Montenegro Travel Guide

Places to visit in Montenegro

Montenegro may be one of Europe's smallest countries, but its diversity of landscapes and cultures is genuinely impressive. The Adriatic coast curves from sandy beaches and old walled towns to the spectacular fjord-like Bay of Kotor, while the mountainous interior rises into national parks laced with canyons and glacial lakes. Here's an overview of the key places to visit in Montenegro, including those featured on Newmarket Holidays tours.

Top things to do in Montenegro

From exploring medieval old towns to cruising the bay and venturing into mountain wilderness, there's a wide variety of things to do in Montenegro for first-time visitors and returning travellers alike. Many activities are included within Newmarket Holidays tours; others are optional suggestions that may be enjoyed during free time. Travellers should always check individual tour itineraries, as free time varies by tour.

1. Explore Montenegro's Bay of Kotor

Overview: Experience breathtakingly beautiful Montenegro on your included tour of the Bay of Kotor. Witness one of Europe's most impressive natural harbours surrounded by dramatic mountains, visit picturesque villages like Perast, explore island churches and enjoy panoramic coastal views.

Time needed: Full-day excursion (approximately 6-8 hours).
Estimated cost: Included in tour; independent boat cruises typically cost £20-£30.
Accessibility: Modern coaches provide comfortable seating. throughout. Boat transfers to island churches involve small vessel access with steps at landings. Discuss mobility requirements with your tour manager in advance.
Included on: Dubrovnik, Montenegro & Dalmatian Coast 

2. Visit Perast's Island Churches

Overview: Take a short boat ride to the two famous islands in Kotor Bay as part of your included Montenegro tour: Our Lady of the Rocks (a man-made island with a Baroque church and maritime museum) and Saint George (a fortified monastery island). Guided visits reveal centuries of seafaring heritage and superb views across the bay.

Time needed: 1-2 hours (included as part of the Bay of Kotor tour).
Estimated cost: Included in tour; independent boat access. approximately £10-£15.
Accessibility: Boat access involves small vessel transfers with steps at island landings. Discuss mobility needs in advance with your tour manager.
Included on: Dubrovnik, Montenegro & Dalmatian Coast 

3. Explore Kotor's Old Town

Overview: Wander the narrow stone alleys, historic churches and Venetian fortifications of Kotor's UNESCO-listed old town on the shores of the bay. The ancient city walls frame centuries of remarkable architecture and maritime history. Optional: climb the fortress walls for panoramic views.

Time needed: 2-3 hours (optional during leisure time).
Estimated cost: Free to explore; optional fortress walls entry approximately £3-£5.
Accessibility: Narrow alleys with uneven stone surfaces and occasional steps; some uphill sections. Fortress walls involve considerable climbing. Lower-level exploration is accessible; discuss requirements with your guide.
Included on: Dubrovnik, Montenegro & Dalmatian Coast  

4. Discover Cetinje's Cultural Heritage

Overview: Journey to Montenegro's historic mountain capital, a compact town set among dramatic scenery with royal palaces, monasteries, museums and traditional craft workshops. An authentic encounter with Montenegrin culture away from the coastal crowds.

Time needed: 4-5 hours including travel from the coast (optional during leisure time).
Estimated cost: Typically £3-£5 for museums; town exploration is free.
Accessibility: The town is compact and walkable with some uphill sections. Museums may have steps; discuss requirements with guides.

5. Experience Budva's Beach & Old Town

Overview: Combine history with relaxation in Budva. Explore the charming medieval old town with Venetian walls and atmospheric streets, then enjoy sandy beaches, waterfront cafés and a lively coastal atmosphere - one of the most enjoyable things to see in Montenegro for those who like variety.

Time needed: Up to a full day (optional during leisure time).
Estimated cost: Free to explore; food and activities at varying prices.
Accessibility: The old town has steps and narrow alleys; beaches are flat and accessible. Most seafront restaurants have level table seating.

6. Explore Lovćen National Park & Njegoš Mausoleum

Overview: Venture into Lovćen National Park to visit the Njegoš Mausoleum, perched on a summit with panoramic views across the Bay of Kotor. The winding mountain roads pass through magnificent scenery, offering some of the most spectacular vistas in the country.

Time needed: 3-4 hours (optional during leisure time).
Estimated cost: Mausoleum entry approximately £2-£3.
Accessibility: Modern coach travel to viewpoints. The mausoleum involves climbing steps to reach the summit. Several scenic stops are accessible without extensive walking; discuss fitness levels and mobility needs with your tour manager.

Vegetarian & plant-based dining

Vegetarian visitors will find plenty of choices rooted in Mediterranean tradition. Many classic dishes lend themselves naturally to plant-based preparation, and coastal restaurants routinely offer vegetable risotto, pasta and fresh salad. Vegetable-based burek, fresh salads and olive oil dishes are widely available; Mediterranean vegetables - tomatoes, peppers, aubergines - feature prominently in local cooking. Local markets are excellent for fresh produce, artisan cheese and bread. It's worth asking about ingredients and preparation, particularly for dishes that may contain meat stock.

Safe street food & drinking water tips

• Street food is most common in coastal towns and markets; fresh seafood stalls are a good indicator of quality and turnover
• Local bakeries offer freshly baked bread, pastries and burek throughout the day
• Tap water is generally safe to drink in Montenegro, though bottled water is inexpensive and widely available
• Hygiene standards in restaurants catering to tourists are generally good; escorted tours handle meal logistics throughout

Local dining etiquette

• Meals are social occasions; dining is unhurried and leisurely
• Family-style sharing of dishes is encouraged in traditional settings
• Accepting rakija or coffee as a hospitality gesture is a sign of respect
• Greetings are warm; "Dobro došli" (welcome) is a common phrase you'll hear on arrival

The best time to visit Montenegro

Montenegro is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit Montenegro depends on what you're looking for. The Mediterranean coast enjoys hot summers and mild winters, while the mountain interior can experience snow from late autumn through to early spring. Here's a quick overview by season.

Spring (April-May)

Mild temperatures, wildflowers in bloom and fewer visitors than the peak summer period. Spring is excellent for coastal sightseeing, guided touring and mountain hiking. Water temperatures are still cool for swimming, but the conditions for exploring old towns and national parks are ideal. April can bring occasional rainfall, while May is among the finest months of the year.

Summer (June-August)

Warm, sunny weather and long days make summer perfect for beaches, boat cruises and coastal exploration. June offers great conditions before peak-season crowds arrive in earnest; July and August are the busiest and warmest months, with temperatures on the coast regularly reaching 28-30°C. Early morning excursions are recommended during the hottest weeks.

Autumn (September-October)

Many experienced travellers rate autumn as the finest time to visit. Temperatures remain warm and comfortable (often 19-26°C in September), sea temperatures stay pleasant for swimming, and visitor numbers drop away noticeably. Autumn is statistically the driest season, and the coastal and mountain scenery takes on particularly attractive colours.

Winter (November-March)

The coast remains mild in winter - typically 5-12°C - and the quieter conditions make for excellent-value cultural touring. Mountain regions experience occasional snow, which makes for spectacular scenery, though some high passes may have restricted access. Winter suits those travelling primarily for history, architecture and authentic local culture.