Discover Montenegro With This Ideal 10-day Itinerary

You know I’m a fan of slow travel and like to spend as much time as possible in a destination, but sometimes you’re short on time or want to explore all the different aspects of the country in a single trip. That’s why, after careful consideration, I’ve created my perfect 10-day itinerary in Montenegro (no car needed), which may well be yours, who knows?

And if you’re still wondering if Montenegro is right for you, let me tell you that whether you want to get some exercise and put on your hiking boots, admire enchanting lakes, relax at the beach or visit ancient medieval villages, the country has it all.

Ready to discover this small but beautiful Balkan country? Read on!

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Best time to visit Montenegro

If you want to avoid the crowds as much as possible while enjoying the sunshine and pleasant temperatures of the Adriatic sea, consider visiting in spring or autumn. However, it’s best to avoid summer!

Visa

Many countries can actually enter Montenegro without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. If in doubt, always check your embassy’s website in case you need to apply for one.

And remember: your passport should be valid for at least three months after you leave.

Language

The official language of the country is Montenegrin, but you may hear Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian and Albanian, which are also recognized languages.

English is not widely spoken, especially if you venture outside the tourist areas. So your best bet is to learn a few words or use a translation application. Bear in mind that Montenegrin isn’t available on these apps, so you’ll need to use Serbian to make yourself understood.

Money

The official money in Montenegro is the euro. Don’t forget to take some cash with you as market stalls and buses only accept cash!

SIM card

Even if you’re from Europe, you’ll need a SIM card, as yours won’t work here and data roaming is always a bad idea anyway. You can always rely on offline maps, but it’s often useful to have a SIM card, especially in mountains or remote areas.

One of the best telephone operator networks is Telekom, which offers good coverage at an affordable price. You can buy a SIM card at airport counters, but also at newsstands you’ll find all over Montenegro, usually on the side of the road (often near bus stops too).

You can also opt for an eSIM if your phone is compatible, which you can order before you arrive.

Montenegro Itinerary (10 Days)

I personally started my Montenegro adventure by the more physical activities, leaving the relaxing beaches and medieval towns for the last stretch of my trip but you can totally do this itinerary the other way around if you want to.

Montenegro has two main airports: Tivat and Podgorica. Whichever one you choose and if you’re not renting a car, you’ll have two options to get to the city: taking a taxi or the train to Podgorica or the bus to Tivat.

Day 1: Discover the capital of Montenegro

If you decide to arrive in Podgorica without renting a car and if, like me, you’re not the biggest fan of taxis, don’t worry, you can get to the city by another means (though you may have to be patient): by taking the train to the station called “Aerodrom”. It’s only a 15-20 minute walk from the airport to the station. Here’s how to get there!

Just after getting out of the airport and gently dodging the few taxi drivers offering you a ride, keep to your left until you pass the airport entrance and come to a kind of roundabout, cross the road and continue straight ahead, following the main road and the path surrounded by green fencing. Keep walking until you see Nevena Parking and take the left path once you see the road crossing the bridge, then you’ll have to walk for a few minutes until you see the train tracks and platform.

> Trains don’t always run on time, so you pretty much have to be patient and always check the train timetable on this website in advance!

Once you’ve checked-in into your accommodation, you can start exploring the capital. Like all capitals, Podgorica has many landmarks, but if you’ve just landed and are feeling a little tired from the journey, my best advice is to take it easy and enjoy your surroundings by focusing on two or three places, close to each other but also perfect for relaxing after a flight or for romantic couples.

Make your way to the historic Fortress Depedogen for a nice walk overlooking the Moraca river before heading down to Sastavci for a break and landscapes of great natural beauty. As these places are less than 10 minutes walk from the city center, you can end your day by satisfying your grumbling stomach with local delicacies such as Cevapi (minced grilled meat) or Sopska Salad (perfect refreshing dish on a hot summer’s day) in one of the local restaurants such as Konoba “Lanterna” Podgorica.

🛏️ Q PODGORICA Beds, Rooms and more:
Friendly, helpful staff, comfortable rooms and only a 30-minute walk from the city center.

Day 2: Visit Ostrog Monastery, built on the side of a mountain

Opening hours: 06:00-20:00 every day
Entrance fee: free

If you want to see a one of a kind monastery, filled with many historical events, cultural treasures, where battles were fought and important decisions made, this is the place to go. Comprising a Lower and Upper Monastery, and famous among pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, wait until you see its beauty and stunning panorama and you’ll understand why.

To get to the monastery without a car, you have two options: book a tour or take the train and walk to the site. As trains are pretty rare in Ostrog, your best bet is to get up early and take the first train, which will leave you plenty of time to enjoy the place and admire its surroundings.

Once you’ve arrived at Ostrog train station, you’ll need to hike for 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the Monastery and start your visit.

Recommended by many locals, I’d say Ostrog Monastery is well worth a visit even if you’re not a pilgrim, if only to see a unique place steeped in history and beauty.

Alternative: if you want to get some fresh air and explore different trails closer to the city, consider Gorica Park, an 18-minute walk from the center.

Podgorica highlights:
– Moraca River
– Fortress Depedogen
– Sastavci Park
– Gorica Park
– Ostrog Monastery

Day 3: Getting to Zabljak, a place of adventure and beautiful wilderness

In my opinion, the small town of Zabljak and more specifically Durmitor National Park should be on every Montenegro itinerary. Want to know why? Because the town will sweep you off your feet as soon as you arrive. Enchanting lakes, a hiker’s paradise, diverse flora and fauna and thrilling adventures await you.

From Podgorica, go to the bus station and buy a ticket to Zabljak (~$11). There are a few buses a day (05:45, 10:00, 13:00, 14:38, 15:38 and 17:05) and the journey will only take you about two and a half hours. Unlike trains, buses are usually on time, and you can check the timetable or book your ticket directly on busticket4.me. In this case, don’t forget that you’ll have to print your own ticket and pay a platform fee.

If you’re traveling off season, you can simply buy a ticket directly at the station or on the bus.

As it’s your first day in Zabljak, no big hikes today, but you can head to the famous and breathtaking Crno Jezero also called Black Lake located in Durmitor National Park.

Actually made up of two lakes, it’s the perfect starting point for your Zabljak adventure. Take the loop trail that leads to both lakes and the forest to better appreciate the mesmerizing turquoise waters against the backdrop of black pines.

Thing to know: there’s an entrance fee of 5 euros/day ($5.5) to Durmitor National Park.

Day 4: Hiking in Durmitor National Park

Ready to work up a sweat and marvel at some spectacular landscapes? Well, the only thing I can say is that you won’t be disappointed by Durmitor National Park. If you love hiking, and you probably do if you’re planning to spend more than a day in Zabljak, let me tell you, you’ve come to the right place!

From tranquil trails to more challenging ones, there’s something for every level and every season here.

Looking for a rather easy trail with a magnificent view of a deep canyon? Head to Tara Canyon Viewpoint!

And if you’re here for more thrilling and challenging hikes, opt for Bobotov Kuk or Planinica!

As I only had the time (and energy, let’s be honest) to do Planinica, I’d recommend this hike without hesitation. Towering at a modest 2330m, the hike to Planinica takes you through forest and alpine meadows before reaching the plateau and its unrivalled views.

If you choose this 8-hour strenuous hike, you won’t have to pay national park entrance fee. Just before you arrive to the ticket booth, take the road to the right and follow the marked trail for the next few hours until you reach the peak.

Don’t hesitate to check the national park website for more information and trail maps.

What to bring: plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, snacks, first-aid kit, a raincoat (in case of weather change), camera.

Day 5: Jablan Lake and relaxation

If you still have some strength left after the previous day’s challenging hike, you can choose to do another hike, of course, or you can choose to go to Jablan Lake (a 1.5-hour walk away), and take a dip in its refreshing but sumptuous blue waters.

Or you can opt for a peaceful day at your accommodation by getting up late, reading a book and enjoying a hearty lunch/dinner at Restaurant Or’O.

Alternative: if you’re not too sore and you love thrilling adventures, you should consider rafting on the Tara River for a memorable and exciting day out!

🛏️ Sobe KALJEVIC:
For a relaxing, comfortable stay, where you’ll feel right at home thanks to the adorable, attentive owner!

Zabljak highlights:
– Durmitor National Park
– Tara Canyon

Day 6: Unwind at the beach in Bar

Your first mission before enjoying the gentle sunshine and melody of the waves in Bar after the chilly weather in the northern mountains, will be to catch the bus to your destination – well actually, two buses as you’ll have to pass through Podgorica again to get to the city of Bar.

If you want to have a whole day to enjoy Bar’s lovely pebble beach and soak up the sun, I recommend leaving Zabljak early, say at 07:00 at the latest, so that you can catch the 09:50 or 10:58 bus in Podgorica, which will take you to your destination around noon. Count 3 to 3.5 hours for the whole journey.

Once you’ve arrived in Bar, my best advice is to leave the visit of the Old Town for the next day, so as not to tire yourself out and head to the waterfront and city center. Before you get there, you should take the opportunity to visit the beautiful Church of St. Jovan Vladimir, a Serbian saint of the same name. Located right in the center of town, the church is surrounded by an olive grove and its interior is as beautiful as its exterior, thanks to its magnificent, detailed paintings.

Day 7: Visit of a medieval archeological site

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stari Grad Bar (or the Old Town of Bar) is everything you’d expect from an old town perched in the mountains: cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, lovely restaurants and cafes and a charming vibe. The streets are also full of local souvenirs, so if you’re wondering where to go shopping, this is probably the place.

And if you’re here, there’s of course one main attraction (the fortress, or at least what’s left of it) that you can’t miss, because first of all it would be a shame, but also because the village is quite small and if you don’t intend to eat or shop, the visit would come to an end rather quickly.

It’s worth noting that entry to the fortress costs 5€ ($5.5), but I’d say it’s worth it even if you’re not a history or archeology enthusiast. Not only will you enjoy plenty of silence once inside, but you’ll also see how nature has reclaimed its rights among the ruins, as well as an ancient Turkish bathhouse, ancient churches and you’ll get a breathtaking view of the nearby mountains from the ramparts.

If you’re an early riser and have finished your visit in the early afternoon or earlier, you might consider a day trip to the small coastal town of Ulcinj (just 30 minutes away by bus) and spend some time on its beautiful beaches.

🛏️ Hostel Hangout:
Outside the city center but only a 2-minute walk from a bus stop, affordable stay and very friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Bar highlights:
– Church of St. Jovan Vladimir
– Stari Bar Grad
– Fortress
– Day trip to Ulcinj

Day 8: Reaching the Bay of Kotor

Less than two hours away by bus, the famous Kotor is undeniably a charming town surrounded by natural beauty, but let me warn you that it’s also very crowded. So if you want to make the most of it without being overwhelmed by the throng of tourists, your best best is to visit the fortified city before 10am or after 5pm. The huge difference is that you’ll pretty much have the city to yourself, as most tourists come from the large cruise ships that stop over for a few hours.

Kotor encompasses what every traveler is looking for: history, culture and nature, which is probably why it has become so popular over the years. Yet, there’s nothing like visiting a city and its attractions without having to elbow your way in.

Spend the morning exploring the quiet streets after walking through the iconic Sea Gate and, when the influx of tourists starts coming, hang out at one of the piers lining the splendid bay until dinnertime.

Day 9: Hike the Ladder of Kotor and spend the rest of the day at the beach

If you love hiking and enjoy unparalleled views of natural landscapes, everyone will tell you that you shouldn’t miss the Ladder of Kotor, but there’s a trick here because you can get there by two different routes: one is free whereas the other isn’t.

First of all, let me emphasize that I don’t mind paying for a national park or a hike when it’s justified and aimed at preserving nature…, but sometimes it’s just unreasonable. Plus, why pay when you can have the same thing for free??

Secondly, there was no way I was going to pay 15€ ($16) for a one-hour hike! The only difference between the two trails? Well, apart from the fact that you have to climb stairs, that more tourists take this route and that it’s more tiring: none.

So, if you too want to enjoy these splendid views and a lovely morning hike for free, here’s the way to the free path: first, you should start in the morning, no later than 9am I’d say to be pretty much the only one on the trail but also to avoid the heat (especially if you’re here in spring or summer).

Then, if your accommodation is inside the walls of Kotor, exit through the River Gate (North Gate), turn right and keep walking straight until you pass the Pekara bakery (where you can buy pastries or a snack for your hike), and keep going until you reach the Old Hydroelectric Power Plant. Take the small path on the right – this is the real start of the free hike.

Keep to the right all the way up until you reach a small church where a friendly man is selling cheese. Turn right there and all that’s left to do is climb the wooden ladder through the window. The panorama is yours!

After this short hike, and if weather permitting, why not grab a good book and spend the afternoon on the nearby beach?!? A great way to admire the Bay of Kotor too!

Thing to know: if you really want to take the path with the stairs without having to pay, you can do so but you’ll have to hike early (before 8am) and go down the window/ladder path OR you can hike the free route with the ladder in the late afternoon and go down the path you usually have to pay after 6pm. Because the people who charge you won’t be there at those times.

Day 10: Take a day trip

For your last day in Kotor and Montenegro, you have two choices: a day trip to Perast or Budva.

Budva (45 minutes away by bus) is perfect for beach and party lovers who would like to appreciate crystal-clear waters and luxury seaside pleasures.

Perast is just as ideal for relaxing by the sea, with beautiful Venetian architecture like Budva but less crowded and quieter. Check the bus timetable before you leave though, as buses to and from Perast only run once an hour.

🛏️ CENTRUM HOSTEL:
Right in the center of town, comfortable and clean. It’s also easy to make friends and the staff are simply amazing!

Kotor highlights:
– Bay of Kotor
– Fortified walls
– Ladder of Kotor hike
– Perast/Budva
– La Catedral Pasta Bar (best pastas in town)
– Primo Pizza (best pizza in Kotor)

Useful links & apps

Bus timetable and tickets: busticket4.me

Trains: Railway Transport of Montenegro

Map: maps.me (sometimes works better than Google Maps)

Although 10 days seem a little short to explore Montenegro, I hope this itinerary gives you an idea of the beautiful sights and natural wonders you can expect in this sumptuous Balkan destination!