The 12 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Montenegro
Deciding where to stay in Montenegro is difficult when you’re so spoilt for choice in this Balkan country. Will it be five-star seaside luxury or an atmospheric old town such as Kotor? Maybe a holiday spent wandering mountain trails around Durmitor National Park and picking wildflowers? In a land that’s both stunning and diverse, here are the most beautiful places to stay in Montenegro.
Sveti Stefan
Architectural Landmark
Perast
Architectural Landmark
Perast is ideally positioned opposite the Verige Strait, so visitors have an ever-changing view of boats passing. The two island churches just offshore complete the perfect postcard picture. Visitors love staying here for the beautiful views – and because it’s a car-free town, they can stroll along the seaside to their favourite restaurant for a candlelit dinner by the sea.
Skadar Lake National Park
Architectural Landmark
This area is also known for its excellent boutique wineries and wine tastings start from just €10. It’s also the ideal place to try local rakija (brandy), honey, ham, cheese and carp from the lake.
Herceg Novi
Architectural Landmark
In the old town, violins in the music school serenade passersby, while Belavista Square is the place to catch up with friends over a coffee.
Kotor, Montenegro
Natural Feature
Budva Old Town
Architectural Landmark
Durmitor National Park
Natural Feature
Petrovac
Petrovac, on the Budva Riviera, is a small town on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. The long stretch of beach and warm waters are the ideal playground for holidaying families in summer, while the boardwalk is dotted with traditional stone houses, restaurants and boutiques.
Castel Lastva, the 16th-century fortress at the northern end of the town, juts out into the bay and two islands float just offshore. Not only is this idyllic Mediterranean township a beautiful place to stay, it’s close to key attractions like Budva and Skadar Lake.
Porto Montenegro
Wake up to the view of bajillion-Euro superyachts bobbing on bright blue waters. Porto Montenegro’s palm tree-lined streets and pastel buildings epitomise the Mediterranean lifestyle. Wander down to a waterside cafe for brunch, get a massage and then spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at the Lido pool. At night, Porto Montenegro’s village restaurants come alive and there are two clubs open until late.
The TYHA platinum-rated marina is also just steps from Tivat town, where visitors can take boat tours – and find great restaurants, nightlife and swim spots. The five-star Regent Porto Montenegro has luxuriotus rooms right on the Adriatic.
Ulcinj
Much like Novi Pazar in neighbouring Serbia, Ulcinj is the place to go if you’re looking for a little bit of Ottoman culture in Montenegro. Minarets dot the landscape whilst the appearance of flamingos gives the whole place a unique flavour. The old town also offers something different to the rest of Montenegro architecturally, showcasing the varied beauty of this remarkable country. Recommended by John William Bills
Stari Bar
Modern-day Bar might not match its seaside neighbours in the beauty stakes, but the old town is another sensational sight in Montenegro’s arsenal. Located at the foot of Mount Rumija, Stari Bar was abandoned at the end of the 1970s after a massive earthquake, but people have returned in the years since. It is easy to see why they were so eager to get back here with an arresting collection of stone buildings and medieval architecture on show. Recommended by John William Bills
Lustica Peninsula
For those seeking a true getaway, there’s no better place than the Lustica Peninsula, with its crystal-clear sea and miles of olive groves and wild bush. With nothing more than a book and an ever-changing sea view, your batteries are guaranteed to be recharged on a relaxing stay here.