One of the world’s fastest-growing tourist attractions, Montenegro boasts alluring beaches backed by the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, rugged peaks, and a mild Mediterranean climate. Montenegro is rich with attractions, from the grand Venetian Old Town in Kotor, surrounded by a stunning deep blue bay resembling a fjord, to the mountainous interior, home to national parks, towering hills, and underground caverns. This tiny nation delivers an unbeatable lineup of top attractions in Montenegro, with its historical harbor towns, waterfront luxury living, and endless natural beauty.
See our list of the top attractions in Montenegro for suggestions on the leading destinations to add to your Montenegrin wish list.
Must-See Attractions in Montenegro
The Capital, Podgorica
Most visitors head straight for the Bay of Kotor, so the capital, Podgorica, stays quiet. The only accurate indication of Podgorica’s historic core among the new construction is the clocktower across the Moraca River because the Old Town was destroyed during the Second World War.
Even if there are few major historical attractions, there are still many other things to do if you know where to go. First, start your journey inside King’s Park, dotted with monuments to notable Montenegrins, including Nicholas I of Montenegro. Then proceed to Saborni Hram Hristovog Vaskrsenja, a large modern cathedral with many spires and domes. Finally, head across the Moraca River from Stara Varos to the tiny park concealing the former royal winter house known as Petrovic Palace. Since 1985, the palace and the nearby structures have served as the Center for Contemporary Art, one of Montenegro’s most significant cultural organizations and home to some 1500 works of art.
Budva
The Budva Riviera is the Côte d’Azur of Montenegro, stretching down the central Montenegrin coastline, with Budva Old Town as its anchor town. The beaches here are bordered by the gorgeous mountains on one side and the sparkling, aquamarine Adriatic Sea on the other. With sea views at every turn, Montenegro’s most well-known summer resort is all about the gleaming water, shining bodies, and summertime enjoyment. Prepare for an outdoor theater filled with musicians, actors, and pavement cafés.
However, Budva is also a historic town with 2,500 years of history and culture, making it one of the must-see attractions in Montenegro. The original settlement’s ruins, revealed by an earthquake, are on display in front of the Budva Citadel. The old town museum and the Citadel are great venues to learn about Budva’s past. Don’t miss the beautiful view of the historic church over Riardova Glava Beach from the square in front of Santa Maria del Punta.
Top Attractions in Montenegro for Nature Lovers
Lovcen National Park
Montenegro means “Black Mountain” in English. Visit Lovcen National Park, a place of cliffs, stone villages and high peaks, for a day excursion to learn why. With vistas of the Adriatic beyond, hiking trails wind through historic stone settlements. Famous for its 26 serpentine twists, the bicycle descent to Kotor is a thrilling rollercoaster and, understandably, one of the top attractions in Montenegro for adrenaline junkies.
Tara River
Another worthy contender for the top attractions in Montenegro: the Tara River carves a foaming slash of white water through Montenegro as it plunges through the deepest gorge in Europe. To demonstrate its power, the Tara Canyon floor has been dug down to a depth of 1,300m, almost as deep as Arizona’s Grand Canyon. The stretch through Durmitor National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most scenic. The area also offers rafting, mountain biking, horse riding and cave trips, and the Ostrog Monastery is worth a visit.
Top Attractions in Montenegro for Architecture
Kotor
The most captivating part of Montenegro is Kotor, one of the best-preserved walled medieval towns along the Adriatic coast on the edge of the magnificent blue Bay of Kotor. The fjord-like Kotor Bay drew Venetian settlers, who left their architectural mark in grand towers and ornate squares. The old town of Kotor is a labyrinth of cobblestone lanes where small stores crowd together and laundry lines cross streets. Climb to the top of the San Giovanni stronghold for the best views of the historic town. Kotor is known for its grilled octopus, squid ink risotto, and konoba restaurants, which are traditional eateries where fishermen used to throw their daily catch onto an open grill. Be sure to sample their delicacies when you visit Montenegro.
Perast
Perast is a charming tiny town distinguished for its numerous churches and stone-built mansions, and it is situated on the same lovely bay as Kotor but only to the northwest. The small village has a textbook Venetian campanile and waterfront villas with ornate balconies. Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George, two of Perast’s most picturesque churches, are located on little islets in the harbor. The Church of St. Nikola offers stunning views of the town and the Gulf of Kotor.
