Best places to visit in Montenegro: A one-week road trip

Montenegro, also known as the Black Mountain, had been on my list for quite some time. Despite having only 6 days to explore, we decided to embark on the adventure anyway. Montenegro is divided into three main regions. The northern region is characterized by its breathtaking natural landscapes, including high mountains, lakes, and rivers. The central region, on the other hand, is home to notable attractions such as the beautiful Lake Skadar, as well as historic cities like Podgorica, Nikšić, Ostrog Monastery, and Cetinje Monastery. This region is the most populous of the three. Finally, there’s the Coastal region, comprising municipalities with access to the Adriatic Sea. Depending on your available time, you can either explore all three regions or focus on one. For us, the coastal region was the chosen destination this time, where history meets the sea.

Day 1: From Targu Mures, Romania to Belgrade, Serbia

The plan was to get to Budva, Montenegro, but that’s around 1000 km away from our city, which would take about 14 hours of driving. However, we all know that’s not realistic. We would need to take multiple short breaks, and you never know how long you might have to wait at the border. So, considering these factors, we decided to first travel to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. We planned to spend a night there and then continue our journey to Budva the next day. This way, the first day would involve around 500 km of driving (approximately 6-7 hours), and from Belgrade to Budva would be another 500 km (taking around 7-8 hours).

Our journey began on a late weekend in August. We arrived in Belgrade on Saturday afternoon and settled into our accommodation, which was located on a hilly side of the city with narrow streets. With only a few hours to spare, we decided to explore the city. We headed for some viewpoints above the city and then took a stroll along the Danube.

Little did we know that, at this time of the year (end of August and the first days of September), there would be a festival – the Fish Fest. This four-day festival takes place at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, near the Kalemegdan Fortress. Here, you can find seafood, local foods, drinks, concerts, and good vibes. We also indulged in a famous Serbian street food, Pljeskavica. Resembling a burger but with a unique flavour, it was delicious. Additionally, we savoured craft beer and ice cream during our time there. Of course, not one after another or in this particular order, as that might have made the trip more challenging.

Day 2 and 3: From Belgrade to Budva, Montenegro

After leaving the festival behind, we continued our trip towards Montenegro. It was a beautiful day, and our first impression upon entering Montenegro was quite positive. The northern region is particularly spectacular with its towering mountains. I regretted that we didn’t have time to explore them further, but there’s always next time.

Our accommodation was in Budva, which I chose as our base because of its proximity to many attractions I wanted to see, as well as its favourable price. We arrived in the evening, so we only caught a glimpse of Budva by night. The following day, we declared it a ‘camera and car-free day’ in the area. We stayed in a studio rented through Airbnb. While not all the owners spoke English, they had equipped themselves with translator apps.

Furthermore, unlike other places I’ve stayed where guests typically paid the city tax at the accommodation, here we had to pay it ourselves at a tourist information centre. Therefore, I recommend researching your accommodation in advance to ensure that the city tax is either already included or can be paid directly at the accommodation. This way, you’ll save time searching for the tourist information centre to pay your taxes. Since this was a new experience for me, the next day, we made it a priority to resolve that issue and simply explore the area and relax.

About the tourist tax in Montenegro

For each day spent in Montenegro, visitors are required to pay a tourist tax, the amount of which varies depending on the city. Generally, the price falls between 0.7 and 1 euro per day per person. Children aged 12 to 18 years old are charged half the fee, while those under 12 are exempt from the tax.

Where to pay your tourist tax?

You can pay the tourist tax through various avenues, such as the post office, bank, travel agency, or tourist information centre. If your booking doesn’t include the tax, you can expect them to guide you on where to pay it in each city.

How do you pay the tourist tax?

In Budva, we were directed to a tourist information centre where we settled the tourist tax. To pay the tax, you need to present your passport to the cashier, specify the purpose of payment, and indicate the duration of your stay in Montenegro. After payment, the cashier issued a one-time document, which we later returned to the property owners.

Day 4: Bay of Kotor and Herceg Novi, Montenegro

The following day, we planned to visit Herceg Novi, a coastal town nestled at the foot of Mount Orjen and situated at the western entrance of the Bay of Kotor. To reach Herceg Novi, we had to drive around the bay, covering a distance of 66 km. This typically takes between one and a half to two hours due to frequent traffic jams in Kotor. Another option to reduce this distance to 44 km is to take the Lepetane-Kamenari Ferry. However, we opted not to choose this option. Despite the traffic in Kotor, driving around the bay offered a scenic experience with towering mountains on one side and the sparkling sea on the other. Montenegro truly boasts a diverse landscape, from breathtaking mountains to picturesque beaches and enchanting towns.

The architecture throughout the region is captivating, reflecting a blend of Byzantine, Latin, Venetian (Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque), and Ottoman influences. Herceg Novi itself is a charming town with beautiful promenades, shores, and a rich history. We took a stroll along the Pet Danica Promenade, a 7 km waterfront path stretching from Igalo to Mjelnice. Later, we ventured to Nikola Djurkovic Square, a popular spot where locals and tourists gather for coffee or browse through small boutiques. Our exploration also led us to the clock tower, a 17th-century Turkish structure perched atop a steep staircase.

After spending several hours immersing ourselves in the town’s offerings, we began our journey back to Budva. Along the way, we couldn’t resist stopping at a secluded spot for a swim. The water was inviting, and the surroundings were simply breathtaking. These hidden beach gems, devoid of the usual tourist crowds, provided the perfect opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment.

Day 5: Sveti Stefan and Tivat Coastal Delights, Montenegro

We began the day with a short ride to Sveti Stefan, a small islet located off the coast of Montenegro, near the town of Budva. It stands as one of Montenegro’s most iconic and picturesque landmarks. Historically, Sveti Stefan was a fortified village dating back to the 15th century, celebrated for its stunning architecture and strategic location along the Adriatic coast.

Today, Sveti Stefan operates as Aman Sveti Stefan, a luxurious 5-star resort managed by the renowned Aman Hotel group. Prices start from 1,500 euros per night. While it’s exclusive to guests, the beauty of Sveti Stefan can still be appreciated from the outside. Our first stop was at the top for a panoramic view of the islet. Connected to the mainland by a tombolo, Sveti Stefan is a captivating sight. Later, we took a leisurely walk closer to the islet, exploring its charming surroundings. Visitors can also enjoy the day at the beaches near the islet or venture out to explore more of the area.

Tivat: Montenegro’s Coastal Gem

After we visited Sveti Stefan, we continued our journey, arriving in Tivat only in the late afternoon. Despite the late hour, Tivat welcomed us with its undeniable charm. As the golden hour cast its warm glow over the town, its picturesque scenery seemed even more enchanting. Tivat may be the smallest municipality, but it’s grand in appearance and offerings.

Tivat, also known as Montenegro’s Monaco, due to its abundance of expensive yachts and waterfront promenades, is situated perfectly with the sea on one side and Mount Vrmac on the other. Despite the upscale atmosphere, you can still enjoy a meal for 20-30 euros. One of its highlights is Porto Montenegro, a former naval base transformed into a luxurious superyacht marina, complete with upscale restaurants, high-end fashion stores, and luxury resorts. Over the years, Tivat has evolved from an Austro-Hungarian naval base into a sophisticated town with one of Europe’s most prestigious marinas. Along the promenade and pier, you’ll find the Maritime Heritage Museum. While we only explored it from the outside, the sight of two Yugoslav navy submarines dry-docked outside was quite intriguing.

Day 6: Discovering Kotor Old Town and Bay: A Montenegrin Odyssey

On day six in Montenegro, we embarked on a visit to the famous Kotor. Undoubtedly special and beautiful, it’s also quite touristy. Upon arrival, we decided to hike the Kotor City Walls. There are two starting points for this hike. We began from here. The other starting point is from here, where we concluded our hike. You can start and end at the same point or choose between these two starting points.

Along the way, we encountered a payment section where we needed to pay 8 EUR (from 8 am to 8 pm, May through September). The hike along the Kotor city walls is challenging but doable for most people. It’s essential to wear the right shoes, be prepared, and take your time to fully enjoy the experience, especially considering the climb involves around 1350 steps.

Kotor: Montenegro’s Medieval Marvel

After finishing the hike and enjoying great views from above, we returned to the old town of Kotor.

We took the time to explore some of its iconic sites. Among them was the Church of St. Luke, known for its charming architecture and historical significance. We then made our way to the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a stunning landmark built in 1166. It showcases impressive medieval architecture and houses valuable artefacts. Continuing our exploration, we strolled through Trg od Oružja, meaning “Arms Square.” It’s the main and largest town square in Kotor, Montenegro.Here, we were immersed in the bustling atmosphere, surrounded by charming cafes, shops, and historical buildings. It was the perfect way to experience the rich cultural heritage of this ancient town.

Following several hours in the bustling medieval town, we sought a more secluded spot for relaxation. We drove to Kostanjica, where we found a charming little spot along the Kotor Bay shoreline and took a refreshing swim. It’s advisable to wear swimming shoes to protect against the rocky terrain.

After about an hour, rain began to fall, prompting us to slowly make our way back to Budva. However, we couldn’t resist a brief stop before reaching Perast, where we managed to capture some beautiful photos of the islands. Unfortunately, as the rain intensified, we were unable to explore Perast or the surrounding islands further. Despite seeing only a glimpse of these places, we still highly recommend adding them to your Montenegro bucket list.

Days 7-9: From Budva to Transylvania

The last day in Budva was dedicated to packing and hitting the road. We had a long journey ahead of us, aiming to reach Romania by nightfall. After traversing through Montenegro and Serbia, we finally arrived near Timisoara late at night. We quickly checked in, took a refreshing shower, and collapsed into bed.

The following day, our goal was to reach Cluj Napoca as we had a running competition scheduled for the day after. We spent the day collecting our race kits, taking a short walk, and enjoying a hearty meal. The next morning, I participated in a 10k run, despite the scorching weather. It was my first 10k race, and after the exhausting journey, it proved to be quite challenging.

Afterwards, we began our journey back home, bringing an end to my eventful nine-day adventure.

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