Montenegro Guide 2024: The Ultimate 10-Day Road Trip
Use this Montenegro Travel Guide to plan your 10-day road trip & explore the inner parts as well as the coastal area.
It’s one of these countries that has it all – beautiful coastline, incredible mountains with views that will leave you speechless, and many natural gems like deep canyons, rivers, and lakes.
Plus, it’s no secret that the whole Balkan area is well known for its above-and-beyond hospitality, and delicious food. And Montenegro is not an exception to it!
The following itinerary will give you a perfect combination of hidden gems, historical towns, and relaxing nature spots.
Montenegro Travel Guide: 10-day Itinerary
Traveling to Montenegro will undoubtedly feel like discovering some of the best-kept secrets of Balkan, and Europe for a fact, if you know where to go and what to visit.
While most of the people tend to stay in the coastal parts, exploring pristine beaches and charming old towns, skipping some of the other parts of Montenegro would be a huge mistake. Use this Montenegro Travel Guide to visit the best of the best of this incredible country!
To travel to Montenegro, I highly recommend completing this itinerary with a car. The roads are pretty good, and there’s even a highway in one part of Montenegro. Plus, you always have the advantage of getting off the beaten path and discovering incredible places that are not so accessible by bus.
However, it’s absolutely possible to travel by bus as well, but depending on the places you’re visiting. Since the coastal area is definitely more popular among tourists, it will be easier to navigate there. However, the inner parts might be more challenging to organize.
Day 1: Podgorica to Žabljak (Durmitor National Park)
Start your trip by landing in the capital of Montenegro – Podgorica. It would be ideal if your flight could be in the morning or midday, so you have plenty of time to pick up your rental vehicle and drive directly to Žabljak where you’ll stay for 2 nights.
Žabljak is a small town settled in the mountains, in the heart of Durmitor National Park – a place where you start your trip & the area you absolutely need to explore.
Once you settle in your accommodation in Žabljak, spend the rest of the day relaxing, or take a light walk around the town and grab a traditional Montenegrin dinner in one of the restaurants.
How to get from Podgorica to Žabljak?
If you’re traveling by car, the route you should follow is Podgorica – Nikšić – Šavnik – Žabljak, and it will take you approx. 2 and a half hours to complete the journey.
The roads are in pretty good condition. One part of the trip is a highway road, and the other part will be smaller mountain roads with serpentines here and there, so it’s recommended to stay careful and take your time on more demanding sections.
If you’re traveling by bus, you should take a bus from Podgorica to Nikišić first, and then from Nikšić to Žabljak. There is no direct line option.
However, keep in mind that your stay in Žabljak and exploring Durmitor National Park will be limited without having your own vehicle to navigate around.
Where to stay in Žabljak (Durmitor National Park)?
When it comes to finding a stay in Žabljak, I would recommend you book one of the authentic mountain houses or chalets. The town, and surrounding villages are full of charming places to stay.
If you’re a fan of camping, there are various camps within the area as well.
Day 2: Exploring Durmitor National Park
Nestled in the heart of Montenegro, Durmitor National Park is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, towering peaks, and crystal-clear lakes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a breathtaking experience like no other.
Start your day of exploring Durmitor National Park by first doing a Durmitor Ring Road – an unforgettable 80-kilometer circular panorama road that will for sure leave you speechless with its powerful mountain views, authentic villages, deep river canyons, and beautiful lakes!
Spend the rest of the day hiking & exploring the glacial lakes of Durmitor – make sure to visit Black Lake (the biggest one), Devil’s Lake, Zminje & Barno Lake.
Day 3: Žabljak (Durmitor National Park) to Kotor
Start your day early in the morning with a traditional Montenegrin breakfast such as “priganice sa kajmakom”, often served with Turkish coffee or mountain tee, or “burek” from the bakery which is a very popular pick for breakfast on the go. After that, you can start your drive toward Kotor.
Once you settle yourself in Kotor, head out to the Kotor old town and get lost in charming cobbled streets, packed with various shops, restaurants, and bars.
End your day by spending the evening in the cozy atmosphere of the old town or taking a walk on the waterfront, while enjoying the magical views of Kotor Bay.
How to get from Žabljak to Kotor?
If you’re traveling by car, the route you should follow to reach Kotor is Žabljak – Šavnik – Nikšić – Kotor. Google Maps will offer you 2 possible routes but don’t choose the one via Podgorica. Choose the second option, which is also the shorter one and much more beautiful.
It’s mountain roads all the way, so take your time. The ride is pretty scenic, as you’ll drive right above Slansko Lake near the city of Nikšić. Once you notice a view of the Kotor Bay from your left side, you’ll know you’re getting close to Kotor.
If you’re traveling by bus, there is a direct line option from Žabljak to Kotor. The ride will take approx. 3 and a half hours.
Keep in mind that depending on the day, there are only 2-3 buses on a whole day, so inform yourself well in advance and plan accordingly.
Where to stay in Kotor?
When it comes to finding a perfect stay in Kotor, there is a whole palette of options. If you love to stay in a bustling area, with many restaurants and bars right around the corner, then some of the beautiful boutique hotels or charming airbnb’s inside the old town would probably be the best fit for you. However, keep in mind that most of these accommodations don’t have a parking space which means there could be extra costs to get a parking space in one of the private parking plots outside the old town.
If you prefer to stay in a calmer area, with available free parking (most of the time), book yourself a stay outside of the old town, or even in some of the villages close to Kotor. I can recommend Muo, which is right across the Kotor old town, but still offers a much more relaxing atmosphere, and it’s still within walking distance from the town center.
Day 4: Day of Exploring Kotor and Perast
Start your day with a morning hike up to the Kotor Fortress (Sv. Ivan Fortress) for the most spectacular views of the town & Kotor Bay area. There are a lot of stairs, so take your time. If you’re visiting in the summer, start as early as possible (they open at 7 am) to avoid exposing yourself to strong sun and heat since it’s pretty much an open rocky area. This will also help you avoid crowds, and give you an opportunity to enjoy in a more quiet setting.
Another spot to add to your Kotor must-see list is the Panoramic view of Kotor Bay. For this place, you’ll have to have your own car (or take a taxi). Head over to a panoramic serpentine road (Kotor Serpentine) that rises above Kotor town on your way to Lovćen National Park. This scenic drive will leave you completely speechless with incredible landscapes overlooking the whole area of the Bay. Grab a a lunch with the most precious view of the bay at a restaurant “Nevjesta Jadrana”.
The last spot to visit is Perast, the most charming village settled on the coast of Kotor Bay, just a 20-minute ride from the Kotor city center. Take a stroll along the most beautiful waterfront, visit a tiny island called “Our Lady of the Rocks” by boat & swim on the Perast beach. Watch the most beautiful sunset settling above the bay while sipping a glass of wine or enjoying a romantic dinner in one of many restaurants by the waterfront.
Day 5: Kotor to Budva
On day 5 of your Montenegro road trip, start your journey from Kotor to Budva, which is only a short 40-minute drive. This means you can take your time in Kotor during the morning and still have time to spend a relaxing morning soaking in the gorgeous views of Kotor Bay.
Once you arrive in Budva & settle yourself in the accommodation, head over to the city center, and take a stroll along the promenade. Budva is home to many beautiful beaches, so I recommend you do a little beach hopping and spend the rest of the day just relaxing by the sea.
How to get from Kotor to Budva?
If you’re traveling by car, Google Maps will offer you 2 possible routes, you can choose either one of them since they’re not much of a difference in time (one longer than the other around 5 minutes). The route from Kotor to Budva is pretty popular, so keep in mind that during the summer months, the ride could take longer.
If you’re traveling by bus, you can easily travel from Kotor to Budva. There are plenty of buses connecting these two cities, and the ride takes approx. 45-50 minutes. However, booking your ticket in advance is recommended since, as mentioned previously, this is a pretty popular route.
Where to stay in Budva?
When it comes to finding a perfect stay in Budva, there is also a whole palette of options. If you love to stay in a bustling area, with many restaurants and bars within the hand reach, then some charming hotels & airbnb’s inside the old town would probably be the best fit for you. However, like in Kotor, keep in mind that most of these accommodations don’t have a parking space which means there could be extra costs to get a parking space in one of the private parking plots outside the old town.
If you prefer to stay in a more quiet, relaxing area, book yourself a stay outside of the old town. Alternatively, you can also find a stay in one of the surrounding villages like Boreti or Bečići, both popular among the tourists.
Day 6: One Day in Budva
Budva is a well-known city in Montenegro, mostly considered great for partying & beach hopping, but it also offers a charming old town & wonderful surrounding area. It can get pretty packed during summer, so if that’s something that you don’t prefer, consider staying outside the city & doing a few-hour visit.
Take a stroll around the old town, explore small boutiques and shops, and head over to the Citadel for the best panoramic views over the city and the azure Adriatic Sea. Grab lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants inside the old town & enjoy soaking up the vibes.
Day 7: Budva to Ulcinj
Continue your Montenegro road trip along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, from Budva to the city of Ulcinj on the very south of Montenegro. This scenic ride features a beautiful road along the coast, passing through many beautiful villages and cities like Sveti Stefan, Sutomore, and Bar.
There are also 2 more beautiful stops along the way. They are completely optional, but highly recommended!
Sveti Stefan (Optional)
Sveti Stefan is a village with a small fortified islet just a short drive away from the city of Budva, and it’s another must-see when you find yourself in this area. This charming village is one of the most picturesque destinations on the coast, and definitely one of the symbols of Montenegro.
It’s mostly well-known because it’s the home of the most exclusive luxury resort in Montenegro and a dreamy view from the upper road to the islet. There is also a gorgeous beach with crystal clear sea right in front of the islet if you want to refresh yourself before heading to Ulcinj.
Buljarica Beach (Optional)
Another beach stop is located 20 kilometers south of Budva, right under the Buljarica village. The beach radiates a serene ambiance, which is perfect for unwinding, picnicking, or camping (there is a camp close by).
Why not beach hopping while riding towards Ulcinj? Take a refreshing dip or go scuba diving to explore the underwater world if you’re visiting during summer.
If you’re a nature enthusiast seeking tranquility, and leisurely walks along the shore while enjoying the breathtaking scenery, this is a must-see for you even if you’re visiting off-season.
How to get from Budva to Ulcinj?
If you’re traveling by car, there’s only one route Google Maps will show you and it’s along the coast. There are many beautiful beaches along the way, so take your time and enjoy soaking up sea views.
If you’re traveling by bus, there is a direct line option from Budva to Ulcinj. There are just a couple of buses a day, and the journey is around 1,5 to 2 hours long, depending on the bus you choose.
However, keep in mind that in this case, optional stops won’t be possible.
Where to stay in Ulcinj?
Ulcinj offers a lot of different options, from budget-friendly stays to more luxurious ones, so there is really a variety to choose from. If you want to stay close to the beach, especially Long Beach (one of the longest beaches in this part of Europe), I recommend you to stay in “Donji Štoj” which is like a small village itself right next to Ulcinj.
If you however prefer a more peaceful area to stay, I highly recommend going just a couple of kilometers more down south from Ulcinj, to Ada Bojana – a small island created by river Bojana. This area is absolutely a must-see! Stay in one of the houses on the river, and experience this absolutely unique stay, where the Adriatic Sea and Bojana River intertwine.
Day 8: Exporing Ulcinj and Ada Bojana
On day 8 of your Montenegro road trip, start by waking up early and visiting Ulcinj Old Town. This is still a hidden gem of Adriatic waiting to be discovered. Take time to wander around the cobbled streets and enjoy in a peaceful morning while sipping a coffee/tea in one of the charming cafes around.
Take some time to visit Ulcinj Salina – the biggest saltpans on the Adriatic, and enjoy the afternoon on Long Beach – one of the longest beaches in this part of Europe. There are various bars and restaurants on the beach.
If you prefer a less crowded area, with a more peaceful setting, I recommend you to visit Ada Bojana, a small island created by the river Bojana, located just 15 kilometers south of Ulcinj. There you can enjoy swimming where river Bojana meets the Adriatic Sea, walking around this small green island, and trying out local fresh seafood in one of the cute, little restaurants settled on the river.
Old Town Bar (Optional)
If there’s any free time left on day 8, it’s highly recommended to spend a romantic evening in the old town of Bar, located approx. 25 kilometers north of Ulcinj.
Bar has an absolutely charming bazaar and Fortress rising above with a stunning view of the surrounding area. Old Town Bar is the perfect spot for a relaxing evening stroll and a dinner with magical sunset views.
Day 9: Ulcinj to Virpazar (Skadar Lake National Park)
The last destination of your Montenegro road trip will be Virpazar, a small village on the lake, approx. 1 hour drive north of Ulcinj.
Start your 9th day by visiting the biggest National Park of Montenegro – Skadar Lake. This protected area with rich flora & fauna and incredible landscapes, is a must-do, so please don’t skip this natural gem!
The best way to explore it is by doing a 2-3 hour boat cruise or exploring it yourself with a kayak. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the walk along the lake, exploring the village & trying out some of the local dishes in one of the charming restaurants by the lake.
How to get from Ulcinj to Virpazar?
If you’re traveling by car, there is only one route leading to Virpazar. Most of the way will be the same coastal road you passed when traveling from Budva to Ulcinj. Soon after passing through “Zgrade” village, there will be a turn to the right for Virpazar. To finally reach it, it will be necessary to pass through the tunnel “Sozina” which costs 2.5 euros per car.
If you’re traveling by bus, there is a small number of direct lines to reach Virpazar, so the best way would be to have a rental car all along the Montenegro road trip. Alternatively, you could book a transfer.
Where to stay in Virpazar?
Virpazar is pretty peaceful, not a big village, but there is still a variety of stays to choose from, whether it’s a hotel, private apartment, or charming ethno house. It’s recommended to choose a stay with a lake view because sunsets are absolutely magical. There are also many budget-friendly options.
Day 10: Virpazar to Podgorica Airport
On the final day of your 10-day Montenegro road trip itinerary, pack your bags and head back to Podgorica Airport (coordinate this depending on your departure time). You’ll be leaving with many beautiful memories of this underrated country in Europe, guaranteed!
How to get from Virpazar to Podgorica Airport?
If you’re traveling by car, there is a short 25-minute drive from Virpazar to Podgorica Airport. There you can also drop off your rental car before leaving Montenegro.
If you’re traveling by bus, there is no direct line option from Virpazar to Podgorica Airport. However, it’s possible to take a bus to the Podgorica bus station, and from there take a train or a taxi to the Airport. But, keep in mind that there are only a couple of buses per day from Virpazar to Podgorica.
The most simple way is to organize a transfer or take a taxi from Virpazar straight to Podgorica Airport.
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