How To Spend 48 Hours In Montenegro

Montenegro is a must-see for any Eurotrip. It’s such a wild and varied place, it’s hard to see all the vital attractions in just 48 hours. But if you’ve only got 48 hours in this stunning destination, we’ll show you how to get the best out of your stay.

Day one

Serpentine road to Lovćen National Park

Park

The serpentine road from Kotor to Lovćen National Park has 25 hairpin turns and views to die for. With each turn the view just gets better. Near the top, make a detour to Njeguši village to pick up some of their famed prosciutto and down a slug of the Balkans’ favourite breakfast beverage – rakija (brandy).

Just inside the park’s entrance there’s a rest stop with the best views of Kotor Bay. A humble wooden bench is positioned right before glorious views overlooking Kotor, Tivat, Mount Vrmac, and the Orjen mountain range in the hunter ground.

Petar Petrović-Njegoš II Mausoleum

Park

No trip to Lovćen National Park is complete without a stop at the mausoleum of Montenegro’s beloved leader, Petar Petrović-Njegoš II.

Njegoš, as he’s known locally, was a bishop, poet and leader of Montenegro from 1830 to 1851. He’s credited with bringing Montenegro’s feuding tribal leadership into some semblance of order, complete with taxes and girls’ schools.

A visit to Njegoš’ mausoleum comes with a little hike of 461 steps, but it’s worth it. The mausoleum is decorated with a gold ceiling and a huge statue of the hero carved from one piece of marble. Behind the mausoleum the guvno(meeting circle) and viewpoint has 360° views of Montenegro, Croatia and even Albania.

Cetinje

Monastery, Museum, Park

A scenic drive through the rest of the national park leads to Cetinje, the old royal capital of Montenegro. This pretty town is a miniature European capital, complete with beautiful former embassy buildings and King Nikola’s Palace. No longer the capital, the stately residences and buildings have been transformed into Montenegro’s national museum. Visit the old parliament for the historical and ethnographic art collections, King Nikola’s Court, the Bilijarda and Cetinje Monastery.

Pavlova Strana and Rijeka Crnojevića

One of the most photographed spots in Montenegro, Pavlova Strana is a horseshoe bend in Crnojević River. Stunning all year round, this spot is picture-perfect. Continue through Rijeka Crnojevića, a pretty hamlet on the river and along the old, scenic road towards Skadar Lake.

Lake Skadar boat trip

Monastery, Park

Virpazar is the gateway to Skadar Lake National Park and there’s nothing like getting out in a traditional fishing boat called a čun on the lake. An hour’s trip takes you to Grmožur Island, a former prison island, and Raduš Spring, the deepest part of the lake. In three hours you’ll travel through verdant channels of the lake and reach the magnificent Kom Monastery.

Skadar Lake is Europe’s biggest bird reserve and the lake is full of ducks, cormorants, and even pelicans. Spring is a great time to catch mating dances and fledglings, while summer is perfect for swimming. Autumn, on the other hand, brings huge numbers of migratory species.

Wine tasting

Resort

After a breathtaking trip on the lake, it’s time to try the local viticulture. The Crmnica region around Lake Skadar is known as Montenegro’s best wine-producing region. Just 1km from Virpazar, Eco Resort and Winery Cermeniza is a family-run winery and boutique resort that offers wine tastings of their limited edition wines. They also have homemade rakijaand the tastings are accompanied by local produce from their estate.

Sveti Stefan

Hotel

No trip to Montenegro is complete without seeing Sveti Stefan. This jewel in the Budva Riviera’s crown is a stunning 15th century island, connected to the mainland by a land bridge. The island’s exclusive hotel has hosted names like Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Margaret, and Novak Djoković’s wedding. See the island from the main road or drive down to the shore to take a stroll along its pink pebble beach.

Budva

Architectural Landmark

A busy day comes to an end in buzzing Budva. Watch the sun go down over the Adriatic Sea over freshly caught seafood dinner in one of the town’s best restaurants, before wandering through the old town’s charming alleyways. Finish the day with a few vinos, or rakijas, in the town’s lively bars.

Stay in Budva

Budva has great places to stay for every budget range. Get a budget bed in a hostel or stay in one of the top-rated hotels like Hotel Astoria in the old town or Majestic Hotel along the waterfront.

Day two

San Giovanni Fortress and Kotor

San Giovanni Fortress in Kotor is a rite of passage for visitors to Montenegro. Climbing the 1355 ancient steps to the top is challenging but worthwhile. Scale the wall to the fortress at the top then take a walking tour through the old town to get to know this historic Venetian town.

Blue Cave boat trip

Park

Jump aboard a speedboat in Kotor Park, opposite the old town, for a scenic speedboat tour of the bay of Kotor. A three-hour tour lets you visit Our Lady of the Rocks, the caves that used to hide Yugoslav submarines, and the Blue Cave, which is a natural cave filled with iridescent blues.

Dinner at Ćatovića Mlini or Porto Montenegro

Finish a scenic day with a scenic night. Head over to Ćatovića Mlini in Morinj for a local dinner in park-like surroundings. The converted water mill is truly idyllic with streams of fresh water, as well as ducks, geese, and peacocks wandering freely.

Ćatovića Mlini, Morinj, Montenegro, +382 32 373 030

Alternatively, head to Porto Montenegro in Tivat for a stylish dinner overlooking some of the most luxurious super yachts in the Mediterranean. Al Posto Giusto has casual pizza and pasta, Byblos serves Middle Eastern fare and The Regent’s Dining Room has a menu of elegant contemporary dishes.

Porto Montenegro, Obala bb, Tivat, Montenegro, +382 32 660 700

Stay in the Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor has fabulous accommodation for everyone. Stay in The Regent Porto Montenegro for five-star luxury. Enjoy the atmosphere of Kotor’s old town in Hotel Astoria Kotor or wake up to the bay’s mesmerising views at Hotel Casa del Mare – Amfora.

About the author

Sarah Pavlovic

Sarah Pavlovic was born and raised and New Zealand, but developed an early love of travelling with regular trips back to her father's native Malaysia, where she became a devoted satay and noodle lover. This love of travelling turned into a full-blown addiction with round the world trips and a year as an exchange student in Germany. After finishing a B.Sc in Zoology back home, the world called again and Sarah was off to have more adventures in Hawaii, Australia and on super yachts in the Mediterranean. Sarah has made her home in the tiny Balkan country of Montenegro, where she runs the popular tourist guide Montenegro Pulse.