Montenegro seduces with its tourist and sports offer. Hike in the national parks sheltering a unique flora and fauna, taste Montenegrin specialties, discover the history of the country in its National Museum, wander the alleys of small old villages or raft down rivers! Between relaxation and action, nature and culture, there is nothing to be bored of in Montenegro. Discover our 11 must-see visits to do and see in Montenegro!
Hiking in the majestic Durmitor National Park
Subscribed to Unesco World Heritage Since 1980, Durmitor National Park has been recognized for its exceptional beauty shaped by glaciers and rivers, its geological features and the diversity of its landscapes. Put on your hiking shoes and walk the paths of this wonderful place to see in Montenegro, through forests, lakes and canyons. During your walk, you may encounter chamois, a gray wolf, a brown bear, a golden eagle or one of the 130 species of birds referenced in the area.
Lake Durmitor
Climb the steps of Ostrog Monastery
Located in the center of the country, the Monastery of Ostrog is the unmissable monument to see in Montenegro! If you like unusual architecture and the mountain, you will be breathtaking, both literally and figuratively (!), By visiting the monastery. Embedded in the mountain, its architecture is surprising! This high place of pilgrimage is particularly famous for its miraculous healings. Believers or not, you will always benefit from a beautiful panorama over the Zeta river valley.
Ostrog Monastery
Try local culinary specialties
In many dishes you will find cream, a type of cream cheese. For example, we add it in the glasses, made by cooking potatoes with corn flour and soured milk. A must to savor in the mountains! Don't miss the burek, a dish that can be taken away or eaten in cafes for breakfast. Made with filo pastry, it is filled with cheese, meat or vegetables. Finally, go to the markets of the small villages and discover the stalls among the Montenegrins, an atmosphere to see in Montenegro !
Burek
Rafting down the Tara river
Montenegro is a great playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts! You will have the possibility to explore the bowels of the earth by caving, climbing mountains, canyoning or even rafting down rivers. The Tara river offers the best experience to get into the rapids. Stretching for 144km, it is the longest river in Montenegro. If you are looking for thrills and freshness in an exceptional landscape, give it a try!
Rafting on the Tara river
Contemplate the old town of Kotor
If there is one must-see in Montenegro, it's Kotor! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town of Kotor is particularly charming. Walk the cobbled streets, board a boat to explore the mouths, its islands and have magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Climb to the Saint John fortress and be rewarded with a magnificent panorama. You can also try your hand at the via ferrata or simply discover the small unusual museums of the city.
The city of Kotor
Choose the calm of the village of Perast
In the mouths of Kotor, Perast plays the beautiful with its white stones, its palm trees and its tranquility compared to the town of Kotor located 12km away. At the water's edge, admire the environment : the calm waters and the mountains of the mouths. Explore the churches and chapels, especially that of Notre-Dame-du-Récif, located on an islet and accessible by boat. And of course contemplate the dozen palaces, the most impressive of which the Bujovic palace which houses the municipal museum. Perast is a remarkable place to see in Montenegro for a less hectic discovery of the country.
Perast
Watch a folk dance demonstration
In the Balkans, we dance the Oro! While it is more commonly performed during weddings and religious holidays, folk dance groups also bring it to life in competitions around the world or even in the middle of the street to the delight of travelers. At the random of a place, during unmissable dance festivals to see in Montenegro or by booking a themed evening, you will discover dancers in traditional outfits and maybe even be invited to join them!
A sculpture of dancers in Podgorica
Bird watching at Skadar Lake
In the south of the country, Lake Skadar is shared with Albania. With its 370km2, it is the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula and is the largest bird sanctuary in Europe. A true refuge for birds, it hosts more than 270 species. A third of its surface is covered with vegetation (plants, flowers, water lilies, etc.). Get on a small motor boat and enjoy the tranquility of this enchanting environment! If you like calm, lakes, mountains, nature and unique viewpoints, Lake Skadar is definitely a place to see in Montenegro!
Part of Lake Skadar
Learn in Cetinje, the country's former royal capital
Like Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, Cetinje is a city rich in culture. It hosts in particular the National Museum of Montenegro which includes the State Museum, the Petar I Petrović-Njegoš Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the History Museum and the Art Museum. Take the time tofind out more about the country's history, its traditions, its folklore, its ways of life, its evolution over the centuries. Finally, a visit to the monastery dating from the XNUMXth century will immerse you in Orthodox spirituality.
Cetinje monastery
Bring back local souvenirs
A stay in the Balkans is an opportunity to discover its crafts and its gastronomy. And why not take the opportunity to bring back some local souvenirs, to offer or keep for yourself? Stroll through the markets and open the doors of the shops to admire the artisanal creations. In the antique shops of Kotor you will find traditional jewelry and costumes. Elsewhere, fall for one kilim, this large woven rug in wool with geometric patterns. The monasteries create their own productions: wines, honey, jams or even natural cosmetics. Finally, take the opportunity to fill up with quality olives and olive oil !
Making a Kilim
Partying in Budva
By day, Budva can be visited and admired by walking through the old town. Similar to Kotor, there too you will discover narrow streets invaded by cats. You can also go you bathe in the Adriatic sea or bask in the sun on its white sand beaches… crowded in summer! And when night comes, Budva transforms. Party people are happy in the many bars and nightclubs of the seaside resort considered to be the capital of nightlife and entertainment. Foams party, beach parties and music from the afternoon, there is a lot of atmosphere in Budva!
Budva, by night
The essentials of Montenegro… and after?
Montenegro is small in size, but big in the variety of activities and visits ! If you like its landscapes and architecture, you should also be interested in Croatia, a border country. To give you some ideas, see our article: Where to go in Croatia: which city and which region to choose?
