The 12 Best Attractions in Montenegro to See

Montenegro is an amazing country where majestic mountains meet the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, along with a rich cultural heritage. If you are planning a trip to this picturesque corner of the Balkans, a multitude of exciting discoveries awaits you. In this article, we will tell you about the best places to visit and fascinating activities that will make your stay in Montenegro unforgettable. From historical cities and national parks to outdoor adventures and culinary delights, Montenegro offers a variety of experiences for every traveler. Get ready for adventures and discover all the charms of this wonderful country! Here are some facts highlighting the uniqueness of Montenegro:

• Montenegro is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and coastline. Durmitor National Park and Lake Skadar are just a couple of the natural wonders worth seeing.
• This bay is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The narrow streets of the old town of Kotor, surrounded by mountains and the sea, create a unique atmosphere.
• Budva is known for its ancient architecture and beaches. The old town, surrounded by fortress walls, is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast.

Additionally, you will find the tallest road bridge, the oldest Catholic church, and the deepest canyon in Europe all in one place. As you can see there are a lot of popular attractions in Montenegro, so let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Top 12 attractions in Montenegro

If you're looking for a rapidly expanding tourism industry and rowing boat-ready lakes, and a string of industry-leading travel accolades, go no further than Montenegro. Let's find out what hides this city, full of cultural heritage and hundreds of legends. Here are some things to see and do in Montenegro.

1. Moraca Monastery

Our first stop of the top attractions in Montenegro is Moraca Monastery. An ordinary white Romanesque structure in the middle of the nation, at least to the untrained eye. Nevertheless, every tourist itinerary includes this monastery because of the beautiful scenery and architecture that date back to the mid-13th century.

The St. Nicholas Church and its bell pedestal are close to the monastery. Featuring Byzantine-style murals indoors, the monastery's exterior is reminiscent of a picture-perfect landscape complete with citrus trees, a stream, and an apiary.

Aside from being a popular tourist spot, it is also a sacred site for pilgrims. Just as in a church, there is a dress code in effect at the monastery.

• Address: Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, lies about 20 kilometers north of Moraa Monastery. Its setting in the lovely Moraca River valley is just stunning.
• How to get there: The major road E65, which links Podgorica to the towns of northern Montenegro, is the route that will take you to the monastery. From Podgorica, you may also take a bus to the monastery.
• Entrance fee: While contributions are accepted, admission to the monastery is often free.

2. Mamula Island

Lastavica, meaning "island of swallows," is another name for the little rocky island that is home to a military stronghold. At one point in time, command over the whole entrance to the Bay of Kotor could be exercised from the island's fort. Worth your time to explore is the traditional courtyard, the castle walls with their gates and loopholes, and the empty wells. You can see the whole bay from the walls.

From a boat or ship on the ocean or when strolling along this stretch of land, you may see the island. There has been some discussion of building a small hotel here over the last year, but group outings are still quite rare. Then it's certain to become a popular destination for many.

Keeping in touch is just as vital as taking in the breathtaking landscapes and one-of-a-kind attractions of Montenegro while organizing a trip to Mamula Island. After all, the point of visiting Mamula is to upload photographs and videos to share with friends and family on social media. Because roaming fees may add up quickly, being able to contact loved ones is also crucial. Investing in a virtual eSIM card, which enables rapid and cheap connection to local networks, is the best option. Even while on the go, you may easily activate an eSIM technology by downloading and activating it straight away using Yesim data plans for Montenegro

• Address: Near the town of Herceg Novi, Mamula Island is situated at the mouth of Boka Kotorska Bay, about 3.8 nautical miles from the Montenegrin shore.
• How to get there: A boat or yacht is the only way to access Mamula Island. City excursions in Herceg Novi and the surrounding area, including Kotor and Tivat, often set out regularly.
• Cost: The tour operator sets the price of admittance, although owing to the island's exclusivity and the expense of transportation, tickets often vary from moderate to expensive.

3. Savina Monastery

The next stop on our list of Montenegro tourist attractions is Savina Monastery. Two kilometers separate the monastery from the Savinskaya oak wood. The monastery buildings are encircled by verdant foliage; a seating area with trees and an entrance provides a tranquil setting for contemplation.

Ascending the stone stairs leading to the Assumption Church, you may leave your vehicle parked nearby. Restored iconoclasts measuring fifteen meters in height are a notable feature inside. Both the Big and Little Assumption churches are in operation. Looking down from the slope, you can see out the Bay of Kotor and the shore.

• Address: Savina Monastery is situated in Montenegro, close to Herceg Novi, as indicated by its address. Its setting over the Gulf of Kotor is very attractive.
• How to Get There: From Herceg Novi, take a taxi or drive up the hill to the monastery. Climbing on foot is another option; it takes about half an hour from the city center.
• Cost: Visiting the monastery is often free, however, similar to other monasteries, monetary contributions are graciously accepted.

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4. Sveti Stefan

Not just regular vacationers, but also politicians, Hollywood legends have fallen in love with this little resort in the heart of the Budva Riviera. Its peculiar construction is the main tourist attraction in Montenegro. A medieval-style island is apart from the resort's mainland portion, which is home to hotels, shops, and two city beaches.

The island is connected to the mainland by a tiny natural isthmus. Some famous people have vacations there as well. There are a lot of things to see in Montenegro at Sveti Stefan. On one hand, you have free reign to stroll about the resort and relax on the municipal beach. On the other, you may visit the island as part of a guided tour, reserve a table at one of the island's restaurants, or even overnight in one of the island's hotels. Perhaps modified for the benefit of sightseers, the island gives off the vibe of a long-gone stronghold.

• Address: About 6 kilometers southeast of Budva, Sveti Stefan is situated on Montenegro's Adriatic coast.
• How to get there: You may take a bus or a vehicle from Budva to Sveti Stefan. Driving there will take about fifteen minutes. Buses run frequently between Budva and Sveti Stefan, stopping at many coastal top locations.
• Cost of Entry: The island of Sveti Stefan is part of a high-end resort and is often off-limits to anybody who isn't a visitor or on a guided tour due to the high cost of admission. Hotel prices may be rather pricey, particularly during peak seasons.

5. Budva

When planning a summer vacation to Montenegro, here is where the majority of visitors stay. Budva is worth a day trip to Montenegro regardless of the resort you select. Both the Old and New Towns make up the city. The most interesting features are the historic buildings and streets situated on the peninsula that extends into the ocean.

Next to it is the city marina, which is the path that leads to the peninsula. Various structures from various times have been preserved in this ancient Adriatic hamlet. The citadel and the Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, with its majestic bell tower, are must-see Montenegro attractions.

• Address: Budva, one of Montenegro's most visited cities, is situated on the Adriatic coast.
• How to get there: From other regions of Montenegro, you may take a vehicle, bus, or taxi to Budva. Regular bus lines link the city to important cities including Podgorica, Kotor, and Tivat.
• Cost of Entry: While most sites in Budva are free to enter, others, including museums and historical monuments, do. Depending on the time of year and the services you choose, the cost of a stay and entertainment in Budva may vary from modest to costly.

6. Tara Canyon

Many consider this natural wonder to be the best thing to see in Montenegro. A record-breaking 1300 meters deep, the gorge is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO. The Durmitor Natural Park is geographically located inside the canyon. A total of eighty kilometers make up the gorge.

The Tara River bed is at the canyon's base, while the gorge walls and surrounding mountains rise above it. Visiting the canyon without a tour group or a person private tour is not recommended for safety reasons. Although getting here by bus or automobile is a breeze. About 200 kilometers will be the journey from Budva. It is still not advisable to trek without a guide or attempt to climb peaks alone.

• Address: Tara Canyon is a component of Durmitor National Park in northern Montenegro.
• How to get there: The cities of Abljak and Mojkovac are only two of the most beautiful places from which Tara Canyon may be reached. You may drive to the canyon from these cities, or you can hire a tour travel guide to take you on an adventure from these villages, including rafting and other active holiday options.
• Entrance Fees: While the canyon itself is free to enter, activities like rafting and trekking do cost money. Rafting and other adventure water activities tend to be modestly priced.

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7. Njegos Mausoleum

Located at an elevation of 1657 meters above sea level, Mount Lovcen is home to the tomb of Peter II Petrovic Njegos, the metropolitan who secured Montenegro's independence. For 21 years, until 1851, he was the ruler of the nation.

A front platform, an interior atrium, a chapel, and a tunnel leading to 461 stairs make up the mausoleum complex. Within the chapel rests the sarcophagus containing the sacred treasures. The spherical observation platform at the end of the tunnel is the most popular attraction among visitors. From this vantage point, you can see a good chunk of Croatia and Montenegro.

• Address: The Njego Mausoleum is situated atop Mount Loven in Loven National Park, close to the town of Cetinje in Montenegro.
• How to get there: From Cetinje or Kotor, you may drive to the tomb by automobile. The mausoleum is located at the very top of the monument, and visitors must first ascend a flight of 461 steps that begin from the parking lot below.
• Cost of Entry: The mausoleum does charge an entrance fee, and typically speaking, ticket costs are low. Seasonal factors might cause prices to fluctuate somewhat.

8. Cathedral of St. Tryphon

One of the most iconic features of Kotor is its cathedral, which is surrounded by historic structures and a small plaza. In the archway between the cathedral's two bell towers is a fully operational temple. On the inside, you'll find an altar and some old paintings. The holy relics of Saint Tryphon are housed in the chapel.

A little tomb with a sarcophagus housing Saracenis's remains may be seen on the temple's right side. A native of Kotor, this guy preserved and redeemed the saint's remains. The cathedral and the surrounding architectural ensemble are sights of Montenegro. To unwind after the tour, go to the adjacent café, which offers views of the plaza and the cathedral.

• Address: St. Trifon Square, Kotor Old Town, Montenegro, is where you can find the cathedral.
• How to get there: Budva and Herceg Novi are just two of the many Montenegrin cities that are easily accessible from Kotor. Drive, use the bus, or hail a taxi to get to Kotor. Once you reach Kotor, you'll have to walk to the cathedral, since the old town is a pedestrian zone.
• Cost of Entry: The cathedral does charge an entrance fee, and the ticket price is often reasonable. The cathedral museum and the viewing deck may have additional admission charges.

9. Blue Cave

Anyone not prepared to go there by boat will never know about the sights in Montenegro. The journey to the Blue Cave is more akin to a boat ride than an expedition; it is brief and allows you to take in the coastline as you go. The Lustica peninsula is where you'll find the cave. There are more than 300 square meters of it.

The walls have two apertures that a boat may use to pass through. If you swim through the holes, you'll emerge into a grotto with nine-meter-tall arches. This spot has a depth of five meters. A distinct blue tint permeates the otherwise transparent water. Only on days when the sea is calm may excursions to the cave be undertaken.

You should not limit your exploration of Blue Cave and other top tourist attractions in Montenegro to only taking in the awe-inspiring underwater scenery and taking breathtaking photographs against the brilliant blue waters. It's also a time to keep in touch with loved ones so you can partake in all the special moments. Buying an eSIM is the way to go since roaming is so expensive and the signals are so spotty in these faraway places of interest. Blue Cave is only one of many locations where the eSIM technology's instantaneous connection to local networks and reliable internet access come in handy. To make your journey easy and convenient, all you have to do is activate your card using the Yesim and choose the right price. That way, you can always share your cultural experiences as they happen.

• Address: The Blue Cave is situated on the Lustica peninsula in Montenegro, close to Herceg Novi, on one side of the Boka Kotorska Bay.
• How to get there: You can only get to the Blue Cave by boat. Arrivals from Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Tivat are often made by boat. Day and half-day excursions to the cave are offered by a plethora of tour companies.
• Cost of entry: Tours to the Blue Cave may be expensive, although in general they are moderately priced. The exact amount depends on the tour operator and how long the trip is. Since it is a natural attraction, the cave itself does not charge admission.

10. Ostrog Monastery

Among other top things to see in Montenegro is Ostrog Monastery. At an elevation of 900 meters above sea level, there is another monastery that is well worth hiking. Despite its relative youth in comparison to other national shrines, Ostrog is often referred to be the country's principal temple. Situated 107 kilometers from Budva, the monastery is split into two sections: Lower Ostrog, which houses the Church of the Holy Trinity, and Upper Ostrog, which has the complex's most intriguing features.

The remains of St. Basil are housed in a modest church as well. A route of five kilometers links Upper and Lower Ostrogi. You can drive there, but some people prefer to walk. Not only can you see the temples, but the main observation deck also offers breathtaking vistas.

• Address: Near the town of Danilovgrad in central Montenegro, the Ostrog Monastery is perched precariously above an almost sheer cliff.
• How to get there: Podgorica and Niksic, two towns in Montenegro, are the closest cities to the monastery by vehicle or bus. Many pilgrims choose to trek up to either the lower or higher section of the monastery to finish their journey since the uphill route is twisting.
• Admission: The Ostrog Monastery is open to the public and does not charge admission, however the monastery does accept contributions to help with its maintenance.

11. Crno Jezero (Black Lake)

The answer to the question of what to see and do in Montenegro may be our next attraction. Black Lake, a natural wonder, lies about three kilometers outside of Zabljak. You have to ascend to an elevation of 1416 meters above sea level to view the green waters of this glacier. But a handy road goes right up to the lake. It is frequently used by cars and tour buses. The lake's color may vary, despite its name.

The reflection of the woods gives the river a greenish hue most of the time. At any time of year, the lake's water is crystal clear and chilly. During the summer, when the majority of visitors arrive, the lake is really split in half, which is rather remarkable. Despite its little depth, it connects the two halves of the island. The strait splits into two lakes as the summer heats things up.

• Address: Near the village of Abljak in northern Montenegro, Black Lake is situated in Durmitor National Park.
• How to get there: Zabljak, the closest town to the national park, is accessible by vehicle or bus from Black Lake. You may easily access the lake by automobile or even on foot; it's only a few kilometers from Zabljak town.
• Entrance fee: Durmitor National Park does charge an entrance fee, although it's typically not very expensive. All areas of the park, including Black Lake, are accessible with a valid ticket.

12. Citadel in Budva

Located on the extreme tip of the peninsula, the ancient city would be incomplete without its formidable fortification encircled by three churches. St. Mary's citadel, or fortification, reflects the peninsula's natural curves with its polygonal architecture. It stands 10 meters tall with walls that are 2 meters thick.

They used to protect the city from maritime assaults; nowadays, the plaza hosts historical costume exhibitions, the Budva City Theater performs here, and the Grad Theater festival is also held here. Two fishes are depicted in bas-relief on the fortification walls. Along with it goes a story of two lovers who, to avoid being apart, sprang into the water. An observation deck-equipped lighthouse may be found to the southwest of the fortification.

• Address: The Citadel is situated in Budva, Montenegro's historic center.
• How to get there: Since the Citadel is situated inside the old town, which is a pedestrian zone, it is simple to get there. Many bus and taxi lines stop in Budva, making it simple to reach from anywhere in Montenegro.
• Cost of Entry: Ticket rates to access the Citadel are typically reasonable, and there is a charge. Seasonal factors might affect the prices.

If you are a traveler in search of exciting new experiences, Montenegro is the place for you. There is breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural history in every region of our nation, from ancient towns to attractive coasts, and from lofty mountain peaks to deep valleys. Montenegro has a wealth of possibilities for an amazing trip, whether you're seeking a tranquil getaway in the wilderness or want to delve into the lively nightlife and local culture. In addition to making the most of your free time, you may leave a little bit of your heart in this beautiful European region by visiting these sites.

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