Montenegro: A Hidden Gem in the Balkans

Montenegro translates to “Black Mountain”, a reference to the dark forests that once cloaked the Dinaric Alps. This was my first-ever trip to Europe, so I was both curious and excited. My main goals? Take in the scenery, learn about the history, admire the architecture and sneak in some beach time to enjoy the summer.

Montenegro is a small country in Southeastern Europe, right on the Adriatic Sea. As a resident of Japan, I didn’t need a visa, which was a major bonus. If I had to go through the struggle of applying for a visa with my Kenyan passport, I might have just picked another destination.

I stayed in Montenegro for 12 days, splitting my time between two main towns—Budva and Kotor. I spent four days in Budva and seven days in Kotor, which allowed me to explore different parts of the country without rushing too much.

A Few Things to Know Before Visiting Montenegro

• Getting Around: Public transport in Montenegro is unreliable, so renting a car is the best option if you want to explore properly. But fair warning—the roads are not for the faint-hearted. They’re narrow, winding, and sometimes full of reckless drivers. If you're not confident behind the wheel, maybe let someone else do the driving.

• Money: Montenegro uses the Euro, and while most places accept cards, some restaurants and small shops are cash-only. Always keep some cash with you to avoid awkward situations.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to visit if you want sunny beach days but be prepared for serious heat. The good news? Once the sun sets, the temperature becomes much more bearable.

• Language: Most people speak English, so you won’t have trouble communicating.  

Budva: A Coastal Beauty

I landed at Podgorica Airport, then took an hour-long drive to Budva. If you can afford it, flying into Tivat Airport is closer, but flights tend to be pricier.

Budva is a stunning coastal town with the sea on one side and mountains on the other. I stayed at an Airbnb close to the city center, which was perfect since I wanted to be near the Old Town—the heart of all the action.

Things I Did in Budva:

1. Exploring the Old Town

‍ Budva’s Old Town is surrounded by ancient stone walls and filled with narrow alleyways, charming cafes, and little shops selling everything from souvenirs to jewelry. The architecture has strong Venetian influences, thanks to the Romans and Ottomans who once ruled here.

One of the highlights was dining at Citadela Restaurant, which sits at the top of the city walls. The food was good, but the real winner was the view. Sitting there with a drink, looking out over the sea, made me feel like royalty.

2. A Day Trip to Sveti Stefan

‍ A 30-minute boat ride from Budva took me to Sveti Stefan, a tiny island-turned-luxury-hotel. Unfortunately, it’s only accessible to guests, so unless you’re willing to pay a small fortune, you can only admire it from a distance. Apparently, Novak Djokovic got married here!

That said, the nearby public beaches are open to everyone, and the water is crystal clear.  

Kotor: The Crown Jewel of Montenegro

‍ Kotor is probably the most famous town in Montenegro, and for good reason. It has stunning medieval architecture, breathtaking views, and a whole lot of cats (legend says that the cats saved the town from the 13^th century Bubonic plague that was caused by rats).

Things I Did in Kotor:

1. Exploring the Old Town

‍ Kotor’s Old Town was hands-down my favorite. Every corner felt like a scene from a fairytale, with charming squares, ancient buildings, and lively street performances. I spent hours wandering around, eating at cozy restaurants, and browsing cute little shops.

2. Hiking the City Walls

If you want the best views of Kotor, you must hike up the old city walls to San Giovanni Fortress. The hike takes about an hour, but trust me—it’s worth it. The best time to go is at sunset when the views over the bay are absolutely magical. Just be sure to bring water, especially in the summer heat!

3. Relaxing at the Beach

‍Kotor has a beach just outside the Old Town, but be warned—it’s rocky. If you don’t want to feel like you’re walking on coals, bring water shoes. The cabanas right next to the beach cost around 50 euros per day. Lounging in the cabana eating gelato ice cream was my go-to activity when I wasn’t running around exploring.

Perast: A Picture-Perfect Town

‍ Perast was the most beautiful place I visited in Montenegro. It’s a tiny town, but every inch of it looks straight out of a postcard. The mix of blue water, towering mountains, and elegant old buildings made it feel unreal.

I originally planned to spend just 30 minutes here, but I was so mesmerized that I ended up staying the entire day. I even came back a second time to catch the sunset, which was absolutely stunning. I enjoyed dinning at the restaurants that were right by the water. A delicious plate of pasta, with Montenegrin Chardonnay in hand while soaking in the breeze from the ocean on a beautiful summer day is all I could ask for.

A must-do here is taking a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny man-made island with a picturesque church in the middle of the bay.

Durmitor National Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

‍ Durmitor National Park is in the north, near Žabljak, and takes about three hours to reach from Kotor. The drive there was an adventure on its own, with winding mountain roads and incredible views.

The park’s star attraction is Black Lake, a stunning glacier lake surrounded by towering peaks. We hiked around it (which took about an hour) and then grabbed lunch at the restaurant near the lake. If you love nature, this place is 100% worth the trip.

Tivat: The Playground of the Rich

‍ Tivat is where Montenegro’s rich and famous hang out. Porto Montenegro, the luxury marina, is filled with massive yachts, designer shops, and fancy restaurants.

I was tempted to splurge on a cabana at Big Buddha Beach Club, but when I saw they cost 500 euros, I quickly changed my mind. Instead, I found a beach in Kotor where a cabana cost only 50 euros—way more budget-friendly.

Herceg Novi: Wine, Views, and More Old Towns

1. Wine Tasting at Savina Winery

‍ About an hour from Kotor, Savina Winery is a small, family-run vineyard with breathtaking views over the ocean and mountains at the back. I did a wine tasting paired with cheese, smoked meat, olives and bread sticks followed by a tour of the vineyard. I’m not really into Rose wine, but their Rose wine got me rethinking my choices. Their Chardonnay took the cake home followed by their Sauvignon Blanc, Rose then the Merlot.  I tend to stir away from red wine because it stains my teeth, but their Merlot also got me rethinking my choices. I’ve always been a Sauvignon Blanc kind of girl, but I left there a changed girl. If you love wine, this place is a must.

Aside from the wine being amazing, the view here was unmatched!  

2. Exploring the Old Town

Herceg Novi is much bigger than Kotor or Budva, so there’s a lot to see. It also has several beaches, so if you want a quieter beach day, this is a great spot.

Final Thoughts

Montenegro completely exceeded my expectations. The landscapes were breathtaking, the history was fascinating, and the architecture was beautiful. Whether you’re into beaches, hiking, wine or just wandering around old towns, this country has something for everyone.

Would I go back? Absolutely.

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