A 2023 Guide to the Best Sights and Attractions In Montenegro
- Introduction
- Exploring the Splendor of Kotor Old Town
- The Mystic Atlantic Coast Near Herceg Novi
- Nature’s Beauty: Black Lake at Durmitor National Park
- The Historic Site of Njegos Mausoleum
- Step Into Divine Magic on Our Lady of the Rocks Island
- A Trip to the Tara Canyon, Bridge, and River
- The Fascinating Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro
- Admire Slansko Jezero (Salt Lake)
- Take a Dip in the Crnojević River, Montenegro
- Žabljak Town, Montenegro
- Conclusion
Introduction
If you’re looking for a breathtaking travel destination, look no further than Montenegro. This small country is home to some of the most amazing landscapes and attractions in Europe. From the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea to the snow-capped peaks of the Durmitor Mountains, Montenegro has something for everyone.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to some of the must-see places in Montenegro. You’ll learn about the best sights and attractions in Kotor, Herceg Novi, Durmitor National Park, Perast, and more. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Montenegro today!
Exploring the Splendor of Kotor Old Town
As one of the most popular places to visit in Montenegro, Kotor Old Town is a must-see for any traveller. Sitting atop the country’s stunning coastline, this charming town offers a little bit of everything. You’ll find high-end shops, gourmet restaurants, and luxurious mega-yachts alongside ancient architecture and breathtaking natural scenery.
It’s easy to spend a day or two exploring everything Kotor Old Town has to offer. Be sure to wander the narrow streets and alleyways, and take in the grandiose buildings and churches. For some incredible views of the town and the bay, make your way up to the fortifications that line the city walls. And don’t forget to enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade.
Be sure to check out the Farmers Market near the entrance to the Old Town, it is open from 7 am – 1 pm daily. It’s a great place to find fresh fruit and vegetables at a very reasonable price. If you’re lucky you’ll also be able to sample some of the produce too!
The Mystic Atlantic Coast Near Herceg Novi
As you drive down the coast, you’ll find the town of Herceg Novi. This is a seaside town that’s long been popular with tourists, thanks to its stunningly picturesque setting. The old town is surrounded by fortifications and looks out over the bay, and it’s home to narrow streets, lovely plazas, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. I particularly recommend visiting Taverna Splendido for a delicious meal right on the seafront!
If you’re looking for a place to relax by the water, Herceg Novi is definitely worth a visit. You can find plenty of beautiful beaches here, as well as small coves where you can escape the crowds. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a day trip to the nearby islands.
I recommend spending 1-2 days in Herceg Novi, unless you are a digital nomad looking for a quiet escape you could stay longer. It’s the perfect place to get your head down and work with stunning views and a walkable town.
I stayed in Herceg Novi for 1 month and it was so nice to relax and recharge here.
Nature’s Beauty: Black Lake at Durmitor National Park
If you’re looking for spectacular natural beauty, look no further than Black Lake, located in the Durmitor National Park. This glacial lake is simply stunning, with its bright blue waters and snow-capped mountains in the background. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro, and it’s easy to see why!
On the brisk 10-minute walk from the car park to the lake, you will see little wooden stalls along the path with vendors selling local produce such as preserves, medicinal teas, and brandies as well as handmade products.
You can hike around the 2.9-mile perimeter of the lake in roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, it is an easy hike but make sure you are prepared with walking shoes!
Don’t do what I did and wear a sarong and a vest top here though, the climate in the mountains is much cooler than by the coast and there is plentiful shade from the trees. Learn from my mistakes and make sure you take layers with you!
At the end of your hike, you can enjoy a well-deserved drink and some food at the highly-rated restaurant in the national park – Nacionali Restoran Crno Jezero.
Make sure to visit Black Lake during your stay in Montenegro—you won’t be disappointed!
The Historic Site of Njegos Mausoleum
The Njegos Mausoleum is one of Montenegro’s most famous historic sites, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Built in 1934, the mausoleum is dedicated to Montenegro’s poet-prince Njegoš, and it’s located in Lovćen National Park.
Located in the town of Cetinje, the mausoleum is situated at the top of Mount Lovćen, and you must climb a couple of hundred steps before reaching the summit.
The mausoleum is 1660 metres above sea level, making it the mausoleum of the highest altitude at the time of its completion in 1974.
Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Kotor Bay and the Adriatic Sea. And even if you’re not a fan of poetry, I think you’ll appreciate the mausoleum itself, which is an impressive piece of architecture.
Step Into Divine Magic on Our Lady of the Rocks Island
Did you know that Montenegro’s Our Lady of the Rocks Island is man-made? In the 14th century, two sailors decided to build a church on the islet after they found an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock in the Adriatic Sea.
Over time, the island grew as people continued to build upon it. Today, it’s a beautiful place to explore, with white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and lovely gardens. Oh, and did I mention that it has amazing views? You can see the nearby island of Gospa od Skrpjela (Lady of the Wounds), or take a boat ride to enjoy the views from the water.
This picture was taken from Perast – the town opposite the island.
A Trip to the Tara Canyon, Bridge, and River
One of the best parts of Montenegro is its varied landscape, and one of the best examples of that is Tara Canyon. Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and is part of Durmitor National Park—which, by the way, is also home to Black Lake, another must-see.
To get to Tara Canyon, you’ll need to take the bridge across the Tara River. The Tara Bridge was built in 1940 and is almost 1,000 feet long! And the views from the bridge are just as breathtaking as the ones from the canyon itself.
Here you also have the chance to zipline across the canyon! It’s certainly not an experience for the faint-hearted!
Once you’re in the canyon, you can go for a hike or just enjoy the scenery. Either way, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
The Fascinating Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro
The Ostrog Monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church is situated very high up and set into the rock of Ostroška Greda. It is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog who was buried here and is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in Montenegro.
The Ostrog Monastery was carved into the rock face 900 metres above the Zeta Valley. Construction of the cave church was completed in the 1600s and partly reconstructed in 1923–1926 after a fire that destroyed a major part of the building.
It is traditional for pilgrims to take on the 3km route from the lower monastery to the upper monastery barefoot. During your visit you will likely see pilgrims along the way, making this journey to the top. Once they arrive at the upper monastery, they give donations of clothing, blankets, or food to the monks that reside there.
It is possible for tourists to enter the monastery, but you must cover your shoulders and knees with the shawls provided.
When I visited the Ostrog Monastery, I felt very overwhelmed. There were hundreds of pilgrims outside of the upper monastery, laying out blankets and getting comfortable on the ground. When I asked our tour guide about this, he said that many people will stay for one or two nights outside the upper monastery, to pray and hope for miracles.
Admire Slansko Jezero (Salt Lake)
Slansko jezero (Salt Lake in English) is one of 3 artificial lakes created for a hydropower plant that wasn’t finished. You can stop on the way from Kotor to Nikšić to admire this beautiful view from the roadside. The lake is 617 metres above sea level and has many small islands dotted around it.
There isn’t much infrastructure near the lake, so I recommend taking a picnic and heading down to one of the beaches there. You try many recreational activities here such as hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming.
I only got to view the lake from the roadside but I would love to find my way down there to enjoy it properly!
Take a Dip in the Crnojević River, Montenegro
The Crnojević river is 12.3km long and is located close to the northeastern shores of Skadar Lake (another beautiful must-see spot!).
I suggest visiting the picturesque Crnojević River Old Town and enjoying a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants overlooking the river before taking a boat trip up the river to see the wildlife and scenery in all its glory!
You can also swim in the river – I recommend wearing a life jacket to do this as the river is of course fresh water, and so you will not float as easily as in salt water.
Swimming in these majestic surroundings was an experience that I will never forget, I encourage you to try it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
Žabljak Town, Montenegro
If you find yourself in Montenegro, be sure to check out Žabljak Town, which is the highest town in the Balkans. It’s located in Durmitor National Park, which is home to 18 glacial lakes that are all above 1,500 meters.
Žabljak Town is a great place to stay if you want to be close to nature and have easy access to all the hiking trails in Durmitor National Park. And in the winter, it’s a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding.
So whether you’re looking for a summer or winter getaway, Žabljak Town is definitely worth a visit.
Also, be sure to check out this interesting blog to find out about 7 must-visit destinations in the Balkans!
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking to explore the best that Montenegro has to offer, be sure to add these amazing sights to your itinerary! And don’t forget to enjoy the stunning natural scenery and fresh air while you’re there.
If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to check out my other destination guides here!
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me via email – tianitravels@gmail.com or via social media.
