyon with views of the lake and homemade food
The Piva River Canyon is often overshadowed by Tara, but it’s just as impressive with its winding turquoise river and massive limestone cliffs. The road carved into the rock is an adventure in itself, with over 50 tunnels and hairpin turns that deliver constant views of the canyon and Piva Lake.
The drive from Plužine toward the Durmitor region is one of the most scenic in the country. Piva Lake, an artificial reservoir, adds even more color to the already stunning landscape and offers stops for picnics or short hikes. It’s quieter than other popular routes.
If you enjoy road trips or plan to combine multiple national parks, this route makes for a perfect scenic detour. The canyon also links well with rafting trips in nearby rivers, giving you a mix of peaceful scenery and active exploration.
11. Stari Bar
- 📍 Location: Bar, Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 🏺 History lovers, 🎒 explorers, 🏚️ ruin wanderers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the fortress ruins, visiting the old aqueduct, tasting olives in local markets
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June or September to avoid peak heat and tour groups 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Stara Čaršija Hotel – Stylish hotel at the foot of the old town with rooftop dining and sea views
Stari Bar is the crumbled and atmospheric old town above modern Bar, where time seems to stand still. The ruins sprawl across a hilltop and include Ottoman, Venetian, and Slavic elements, all surrounded by olive groves and mountain slopes.
You can explore the fortress walls, peek into partially standing churches, and walk under the restored aqueduct that used to bring water to the town. There’s also a market area nearby where you can try local olive oil and Montenegrin snacks. Entrance is low-cost and self-guided.
The town below has a few local cafés and art shops, but most of the charm is in the silence and scale of the ruins. Stari Bar is great for slow walkers and anyone who enjoys imagining the layers of history in stone and earth.
12. Tara River Canyon
- 📍 Location: Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
- 🏆 Best For: 🛶 Rafters, 🌲 outdoor lovers, 🏕️ campers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Whitewater rafting, walking the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, hiking along the canyon rim
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for rafting and open trails 🥾
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Motel Tara MB – Comfortable lodge right next to Đurđevića Tara Bridge
The Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and a highlight for adventure travelers. It cuts through Durmitor National Park, offering a wild landscape of pine forests, sheer cliffs, and fast-moving water. The canyon runs over 80 kilometers and reaches depths of more than 4,000 feet.
Rafting is the most popular way to experience it, especially in the spring and early summer when the water is high. If rafting isn’t your thing, you can walk or drive across the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, which gives incredible views from above. Ziplining is also offered at the bridge.
Campsites and rafting bases are dotted along the river, offering full experiences with meals and guided tours. The canyon delivers both adrenaline and solitude, depending on how you choose to explore it. It’s a must for nature lovers visiting Montenegro.
