Top 3 cities in Montenegro
Montenegro's most beautiful destinations
Montenegro is nestled between the deep blue waters of the Adriatic Sea and the majestic peaks of the Dinaric Alps. This underrated destination offers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty and cultural diversity. With its well-preserved architecture, charming coastal towns, and pristine nature, Montenegro attracts travelers from all over the world looking for authentic and unforgettable experiences.
The original splendor of the Montenegrin landscape includes endless sandy beaches, emerald-green lakes, picturesque mountains, and lush national parks. Adventurers have the opportunity to undertake breathtaking hikes and explore caves. For culture lovers, the ancient cities, impressive fortresses, and orthodox monasteries provide a fascinating insight into the country's history.
In this article, we present to you our top 3 of the most beautiful cities in Montenegro with the best attractions.
What you should know about Montenegro
- The Durmitor National Park in the north of Montenegro is an excellent destination for hiking in the summer. It impresses with high mountains like Bobotov Kuk, sparkling lakes like Crno Jezero (the Black Lake), and the breathtaking Tara Gorge.
- The Tara Gorge is considered the deepest gorge in Europe. The Đurđevića Tara Bridge crosses the gorge at almost 800 meters in height.
- Official language: Montenegrin
- Near the border with Albania, at the mouth of the River Bojana into the Adriatic, lies the triangular island of Ada Bojana, which is especially known among tourists for its nudist resort.
- Lake Skadar (also known as Lake Skutari), partially located in Montenegro and partially in Albania, is the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula and the second largest lake in all of Southern Europe.
- Ulcinj, the southernmost city of Montenegro, has the country's longest sandy beach and is therefore particularly suitable for a beach holiday.
- The Ostrog Monastery nestles picturesquely against the rocks of the Prekornica Mountains and is one of the most important monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Top 3 Cities in Montenegro
Budva
Budva is one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast, where warm, turquoise-blue water and golden sandy beaches meet. On a peninsula jutting into the sparkling sea lies the Old Town (Stari Grad), where charming medieval buildings still await guests.
Off the coast of Budva lies the small island of Sveti Stefan. Since the island can only be visited by guests of the hotels and restaurants there or as part of a tour, it exudes an atmosphere of exclusivity. The exclusive aura of Sveti Stefan is further enhanced by the island being a regular destination for famous personalities and politicians.
A trip inland from Budva is also worthwhile, for example, to the small mountain town of Stari Bar. The town was largely abandoned in the 1970s following an earthquake. The ruins of the buildings today invite strolling and exploring. Particularly impressive are the remains of Stari Bar's fortress and the city's aqueduct.
Deeper inland, near the city of Cetinje, lies the Lovćen National Park. The park is characterized by its forested, biodiverse mountain landscape. From its highest points, one can get a breathtaking view over the Bay of Kotor. There, the Njegoš Mausoleum is also located, erected in honor of the poet Petar II Petrović-Njegoš.
In summary: Budva is a vibrant coastal city on the Adriatic with beautiful beaches and historic buildings in an old town.
Perast
Perast is a small town on the Adriatic Sea between Mount St. Elias and the Bay of Kotor. On the beaches of the bay, you can swim in the warm sea against a beautiful mountain backdrop. Or you can explore the Bay of Kotor by boat.
Destinations for boat trips from Perast include the islands of Sveti Đorđe and Gospa od Škrpjela, which belong to the town's territory. Sveti Đorđe is a natural island, which speculation suggests was the inspiration for Arnold Böcklin's famous painting "The Isle of the Dead". The other island, Gospa od Škrpjela or Lady of the Rocks, is artificially created and is mainly home to the church of the same name.
One of Montenegro's biggest highlights is the Blue Cave on the Lustica Peninsula. It is the largest of the many sea caves in the Bay of Kotor and can be reached by boat from Perast, Kotor, Herceg Novi, and other places. The Blue Cave owes its magical blue color to the daylight that enters it. Many boat tours to the cave also offer the opportunity to swim in the cave's salty water.
In summary: Perast combines mountain scenery with the sound of the sea. From here, you can ideally explore the Bay of Kotor.
Podgorica
Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro and is considered the most cost-effective capital for trips in Europe. Yet, the city at the confluence of the Zeta and Morača rivers is definitely worth a visit.
An impressive view of the city's mountainous skyline can be obtained, for example, from the Millennium Bridge over the Morača – one of Podgorica's landmarks. Right next to it is the lesser-known Moscow Bridge. Other attractions in Podgorica include the observation tower Toranj na Dajbabskoj Gori, the Cathedral of the Resurrection, and the Clock Tower in the city center.
Approximately an hour and a half's drive north of Podgorica is the Biogradska Gora National Park. The park, located in the Bjelasica mountain region, attracts hikers primarily with its ancient forest. At 56 square kilometers, Biogradska Gora National Park is the smallest of Montenegro's national parks. However, 16 square kilometers of the park are home to one of the last virgin forests in Europe, especially around Lake Biogradsko Jezero.
The lake can be circled on a well-maintained hiking trail. Here, you have the opportunity to discover the impressive biodiversity of Montenegrin nature. Besides reptiles, birds, and amphibians, Biogradska Gora National Park is also home to deer and bears.
In summary: Podgorica is one of the smallest capitals in Europe but should not be underestimated as a travel destination. In addition to the city's own attractions, the surrounding area, including Biogradska Gora National Park, is worth a visit.
Conclusion: Between the Adriatic sea and the Dinaric Alps
Montenegro has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the incomparable flair of this country, taste local delicacies, and be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the Montenegrins.
Has the travel bug bitten you, and do you want to experience Montenegro for yourself?
► Here, you can find more information about the toll regulations in Montenegro to be optimally prepared for your trip.