What to see in Montenegro besides the sea and beaches, where to go by car, which canyons, bays and lakes are worth seeing with your own eyes. I share my personal experience from a week-long trip around Montenegro.
Those who imagine Montenegro as a string of beaches are deeply mistaken. To truly feel this country, you need to explore its cozy corners, drive along mountain serpentines, and appreciate the stunning nature. Only then can you get a complete impression of this small but diverse country.
Important warning about roads in Montenegro in the summer of 2026
The mountain road to Kotor (also known as Kotor Serpentine), which everyone traveling between Budva and Kotor passes through, will have time restrictions for traffic from May 25 to October 15, 2026!
🟢 08:00 – 14:00 – Open in the direction Kotor ➔ direction Njeguši (traffic only uphill – closed in the opposite direction)
🚨 14:00 – 15:00 – Road closed in both directions
🟢 15:00 – 19:00 – Open in the direction Njeguši ➔ Kotor (traffic only downhill – closed in the opposite direction).
The road will be open for traffic in both directions outside of this schedule.
The use of this road by vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tons is completely prohibited from 07:00 – 24:00.
Also from June 1, 2026, the Đurđevića Bridge will be partially closed – plan alternative routes on the Žabljak-Pljevlja section. For cars and buses, a traffic schedule has been introduced on the bridge:
🚨 Complete suspension of traffic daily from 06:00 – 08:00, 10:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 20:00
Durmitor National Park and Crno Jezero
Durmitor National Park is located in the north of Montenegro on the slopes of the mountain of the same name. Visiting for a day, you can see huge mountains, canyons, and ski resorts.
There are 18 lakes here, and the largest is Crno Jezero (Black Lake), affectionately called “The Mountain Eye.” Crno Jezero consists of two parts. In summer, the isthmus between the lakes dries up and from the top of Bobotov Kuk it really looks like an eye. In winter, the Durmitor ski resort Žabljak operates, attracting lovers of active winter recreation.
Where to stay in Durmitor:
- Apartment Vujisic≫ – An incredible location and views in this cozy rural accommodation.
- Apartment Durmitor≫ – The house is very close to Black Lake, easy to access, with parking for travellers by car.
- ŠIBALIĆ APARTMANI≫ – The house is located in the very center of Durmitor park near lakes and a wonderful forest. The house has all the necessary amenities for a cozy stay in nature.
Biogradsko Lake
Another natural wonder of Montenegro – Biogradsko Lake, is located at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. This lake is considered the largest of the high-mountain lakes in Montenegro. It is located in Biogradska Gora National Park, where the last virgin forests of Europe have been preserved. Some trees are over a thousand years old. Around the lake, there are ecology trails and hiking routes of varying difficulty. If you wish, you can take a boat ride.
The river canyon and Moraca Monastery
On one side of the canyon, a serpentine road is cut into the rock, going through numerous tunnels. On the other side, along the upper slopes of the canyon, there is a single-track railway, laid through 130 tunnels.
In the canyon of the Moraca river is an active Orthodox monastery, built in the 13th century. Five monks live in the monastery; they grow their own vegetables and fruits. There is a wonderful flower garden on the monastery grounds. It’s cozy and somehow feels homely in this place.
Tara River Canyon and Đurđevića Bridge
The Tara river has carved the most picturesque and deepest canyon in Europe into the rocks. It reaches a depth of 1,300 meters. It is on its slopes that the “Crna Poda” forest grows, where ancient black pines are found. By the way, thanks to them, the country got its name.
You must visit the Đurđevića Bridge – from a height of 172 meters there are stunning views of the canyon. One might think the bridge was named after its creator or architect – not at all. Đurđević is the name of a local farmer whose pastures were next to the future bridge. That’s where the name comes from. )))
For those who love outdoor activities, rafting is organized on the Tara river. You can try it yourself and feel the power of this unique natural wonder.
Cetinje – the former capital of Montenegro
Don’t miss the former capital of Montenegro – Cetinje. This quiet town is nothing like the bustling seaside resorts. Here is the famous Cetinje Monastery, to which Orthodox pilgrims travel. Climbing the mountain road up Lovćen, which is not far from Cetinje, in clear weather you can see the shores of distant Italy.
Boka Kotorska Bay and its towns
Another natural wonder – Boka Kotorska Bay, is located on the border with neighboring Croatia. The bay is called the southernmost fjord in Europe. If you look at it from above, it gives the impression that the sea has cut deep into the land.
Along the shores of the bay are small towns and many Orthodox and Catholic churches. You should definitely see them too – you can do this by renting a car or buying a tour of Boka Kotorska Bay on a tourist boat.
Kotor – the main town of Boka Kotorska Bay
The cultural and economic center of Boka Kotorska Bay is the city of Kotor, which is already over one and a half thousand years old. Kotor is one of the oldest towns in Montenegro: narrow streets, tile roofs, and a fortress with a wonderful view of the bay. By paying an entrance fee of €2, anyone can try to run up 1,400 steps to climb the narrow mountain path to the top of the St. John Fortress.
Not everyone’s health will allow it, but it’s worth trying—the panoramic view of the city and Kotor Bay that opens from the top will hardly leave anyone indifferent.
Where to stay in Kotor:
- Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort≫ – a brand new hotel in a beautiful location – Kotor Bay. Lovely design, tasty breakfasts, a private pool, so you are independent from the availability of space on a small beach.
- Casa Nuova≫ – a very clean hotel with beautiful views of the bay.
- J & P Apartments Orahovac≫ – an apart-hotel, has clean rooms with necessary amenities such as washing machine and dishwasher. Rooms have a view of the sea and mountains, very cozy and everything necessary for living.
Perast – a pirate hideaway
Just 25 minutes by car from Kotor is the town of Perast. It is believed that pirates lived here for a long time, until the Venetians captured the town in 1420. They are to thank for the many baroque palaces and architectural elements passed down to Perast’s descendants.
This tiny town is literally squeezed into the rock and has only one single street—which is also the embankment. It is part of the road around Boka Kotorska Bay. In summer, it is closed to cars, so everyone parks at the entrance to the town and walks or cycles further in.
Hotels and apartments in Perast
- BellaVistaZmukic Guesthouse≫ – Wonderful apartments with a very comfortable bed. The view from the room and terrace is simply stunning—of Boka Kotorska Bay. Clean bathroom, fully equipped kitchen. Very pleasant and welcoming host.
- Apartments Gudco≫ – Great location and friendly hosts. The view is breathtaking, and the apartment is very clean and comfortable. You can stay here with pets.
Our Lady of the Rocks Island
The island of Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) lies in the middle of Boka Kotorska Bay. It is the only man-made island in the Adriatic. For 300 years, the bay’s inhabitants and sailors built up a reef, on which two fishermen supposedly once found an icon of the Virgin Mary.
When the artificial island was finally ready, a church of the same name was built on it. Nearby is the natural St. George Island, which is still home to a Benedictine abbey. You can take a boat to Gospa od Škrpjela to see how the people of Perast still follow the tradition of sailing in boats and throwing stones into the water.
Herceg Novi – interesting inside and out
At the very entrance of the bay to the Adriatic Sea lies the small town of Herceg Novi. It was founded at the end of the 13th century by Bosnian King Tvrtko. Initially, Herceg Novi consisted of a single fortress, which has survived to this day. Today it is a tourist town, with clean beaches stretching along the coast, most of which are set up on concrete piers.
In Herceg Novi, you should first head to the Old Town, located between two fortresses, Španjola and Forte Mare. On the central square – Herceg Stjepan is the city’s famous landmark—The Clock Tower, where tourists love to take souvenir photos after hopping off a sightseeing boat. Along the sea stretches a seven-kilometer promenade called “Pet Danica” (Five Morning Stars). There are many restaurants and souvenir shops along it.
Where to stay in Herceg Novi:
- Radic Rooms≫ – Rooms are only a minute’s drive from the sea and beach. The terrace with a sea view is a nice highlight of this accommodation.
- Stanica B&B≫ – This is a small bed and breakfast hotel with rooms accessible by stairs. It has a great location—close to the seafront. Paid public parking is nearby.
- Panorama Apartments≫ – nicely renovated apartment with all necessary amenities. Perfect view of the sea and Kotor Bay from the terrace. Walking access to the promenade, old town, shops, and restaurants.
Useful links for organizing your trip:
To see all these places in Montenegro, I recommend renting a car– it’s easy to find an affordable car on the aggregator Rentalcars— here you will find both well-known and local companies offering cheap rental options.
Hotels and apartments—I usually book via Booking.com
What else to read:
- Beaches and walking route along the Budva Riviera
- Kaş – the most romantic town in Turkey
- Algarve – the best beaches in Portugal
