4 Reasons To Put Montenegro On Your Bucket List
KOTOR
Set at the foot of the imposing Lovćen Mountains, Kotor is a Unesco World Heritage Site known for its medieval charm and picturesque views. The Old Town, with its labyrinth of cobbled streets, ancient forts and Venetian architecture, is like stepping back in time. The highlight is the ascent to Kotor’s fortress, which has panoramic views over the bay and the Adriatic Sea. The climb is steep, but the rewarding view makes it worthwhile. Tourists should also visit the town to see the Bay of Kotor, often referred to as Boka Bay. It’s a beautiful fjord-like inlet surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and small villages. Visitors can take a boat trip around the bay to explore the small towns including Perast, with its Baroque palaces, and the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks. If you only have a day or two here, rent kayaks or book a guided walk to learn about the area’s history – Guru Walk is a reputable company which offers free tours (although tips are encouraged).
Where To Stay
There’s a good mix of luxury hotels and more affordable homestays and Airbnbs in Kotor. Lazure Hotel & Marina is a boutique hotel by the Bay of Kotor, near the medieval city of Herceg Novi. With beautiful views of the Orjen Mountains, the hotel is spread across three buildings: the main house in a converted 18th-century home with 24 rooms, the Contemporary Building home to 104 modern rooms and suites, and the Residential Building with self-catering facilities for groups and families. The hotel has a smart beach bar overlooking the pool, two restaurants offering local cuisine, and a spa complete with an indoor pool, hammam, saunas and more. The team can help book everything from hiking excursions to trips to nearby wineries. If you’d rather stay in an Airbnb, BOSÁ 210 is a modern studio apartment overlooking the water and with a private pool. Perfect for a couple of nights in Kotor, there’s direct access to the sea, and a handy supermarket next door.
For total luxury, check into One & Only Portonovi. The palatial resort is home to spacious suites and villas, and excellent facilities, including six swimming pools, a Chenot spa, numerous restaurants and bars serving world and local cuisines, a gym and yoga studio, and tennis courts. There’s also a private beach and a water sports centre.
BUDVA
Known for its nightlife and beautiful beaches, Budva is another must-visit destination. The Old Town (Stari Grad) is a charming maze of cobblestone streets and ancient forts, offering a glimpse into the city’s history. Summertime is best spent relaxing on the pebbled beaches (Galija and Jaz being two of the most beautiful), visiting one of the many ice-cream shops, and eating at the small bistros that serve traditional dishes – similar to Croatian cuisine with lots of homemade breads, salads and fresh cheeses. Just a short drive from Budva is Sveti Stefan, an island resort connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Once a fortified village, it is now an exclusive resort home to some of the country’s most luxurious hotels. Here, you’ll find pink-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and honey-coloured historic buildings.
Where To Stay
Hotel Budva offers excellent value for money, with rooms starting from just £80 per night. Set right on Budva’s promenade and just steps away from Slovenska beach, the hotel has a contemporary, modern feel, with light and bright rooms that have sea views. There’s an outdoor pool, a wellness centre and a restaurant serving local cuisine. But the real star of the show is Aman’s luxury hotel, set on a pink-sand beach over on Sveti Stefan. With panoramic sea views from every corner of the islet, the hotel has 50 spacious rooms, suites and cottages, with the brand’s signature ‘quiet luxury’ style throughout. There’s an impressive spa in a secluded bay, plus numerous restaurants serving Adriatic seafood and Montenegrin fine dining.
LAKE SKADAR & ULCINJ
This is the largest lake in the Balkans. Skadar’s varied landscapes include floating reed islands, ancient monasteries, and tiny villages perched over water. The surrounding National Park is rich in biodiversity, with numerous bird species, including the rare Dalmatian pelican. Another great day trip option, visitors can book boat trips on the lake to take in the views. From here, it’s just an hour’s drive to Ulcinj, a picturesque coastal town near the Albanian border where Montenegrins head during their summer holidays. The town is home to Long Beach, a 12km stretch of golden sand perfect for sunbathing and water sports, and Mala Plaža, a quieter spot with crystal-clear waters. Here, life is all about lounging on the beach, enjoying local seafood and relaxing into a slower pace of life.
Where To Stay
Skip some of the town’s drab hotels and check out the town’s Airbnb; lots of locals rent out their second homes during the summer. This modern villa offers affordable luxury, costing under £200 per night for four guests. There’s a spacious terrace with a private jacuzzi overlooking a shared pool. Just a short walk from Long Beach, the property has a family-run restaurant for all-day dining and cocktails.
Pexels/Roman Odinstov
Peter Lazarevic/Unsplash
DURMITOR NATIONAL PARK
Durmitor National Park is a pristine wilderness of rugged mountains, canyons and glacial lakes. Located in northern Montenegro and set amongst the Dinaric Alps, the Unesco World Heritage Site covers an area of around 390 sq km. It’s near the town of Žabljak, which serves as the primary gateway to the park. In summer, hikers can explore trails like the one leading to the Black Lake (Crno Jezero), a glacial lake surrounded by lush forests, and visit the Tara River Canyon, one of Europe’s deepest where you can try whitewater rafting.
Where To Stay
You could easily visit the park during a day trip, but if you do want to stay overnight and soak up the fresh mountain air, Monte Pine Chalets comes highly recommended. Just a 20-minute walk from the centre of Zabljak, each chalet has modern interiors across its open-plan kitchen/diner, living areas and outdoor decks home to jacuzzis. They are serviced by a private concierge service which can take care of all the finer details.
Getting There
Reaching Montenegro from the UK is straightforward with direct flights available from London Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester to Tivat and Podgorica airports. The flight takes about 2.5 to three hours.
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