List of places to visit in Montenegro – Montenegro trip
If there is one place that will surprise you, it is Montenegro. The small, mountainous country on the Balkan Peninsula rises off the Adriatic coast and is home to a population of almost 700,000 people.
Although not a very large place, it makes up for this with its cultural attractions and natural beauty. The best look? It only takes a few days to discover it all.
Montenegro gained its independence from Serbia in 2006 and has since established itself in the travel world. From breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor to boat trips on Lake Shkodra to the nightlife of Podgorica, here are our top tips for things to see and do on the beaches of this rising star.
1. Kotor: Places to Visit in Kotor
Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the pearl of the Montenegrin coast and every corner is fascinating. With city walls built into the mountains and red-tiled roofs, this fairytale land is popular with international cruise lines and Croatian tour operators. So you’ll have to hurry if you want to see it before everyone else.
Surrounded by a fjord-like landscape on the shores of Boka Kotorska (Boka Kotor Bay), Kotor was once one of the busiest ports on the Adriatic; Today it is one of the best preserved villages on the Montenegrin coast.
Enjoy romantic strolls through the narrow streets, take a scenic climb up the city walls, get your heart pumping or climb the Castle of San Giovanni for a breathtaking view of the bay.
A fact little known to avid travelers is that Kotor is home to quite a number of cats.
Kotor served as a trading port for ships for centuries, and over time the town has been populated by many of our beloved four-legged friends, with many of the cats staying on board.
According to another legend, the city was infested with worrying numbers of snakes and mice, and cats were introduced to protect the city and its inhabitants. Whatever the truth, they are now considered lucky symbols across the country. You can also visit the Cat Museum and the Cats of Kotor store to satisfy your cat hunger.
When you get hungry, head to Trpeza, a beautifully designed seafood restaurant just a few steps from the historic Church of St. Luke in the center of Kotor.
We can say that Montenegrin cuisine is a perfect blend of Slavic, Italian and Greek cuisine; Expect mouth-watering flavors here, ranging from seafood risotto and baked fish to salads with feta cheese and fresh vegetables.
2. Perast Man-Made Islands and Local Cuisine
Boka Kotorska is considered the southernmost fjord in Europe and is arguably the most fascinating tourist destination in Montenegro.
There are numerous historic towns in the area, rich in history and culture, but the best preserved is the medieval town of Perast, just 20 minutes drive from Kotor.
Although Perast is a very small town with only one main street, there are many historic churches and palaces. Don’t waste time and visit the Conte Restaurant’s seafront area in the Conte Hotel and taste local Montenegrin specialties such as Njeguši Sir (cheese) and Njeguši Pršut (ham) produced in the neighboring town of Njeguši.
When you’re full, find one of the local boat operators and set sail for the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks.This island is one of the two artificial islands of Çetine. It is made up of small rocks and has a museum with the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, which is very popular with Catholic visitors for a reason.
According to legend, in 1452 two seafarers found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the shallow part of the bay. These two people and the people of Perast decided to build an island and a chapel (later converted into a church) on the exact same spot to honor the Virgin Mary.
3. A Scenic Cultural Capital
Cetinje, the former royal capital of Montenegro, is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the bay and boasts a rich history and a plethora of cultural attractions that reflect its distinguished past.
The city was founded at the foot of Mount Lovćen at the end of the 15th century and has since developed into the cultural heart of Montenegro. This city is also home to the National Museum of Montenegro, the country’s most important museum, which consists of four museums and two galleries and depicts the country’s history from ancient times to the end of the 20th century.
Çetine is also one of the must-see places for nature lovers. This is a good starting point for visiting the majestic Njegoš Mausoleum and Lovćen National Park, which on sunny days offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the Bay of Kotor and even Lake Shkodra.
4. Budva: Places To Visit In Budva
For those of you who are wondering where Budva is located, we will explain it to you: if you drive towards the coast, about 30 kilometers from Cetinje, you will find Budva, the most visited tourist destination in Montenegro.
Known as the Miami of Montenegro, this popular coastal town attracts beachgoers and sunbathers alike as Budva’s nightlife is quite active. But in Budva you will find much more.
The history of Budva dates back to the 5th century BC. back. C. is reminiscent of Dubrovnik in Croatia with its architecture, but offers fewer tourists and better value for money.
You can go to the historic district to see the best examples of impressive architecture.This area, called Stari Grad by the locals, is surrounded by medieval fortifications and has all the elements one would expect of a historic site with its castle, towers and gate. When strolling through the city, you should definitely visit the fortress, which was built on the ruins of the defenses of earlier centuries.
If you still can’t forget these beaches, you can find the beach in the historic district of Budva near the castle overlooking the old city walls. If you are looking for a less crowded alternative, you can choose Jaz (one of the three largest beaches on the Montenegrin coast) 2.5 km from Budva.Looking for more options? How about Becici, considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic, or Kamenovo, famous for its crystal clear water surrounded by mountains?
5. Petrovac: Hidden Treasure of the Adriatic Sea
There are many towns and beaches on the Montenegrin coast that tourists just can’t resist, ignoring the appeal of the more popular destinations.
Petrovac belongs to those places that have not yet been affected by mass tourism and is the perfect place for those looking for peace and comfort. Two of the main sites to visit here are Kastio, the small Venetian fortress with entrance to the town’s harbor and stunning views of the turquoise waters below, and the other, 4th-century Roman mosaics housed in a Olive tree grove were discovered in 1902.
The best reason to visit Petrovac, however, is the stunning beaches. Petrovac beach where you can find all kinds of resorts, lush Lucice beach with lush vegetation and secluded Buljarica beach make this town an ideal destination for all types of tourists looking for a relaxing vacation.
Once you have enough rest, you can stop at the port and take one of the boats to Katič, an island where you will find a small cave to explore.
6. Ülgün: A Little Albanian Touch
If you continue along the coast towards the Albanian border, you will reach Ülgün, where the majority of the population (60%) are Albanians and Albanians living in Montenegro.
Although it is one of the least known areas of Balkan tourism, it is worth a visit if you are looking for a quiet, comfortable place with a beautiful view.
Ülgün is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic and like most towns on the Montenegrin coast, it has a historic district (stari grad) with narrow cobbled streets, stone walls, a fortress and good restaurants.
You can enjoy the unique view with fish soup and salad in the Taphana Restaurant, a family restaurant right at the beginning of the old town.
7. Lake Shkodra: Sightseeing on the Waters of Lake Shkodra
Head inland again from the coast and prepare yourself for an extraordinary experience.
Lake Shkodra and its national park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and locals looking to escape the busy streets of the capital. They offer everything from high mountains to pretty fishing villages, small islands and castles. ancient.
This dolphin-shaped lake is the largest lake in the Balkans and is located between Montenegro and Albania, but most of it is on the Montenegrin side. Don’t forget to explore the small fishing village of Virpazar at the north end of the lake. From here you can take a boat trip on the lake, rent a canoe, or try cycling or walking routes (both are very popular activities for all levels all year round).
The island has monasteries and churches for culture lovers to explore, and there are numerous beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters on hot days.
While you’re in the area, you might want to snap a photo of the train tracks that divide the lake. The twice-daily Bar-Belgrade train offers a very nice view from the lake shore.
8. Podgorica: Places To Visit In Podgorica
Beaches, mountains, historic towns, lakes… Montenegro has it all. But you wouldn’t have fully seen this great country without a day trip to the capital.
The magic of Podgorica is different from that of Kotor, Perast or Budva. Streets are dominated by Ottoman ruins and Brutalist blocks, but some great art galleries, plenty of parks and gardens, and a vibrant nightlife make Podgorica a place worth visiting.
Stroll through the city and discover important sights: the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, the Millennium Bridge over the Morača River, the Millennium Bridge supported by cables, St. Peter’s Basilica.George with its spooky garden and the historic district of Stara Varoš.
Don’t forget to spend some time at the Podgorica Center for Modern Art, housed in the former palace of King Nikola Petrovic and regularly hosting exhibitions of local artists.
We have good news for wine lovers: Plantaže in Podgorica is home to Europe’s largest vineyard with more than 11 million vines. You can taste the wines of the last harvest by joining the tour and visiting the magnificent cellars. What better way to end your holiday than with a good glass of wine in hand?
