Montenegro Road Trip Guide: 7 Days of Epic Adventures and Must-See Spots

Planning a trip to Montenegro? You’re in the right place. This Montenegro road trip guide covers the best places to see in this beautiful country. A few months ago, I knew almost nothing about Montenegro. Then, one day while scrolling through Instagram, I came across a reel that instantly inspired me. After a few weeks of research, I realized just how stunning Montenegro is.

Montenegro offers breathtaking seaside views, charming medieval villages, and incredible natural beauty – all without the heavy tourist crowds you find in other European destinations. We decided to spend 7 days exploring Montenegro, and I put together an itinerary that takes you to some of the most beautiful corners of the country. While many Montenegro travel guides focus mainly on Kotor Bay and the Adriatic coast, I’ve also included some amazing stops in the countryside and the mountains. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Day 1 – Arrive in Podgorica

After landing at Podgorica Airport (with some flight delays), we picked up our rental car and started our journey towards Rijeka Crnojevića. Since we landed after sunset, we made sure to fill up the fuel tank, grab some snacks, and have dinner in Podgorica before hitting the road. Most petrol stations and restaurants close by 10 PM, so it’s important to take care of everything in the city before you leave. The highways are well maintained and easy to drive. However, when we turned off towards Rijeka Crnojevića, the drive became a bit more adventurous. It’s about a 20-minute drive on a smaller road with no traffic, few signs, and lots of sharp turns. It felt a little tense at night, but don’t worry, the road is in good condition. Just drive carefully as you descend towards the town.

• Distance travelled – 32 kms
• Total Drive time – 40 mins (excluding the stops we made)
• Route taken – M2.3

Rijeka Crnojevića

For our first night, we wanted to stay somewhere close to Lake Skadar because we planned to visit it early the next morning. Most travelers choose Virpazar, as it’s the main starting point for boat trips on the lake. However, we picked a quieter spot – Rijeka Crnojevića – as our little wildcard. We booked the most charming homestay, right next to the famous Danilo’s Bridge. Parking was easy; we simply left our car outside the guesthouse. The surroundings were incredibly peaceful. All night, we listened to crickets chirping and birds calling in the distance. It felt like the perfect start to our Montenegro adventure.

Day 2 – Lake Skadar & Petrovac

On Day 2 of our road trip, our first stop was the beautiful Pavlova Strana Viewpoint. It’s only a 6-minute drive from Rijeka Crnojevića, and you can easily find it on Google Maps. There’s a small parking area near the Hotel Bay where you can leave your car. After enjoying the stunning views, our plan was to head to Virpazar for a Lake Skadar boat trip.

But things didn’t go as smoothly as we hoped. When we tried to check out of our guesthouse the next morning, we were told they only accepted cash (in euros). We didn’t have any cash with us, and the nearest ATM was in Cetinje, about a 30-minute drive from Rijeka. We had to leave our passports with the guesthouse and drive an hour (there and back) just to withdraw money. It was a stressful start to the day, but thankfully, everything worked out in the end!

Cetinj

Cetinj is the old Royal Capital and Montenegro ‘s dual capital city. We initially did not plan on visiting this small pleasant place which has country town vibe. But had to because this is the only nearby ATM. You can park the car near the CKB Bankomat, it’s free. We took the money out, grabbed some coffee & snack and headed back to Rijeka. If you have time, you can spend about 90 minutes here to see the main sights and a few museums. It’s a nice, easy stop before heading back to Rijeka!

After returning from Cetinje, we paid for our guesthouse and got our passports back. By this time, we were really hungry, so we found a cute little restaurant right next to our guesthouse. We enjoyed a delicious brunch there, which was exactly what we needed. If you’re looking for something fun to do, you can book a boat tour from here. Packages start from €40. Kayaking is also available if you prefer a more active adventure! At this point, we were so tired and had no energy to do the Virpazar boat trip. So we decided to head straight to Petrovac. Rijeka to Petrovac was one of the most scenic portions of our drive.

• Distance travelled – 45 kms
• Total Drive time – 1 hour 15 mins (excluding the stops we made)
• Route taken – Followed the No. 3 Panaromic Roads

Scenic Drive to Petrovac via the 3 Panoramic Roads

There are three routes to Petrovac, but we chose the “3 Panoramic Roads” the most scenic and peaceful drive with barely any vehicle. Though narrow, the road is well-maintained and manageable. If you’re prone to mountain sickness (like me), take it slow and plan a few stops. After a breathtaking 45-minute mountain drive, we hit the highway towards Bar and Petrovac, with stunning Adriatic Sea views. We even crossed a tunnel with a €2.50 toll(not sure about the location). The route offers the perfect blend of mountain and sea views.

Petrovac

We parked for free near Voli Supermarket and arrived at the beach in the quiet afternoon, just us and a few relaxed beach cats. This spot is usually busy in summer mornings with boat tours, but we had it mostly to ourselves. After a peaceful, romantic lunch break, we explored the Kastio Castle (free entry), soaking in panoramic views of the Adriatic and nearby islands. As rain started in and waves turned dramatic, we skipped the cliff hike and headed to our next destination.

• Distance travelled – 9 kms
• Total Drive time – 15 mins
• Route taken – E65/E80

Sveti Stefan

We stayed in Sveti Stefan for a night. The scenery driving up Montenegro ‘s coast is absolutely breathtaking. Halfway between Petrovac and Budva, this is an ideal place to base for the night. It’s far less touristy than the bigger towns that also means accommodation is much more affordable. This place is best known for it’s private island owned by Aman Resorts, which is currently closed.

Things to do in Sveti Stefan

• Church St.Sava – To get the most epic views of the tiny island. Roughly 30-minute drive up a steep road
• Praskvica Monastry – This is a historic monastry up on the hill outside Sveti Stefan has a beautiful cemetery and a family of resident goats.

Day 3 – Budva to Kotor via Lovcen National Park

A Day in Budva: Sun, Stone Streets & Scenic Views

After a good night’s rest, we hit the road and made our way to Budva, one of Montenegro ’s most iconic coastal towns. Known for its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a medieval old town that seems straight out of a postcard, Budva is a summer hotspot that draws in travelers from all over the world.

To be honest, the Old Town didn’t quite live up to the hype for me—it felt a little too touristy and crowded. But hey, that’s just my take. If you’re someone who enjoys lively streets packed with souvenir shops, music, and street performers, you might love it!

Where to Park in Budva

We parked near Voli Supermarket, and the best part? It’s free! It does get busy, especially during peak season, but the lot is large and we had no trouble finding a spot

Top Things to Do in Budva

• Grab a bite at Branka Pastry Shop
• Stroll through the Old Town (Stari Grad)
• Visit the Budva Dancing Girl Statue
• Step back in time at the Citadel and its Library
• Book a Kayak tour to Coastal caves

Escaping the Crowds: Scenic Lunch Spot Near Budva

By noon, the streets around the Old Town were packed, so we decided to venture a bit further and explore Lovćen National Park. On our way out of Budva, we stumbled upon a not so hidden gem: Restoran Vista Vidikovac. While the food was just okay and slightly on the pricey side, the views were absolutely breathtaking – overlooking Budva’s coast and Old Town from above.

Lovćen National Park: A Scenic Drive & Stunning Views

After a hearty meal with some killer views, we set off on a scenic road trip to Lovćen National Park and the Entry was just €3 per person. The drive started off a little bumpy for the first 20 minutes or so, but soon smoothed out. We took the Kotor Serpentine route, which is as dramatic as it sounds. The road winds up steep hills with hairpin bends and very little room for error (or passing cars!). We had to pull over a few times to let other vehicles pass, but honestly, with views like that, who’s complaining? Since we went in mid-April, there was still a bit of snow at the top, which we didn’t expect. It was really cold, so if you’re planning a trip around this time, bring a good jacket – you’ll thank me later!

• Distance travelled – 48 kms
• Total Drive time – 1 hour 30 mins
• Route taken – E65/E80 and P1 (Kotor Serpentine route)

Now for the part where we goofed up: we didn’t check the closing time of the viewpoint at the top and ended up missing it by just 15 minutes. Total heartbreak! We still caught some gorgeous views from outside the entrance, but yep lesson learned. Oh, and if you’re hoping to ride the famous Alpine Coaster up there, make sure to check if it’s open! It’s closed during the winter months, and unfortunately, it hadn’t reopened yet when we visited. Definitely one for the next trip.

On the way back down, we made a spontaneous stop at Horizont Cafe Viewpoint to catch the sunset over the Bay of Kotor and let me tell you, it was unreal. Even though we couldn’t find a seat, we soaked in the view, snapped some stunning photos, and even watched two cruise ship gliding through the mountains below. Pure magic.

After that, we headed back down to Kotor, checked into our Airbnb, and wrapped up the day with full hearts (and frozen fingers). It might not have gone exactly as planned, but that’s the fun of travel, right?

Day 4 – Bay of Kotor

We arrived in Kotor around 10 AM, only to find it packed and parking nearly impossible. After 30 minutes of circling Old Town, we gave up and drove 20 minutes to Perast, a serene coastal town with just 300 residents.

Perast: A Peaceful Escape

Just a 20-minute drive from Kotor. At its entrance, we parked for free by booking a boat tour (€20 per person for 2 hours), which included a visit to the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks.

Top Things to Do in Perast:

• Stroll the Waterfront: Enjoy a scenic 2km walk along the bay.
• Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks: Visit this unique island church.
• Explore the Blue Cave: Join local tours to see this natural wonder.
• Relax at Pirate Bar: Sip a drink with sea views.
• Visit Perast Museum: Learn about the town’s maritime history.

Risan: Ancient Mosaics Nearby

A short drive from Perast, Risan is known for its ancient Roman mosaics. The town features various geometric patterns and a colorful mosaic of Hypnos, the god of sleep. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit.

• Distance travelled – 35 kms (round trip to and from Kotor)
• Total Drive time – 45 mins
• Route taken – E65/E80

Evening in Kotor: Hike to the Fortress for Sunset Views

After returning to Kotor in the evening, the once-busy streets had completely quieted down. The cruise ships had docked back, and the Old Town felt peaceful. We took advantage of the calm and decided to hike up to the Kotor Fortress, also known as St John’s Fortress.

Sitting 280 meters above sea level, the fortress offers panoramic views of Kotor’s terracotta rooftops and the sparkling bay. It’s a breathtaking reward after a challenging climb. The hike is steep and includes roughly 1,350 stone steps—it took us around 45 minutes to reach the top, but it can range between 30 minutes to an hour depending on your pace. Watching the sunset from up there was easily one of the highlights of our Montenegro trip.

Quick Tips for Hiking Kotor Fortress:

• Bring water, especially in summer.
• There are two main paths to the top, both start inside Kotor’s Old Town. We took the route from the Northern Gate, which was quieter and shaded.
• The entrance officially opens at 7:00 AM and costs €15. If you start the hike earlier, you’ll still need to pay on the way down.
• The once-popular “Ladder of Kotor” trail, which used to be a free back entrance, is currently closed to the public.
• Wear sturdy shoes—the stones are uneven and can be slippery, especially after rain.

Cruise Ship Crowds in Kotor: What to Know

Kotor’s charm draws many cruise ships, especially in summer.

• Check the Cruise Schedule: Before visiting, consult the Kotor cruise timetable to avoid peak days.
• Arrive Early: Beat the crowds by getting there before 9 AM.
• Consider Nearby Towns: If Kotor is bustling, nearby Perast offers a tranquil alternative.

Ending the day with this hike gave us a whole new appreciation for Kotor’s beauty and the silence up there? Unforgettable.

Day 5 – Kotor to Žabljak

Morning in Kotor: Beat the Cruise Crowds

Start your day early with a scenic drive to Old Town Kotor, trust me, it’s worth skipping the sleep-in. We learned the hard way: by 9 AM, massive cruise ships start to dock, and the peaceful cobbled alleys quickly become packed with tour groups. Wandering through this UNESCO World Heritage site feels like stepping back in time. With its narrow stone lanes, charming courtyards, centuries-old churches, and striking Venetian architecture all set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, Kotor is Montenegro at its most magical.

Must-See Highlights in Kotor Old Town:

• St. Tryphon’s Cathedral: This 12th-century Catholic cathedral is a landmark in Kotor’s skyline. Step inside for a glimpse of its Romanesque beauty and historical artifacts.
• City Walls Walk: For panoramic views of Kotor Bay and the red-roofed old town, take the steep but rewarding walk up the fortifications.
• Kotor Farmer’s Market: Just outside the city walls by the harbor, this local market bursts with color and flavor—fresh fruits, cheese, olives, cured meats, and more. Great spot for souvenirs or a quick breakfast.
• The Cats of Kotor: This town is famously feline-friendly. Cats are everywhere, lounging on window sills and sun-drenched stone steps. There’s even a cat museum and plenty of themed souvenirs. If you’re a cat lover, you’ll feel right at home.

A Scenic Journey from Kotor to Zabljak (And My Favorite Part!)

Well, get ready for my absolute favorite part of the trip, the scenic drive from Kotor to Žabljak. This route is hands down one of the most breathtaking drives I’ve ever experienced. It’s a long journey, so I highly recommend stocking up on snacks and drinks beforehand. Once you leave the Bay of Kotor, shops become few and far between

We couldn’t resist making plenty of stops, maybe too many. but honestly, every pause was worth it. The views kept pulling me in deeper, and I found myself falling in love with Montenegro over and over again with every tunnel we passed through. Speaking of tunnels, did I mention Montenegro has a ton of them? Each one felt like stepping into a little secret hidden in the mountains.

If you’re planning this trip, brace yourself for most untouched landscapes in the Balkans, winding roads, and unforgettable moments. Trust me, this drive will stay with you long after you’ve left.

• Distance travelled – 165kms
• Total Drive time – 3 hours
• Route taken – via Narodnih Heroja

Settle in Zabljak & Visit Black Lake

After you arrive in Zabljak, check in and relax for a bit. I highly recommend visiting Black Lake (Crno Jezero) the day before your Durmitor Ring tour. It’s just a quick 5-minute drive from town, nestled among dense pine forests and stunning gorges. You’ll park at the entrance and enjoy a peaceful walk of less than 1 km through beautiful pine trees to reach the lake.

If you’re up for a little adventure, try the 2-hour hike that takes you to both Zminje Jezero and Black Lake, perfect for nature lovers wanting more scenic views. Rest up afterwards, because the Durmitor Ring drive the next day is truly unforgettable!

Day 6 – Durmitor National Park

On day six, you’ve got a full day to soak in the stunning beauty of Durmitor National Park. One of my favorite experiences here was driving the Durmitor Ring, a breathtaking mountain road that loops around the park. Honestly, I loved it so much I’m putting together a detailed guide on driving the Durmitor Ring, which I’ll link here soon!

You can comfortably complete the entire drive in under 4 hours, but trust me, you’ll want to stop often to admire the views and take photos. We ended up spending the whole day just relaxing and exploring the park at our own pace.

Before hitting the road, we stopped by the Information Centre right in the town center, near the Voli supermarket. For just 2 euros, we picked up a helpful guide and checked the road conditions since there had been heavy snow earlier that week. Once we got the green light, our adventure around Durmitor began!

Day 7 – Durmitor National Park – Tara River – Podgorica

Wake up in Zabljak, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and check out of your cozy mountain accommodation. What comes next? That’s completely up to you!

Whether you want to squeeze in a little more mountain magic, dive into an adrenaline rush, chase the wild beauty of rivers and lakes, or simply unwind and soak up the sun, Durmitor has something for every mood.

Must-Do Adventures:

• Explore the Tara River Canyon, the world’s second deepest canyon after the Grand Canyon.
• Feel the thrill of rafting on the Tara River – a true nature adrenaline rush.
• Soar above the canyon with an epic zipline experience – the views are unforgettable.
• Prefer something low-key? Take a gentle hike to Curevac Viewpoint for stunning panoramic views.

The actual plan of mine was to checkout another national park called Biogradska Gora after Tara Canyon & Ziplining. Which is approx 2 hous drive in the mid of Zabljak and Podgorica with a little detour. When you exit Zabljak and meet the Canyon, take a right before the canyon to hit to next adventure. Unfortunely, mother nature had other plans for us, after a almost 1 hour drive (it’s a single route), so beautiful and empty we were stopped because of a huge land slides and to reach the Biogradska national park it’s a 3 hour detour. Our final stop and stay was booked in outskirts of Podgorica which gave a whole drive of 5 hours. And I am not ready for that. So ended up ditching the national park and headed to Podgorica.

Day 8 – Podgorica & Departure

Podgorica might not be the flashiest European capital, but it’s the perfect place to wind down before your next adventure. With its laid-back vibe, cozy cafes, and friendly locals, it’s a nice spot to sip on a coffee and reflect on your travels. Don’t miss the relaxed riverside walks or a casual stroll through the old town to soak up the local rhythm. We booked a dreamist stay that comes with a peaceful private access to the river.

When it’s finally time to say goodbye, Podgorica’s small airport makes departures easy and hassle-free, no long lines, no stress, just a smooth send-off. Whether you’re headed home or off to your next destination, this chill city leaves you feeling refreshed and ready for whatever’s next.

Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip to Montenegro. If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to check out my Instagram for more travel tips, photos, drone shots and behind-the-scenes moments from my adventures. Safe travels and see you there!