Montenegro - the surprising Europe

Most people who travel to Monetenegro are deeply surprised at the quality of the trip they experience. It is unexpectedly beautiful. The country is stunning, its mountain trails are captivating, the Adriatic waters are crystal clear, and the landscapes are genuinely breathtaking.

Podgorica

Pordgorica

The capital city of the country. Unfortuantly has not much to offer except for a nice church as far as sightseeing. It is named the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. For nature in the city go to Gorica Hill, where there are Walking trails, running paths, shaded viewpoints.

While not much to do there it is still agood base for daytrips to Cetinje,Skadar Lake National Park,Ostrog Monastery and Budva or Kotor on the Adriatic coast.

Kotor

Kotor

Kotor Old Town walk (early morning or night)Kotor Old Town is most enjoyable when it is quiet, either early in the morning or late at night. In the morning, the stone streets are calm, the light is soft, and the narrow alleys feel almost untouched as the town slowly wakes up. You can wander freely through small squares, churches, and hidden passages without crowds or noise. At night, the atmosphere changes completely, with warm lighting, open cafés, and a more lively but still intimate energy inside the medieval walls.

Fortress hike above Kotor (best view in Montenegro)The hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress is steep but worth the effort. The stone steps climb above the town, with each level opening wider views of Kotor and the bay below. As you gain height, the red rooftops shrink and the surrounding mountains become more dramatic. At the top, you get a full panoramic view over the entire bay, where the water, cliffs, and small coastal villages create one of the most impressive landscapes in the country.

Perast + boat to Our Lady of the RocksPerast is a quiet and elegant village with a long stone waterfront facing the bay. It is small and easy to explore on foot, with old buildings, calm cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere. From here, short boat rides take you to Our Lady of the Rocks, a small artificial island with a church and museum. The highlight is the view back toward Perast and the surrounding mountains, which feels peaceful and balanced.

Scenic drive around Kotor Bay loopThe Kotor Bay loop drive follows the edge of the water and offers constant changes in scenery. The road passes small villages, coastal viewpoints, and ferry crossings, always with mountains rising sharply above the bay. Each turn reveals a new angle of the landscape, from narrow shoreline sections to wide open views. It is a slow drive best enjoyed with frequent stops to take in the scenery.

Budva

Budva

At first you may be daunted at the Tall buildings and traffic jams in Budva. But need not worry the city is charming with its old fortress and sea. Budva, especially its Stari Grad, offers a striking mix of coastal calm and historic charm. Unlike the more modern and developed surroundings, the old town sits directly by the sea with a relaxed and authentic atmosphere. Walking along the marina and nearby beaches toward the fortress, you pass through stone gates, narrow cobbled streets, and traditional architecture that reflects its long history. Inside the walls, small cafés, shops, and workshops create a lively but still intimate environment, where the sound of the sea is never far away. Just outside the fortress, beaches such as Ricardova Glava and Mogren are connected by a coastal path, with scenic views and quiet coves along the way, including the well-known statue of the Budva Ballerina facing the sea.

A short drive away, the coastline around Milocer and Przno adds another layer of natural beauty. Walking from beach to beach, you reach Queen’s Beach with its turquoise water and secluded setting, followed by the shaded paths through pine forest leading to Milocer Beach and the former royal villa. Further along, the view opens toward Sveti Stefan, a fortified island village turned luxury hotel that remains mostly inaccessible but visually iconic from the shore. The contrast in this region is strong, as you move between pristine beaches, historic sites, and heavily developed areas, where rapid construction and tourism pressure sit alongside some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Montenegro, creating both admiration and discomfort at the same time.

Petrovac

The similar vibe of Budva continues here as modern mixes with old. At least parking is easier to find here.

Skadar Lake

Skadar Lake

Continuing to Skadar Lake feels like a completely different side of Montenegro, quiet, wide, and deeply natural compared to the coast. Taking a boat across the lake reveals a landscape of open water channels, reed beds, and small islands covered in vegetation, with mountains rising softly in the background. The ride is slow and peaceful, often accompanied by birds moving across the water and the occasional glimpse of fishermen working in traditional wooden boats. As you move deeper into the lake, the scenery becomes more remote and untouched, with reflections of sky and hills creating a calm, almost still atmosphere. Small villages appear along the shoreline, adding a human touch without disturbing the sense of space and silence. It is less about specific landmarks and more about the feeling of drifting through a vast natural ecosystem that remains largely unspoiled.

Durmitor Susicko lake

Durmitor

Must see places in Durmitor are the Black Lake,Prutas and Sedlo Mountains, and Ledenica cave.

Black Lake is the perfect introduction to the park. A flat walking trail circles the water, surrounded by dense forest and dramatic mountain peaks reflecting on the surface. The atmosphere is calm and easy, ideal after arrival or a long drive. You can complete the loop in about 1.5 to 2 hours, with optional short breaks along the shore for photography or rest. Late afternoon is especially beautiful when the light softens and the mountains reflect in the lake. In the evening have Dinner in Žabljak (local mountain cuisine).

🥾 Morning: Prutaš Mountain (main hike)

Prutaš is one of the most rewarding hikes in Durmitor due to its unique striped rock formations and panoramic summit views. The trail is moderately demanding but very scenic, with open alpine landscapes from the start. As you ascend, views expand over valleys, ridges, and distant peaks, with a strong sense of isolation and scale. At the top, you get a wide 360-degree view over Durmitor’s highlands, making it one of the most visually impressive spots in the park.

👉 Plan: 3.5 to 5 hours total depending on pace

🚗 Afternoon: Sedlo Pass drive

After the hike, drive toward Sedlo Pass, one of the highest and most dramatic road points in Durmitor. The road itself is an experience, winding through alpine terrain with constant open views of rugged peaks and deep valleys. Sedlo Pass offers a natural viewpoint where you can stop, rest, and absorb the vastness of the mountain landscape without hiking.

👉 This is a low-effort, high-reward scenic stop

Ledenica Cave is a cooler, quieter contrast to the open mountains. The approach is relatively short but involves uneven terrain, leading into a natural cave system carved into the rock. Inside, the temperature drops noticeably, and the atmosphere becomes dark, damp, and mysterious. It is not a large tourist site, which makes it feel more raw and natural.

From here head back to the coast to Herceg Novi and prepare to cross to Croatia!

Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi

Located at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor near the Croatian border, Herceg Novi is a historic coastal town shaped by centuries of changing rule, from Ottoman and Venetian to Austro-Hungarian influence. Today, it blends a strong local character with noticeable Serbian cultural presence, visible in language and symbols. Despite its charm, navigating the town by car can be frustrating due to one-way streets and limited parking. The seaside is simple, often made of concrete jetties rather than sandy beaches, but the clear turquoise water offers welcome relief from the heat. In the evening, the town comes alive with a pleasant walk along the long seafront promenade leading to the old town, where small squares, churches, and a hilltop fortress provide beautiful views over the bay and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.