Fjord-like bays, walled towns and limestone mountains close to the sea.
Montenegro packs a lot into a small space. The Bay of Kotor winds between steep mountains to the walled town of Kotor and the island churches off Perast, while Budva and Sveti Stefan line the Adriatic coast. Inland, Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon and Lake Skadar offer rafting, hiking and birdlife.
Coast and mountains are only a few hours apart, so one trip can mix grilled fish and seaside towns with smoked ham, cheese and cool mountain air. A car makes the most of the winding roads. May, June and September are the sweet spot; July and August are hot and crowded on the coast, and winter is quiet.
Best time to visit Montenegro
May, June, September.
Places to visit in Montenegro
Kotor: A medieval walled town at the head of the Bay of Kotor, with fortifications climbing the mountain behind.
Budva: Montenegro's main beach resort, with a compact walled old town and a string of beaches.
Durmitor National Park: A high mountain national park of glacial lakes and limestone peaks, above the Tara River Canyon.
Podgorica: Montenegro's small, modern capital, a gateway to Lake Skadar and the country's mountains.
Essentials
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Montenegrin (close to Serbian and Croatian); English common on the coast
Plugs: Type C / F, 230 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC+1
Tipping: Round up or leave around 10% in restaurants
Getting around: Buses link coastal towns; a car makes the mountains and Durmitor much easier
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking