This Underrated European Destination Will Blow You Away: Montenegro Travel Guide

If you’re looking for a holiday destination with breathtaking views, a warm summer climate and a stunning Adriatic coastline, look no further than Montenegro. Just two years ago, I had never heard of this country. Then one day it popped up on my TikTok feed, and I instantly knew I had to go. I couldn’t believe it wasn’t already on my list, and oh my am I so glad that I went.

If you haven’t heard of this beautiful country either, let me fill you in. Montenegro is a small Balkan country covered in rugged mountains and bordered by the Adriatic Sea. Located just south of Dubrovnik. Montenegro is still under the radar for many holiday makers, but is definitely somewhere that should be on everyone's list .

The best time to visit Montenegro is between May and September. We went in June, which was lovely and warm but slightly less busy than July and August.

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.

Where to Visit

Central Montenegro -This region is known for its mountains, canyons, and lakes, including the breathtaking Lake Skadar. It’s also home to charming vineyards and traditional villages. Although we didn’t spend much time exploring this area, the parts we did see were absolutely beautiful.

The Bay of Kotor – Located in southern Montenegro, this fjord-like bay offers dramatic scenery and charming towns. It includes Kotor, Tivat, Perast, Portonovi, and Herceg Novi. We stayed in this area during our trip, and it was simply gorgeous. Most of my guide will focus on this region.

Arriving in Montenegro

There are three airports you can use:

Dubrovnik Airport – Although located in another country, Dubrovnik Airport is very close to Montenegro, specifically Herceg Novi and Portonovi. You can easily combine a trip to Dubrovnik with a visit to Montenegro.

Tivat Airport – Located in the Bay of Kotor, this airport is a 5-minute drive from Porto Montenegro and around a 22-minute drive to Kotor.

Podgorica Airport – Situated in the capital city, this is a good option if you are exploring the central or northern parts of Montenegro. It is about an 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Kotor.

Montenegro is quite a small country, so getting around is relatively easy regardless of which airport you choose.

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.

Things to do

Tuk Tuk Tour – I love a Tuk Tuk Tour, and the one in Montenegro was no exception. The tour we went on is linked here*. The views on this tour were incredible. We were taken to the most gorgeous viewpoints all along the Boka Bay. We got our best pictures on this tour, and it gave us lots of background information about Montenegro. I can not recommend this tour enough.

Boat Tour – A must-do experience. On a boat tour, you will see the bay from the water. Go inside a submarine tunnel where a James Bond movie was filmed, walk around the Lady of the Rock island and swim in the blue cave with its bright turquoise water. 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.*

Explore Old Town Kotor – an absolute must when you visit Montenegro. Whilst this well-preserved medieval town is small, there is plenty to explore. Spend a few hours getting lost in the alleyways and visit the historical palaces and churches. You can also walk along a small section of the fortress. Try to visit when no cruise ships are docked to avoid crowds.

Explore Perast – This small town is absolutely beautiful, and we found it very quiet. Come here and stroll along Perast’s waterfront. Enjoying the numerous bars and restaurants to enjoy, as well as churches and towers.

Beach club – There are loads of beach clubs dotted around the Boka Bay where you can relax and enjoy a dip in the ocean. We went to Portonovi beach club, and we loved how laid back it was.

Lake Skadar – Located near Podgorica, this lake is the largest in the Balkans and straddles the borders of two countries (Albania and Montenegro). Here you can take a boat tour, go kayaking, visit family-run wineries, and hike scenic trails.

 Restaurants

Stari Mlini – If you want a restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve walked out of a time machine, then this is the one. This restaurant used to be a family-owned flour mill in the 1800s. You can very much sense this when visiting. Between a mill and a gorgeous wooden bridge, it feels like it is straight out of a fairy tale. All the food is local and absolutely delicious. We got the local fish, which was perfect, and we thought it was reasonably priced.

Galion’s – A restaurant with a view. Located just outside the Kotor city walls with sea views over the Bay of Kotor. This restaurant serves amazing seafood (we had the Red Snapper ).  We found the price very reasonable given the quality. I highly recommend spending a few hours exploring Kotor, then heading here for a late lunch.

MayaBay – Located in Porto Montenegro. This pan-Asian restaurant has a modern and fun vibe, and the food is really good. During our trip, we had so much seafood that we really fancied something different, and this restaurant did not disappoint.

Kraken Wine Bar – Accessible only by boat, this unique spot serves wine aged under the sea. The views are amazing, and you can swim off the dock (bring a swimsuit!). They serve light dishes like mussels, prawns, and bruschetta.

Final Thoughts

While Montenegro may be small, it leaves a big impression. This Balkan gem offers dramatic landscapes, charming coastal towns, and a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're exploring the medieval streets of Kotor, cruising the Bay of Kotor, or sipping wine by Lake Skadar, there's something here for every kind of traveller.

I left Montenegro already wanting to visit again. If you’re looking for a destination that’s still under the radar but packed with beauty and charm, Montenegro should definitely be on your list.

If you enjoyed this blog post, don’t miss my review of the Rixos Premium Dubrovnik—another highlight from my travels in the Balkans.