Montenegro is one of the most exciting destinations in Europe. Still very underrated and neglected by western travelers, this hidden gem of the Adriatic Sea is a perfect spot for all sorts of adventurers, from beach lovers to extreme sports aficionados. If you want to have your Montenegrin adventure before the place gets overrun with tourists, here’s a perfect itinerary for your upcoming trip:
Start your adventure in Kotor
Probably the most popular spot in Montenegro is Kotor, a very romantic old city and a hub for travelers. This city is very versatile, with its impressive hikes, plenty of history, amazing food, rich culture and beautiful people. The main thing all travelers do when they arrive is climb the Kotor Fortress. This 40-minute hike is quite demanding, taking up rocky and slippery hills. However, if you persevere, you’ll be rewarded with one-of-a-kind views of the Bay of Kotor, surrounded by dramatic mountains.
When you’re not hiking, make sure to explore the Kotor Old Town and visit small shops, discover hidden squares and admire the medieval architecture. In the summer, Kotor can be quite crowded, but you can escape all of that by taking a boat ride to Perast or Our Lady of the Rocks—two picturesque and romantic little villages.
Visit the nearby Herceg Novi
With Kotor as your base, you can actually have many one-day adventures, one of which should certainly be a visit to Herceg Novi. This coastal town is much less crowded than Kotor and quite relaxing, especially if you’re a beach lover. The entire shoreline is speckled with beaches so make sure to take a plunge in the cooling waters. Herceg Novi also has a cute Old Town where you can explore pastel buildings, ancient towers and try some tasty street food. Make sure to walk to the top of the Clock Tower to get the best views of the town.
Make sure to visit Ostrog
If you’re interested in the local religion, history and culture but also a lover of unique architecture, then a trip to Ostrog Monastery is a must. This exciting drive will be interesting for many people, yet quite demanding, especially when you find out where Ostrog is located: carved into the jagged mountainside 900 meters above sea level. Ostrog is a very significant Orthodox monastery that welcomes thousands of Christians from all over the Balkans. It’s a true religious spot, so make sure to be respectful with photos, your words, your actions and your wardrobe. Dress quite conservatively, or you won’t be allowed inside. If you’re planning to drive there yourself, you’ll have a true taste of mountain driving.
Move to exciting Budva
After Kotor, it’s time to move to Budva, one of the biggest and most exciting places in the country. This city is famous for its wild parties, beaches and exclusive accommodation. It’s a true heaven for investors and you can find stunning Budva real estate for sale at every corner. While you’re contemplating your investments, take your time to explore the Old Town and hit cute cafes. If you’re not into beach parties and clubbing but much more into gourmet adventures, Budva will treat you to some amazing Montenegrin dishes like black risotto, seafood pasta, fried sea bass and cevapcici.
Have a relaxing beach day in Sveti Stefan
Just 20 minutes on a boat will take you to Sveti Stefan and provide you with a perfect beach day. This island is a 5-star resort closed to the public, but there’s one part of the beach where visitors can relax, catch some sun on the rocks, swim and enjoy the breathtaking views. This island is a very unique experience that will take up your entire day, getting you back just in time for dinner.
Do some extreme sports
If you stay longer than a few days in Montenegro, don’t let the rut take over, but break the monotony with some adrenaline activities. There are many super fun extreme sports in this part of the world and you can get a lot of excitement for your money. For instance, you can book a whitewater rafting on the River Tara or try ziplining. Even fly fishing can be absolutely exciting in this beautiful and intact part of the world. You might need to head inland for fly fishing but since Montenegro is so small, it will only take you a few hours to travel to even the most remote locations.
With an itinerary like this, you will have a very exciting Montenegrin adventure filled with both excitement and relaxation. And make sure to go with the flow in this chill Adriatic gem—this is what the people of Montenegro know best.
