Montenegro should be your next holiday destination. Located in the south-east of Europe and situated on the Adriatic Coast, Montenegro is small country, Montenegro may be small, but it offers incredible landscapes, fascinating history, rich culture and delicious cuisine.
Lord Byron, a famous Romantic poet, eloquently stated “At the birth of the planet the most beautiful encounter between land and sea must have been on the Montenegrin coast.”
Top reasons to visit Montenegro include:
- Kotor's UNESCO old town and its iconic hilltop fortress walls
- The Budva Riviera's sandy beaches and clear Adriatic waters
- The Bay of Kotor, one of Europe's most spectacular coastal landscapes
With a country that was at times ruled by the Byzantine, Ottomans and was once part of Yugoslavia, undoubtedly Montenegro has a fascinating historical past. It's also a compact country with all the major sights close together, offering a relaxed blend of culture, scenery and authentic Adriatic charm at an unhurried pace.
Why go to Montenegro?
1. Bay of Kotor
Bay of Kotor, also known as Boka Bay, is one of the Mediterranean’s most striking natural landscapes. Often described as Europe’s southernmost fjord, it is surrounded by dramatic mountains and steeped in history, with tales of ancient towns, seafaring captains and past conquerors shaping its identity.
A boat trip offers one of the best ways to experience the bay, allowing you to take in its scenery from the water while exploring its quieter corners. It also provides access to the nearby islets of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George Island, both rich in heritage and local legend
2. Kotor Old Town
Take a walking tour of Kotor, a remarkably well-preserved medieval Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where winding cobbled streets, stone squares and fortified walls reflect centuries of Venetian influence. The town’s historic old port also dates back to the Venetian period, highlighting its long-standing importance as a strategic Adriatic settlement.
At the heart of the Old Town stands St Tryphon’s Cathedral, one of the region’s most significant landmarks, which predates Notre-Dame in Paris and showcases exquisite Romanesque architecture. As you explore, you will also notice Kotor’s famously relaxed population of cats, which have become an unofficial symbol of the town and can often be seen lounging in sunlit squares, along walls and near the harbour, adding to its distinctive charm.
3. The enchanting town of Perast
Perast, a picturesque town on the Bay of Kotor, is known for its beautifully preserved Baroque architecture and peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere. Once an important maritime centre during the Venetian era, the town still reflects its prosperous past through elegant stone palaces, ornate churches and waterfront buildings that line the narrow shoreline.
4. Stunning natural beauty
Montenegro roughly translates as “Black Mountain”, many believe this name derives from the appearance of the thick forests surrounding Mount Lovćen. For outdoor or hiking enthusiasts, Montenegro boasts five impressive National Parks. The country also has one of Europe’s deepest canyons, 1300m deep, the Tara River Canyon/Gorge. Situated on the border between Montenegro and Albania, Skadar Lake is the largest lake in Southern Europe and part of a 400sqm area of stunning National Park. This freshwater lake is surrounded by spectacular karst mountains as well as wetlands that are home to over 260 species of birds and other wildlife.
5. Best beaches in Europe
Sun seekers will be spoilt for choice, there are over 100 beaches in Montenegro, many of which have Blue Flags, along the Adriatic coast. On our Montenegro tours, we'll be based in the Iberostar Bellevue Hotel, which is located in the beautiful Becici Resort.
6. Explore the historic town of Budva
Budva, one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast, offers a compelling blend of ancient heritage and lively modern atmosphere. Its well-preserved medieval Old Town, enclosed by sturdy stone walls, is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, small squares and traditional shops that reflect centuries of history and coastal life.
Within the Old Town, you can explore significant landmarks such as the Church of St. John and the Church of the Holy Trinity, both showcasing layers of architectural influence shaped over time. For sweeping views across the Adriatic and the surrounding coastline, the Citadel provides one of the best vantage points, offering a striking perspective over Budva’s historic rooftops and sparkling sea beyond.
7. Montenegro’s Royal Capital: Cetinje
Cetinje, the former royal capital of Montenegro, is a city steeped in history and culture. Nestled in a picturesque valley, it houses several important museums and cultural institutions. Visit the Cetinje Monastery, the residence of Montenegro’s former kings, and the King Nikola’s Palace, which has been converted into a museum. The city’s unique architecture, including one-story houses that are a symbol of Cetinje’s distinct identity, adds to its charm.
8. Traditional life in Njeguši village
Njeguši, a small village set on the slopes of Mount Lovćen, is well known for its traditional Montenegrin delicacies, particularly its smoked ham and cheese, which are produced using age-old methods passed down through generations. The village is also the birthplace of the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty, which ruled Montenegro for over two centuries and played a key role in shaping the country’s history.
You can explore the family home of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, one of Montenegro’s most revered leaders and poets, now preserved as a museum offering insight into his life and legacy.
9. Drive the Serpentine Mountain Road
The Serpentine Mountain Road, also known as the Kotor-Njeguši road, is one of the most scenic and thrilling drives in Montenegro. The road features 25 sharp hairpin bends as it ascends from the Bay of Kotor to the village of Njeguši. Along the way, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Adriatic coastline, the Bay of Kotor, and the surrounding mountains. Each turn offers a new perspective of Montenegro’s rugged beauty, making it a popular route for adventurous travellers and photographers.
10. Delicious and diverse food in Montenegro
Montenegrin dishes are a variation of Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine. Over the centuries there has been influences from different countries, namely by Italy, Greece and Turkey on Montenegrin cuisine. It’s based on great tasting, locally produced ingredients, seasonal vegetables and seafood. The food in Montenegro even varies throughout the country, with an increased focus on seafood in coastal areas.
Ready to visit Montenegro?
Montenegro is an Adriatic gem offering numerous beaches, forest-cloaked mountains, crystal-clear lakes and centuries-old towns with influences ranging from Venetian to Ottoman, making it an ideal destination to suit various interests. Discover this incredible country and enjoy our all inclusive holiday to Montenegro: Highlights of the Montenegro Riviera.
