Visit Montenegro This Spring: All-In-One Destination

Imagine a country with a Mediterranean climate, featuring 240 sunny days a year and a picturesque seaside. Within the same country, heading inland, you can reach mountainous areas in only two hours from the coast and try both hiking and skiing. Not to mention the adrenaline-pumping experience of rafting in the deepest European canyon.

It’s possible to visit such a diverse landscape on a territory of only 13,812 km². Today I’ll introduce you to Montenegro, a tiny European country nestled in the Balkan Peninsula.

As a local who was born and raised here, I’ve prepared for you a list of eight things to do in Montenegro. 

1. Get Ready for Hiking in the Balkan Alps

Did you know that 89% of Montenegro’s area is covered by mountains? There is a joke about this terrain, saying that if the hills and mountains in Montenegro could be flattened, it would be the largest country in the world. 

Joke aside, it’s a tough decision to select the best mountain in Montenegro. It’s a matter of personal preference for a particular terrain and the physical ability for the hike. My favorite mountain range is called Prokletije, also famous as the Balkan Alps.

I visited Prokletije National Park in the summer of 2022 and was impressed by the wild beauty of this mountain range. I chose the trail Volušnica-Talijanka-Popadija, which offers spectacular views of the mighty Karanfili peaks. 

What makes this mountain range special is the contrast of sharp peaks, extremely steep slopes, and grassy, gentle ridges. This is the place where nature decided to merge awe and admiration. The place that confirms the slogan “wild beauty”, which is usually associated with Montenegro.

2. Take a Stroll Through Centuries in Kotor

If you have only one day to stay in Montenegro, use it to visit Kotor. This UNESCO heritage site is a living museum that features perfectly preserved medieval architecture. The Venetian influence is mostly recognizable in its buildings and palaces. 

An absolute must is climbing the stairs to St. John’s Fortress, also known as San Giovanni. The way of 1,350 steps awaits you. But the epic view of the Bay of Kotor is worthwhile. The spring is the best period for visiting this fortress, due to the high temperatures in the summer.

Kotor is a town of history, culture, and carnivals. I will allow myself to complete this list with cats. Cats take a special place in the hearts of inhabitants of this town, thanks to their role during history. They protected Kotor from rats, mice, and snakes. There are many cat shops, handmade items with cats engraved on them, and even the Cats Museum.

3. Book a Sailing Tour in the Fairy-Tale Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is a symbol of timeless beauty. It has an extraordinary location, surrounded by the impressive mountains of Orjen and Lovćen.

The Bay of Kotor nurtures both cultural and natural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Thus, you will get to know it through its authenticity. The epitome of this is the church of Our Lady of the Rocks, situated on an artificial island created by placing rocks and sinking old and seized ships loaded with rocks.

Perast, one of the most charming places in the Bay of Kotor and Montenegro, will welcome you with Venetian-era palaces and well-preserved churches and squares. It’ll give you a perspective on the golden age of this town as a trading port and maritime training center.

4. Discover the Oldest Olive Tree in Europe

According to UNESCO, the Old Town of Bar is the most important medieval archaeological site in the Balkans. It was a part of numerous empires that shaped it into a tolerant, multicultural, and diverse town—a welcoming place populated by warm and kind people. 

The whole old town is mantled by the impressive Mount Rumija, which stands overlooking the Montenegrin coast. In less than 5 km from this part of the town, you can relax at beaches and take a stroll to the red lighthouse.

On top of it, Bar is recognized for the Old Olive Tree, which is considered the oldest one in Europe with a circumference of 10m. Bar is a real representative of the whole country—small but all-inclusive and unique.

5. Feel the Adrenaline Rush in Tara River Canyon

Tara River Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe, is the right place for thrill-seekers. Rafting here means witnessing the canyon’s rapids and cliffs and challenging terrain surrounded by rugged landscape. 

This is wild beauty at its finest. Above this beauty, another surprise is waiting for you—the impressive Đurđevića Tara Bridge proudly hugs the two sides of the Tara Canyon and offers an unforgettable panorama of the gorge.

6. Admire the Sunset in Ulcinj

If you are a fan of sandy beaches, you should add Long Beach (Velika Plaža) to your bucket list. Thanks to its warm, shallow water and constant thermal wind, this beach is a perfect place for kitesurfing. If you haven’t learned kitesurfing yet, Long Beach in Ulcinj is your chance.

And the right way to end the day is by drinking wine at the beach and beholding magical sunsets with your friends. 

7. Visit the Eternal Resting Place of the Greatest Montenegrin Poet

Lovćen National Park cultivates the culture and history of Montenegro. On Lovćen’s second highest peak (1,660m) is Njegoš Mausoleum, the final resting place of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, Montenegrin prince-bishop and most eminent poet. 

To reach this place, you need to climb 461 steps and then you can enjoy a breathtaking vista of the Bay of Kotor, nearby mountains, and the idyllic scenery of the Adriatic coastline.

You can imagine how magical it is, when one of the most prominent Montenegrin rulers wanted to be buried here. 

8. Explore Skadar Lake: A Bird-Watcher’s Paradise

Skadar Lake, the largest lake in Southern Europe, is one of Europe’s most important sanctuaries for birds. This habitat hosts 270 bird species, 90% of which are migratory birds. The symbol of Lake Skadar National Park is the Dalmatian pelican.

One of the most effective ways to behold and witness the wildlife populating this national park is by kayaking, sailing, or hiking around the lake.

To sum up:

Montenegro has an all-encompassing landscape spreading over such a small territory. And it’s a significant advantage of this country, especially because all places are within reach.

In just one week, you can visit lakes, forests, beaches, mountains, national parks, canyons, caves, islands, and many more. It’s a destination that—once experienced—beckons you to return. 

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