Montenegro is a beautiful country to explore by car, with stunning coastal and mountainous scenery, picturesque towns and villages, and historic landmarks. Here are some top sights to see by car in Montenegro:
Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor is a stunning natural fjord located in Montenegro. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro. The bay is surrounded by majestic mountains and dotted with charming towns and villages, such as Kotor, Perast, and Herceg Novi. Some of the things to see and do in the Bay of Kotor include:
- Kotor Old Town: This is a well-preserved medieval town with narrow streets, stone buildings, and a beautiful city wall.
- Our Lady of the Rocks: This is an artificial island built in the middle of the bay with a Catholic church and a museum.
- Lovcen National Park: This park offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding mountains, as well as hiking trails and scenic drives.
- Perast: This is a charming town located on the bay, with Baroque architecture and beautiful churches.
- Herceg Novi: This is another town located on the bay, with a charming old town, a fortress, and beautiful beaches.
- Skadar Lake: This is the largest lake in the Balkans and a popular destination for boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
- Durmitor National Park: This park is located in the north of Montenegro and offers stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, and skiing in the winter.
- Sveti Stefan Island: This is a picturesque island with a luxury resort, located on the coast south of Budva.
Lovcen National Park
Lovcen National Park is a mountainous national park located in Montenegro, near the Bay of Kotor. The park covers an area of 64.8 square kilometers and is named after Mount Lovcen, which is one of the park’s main attractions. The park is known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering mountains, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. Some of the things to see and do in Lovcen National Park include:
- Mount Lovcen: This is the highest peak in the park, standing at 1,749 meters tall. It offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Bay of Kotor.
- Njegos Mausoleum: This is a monument and tomb of the Montenegrin prince-bishop and poet Petar II Petrovic-Njegos. It is located at the summit of Mount Lovcen and is accessible via a steep staircase.
- Hiking: The park offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes up the mountains. Some of the most popular hikes include the Ivanova Korita Trail, the Lipa Cave Trail, and the Cetinje-Ostrog Trail.
- Wildlife watching: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, lynx, wild boar, and various species of birds.
- Cultural heritage: The park is home to several historic and cultural landmarks, such as the Cetinje Monastery, the birthplace of Montenegrin literature, and the Njegos Museum, which showcases the life and work of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos.
- Scenic drives: The park offers several scenic drives, including the Serpentine Road, which offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains
Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park is located in the northern part of Montenegro, near the town of Žabljak. It is one of the five national parks in Montenegro and was established in 1952. The park covers an area of 390 square kilometers and is known for its high peaks, deep canyons, glacial lakes, and rich flora and fauna.
Some of the top attractions in Durmitor National Park include:
- Bobotov Kuk – This is the highest peak in Durmitor National Park, standing at 2,523 meters. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular destination for hikers.
- Black Lake – This is one of the most popular destinations in Durmitor National Park. The lake is surrounded by dense pine forests and towering mountain peaks.
- Tara River Canyon – This is the second deepest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon. The canyon is 82 kilometers long and is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the park.
- Durmitor Ring Road – This is a scenic drive that takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the park, including the Tara River Canyon, the village of Trsa, and the Sušica Canyon.
- Ice Cave – This is a natural phenomenon located near the village of Medjedje. The cave is filled with ice all year round and is a unique and fascinating sight to see.
Other activities in the park include hiking, skiing, rafting, and mountain biking.
Skadar Lake
Skadar Lake is the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula, located on the border of Montenegro and Albania. It is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and water activities such as kayaking and fishing. The lake is surrounded by picturesque villages and historic sites, including the 14th-century island monastery of Beška, the fortified Old Town of Bar, and the 19th-century fortified city of Shkodër. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including pelicans, herons, and otters.
Budva
Budva is a coastal town in Montenegro, known for its beautiful beaches and historic old town. The old town is surrounded by walls that date back to the 15th century and is home to many historical buildings, including the Church of St. John, the Church of Holy Trinity, and the Church of Santa Maria in Punta. The town is also home to several museums, including the Museum of Budva, which showcases the history and culture of the region. Budva is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as jet-skiing and parasailing. The town is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants located along the waterfront.
Cetinje
Cetinje is a historic town in Montenegro, located at the foot of Mount Lovcen. It served as the capital of Montenegro from the 15th century until 1946. The town is known for its many historic buildings, including the Royal Palace, the Cetinje Monastery, and the Biljarda, which was the former residence of Montenegro’s ruler. The town also has several museums, such as the National Museum of Montenegro, which showcases Montenegro’s cultural heritage, and the Ethnographic Museum, which displays traditional clothing and crafts. Cetinje is surrounded by beautiful nature, including the Lovcen National Park, which features hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Ostrog Monastery
Ostrog Monastery is a famous Serbian Orthodox monastery located in Montenegro. It is built into a sheer cliff face and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans. The monastery was founded in the 17th century by Vasilije, the Metropolitan Bishop of Herzegovina, who was later canonized as Saint Basil of Ostrog. The monastery is famous for its stunning location, with the upper monastery perched on a 900-meter cliff, and the lower monastery situated on the valley floor below.
The monastery attracts visitors from all over the world, including both religious pilgrims and tourists interested in the monastery’s history and architecture. The upper monastery contains the relics of Saint Basil of Ostrog, which are believed to have healing powers, and a small chapel where visitors can light candles and offer prayers. The lower monastery contains a museum with exhibits on the monastery’s history and the life of Saint Basil, as well as a gift shop selling religious items and souvenirs. The site is open to visitors year-round and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Montenegro.
These are just a few of the many sights to see by car in Montenegro. Be sure to take your time and explore the country’s many hidden gems along the way.
The most beautiful islands in Montenegro
- Sveti Stefan Island: This picturesque island was once a fishing village and is now a luxury resort with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- Island of Our Lady of the Rocks: This man-made island near Perast is famous for its stunning blue-domed church and beautiful views of the Bay of Kotor.
- St. Nicholas Island: Located near Budva, this island is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
- Ada Bojana Island: This island is located near the border with Albania and is known for its long sandy beach and popular kite surfing destination.
- Mamula Island: This small island in the Bay of Kotor was once a military fortress and is now open to visitors for tours and exploration.
- Holy Trinity Island: Also known as Sveta Trojica, this island is located in the Bay of Kotor and is home to a beautiful monastery and church.
- Lastavica Island: This small island near Tivat is known for its beautiful pebble beach and clear waters, making it a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling.
Campsites in Montenegro
- Camping Monika – located in the city of Ulcinj, in the southern part of Montenegro, this campsite is situated just a few meters from the sea and has all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
- Autocamp Maslina – situated on the Adriatic coast, this campsite is located in the town of Petrovac and has a beautiful beach nearby.
- Camp Vrela – located in the heart of Montenegro, near the city of Niksic, this campsite is perfect for those who love nature and outdoor activities.
- Camp Zlokovic – situated in the city of Bijela, on the coast of the Bay of Kotor, this campsite offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
- Camp Kaluđerovina – located on the Lustica peninsula, in the western part of Montenegro, this campsite is surrounded by beautiful nature and has a private beach.
Keep in mind that some of these campsites might be closed during the winter season, so it’s always best to check their availability beforehand.
Parking in Montenegro
Parking in Montenegro is generally available and affordable. In cities and tourist destinations, there are often designated parking areas, both on the street and in parking garages or lots.
Parking prices vary depending on the location and time of day, with rates typically being higher in busier areas or during peak tourist season. Payment for parking is usually done through a parking meter, pay machine, or mobile app, and some parking areas may only accept cash.
In addition to designated parking areas, many hotels and tourist accommodations offer parking for their guests. It’s always a good idea to check with your accommodation beforehand to see if they have parking available and if there are any additional fees.
Ferries in Montenegro
Montenegro has a limited number of ferry routes, but they are still an important mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike. The main ferry route is between the cities of Bar and Bari in Italy, which is operated by the ferry company Montenegro Lines. The journey takes around 8-9 hours and the frequency of the trips varies depending on the time of year.
There are also smaller ferry routes that connect some of the coastal towns and cities, such as Kotor, Herceg Novi, and Budva. These ferries are usually operated during the summer months and offer a scenic way to explore the Montenegrin coast.
It’s important to note that the schedules and frequency of the ferries can change throughout the year, so it’s always a good idea to check with the ferry company or local tourist information office for up-to-date information.