Things to do and see in Montenegro
Discover the top things to do in Montenegro: from its rugged mountains and quaint villages to the mesmerizing Adriatic coastline.
Nestled in the heart of Southeastern Europe, Montenegro has a plethora of things to do and see. Its rugged mountains, small villages, and stunning strip of the Adriatic Sea are a testament to its charm and diversity. All kinds of adventures await, and what better way to experience them than from the comfort of your own, personal car rental. Rent a car at MontenegroCar and dive into an unforgettable adventure.
Explore the South of the Country and its vibrant Coastal Towns
Bay of Kotor
Known for the picturesque Bay of Kotor and its quaint, coastal towns along its shores, adorned with pebbled and stone beaches, Montenegro captures the visitors’ hearts with its landscapes. The Bay of Kotor, often described as the southernmost fjord in Europe, leaves people breathless with its crystal-clear waters set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Rent a car in Kotor and explore its historic Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ample charm and splendid architecture. Surrounded by 9th-century fortifications, the town stands proudly beneath the imposing shadow of the San Giovanni Fortress. While summers in Kotor are brimming with tourists, the winters are highlighted by the city’s annual Winter Carnival. This year’s festivities run from February 25th to March 5th.
Perast
Perast, a small but historically rich town near Kotor, is yet another must-see destination, a testament to Montenegro’s maritime history. With its elegant palaces, charming museums, and the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks Island, it offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. For an island visit or a leisurely cruise around the bay, numerous boat rentals are available at reasonable prices, just along the coast of Perast.
Herceg Novi
At the entrance of Boka Bay is yet another enchanting seaside town, Herceg Novi - the city of stairs. Here, medieval fortresses and verdant terraced gardens tell tales of centuries gone by. Adorned with an array of exotic plants, offering a vibrant, fragrant embrace to every visitor, it is a starting point for many tours in Montenegro, so let it also be the start of your own adventure, rent a car in Herceg Novi and marvel at its beauty.
Budva
On the other hand, if you are more interested in late-night revelry, we suggest you visit Budva. Often dubbed the “Miami of Montenegro”, the city boasts legendary nightlife, with numerous clubs that guarantee an unforgettable party under the Mediterranean sky. As the sun rises, stroll through the narrow cobblestone lanes of the Old Town of Budva, explore the ancient city walls and enjoy local cuisine in a cosy traditional restaurant. A 10-minute drive away is the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan, with its sandy beaches and exclusive resort frequented by the elite.
Ulcinj
Of all the things to do in Montenegro, visiting Ulcinj and its famous Long Beach (the longest beach on the Adriatic coast) should be on your itinerary. Ulcinj is a heaven for sun-seekers, adventurers, and those yearning for a serene retreat. In summer the beach is dotted with kitesurfers dancing with the wind, families basking in the sun, and young people camping along the shores. Ulcinj’s Old Town, with its robust stone walls and vibrant bazaar, offers a stark yet harmonious contrast to the natural allure of Long Beach, presenting a journey through time amidst Ottoman architecture and captivating sea vistas.
Bar
Approximately an hour away from the capital of Montenegro, the town of Bar is a beautiful place for taking a stroll or drinking a warm cup of tea by the seaside. Famous for the oldest olive tree in Europe, now a symbol of Bar, Montenegro prides itself on this 2,000-year-old olive tree and the old town of Stari Bar, where the tree resides. You can also experience the local tradition of olive picking in late autumn, followed by tasting some of the finest Montenegrin olive oil.
Exploring North and Central Montenegro
Durmitor National Park
The northern and central parts of Montenegro, open a window into the emerald forests, high mountain peaks, deep canyons, and glacier lakes. In the rugged terrains of the north, Durmitor National Park invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its UNESCO-listed spaces, boasting majestic peaks, deep canyons, and the strikingly beautiful Black Lake. Savin Kuk Ski Resort is the place to be in the colder months. Winter transforms this area into a snowy wonderland, with skiers and snowboarders taking to the slopes of this renowned Žabljak ski resort. It stands at 2,313 metres and is covered in thick snow, making it a favourite spot for all those who want to indulge in activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Accommodations range from cosy mountain cabins and guesthouses to more upscale hotel options. Some establishments offer ski-in/ski-out convenience, while others provide a peaceful retreat a bit further from the slopes. Savin Kuk Ski Resort is accessible via road, and during the winter months, it's crucial to have a vehicle equipped to handle snowy and potentially icy conditions.
For adrenaline junkies, canyoning and white water rafting are the most popular things to do in Montenegro in the warmer months. With canyoning locations like Nevidio, Medjurecje, and Vrulja, one can navigate the narrow gorges, slide down waterfalls, and experience nature up close. Nevidio Canyon is one of the last conquered canyons in Europe, only discovered in the late 20th century. Canyoning here offers an exhilarating experience as adventurers navigate the narrow gorges, crystal-clear pools, steep rocks, and cascading waterfalls. The sheer cliffs are often close to such an extent that the sky is hardly visible, hence the name. The entire canyoning experience in Nevidio can last about 3-5 hours, depending on the group’s pace and experience level. The canyon is located near Žabljak and is a part of the Durmitor National Park. Ensure to get an SUV or an off-road vehicle, like a Dacia Duster or Citroen Crosser, to reach these slightly remote areas comfortably.
Tara River Canyon
Not to be overshadowed, Tara River Canyon offers one of the most thrilling white-water rafting experiences in Europe. The river, known as the "Tear of Europe", boasts the continent's deepest river canyon and is adorned with cascades, clear waters, and a lush green environment. Rafting down the Tara River provides adventurers with an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the pristine beauty of its surroundings while navigating its exciting rapids. Guided tours, ranging from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging sections, ensure that both novices and seasoned rafters can experience the thrill. It's truly an immersive experience as the cool water splashes around and the echoing sound of the river reverberates amidst the scenic cliffs.
Biogradska Gora National Park
Moving towards the central region, the Biogradska Gora National Park unveils one of Europe’s last three rainforests, offering serene boat rides on Lake Biograd and hiking trails that meander through lush, ancient woodlands. It is a part of the Kolašin municipality, which is an escpecially popular winter destination. Its ski resorts, Kolašin 1450 and Kolašin 1600, are well-equipped to provide thrilling adventures for ski and snowboard lovers. Boasting a generous 45 kilometres of available slopes, suitable for both beginners and more advanced winter sports enthusiasts, navigated by seven lifts, it offers a snowy escape with stunning panoramic views of the snow-covered mountain ranges. Initially launched as Jezerine in 1991, and experiencing several rebrandings before settling on Kolašin 1450, the resort saw a neighboring addition, Kolašin 1600, in 2019. In the 2021/22 season, the two were conjoined by a 6-person chairlift and additional slopes, elevating the resort to over 2,000 meters and ensuring dependable snow conditions.
Meanwhile, the Ostrog Monastery, miraculously embedded into an almost vertical cliff, provides not only a spiritual retreat but also awe-inspiring views over the Bjelopavlići plain.
Cetinje
The central town of Cetinje, once the seat of Montenegro’s rulers, now serves as a gateway into the nation’s rich history and culture, where cobbled streets, museums, and former embassies narrate tales of Montenegro's intriguing past. Looming above is Lovćen, a mountain and a national park, distinguished for its beauty and historical significance, being the final resting place of Petar II Petrović Njegoš. At its peak stands the highest mausoleum in the world - the Mausoleum of Njegoš.
There are many things to do in Montenegro, and every one of them is easily accessible by car. You can see the north on the same day as the southern part of the country, and therein lies the beauty of Montenegro. Montenegrocar, is the leading rent-a-car agency in the country and provides the best service. Every vehicle within our extensive fleet guarantees top-notch quality and assures your safety. Check out the current special offers and rent a car at the best price and make your ideal holiday happen.
Whether it's the call of the wild, the serenity of nature, or the whisper of history that stirs your soul, you will find a diverse array of experiences and things to do in Montenegro, each carefully cradled in the arms of its mesmerizing landscapes.