Considering its size, Montenegro packs a hell of a punch. With dramatic landscapes and stunning beaches, it’s where the Balkans and the Mediterranean meet. It’s a place that’s sometimes ruggedly organic and at others extravagantly glamorous.

Lying in the heart of Europe and bordered by Albania, Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro enjoys a continental climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Its shores are met by the Adriatic Sea and its beaches offer beautiful and sometimes secluded alternatives to those of its Croatian sibling and Mediterranean cousins.

Montenegrin cities are full of charm, with red-roofed buildings and fascinating architecture. Take the town of Kotor, for example. As well as having UNESCO World Heritage status, it boasts stunning Venetian-style buildings and ostentatious cliffs which house them while providing the coastal town with its postcard-worthy appearance.

Getting There and Getting Around

Arriving by plane, you’re most likely to fly into the coastal town of Tivat or the bustling capital, Podgorica.

Getting around requires either a hire car, buses or taxis. If you’re not in a hurry, try out the Montenegrin trains which are known for being frequently late. However, when they do arrive, they offer a cheaper alternative to car hire and some stunning views along the way:

In terms of buses, Montenegro is well connected, with services operating from Podgorica to all corners of the country, as well as Serbia, Croatia and even Turkey if you feel like a jaunt across the border.

Breathtaking National Parks:

While exploring other nearby territories is a tempting possibility, there are countless beautiful sites to appreciate while in Montenegro. With impressive parks decorating the land, the natural beauty of the country draws in nature lovers in full force.

Durmitor National Park

This park, located in the north of Montenegro, is home to Tara Canyon. It’s the longest canyon in the country and the deepest in Europe. You can go rafting in its aquamarine waters in the mornings. As it also supports the longest zip lines in Europe, you could be whizzing over the ravine at lightening speeds by the afternoon.

You can also awe at the placid waters of the Black Lake that reflect the backdrop of lush forests and mountain peaks rising out of them. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of an elusive Balkan Lynx during your time at the park.

Skadarsko Lake

Close to Podgorica, this lake shares its waters with Montenegrin and Albanian coasts, as well as a large population of dalmatian pelicans which can grow to a length of 5 feet 3 inches! Boats and kayaks are available for hire, so you can drift around with blossoming water lilies while you watch the vast array of wildlife surround you. Or, if you opt to drive around the lake you’ll be able to appreciate it from an elevated position, allowing for some mesmerising panoramic views.

Lovcen National Park

This park lies next to Kotor and offers some of the most breathtaking views in Montenegro. As well as the chance to spot the likes of the golden eagle and peregrine falcon, you’ll be able to appreciate the mountain vistas from Cetinje Njegos Mausoleum. The monument offers a stark contrast to the rugged mountains that surround it with its well crafted exterior. From its viewing platform, you can cast your approving eyes over the landscapes of four different countries. Inside, you’ll find the resting place of famous Montenegrin Poet and Philosopher, Petar Petrovic Njegos.

Beaches:

With vast stretches of powdery golden sand embellishing the coast, Montenegro doesn’t disappoint as far as beaches are concerned. These coasts attracts flocks of tourists from neighbouring countries in the summer, when temperatures can reach a tropical 31°C.

Bečići

Bečići is one of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro, with miles upon miles of undisturbed coast, as well as cafes, restaurants and shops lining the charming promenade. In the evenings its bars and nightclubs inject a lively vibe into the usually mellow surroundings, and its close proximity to touristic Budva means that there are plenty of accommodation options nearby if you happen to get taken in by its charm.

Sveti Stefan

Once an island, it’s now an islet which houses ultra-glam Aman Resort. Though it may have lost its remoteness due to a manmade section of land which connects it to the mainland, it still has its distinctive pink sand that attracts visitors from all over. Located six kilometres southeast of Budva, the resort has two kilometres of gorgeous pink coastline, unmarred cobbled roads, olive trees, pine forests and accommodation fit for royalty.

Long Beach

Long Beach in Ulcinj is the longest in Montenegro. The 13 kilometres of sand give devoted sunbathers ample space to stretch out, and there are many reasonably-priced hotels and restaurants nearby. Other beaches in Ulcinj include Ladies Beach, which is said to help women with fertility because of its sulphur-rich mineral springs.

Nightlife:

The old walled town of Budva is by far the most touristic destination in Montenegro. A combination of luxury resorts, eight Blue Flag beaches, and a burgeoning night scene, it’s often referred to as the Montenegrin Miami.

One of the town’s biggest clubs, Top Hill, is located on the outskirts within a hilly landscape and hosts DJs from the Ministry of Sound. With a capacity for 5,000 people, indoor and outdoor bars and dance floors, a massive stage and strobe lighting, this mega club is a core Montenegrin night spot.

For a more laid-back evening, try Casper Bar, where you can chill out to sultry Jazz while sipping on some fruity cocktails. The bar hosts a jazz festival in early September, and is a favourite with locals and tourists, with cool crowds homing in on the bar on the weekends.

Food:

Because of its geographical location, Montenegrin cuisine is a melting pot of flavours, featuring Italian, Turkish, Hungarian and Croatian influences. Head to the coast for some fresh seafood. Both Galion and Galerija restaurants are favourites in Kotor namely for their delicious food and stunning views over the harbour.

For some Italian grub, try Francesco Restaurant in Podgorica, which serves authentic Italian cuisine that extends well beyond the limitations of pizza and pasta dishes.

Carnivores can pick up some flavoursome cured ham or salami from the Green Market in Tivat or sample some traditional Montenegrin dishes like veal stuffed with ham and cheese, or lamb cooked in milk in a traditional Montenegrin restaurant.

If you have a sweet tooth, crepes and donuts can be found on dessert menus nationwide, and creamy Montenegrin ice cream (sladoled) is sold on the streets year round.