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The Best Things to Do in Montenegro
Find the best things to do in Montenegro. Discover the top attractions, beaches and activities... you'll never be bored in Montenegro!
There are so many things to do in Montenegro, that's one of the things that makes Montenegro such a great place for a vacation.
Although it's known for beautiful old towns surrounded by azure seas, Montenegro has a lot more attractions and activities to offer when you visit.
Whether you're into sun-worshipping, extreme sports, history, food and wine, like to get off the beaten path or just want a great family getaway... Montenegro is a really great destination to visit.
Here's a list of the best things to do Montenegro. You can find things to do in Montenegro by the destination you're interested in and by the type of activity.
If you're just getting started booking your trip to Montenegro, this is a great page to bookmark so you can come back later to browse and book anything you decide you want to do here.
Local's Tip: If you're interested in any tour or activity, my advice is to enquire early! Many tours, especially in less touristy destinations away from the coast, don't run every day and you'll need to enquire and book early to avoid missing out.
Quick Links
Kotor Bay | Budva Riviera | Rest of the Coast | Podgorica | Cetinje | Nikšić
Durmitor National Park | Skadar Lake National Park | Lovcen National Park Biogradska Gora National Park | Prokletije National Park
Sightseeing Tours | Boating | Kayaking | White Water Rafting | Canyoning
Coasteering | Stand Up Paddling | Scuba Diving | Hiking | Via Ferrata | ATV Tours
Beaches | Cycling | Bird Watching | Wine and Gastronomy | Horse Riding
Museums | Scenic Drives
Things to Do in Montenegro: Kotor Bay
The Bay of Kotor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro. With the bay’s picturesque seaside villages, towering mountains and calm water, it’s no surprise people are drawn to the Bay of Kotor.
There are also a lot of things to do in the bay. The Venetian walled town of Kotor is the biggest drawcard, while Perast and its island churches that float just offshore come a close second.
This is one of the most beautiful and historic areas of Montenegro. It was once a medieval powerhouse of trade and the riches that it brought are obvious in the palaces and ornate churches, especially around Kotor.
As the hub of the bay, there are a lot of tours and activities you can do from Kotor. Walking and boat tours are the most popular, but you’ll also find many more fun and interesting things to do here.
Kotor Old Town
Kotor old town is the top attraction in Kotor Bay. The Venetian walled town has palaces, museums, churches and is a beautiful place to visit.
Highlights of Kotor
If you only have a short time in Kotor, these are the highlights you should see, along with entrance fees, opening hours and how long you'll need to see each.
St Tryphon Cathedral
St Tryphon Cathedral is one of Kotor's most popular attractions. Find out what you should see when you visit this 800 year old church.
San Giovanni Fortress
The hike up Kotor's fortress walls is a rite of passage for visitors to Kotor. Warning: they don't call it a 'huff n puff' hike for nothing!
Ladder of Kotor
If you have more time, follow the centuries-old trail that connected Kotor's ports with inland merchants. No crowds up here, just fresh air and epic views.
Our Lady of the Rocks
Our Lady of the Rocks is one of the Bay of Kotor's top attractions. This beautiful island church and museum is a must-see!
Risan Mosaics
At the Risan Mosaics you can see a 2,000 year old Roman villa through its mosaic floor in the Bay of Kotor's oldest settlement.
Kotor Walking Tour
A walking tour through Kotor old town is a great way to see the top sights in Kotor in as little as an hour. It's a great option if you've got limited time here.
Kotor Secret City Trail
Explore Kotor's top attractions and hidden gems on this walking tour crossed with a scavenger hunt. Great for groups and families, this game is guaranteed fun!
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Kotor's hop-on hop-off bus tour takes you to the Risan Mosaics, Perast, Bajova Kula Beach and includes a Kotor walking tour.
Blue Cave Boat Tour
This speed boat tour takes you to top attractions, Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave, and back to Kotor in just 3 hours.
Perast Boat Tour
This speed boat tour takes you to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks and back to Kotor in just 2 hours.
Semi Submarine Boat Tour
This semi-submarine tour is a favourite with little ones and gives you a chance to see the Bay of Kotor's beautiful coastline.
Via Ferrata Kotor
A fun and challenging activity that anyone can do, the Kotor via ferrata is a great way to get off the beaten track in Kotor.
Great montenegro Tour
This small group day tour covers a huge amount in just a day. You'll experience Montenegrin cuisine, culture, history and some of the best landscapes in the country.
Private Tours
Hiring a private guide is a great way to make the most of your time and discover experiences you wouldn't usually find on your own.
Excursions for cruise passengers
Only got a few hours in Kotor? Here's how to see the most in a limited amount of time.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Budva Riviera
The Budva Riviera is Montenegro’s other top tourist destination. The seaside resort town of Budva is the centre of the riviera, with other popular hamlets dotted along the coastline.
Budva old town is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Sea and you’ll find churches, a museum, boutiques and the remains of the Roman town it once was.
Budva’s beaches are one of the biggest reason people love the Budva Riviera. There are miles of beaches to choose from and you can explore the coast by stand up paddle board and kayak too.
Budva Old Town
Budva is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. You can explore the old town, walk the walls and swim on the surrounding beaches.
Budva Beaches
Budva is known for its stunning beaches. From pebbly to sandy, there's a beach on the Budva Riviera to suit everyone.
Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is a 15th century islet surrounded by pink pebble beaches. Wander through the forest's olive groves and cool off on the beach.
Diving
Whether you're an experienced diver or want to give it a go for the first time, Budva's clear and warm seas are the perfect place to go diving.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Rest of the Coast
Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is one of Montenegro's top attractions. You can swim in the cave's iridescent blue water and there are lots of tours to get there.
Bar
South of Budva, Bar's old town and cuisine shows the influence of 500 years of Turkish rule and it's where you'll find some of Europe's oldest olive trees.
Ulcinj
On the south coast of Montenegro, Ulcinj has miles of sandy beaches and off the beaten track attractions.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Podgorica
Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city and it has one of Montenegro's two international airports. It's also central to some of Montenegro's popular destinations, like the Budva Riviera and Biogradska Gora National Park, which means a lot of people pass through it.
Podgorica isn't a touristy destination and doesn't have a lot of tourist attractions, but there are things to do there if you know where to look. The great thing about these attractions is you might even have them all to yourself!
Žabljak Crnojevića
Žabljak Crnojevića is the medieval capital of Montenegro and has a 15th century fortress that overlooks magnificent Skadar Lake.
Montenegro Animal Sanctuary
You can bottle feed piglets, get chased by emus and give love (and carrots) to the abandoned and orphaned collection of animals that call this sanctuary/zoo home.
More things to do in Podgorica >
Things to Do in Montenegro: Cetinje
Lipa Cave
A favourite Montenegro attractions for families, take a mini train ride to the cave entrance before heading underground into the cave's 3.5km of tunnels.
More things to do in Cetinje >
Things to Do in Montenegro: Nikšić
Ostrog Monastery
One of the Balkans' holiest sites, this 17th century monastery in a sheer cliff face is one of Montenegro's top attractions.
Things to Do in Montenegro:
Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park lies in the north east of Montenegro and it's a great place to see Montenegro's stunning mountainous scenery.
The Tara Canyon and Black Lake are must-sees here, but there are lots of other ways to spend a few days here, especially if you like the outdoors.
Black Lake
Surrounded by dense forest, with a backdrop of Međed Peak, the Black Lake in Montenegro is a stunning place to visit and the perfect introduction to Durmitor National Park.
Tara River Canyon
The Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and a magnificent natural area in Durmitor National Park.
Đurđevića Tara Bridge
Spanning the Tara Canyon, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge has magnificent views of the canyon and you can zipline across the canyon here.
Tara Canyon Rafting
The ultimate way to see the beauty of the Tara Canyon is by rafting down it. This is a thrilling and fun activity for almost all ages.
STEĆCI in Žabljak
Stećci are medieval tombstones that are unique to this area of Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.
Durmitor Ring
The Durmitor Ring is a scenic drive through the beautiful and varied landscapes of Durmitor National Park.
Via Ferrata Durmitor
Via ferrata Durmitor is a a fun and exciting way to experience the beauty of Durmitor National Park.
Things to Do in Montenegro:
Skadar Lake National Park
Skadar Lake is the biggest lake in the Balkans and it's an important area for birds that migrate between Europe and Africa.
It's also the heart of the old Montenegro state, Zeta, and where you'll find a lot of history and culture in Montenegro.
There are lots of things to do here. Top of the list are boat trips on the lake and wine tastings, but you can kayak, bike, hike and just enjoy the views here too!
Žabljak Crnojevića
Climb to the 15th century fortress that overlooks magnificent Skadar Lake at Žabljak Crnojevića, the medieval capital of Montenegro.
Rijeka Crnojevića
Rijeka Crnojevića is a pretty riverside hamlet where you can take boat tours, go kayaking and see nearby Pavlova Strana viewpoint.
SKADAR LAKE Boat Tours
Skadar Lake boat tours take you to see the lake beauty and wildlife. You can also visit monasteries and see the lake's island fortresses and villages.
SKADAR LAKE Kayaking
Hiring kayaks or booking a kayaking tour is a great way to see Skadar Lake's top wildlife spots and monasteries.
SKADAR LAKE Wine and Food Tasting
The Crmnica region near Lake Skadar is Montenegro's top wine making area and you can visit a local boutique winery to try wine, brandy and local specialities.
Skadar Lake Hiking
Skadar Lake National Park also has hiking trails you can follow. A guided tour is the best way to discover hidden waterfalls and secret swimming holes.
Skadar Lake Bird Watching
Skadar Lake National Park is an important habitat for birds from all over Europe. You can see pelicans, cormorants, terns and more as you explore the lake.
Skadar Lake Cycling
The Lake Skadar bike trails take you through some of Montenegro’s most beautiful scenery. If you’re longing to experience Montenegro’s famed ‘wild beauty’ this is the ideal place to find it.
Things to Do in Montenegro:
Lovćen National Park
Lovćen National Park is the easiest national park to get to from Kotor and Budva. It's a great place to experience Montenegrin culture and cuisine, and you can easily combine it with a visit to Montenegro's old royal capital, Cetinje.
Petar II Petrović Njegoš Mausoleum
Get panoramic views and visit the final resting place of one of Montenegro's favourite sons, Petar II Petrović Njegoš.
Njeguši Village
A great place to stop to try Montenegro's specialities: prosciutto and cheese from Njeguši village. Visit a smokehouse and see the birthplace of Petar II Petrović Njegoš.
Adventure Park Lovćen
Adventure Park Lovćen is a treetops obstacle course that's suitable for anyone from 5 years old. This is a great activity for families!
Things to Do in Montenegro:
Biogradska Gora National Park
Biogradska Gora National Park
In Biogradska Gora you'll find one of Europe's last virgin forests, Lake Biograd, hiking, biking and more.
Things to Do in Montenegro:
Prokletije National Park
Prokletije National Park
Prokletije is Montenegro's least-visited national park. It's an authentic off the beaten track destination and offers serious hiking for experienced hikers.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Sightseeing Tours
Taking a group or private tour is one of the best ways to get to know Montenegro. Local guides are knowledgeable, passionate and lots of fun. They love to show you Montenegro's top sights and tell you about the local history and culture.
A word of caution: almost every tour comes with rakija (brandy) shots... it's part of the culture!
Kotor Walking Tour
A walking tour through Kotor old town is a great way to see the top sights in Kotor in as little as an hour. It's a great option if you've got limited time here.
Private Guided Tours
A private guide can help you make the most of your time and discover hidden gems you'd never find on your own. You can choose a tour itinerary or get them to create one for you.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Kotor's hop-on hop-off bus tour takes you to the Risan Mosaics, Perast, Bajova Kula Beach and includes a Kotor walking tour.
Great Montenegro Tour
This full-day group tour covers an incredible amount. You experience some of the highlights of Montenegrin scenery, history, culture and cuisine in just one day.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Boating
Getting out in a boat is one of the best things to do in Montenegro, especially between June and October, when it's hot out.
Motenegro's coastlines and lakes are beautiful and there's nothing like cruise along the coast admiring the stone fishing villages and discovering hidden coves to swim.
Here are some great ways to get out on the water:
Perast Boat Tour
This speed boat tour takes you to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks and back to Kotor in just 2 hours.
Blue Cave Boat Tour
This speed boat tour takes you to top attractions, Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave, and back to Kotor in just 3 hours.
Semi Submarine Boat Tour
This semi-submarine tour is a favourite with little ones and gives you a chance to see the Bay of Kotor's beautiful coastline.
SKADAR LAKE Boat Tours
Skadar Lake boat tours take you to see the lake beauty and wildlife. You can also visit monasteries and see the lake's island fortresses and villages.
Rent a Boat
Hire a boat with or without a skipper and you can explore the coast and go wherever you like.
Sailing
Learn to sail or take a sailing experience in the calm waters of the Bay of Kotor.
Powerboat Licences
Learn to drive a powerboat and get an international licence on a weekend course.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Kayaking
The calm waters of the Bay of Kotor or Lake Skadar are the ideal places to explore in a kayak. And thanks to Montenegro's Mediterranean weather, you can kayak here year round.
Kayaking in Montenegro
You can rent single or double kayaks and explore on your own, or book a tour to show you the highlights of the coast.
SKADAR LAKE Kayaking
Hiring kayaks or booking a kayaking tour is a great way to see Skadar Lake's top wildlife spots and monasteries.
Things to Do in Montenegro: White Water Rafting
Rafting down the Tara River in Tara Canyon is one of the most popular things to do in Montenegro. The scenery is stunning, it's lots of fun and almost anyone can do it.
Tara Canyon Rafting
The ultimate way to see the beauty of the Tara Canyon is by rafting down it. This is a thrilling and fun activity for almost all ages.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Canyoning
There are lots of canyons all over Montenegro, many perfect for a canyoning adventure. There are canyons suitable for all ability levels, from children to adults only.
Canyoning
Navigate your way through one of Montenegro's canyons by walking, swimming, abseiling and jumping from one end to the other.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Coasteering
Coasteering is an emerging adventure sport where you navigate a coastline by walking, jumping and swimming. In Montenegro, these exclusive tours take you along Luštica Peninsula's rugged coast to sea caves and exciting cliff jumps.
Coasteering
Swim, hike and jump along rugged coast and through sea caves on a coasteering adventure in Montenegro.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Stand Up Paddling
Like kayaking, Montenegro's calm seas are great for stand up paddling, and it's something you can learn very quickly if you've never tried it before.
Stand Up Paddling
You can go stand up paddling in some of Montenegro's most beautiful spots, like in front of Perast and around Our Lady of the Rocks in the Bay of Kotor.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Scuba Diving
Diving
Whether you're an experienced diver or want to give it a go for the first time, Budva's clear and warm seas are the perfect place to go diving.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Hiking
Montenegro's coast and mountains are crisscrossed with dozens of hiking trails and you'll find some near you, wherever you stay in Montenegro.
Coastal trails are good for day hikes, exploring villages and getting some stunning views. For more serious hiking, the national parks, like Durmitor and Prokletije, some stunning trails in the wilderness of Montenegro's 'black mountains'.
You'll find everything from easy family-friendly walks to serious trails that are only for experienced hikers.
If you plan to do some hiking in Montenegro, I highly recommend Rudolph Abraham's The Mountains of Montenegro: A Walker's and Trekker's Guide.
San Giovanni Fortress
Get the best views in Kotor by walking up Kotor's fortress walls. Warning: they don't call it a 'huff n puff' hike for nothing!
Ladder of Kotor
Follow the centuries-old trail that connected Kotor's ports with inland merchants. No crowds up here, just fresh air and epic views.
Vrmac Ridge
Between Kotor and Tivat, Vrmac Ridge has scenic hiking trails, picnic spots and abandoned Austro-Hungarian forts.
Skadar Lake Hiking
Skadar Lake National Park also has hiking trails you can follow. A guided tour is the best way to discover hidden waterfalls and secret swimming holes.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Via Ferrata
Via ferrata is a fun adventure sport that almost anyone can do. It's exciting, challenging and you'll get incredible views from both locations: Durmitor National Park and Kotor.
Via Ferrata Montenegro
Via ferrata is yet another adventure sport you can do in Montenegro. Follow the via ferrata - the iron path - up the mountain in either Kotor or Durmitor National Park.
Things to Do in Montenegro: ATV
ATV tours in Montenegro combine jaw-dropping scenery with the thrill of an off-road quad bike tour.
ATV Tours
ATV tours in Montenegro take you to visit hidden beaches, wineries, olive mills and more.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Beaches
Does your ideal holiday mean days full of sun, rest and relaxation? All you’ll need to bring is a few good books and Montenegro will take care of the rest.
Budva Beaches
Budva is known for it's amazing beaches. Fine, pink pebbles; soft, golden sand; azure water... tick, tick and tick! Budva has it all.
Montenegro Beaches
Budva isn't the only place in Montenegro with some fantastic beaches, here are some more top ones to visit during your stay.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Cycling
You can find some great biking in Montenegro. There are biking tours with breathtaking scenery, self-guided biking tours, mountain biking trails, bike rentals and trails along old, deserted train routes. This is a great way to explore Montenegro's natural beauty.
Skadar Lake Cycling
The Lake Skadar bike trails take you through some of Montenegro’s most beautiful scenery. If you’re longing to experience Montenegro’s famed ‘wild beauty’ this is the ideal place to find it.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Bird Watching
Lake Skadar is home to over 280 bird species including the endangered Dalmatian Pelican.
You can take boat and kayak tours on the lake specifically to go bird-watching. These take you to the bird reserves around the lake and are guided by knowledgeable locals.
Skadar Lake Bird Watching
Skadar Lake National Park is an important habitat for birds from all over Europe. You can see pelicans, cormorants, terns and more as you explore the lake.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Wine And Gastronomy
Montenegrin food is an unsung hero. It's fresh, it's delicious, and there's a huge variety of food from hearty mountain fare to fresh-caught seafood.
Make sure you put trying some local specialties on your list of things to do in Montenegro!
SKADAR LAKE Wine and Food Tasting
The Crmnica region near Lake Skadar is Montenegro's top wine making area and you can visit a local boutique winery to try wine, brandy and local specialities.
Feel and Taste Luštica
This Luštica Peninsula tour takes you to experience the traditional lifestyle and cuisine of the Montenegrin coast.
Olives and Donkeys
Experience authentic Montenegrin cuisine and lifestyle on this tour to a 300 year old olive mill.
Kotor Winery Tour
Explore Kotor, Perast, Herceg Novi and visit a winery with the best views in the Bay of Kotor.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Horse Riding
Horse riding is one of the best ways to explore Montenegro's diverse beauty. You can explore places cars and most tourists don't go, and you'll be able to experience some Montenegro's most wild and beautiful places.
Horse Riding
Explore Montenegro's wildernesses on horseback. There are horse treks available for beginners to experienced riders.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Museums
Montenegro is a treasure trove of interesting history and the museums are fascinating places to visit. Inside, you'll find relics from prehistoric times through Illyrian, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule.
Museums in Montenegro
Find out which museums you should visit during your stay in Montenegro.
Things to Do in Montenegro: Scenic Drives
It's hard to miss beautiful vistas as you drive around Montenegro. If you're wondering where you should go to make the most of the scenery, here are some articles to help you visit the most beautiful parts of Montenegro by car.
Durmitor Ring
The Durmitor Ring is a scenic drive through the beautiful and varied landscapes of Durmitor National Park.
5 Scenic Drives in Montenegro
Discover some of the most beautiful scenic routes around Montenegro.
More articles like Things to Do in Montenegro
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About Sarah
I'm a New Zealander who's lived in Montenegro since 2008. I love exploring this beautiful country and sharing the best of it with you!
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