Montenegro might be an unusual destination but it offers an incredible mix of stunning panoramas, turquoise beaches, historical cities, seaside eateries, and offbeat hikes. Montenegro presents the perfect opportunity to relish similar panoramas at half the cost. A road trip through Montenegro is an ideal way to explore offbeat European towns & cities that have so much to offer. Here’s everything you need to plan a memorable road trip to Montenegro.
Best time to visit Montenegro for a road trip
Traditionally summer months (June-September) are considered the best time to visit Montenegro. Warm weather and gorgeous beaches are almost a given that time of year. But so are crowds!
Highlights of a road trip in Montenegro
- Scenic views and beaches at Sveti Stefan, Przno, and Budva
- Hikes at Skadar National Park and Durmitor National Park
- Old world charm of Kotor and Perast
- Beaches at Ulcinj
- Day trips to countries like Albania
10 days itinerary for a road trip in Montenegro
Day 1 – Pick up your car from Tivat and drive to your apartment
Irrespective of where you are flying from, spend your first day picking your rental car, driving to your apartment, and settling in.
Day 2 – Visit Sveti Stefan and take some memorable photographs of Montenegro
Sveti Stefan is one of the jewels of Montenegro and it is right at your doorstep. As you near Sveti Stefan, you will see several view points where you can park your car and drink in the view. Marvel over the characteristic orange rooftops jutting out in the sea. The islet is rimmed in turquoise waters.
Spend the afternoon lazing at the beaches near Sveti Stefan. The beaches in the area are rocky and pebbly but boast of spectacular views, so don’t pack a picnic. But go for a swim by all means. For sunset, we’d suggest driving to Blizikuce Church for one of the best views of Sveti Stefan. Most tourists don’t know about this church but it is popular amongst locals for wedding photoshoots as it boasts of a stunning view of Sveti Stefan and the surrounding coastline.
Day 3 – Explore Kotor and go on a hike
The historical city of Kotor is as charming as they come. Jazz music resounds in alleyways dotted with outdoor restaurants and quaint bakeries. It reminded so much of Split, Croatia. If you enjoy a bit of easy hiking, the city also offers two hikes that boast of great views of Kotor Bay – try the St. John Castle hike or Kotor Fort hike to make room for dinner. For the best views over Kotor Bay, we’d suggest hiking during the the day. Make sure you carry water, sunscreen, and a hat with you.
If you’re not in the mood for a hike, then you can also drive to a viewpoint which offers similar paoramas over Kotor Bay. For this, drive from Kotor to Cetinje on E-80.
Day 4 – Spend a relaxing day in Perast
Perast is one of Montenegro’s most charming villages and my personal favourite. It can get terribly crowded during summer months, but if you visit during shoulder season, then you’ll fall in love with it within seconds. Park your car and spend a lazy day in Perast. Take a boat ride to the artificial island of Perast walk along the sea and photograph the stunning Boka Bay, or find yourself a table overlooking turquoise waters and linger over cocktails.
Day 5 Skadar National Park, Bend Lake, and Cetinje
After a relaxing day in Perast, it’s time for a long drive to some of the most gorgeous sights in Montenegro. Start your day by driving to Skadar National Park. As your enter the park you will see incredible views of mountains upon mountains upon mountains. These tiers of mountains make Skadar National Park fascinating to explore. Drive around, go for a short hike, or picnic – the choice is yours!
On your way back, stop by Rijeka Crnojevica bridge, sometimes also known as Cetinje Bridge for a boatride in sylvan surroundings. We won’t blame you for thinking you’ve stepped back in time.
Day 6 Relax at Przno’s beaches or drive to Ulcinj’s beaches
If all that exploring on Day 5 left you exhausted, then take Day 6 to relax at one of the beaches in the vicinity of your apartment. Przno has several pebbly beaches and beachside eateries ideal for a relaxing day in the sun. But if you’re happy to drive some more or you’re craving powdery beaches, then head to Ulcinj. Ulcinj is home of some of Montenegro’s prettiest beaches – spend the day sunbathing, reading, and picnicking
Day 7 Drive to Lovcen National Park
We’re sure Day 6 of your road trip in Montenegro left you feeling totally relaxed. Day 7 is reserved for exploring another National Park that boasts of incredible panoramas. Lovcen National Park is famous for an iconic viewpoint. Drive upto the parking lot and make sure you have comfortable shoes on as you’ll need to climb 460 steps to the top.
Views at the top of Lovcen National Park
Day 8 Take a day trip to another country
Montegro’s close proximity with other countries such as Bosnia, Albania, and Croatia make it easy to plan a short day trip. However we’d suggest booking this day trip with a local tour agency instead of taking your car across the border as that can often translate into fines, border checks, and wasted time.
Days 9 & 10 Relax and/or explore Durmitor National Park
You’ve explored the sights and sounds of Montenegro on this road trip. It’s time to spend the last couple of days relaxing and taking it easy. If you’re in the mood for a drive, then we’d suggest visiting Durmitor National Park. However do check weather conditions before embarking on that trip.