You probably didn’t hear people telling you stories about their summer Montenegro holiday when you were growing up, and with good reason - it’s only existed as an independent country since 2004. This dinky Balkan state is one of the smallest countries in Europe. Despite that, Montenegro holidays are packed full of natural and historical sites to explore.
Best Places to Visit in Montenegro
- Bay of Kotor: The postcard perfect Kotor Bay is famous for its dramatic landscapes, where steep rocky mountains plunge into the blue waters of the bay. It’s often compared to the Fjords of Norway and the area was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1979. Nestled within this bay are the towns of Budva, Kotor and Tivat.
- Budva: Budva is Montenegro's premier coastal destination, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The charming Old Town, encircled by ancient walls, features narrow cobblestone streets, historic churches, and lovely squares. It's sometimes given the nickname 'mini Dubrovnik'. At night the town comes alive with bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it a hotspot for entertainment.
- Kotor Old Town: The ancient town of Kotor, is famous for its well-preserved Venetian architecture and charming narrow streets, all awaiting your exploration. Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the waterfront. Alternatively, climb the ancient city walls for panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. (Note the steep 1.2km path to the top is rough cobblestones, so pack appropriate footwear if you want to include this as part of your itinerary.)
- Perast: Sometimes referred to as a little part of Venice that broke away and drifted across the sea, Perast has plenty of stunning Venetian architecture to admire. A must-do activity is catching the boat to Our Lady of the Rocks (a small island with a church and museum), the views as you travel across are breathtaking.
- Podgorica: Montenegro's capital is home to a variety of cultural landmarks, including the Roman ruins of Doclea. Although the city lacks the coastal charm of other regions, it serves as a good base for exploring the nearby wine regions and natural parks like Lake Skadar.
- Tivat: Tivat is an emerging hotspot on the Montenegrin coast, particularly known for Porto Montenegro, a luxury marina filled with yachts, high-end boutiques and upscale restaurants. The town has retained its natural beauty, offering access to sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
Best Places to Stay in Montenegro
Once you’ve decided which resort or city to stay in, you’ll need to decide on your Montenegro hotel. If you’re looking for a luxury holiday there’s options like the 5 star Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort and Hotel Budva. After a nice hotel for a competitive price? Consider a May or October holiday to Montenegro with a stay at a 4 star hotel like Hotel Rivijera or Hotel ACD Wellness and Spa.
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