Ultimate 1 Week Montenegro Itinerary + FREE Customisable Download

BY SARAH PAVLOVIC 

Kotor is the gem of Kotor Bay and the old town is a must-see. You'll find lots of things to see and do here and it's a convenient central base.

Perast is an idyllic town near Kotor. The town was once the centre of wealth and power in the bay and the shore is lined with baroque palaces.

Our Lady of the Rocks is one of the bay's most popular attractions. The island has beautiful church and adjoining museum where you can see local artworks and artefacts.

Roman Mosaics in Risan are the remnants of a Roman villa built between 96 and 192 AD. The mosaic floors have been painstakingly reconstructed and this mosaic of the god Hypnos is the only one in the world.

The Blue Cave lies on Luštica Peninsula and taking a boat tour from Kotor Bay to the cave is one of the most popular things to do in the Bay of Kotor. Tours start from 3 hours and include visits to other attractions too.

San Giovanni Fortress lies on the hill above Kotor. You can walk up the old town wall to the fortress at the top, where you'll get incredible views of the Bay of Kotor.

The Ladder of Kotor is a longer but easier hike above Kotor. Follow the old donkey path behind the town to avoid crowds and get magnificent views.

Hostel Old Town Kotor is a relaxed and fun hostel in the heart of the old town. Join their pub crawl and hang out by the only pool in the old town!

Apartments Magic Sea View have modern apartments with sea views just 2 minutes from the beach and 1km from Kotor old town. 

Villa Strp is in an amazing position with its own private beach. Just outside Risan in a peaceful hamlet, this is the ultimate place to kick back and relax.

Heritage Grand Perast is a converted Baroque palace on the waterfront in the idyllic town of Perast. The seafront location and luxury services make this a top place to stay in the Bay of Kotor.

Lake Slano – there’s plenty of space to pull over when you pass the lake and you’ll have a good vantage point from above to take photos.

Ostrog Monastery is one of the holiest sites in the Balkans. A short detour from Nikšić brings you to this 17^th century monastery carved into the side of a sheer cliff. 

Canyoning through Nevidio Canyon is Montenegro's most challenging canyoning adventure and you can do this tour on your way up.

Rafting on the Tara River is one of the best ways to see the Tara River Canyon, Europe's deepest canyon and an unspoiled wilderness area in Montenegro.

The Black Lake lies in beneath Međed Peak in Durmitor National Park. The 4km trail around the lake is an easy walk and you can also hire boats and swim in the lake.

The Durmitor Ring is an 85km circular drive through Durmitor National Park. On the drive you’ll see authentic mountain villages, shepherds with their flocks of sheep, herds of horses and lots of dramatic mountains.

Via Ferrata in Durmitor is a fun and exciting way to see some of this region's incredible scenery. Using ropes and harnesses, it's so simple even kids as young as 6 can do it.

Stećci are an interesting phenomenon that you’ll only be able to see in certain areas of the Balkans and two of the best sites to see stećci in Montenegro are in Žabljak, near Durmitor National Park.

Hotel Soa is a comfortable and stylish hotel that's walking distance to both the town and the Black Lake. With a wellness centre and cosy fireplace, it's ideal for relaxing. 

Polar Star has rooms, suites and bungalows, and this is a top pick if you’re travelling with kids. There's lots of outdoor space and a buffet restaurant with half-board stays.

Durmitor Bungalows have budget friendly bungalows that are a unique alternative to standard hotels. Staying in one is a great Montenegrin experience and these ones are close to the town centre.

Đurđevića Tara Bridge crosses the Tara Canyon and will give you fantastic views of the canyon. You can stop here to admire the scenery and do the zipline that crosses the canyon.

Dobrilovina Monastery is a 16^th century monastery surrounded by lush mountains and the Tara River. The nuns welcome visitors but you must be modestly dressed ie. clothing must be loose-fitting and cover the knees and shoulders.

Biogradska Gora National Park – before you get to Kolašin, take the turn off to Biogradska National Park. You can walk around the lake, hire a boat on the lake and do forest walks here.

Bianca Resort and Spa is a large hotel a short walk from the town centre. It has impeccable rooms as well as indoor and outdoor pools, wellness centre, hot tub and half-board options. 

Swiss Chalet Kolasin Montenegro is a large chalet with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It's ideal for families and groups. 

Houses Amanet are beautifully-decorated bungalows that lie by the river next to one of Kolašin's top restaurants, Konoba Amanet.

Morača Monastery is a 13^th century monastery founded during the Njemanjić Dynasty's rule. It's a beautiful monastery and has picnic tables by the canyon.

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city. While not a popular tourist destination, the city has a few worthwhile attractions. Click here to see the best things to see and do in Podgorica.

Žabljak Crnojevića is the 15^th century capital of Montenegro, then called Zeta. You can explore the old fortress, which is surrounded by beautiful Lake Skadar National Park.

Rijeka Crnojevića is a small riverside town that became the capital of Zeta after Žabljak Crnojevića was taken by the Ottomans. Take the turn-off in Podgorica towards Cetinje to reach Rijeka Crnojevića. Then follow the road via Poseljani to reach Virpazar.

Pavlova Strana is one of Montenegro's most famous view points. You can find this horseshoe bend in the Crnojevića River between Podgorica and Rijeka Crnojevića.

Boat cruises on Lake Skadar are a great way to see the lake abundance of wildlife and natural beauty and culture. Boat tours start from an hour and go up to 8 hours.

Kayaking on the lake is another great way to explore this natural wonderland. Hire kayaks or take a guided tour to get up close to the lake's wildlife.

Hiking is another way to explore the Lake Skadar National Park. You can hike over old Ottoman bridges and swim in hidden pools and waterfalls.

Wine and Food tasting - this is Montenegro's premier wine-making region. Book a wine and food tasting to try local specialties like Vranac wine, fruit brandies, cured meats, cheeses and local produce.

Vida's House is a comfortable apartment in an idyllic location overlooking the lake in the heart of Virpazar.

Eco Resort Cermeniza is part of one of Virpazar's top wineries. The resort is nestled in a tranquil rural setting and has beautiful stone cottages surrounding a pool with an incredible view.

Hoopoe Glamping offers a luxurious and sustainable camping experience in the national park. With lots of green space, bbq facilities and breakfast, this is an ideal place for couples and families.

Bar is a great place to experience Montenegro's cultural mix. You can explore the old town, try Turkish-influenced food in the restaurants and visit one of the world's oldest olive trees.

Valdanos Cove is an idyllic cove surrounded by 85,000 olive trees. The cove was a popular Yugoslav-era resort. The resort has been abandoned for years but it's still a popular spot for more intrepid travellers to take a dip.

Velika Plaža (Long Beach) is Ulcinj's most popular drawcard. The 12km-long sandy beach draws holiday-makers all summer and is popular with kite surfers.

Ulcinj Old Town was built by the Illyrians 2,500 years ago. You can visit the town museum to learn about this former slave-trading town and explore the stone alleyways. Have a drink at the former Venetian Palace (now Hotel Palata Venezia) to enjoy the view!

Mala Plaža (Small Beach) lies beneath the old town and is a pretty, sandy cove for cooling off during Montenegro's hot summer.

Hotel Palata Venezia lies in the former palace of the Venetian administrator. It has fabulous sea views and is a short walk to the town beach.

Countryside Villa is a luxurious villa in the country 5km from Ulcinj. With restful natural interiors and its rural location, this is a beautiful retreat to enjoy the area's natural beauty.

The Beach House with the Magical Sunsets is the perfect place for a beach holiday. Located directly on the beach at Velika Plaža, the house is fully-equipped and comes with magical sunsets as promised!

Petrovac is a classic Mediterranean seaside village. You can walk along the promenade, try fresh seafood at one of the restaurants (try Konoba Mediteraneo) and enjoy the views from the citadel.

Sveti Stefan is a must-see in Montenegro. Drive down to the hamlet, take a swim on the pink pebble beach and take a walk through Miloćer Forest Park to Pržno for a seaside seafood meal.

Budva old town was founded by the Illyrians 2,500 years ago but was mainly developed by the Venetians. You can visit the churches, citadel and town museum which displays artefacts and traditional costume of the town.

Mogren Beach is a few minutes' walk from Budva's bustling old town. The warm waters and golden beach surrounded by forested cliffs feel like a world away from the busyness of Budva.

Aquapark Budva is an expansive complex of pools and waterslides. With a play area for young kids, swim-up-bar and slides ranging from mild to terrifying, it's a great place to cool off.

Dukley Hotel and Resort is one of Montenegro's best luxury hotels. With private beaches, an hourly water taxi to Budva old town and every whim catered to, this is one of the best places to stay in Budva.

Hotel California by Aycon is one of Montenegro's best luxury hotels. With private beaches, an hourly water taxi to Budva old town and every whim catered to, this is one of the best places to stay in Budva.

Fontana Seafront Residences lie on Slovenska Plaža beach in the centre of Budva. The beach, restaurant and old town are all a short walk away. The spacious apartments are self-catering but there's also an onsite restaurant if you don't feel like cooking.

Cetinje is the old royal capital of Montenegro. In Montenegro's heyday this little town was full of diplomats and royalty. You can visit the monastery, old palaces and national museum here.

Petar II Petrović-Njegoš mausoleum is a must-see in Lovćen National Park. Petar II Petrović Njegoš is an icon in Montenegro and Serbia and from his mausoleum you'll get views as far as Croatia and Albania.

Ivanova Korita is a recreation site at the centre of Lovćen National Park. With barbecues, restaurant, playground, fields, walking and biking tracks, it's a great place to stretch your legs.

Adventure Park Lovćen has tree-tops ropes courses for all age groups. There are courses for children as young as 5 through to courses that challenge adults.

Njeguši is where Montenegro's best prosciutto (njeguški pršut) is made. Stop to see the smoke houses and try proscuitto, cheese and brandy. Visit Petar II Petrović-Njegoš’ house, which has been turned into a museum and Montenegro's oldest restaurant, Kod Pera na Bukoviću.

Kotor is the gem of Kotor Bay and the old town is a must-see. You'll find lots of things to see and do here and it's a convenient central base.

Perast is an idyllic town near Kotor. The town was once the centre of wealth and power in the bay and the shore is lined with baroque palaces.

Our Lady of the Rocks is one of the bay's most popular attractions. Our Lady of the Rocks is one of the bay's most popular attractions. The island has beautiful church and adjoining museum where you can see local artworks and artefacts.

Roman Mosaics in Risan are the remnants of a Roman villa built between 96 and 192 AD. The mosaic floors have been painstakingly reconstructed and this mosaic of the god Hypnos is the only one in the world.

The Blue Cave lies on Luštica Peninsula and taking a boat tour from Kotor Bay to the cave is one of the most popular things to do in the Bay of Kotor. Tours start from 3 hours and include visits to other attractions too.

San Giovanni Fortress lies on the hill above Kotor. You can walk up the old town wall to the fortress at the top, where you'll get incredible views of the Bay of Kotor.

The Ladder of Kotor is a longer but easier hike above Kotor. Follow the old donkey path behind the town to avoid crowds and get magnificent views.

Hotel Palazzo Radomiri is a seaside hotel in an old baroque palace near Kotor. The small boutique hotel has a pool and tranquil garden that's perfect for relaxing.

Hotel Drusko is a boutique hotel in the heart of the old town. Channeling old Kotor in it's decor and ambiance, the hotel has restaurants and attractions on its doorstep.

Muo Apartments are modern apartments with a pool in Muo. The apartments are in a peaceful hamlet 1km from Kotor and have beautiful views over the bay.