The Perfect 7-Day Montenegro Itinerary: Kotor, Perast & Beyond

Montenegro is a small country, but it offers everything you could want from a Mediterranean escape, without the crowds of destinations like Croatia and Italy. From medieval towns and dramatic mountain scenery to crystal-clear water and relaxed coastal villages, there's something for every type of traveller.

This 7-day itinerary is based on my own trip and includes the places I enjoyed most, along with practical tips to help you plan your visit.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (any links marked with * are affiliate links). If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 - Arrival

Day 2 - Explore Old Town Kotor

Day 3 - Boat Tour

Day 4 - Perast

Day 5 - Beach Club

Day 6 - Tuk Tuk Tour 

Day 7 - Lake Skadar

Where to stay

One and Only Portonovi – A luxury resort in Portonovi along the Boka Bay. It features stunning beaches, pools, an incredible wellness program, and three excellent restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines. 

Regent Porto Montenegro – Located in Tivat, this elegant hotel sits in a glamorous marina filled with superyachts, shops, and restaurants. It also has a beautiful pool area.

Heritage Grand Perast – Set in the quaint and picturesque Perast. This hotel combines traditional charm and modern comforts. The pool area looks lovely, and whilst it does not have a beach, it does have a dock with a ladder so you can swim in the sea.

How to get around

Car Rental – We rented a car, and whilst we had issues with our car rental company (extra charges and they were really hard to contact during our trip), we found Montenegro's roads to be well-maintained. We stuck to major roads (which I highly recommend, as some roads are a bit of a tight squeeze) and had no issues with parking. 

Be aware that some roads go up high in the mountains, which might be a struggle for less confident drivers.

Public transport – We did give buses a try during our trip, and did have a few issues. One time we used it, it arrived on time; however, the next day we waited an hour, and it never came. Delays may be due to roadworks, but it is still worth noting.

Traffic can be quite bad in Montenegro. Specifically between Tivat and Kotor, please leave plenty of time if you have time-sensitive plans.

Day 1 - Arrival

Afternoon 

After checking into your hotel, take some time to unwind and settle in after your journey. Relax by the pool or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the local area before getting ready for your first evening out.

Dinner 

For your first evening, I recommend dining at one of the local restaurants close to your hotel. Whether you're staying in Porto Montenegro, Portonovi, Perast or Kotor, you’ll find plenty of options from relaxed venues to fine-dining. 

Day 2 –Explore Old Town Kotor

Morning 

I recommend starting your trip in Kotor, a beautifully preserved medieval town. Whilst small, there is plenty to explore. Spend a few hours getting lost in the alleyways, visiting historic landmarks and churches. 

A few must-do sights  in Kotor:

• Kotor Sea Gate - The city’s main entrance, dating back to 1555, and the perfect starting point for exploring The Old Town.

• Kotor South Gate - Another historic entrance to the Old Town.

• Kotor Clock Tower - Over 600 years old, this iconic landmark stands in the main square just beyond the Sea Gate.

• St Nicholas’s Church - Kotor’s largest Orthodox Church, built in the 20th Century and known for its impressive interior.

• St Tryphon’s Cathedral - Built in 1166, this romanesque cathedral is dedicated to Kotor’s patron saint Tryphon of Campsada.

• St Luke’s - A beautifully preserved 12th-century Serbian orthodox church.

• Karampana Fountain - A 17th-century fountain that once served as the city’s main source of drinking water.

• Walk the city walls and Kampana Tower - Stretching for around 2.8 miles, although only certain sections are open to visitors. The walk offers spectacular views over the Old Town and Bay of Kotor.

Top Tip - Check the cruise ship schedule before you visit and, if possible, plan your trip on a day when only a few cruise ships are in port. The Old Town can become very crowded when multiple ships dock.

Lunch - Galions

Galion is located just outside the city walls and offers stunning views across the Bay of Kotor. It serves excellent seafood (we had the Red Snapper). The prices felt reasonable considering the quality and the spectacular setting. I’d recommend visiting for lunch while it’s still light so you can fully enjoy the scenery. Make sure you book a table in advance. 

Afternoon

After lunch, wander back through the Old Town and enjoy a gelato from Marshall’s.

Optional

If you're feeling energetic, you can walk up the San Giovanni Fortress, although this can take 1.5–2 hours and is best done early in the morning during summer.

Day 3 - Boat Tour

Morning

Today, arrange a boat tour to explore the stunning Bay of Kotor by water. While the views from the land are beautiful, the bay is even more spectacular when experienced by boat.

Most tours include stops at:

Submarine Tunnel - A former Yugoslav military submarine tunnel, also known as a filming location for a James Bond movie. 

Our Lady of The Rocks - A picturesque man-made Island, famous for its blue-dome church and the local legend behind its creation. 

Blue Cave - An incredible cave with vibrant blue water you can swim in.

We opted for a private tour, which I have linked here*. However, if you are looking for a group tour, I have linked to one that looks good here.*

Lunch - Kraken Wine Bar

Kraken Wine Bar is a unique floating wine bar that’s only accessible by boat. The bar is known for its wine, which are aged beneath the sea. 

They offer dishes such as bruschetta, mussels and prawns. If you bring a swimsuit you can get in the water. This is such a cool experience, from arriving in a small boat to the incredible views, I highly recommend coming here during your stay.

Day 4 - Perast

Morning

This morning, head to Perast, a picturesque waterfront town nestled on the Bay of Kotor. Spend some time strolling along the promenade and admiring the charming venetian architecture. Along the way, you'll find plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants where you can stop for a coffee or drink while enjoying the stunning bay views.

While you're in Perast, visit St Nicholas Church, built in 1691 during the town's Venetian rule. You can explore the church before climbing its bell tower for panoramic views across the Bay of Kotor.

Lunch - Stari Mlini 

Just a 15 minute drive from Perast, Stari Mlini is a restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve walked out of a time machine.

Originally a family-owned flour mill dating back to the 1800s, it has since been converted into a fine–dining restaurant whilst preserving its historic character. We sat outside and had incredible views of a mill and a wooden bridge, it felt straight out of a fairy tale. 

The food is local and delicious. We ordered the catch of the day, which was a local fish we hadn't tried before. It was absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked, and excellent value for money.

Day 5 - Beach Club

Morning & Afternoon

After a busy few days exploring Montenegro, I recommend spending the day relaxing at a beach club. There are plenty of beach clubs dotted around the Bay of Kotor, ranging from laid-back waterfront spots to luxury beach clubs. 

I recommend visiting Portonovi Beach Club, located in the luxury Portonovi Resort. It is one of the more expensive beach clubs in the area, with a pair of sun loungers costing between €85 to €230 (at the time of writing). However, the beach is beautiful the loungers are extremely comfortable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable.

We also had lunch here, with a menu offering a mix of meat, seafood, and pasta dishes. They also have a great selection of cocktails, which made it the perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon by the water.

Dinner - One&Only

If you’re still hungry after lunch, you can head to the nearby One&Only Portonovi, which is also located within the resort. The hotel has three restaurants La Veranda, Tapasake, and Sabia all of which I have heard offer delicious dining experiences.

Day 6 - Tuk Tuk Tour

Morning

On your second-to- last day I recommend doing a Tuk Tuk tour. It was my favourite activity of the entire trip. 

The tour takes you through the traditional maritime villages that line Kotor Bay before ascending and then descending Mount Vrmac, which offers the best views of the whole trip. The scenery is spectacular. 

The tour starts and ends in Kotor, and allows you to visit Tivat. Although we were staying in Tivat, we made the journey to Kotor specifically for this tour because of the views and it was absolutely worth it.

Many of the roads are incredibly narrow and winding, so I personally wouldn't have wanted to drive them myself. Travelling by Tuk Tuk lets you relax and enjoy the scenery, while your guide shares insights into Montenegrin history, culture and local life.

The tour we went on is linked here*.

Dinner - MayaBay

Located in Porto Montenegro, MayaBay is a stylish Pan-Asian restaurant with a vibrant, modern atmosphere. The food is excellent, particularly the sushi, which I highly recommend. 

Day 7 - Lake Skadar

Morning

After exploring so much of Montenegro’s stunning coastline, I highly recommend travelling inland to experience the beauty of Lake Skadar. 

Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and stretches across both Albania and Montenegro. Here you can take a boat tour, go kayaking, visit family-run wineries, and hike scenic trails. 

If you're flying out of Podgorica Airport, as we were, Lake Skadar makes an excellent stop on your journey. While it's not directly en route, the detour is minimal and well worth it for the chance to experience a completely different side of Montenegro.

Final Thoughts

Montenegro completely exceeded our expectations and quickly became one of our favourite destinations in Europe. Everywhere we turned, we were met with some of the most breathtaking scenery we’ve ever seen. From crystal clear waters to charming maritime towns to delicious food, every part of our trip was magical. 

I would love to return one day to explore more of Northern Montenegro and the Adriatic Coastline.

If you would like to know more about Montenegro then please read my Montenegro guide, which I have linked here. If you're planning a trip and would like to learn more, be sure to check out my complete Montenegro travel guide, which I've linked here.