Montenegro packs an extraordinary variety of landscapes into a country smaller than Wales — medieval fortified towns, Adriatic sea caves, mountain national parks and some of Europe's most dramatic driving roads. It remains significantly cheaper than Croatia while offering the same Adriatic coastline. Here are the 12 best things to do in Montenegro in 2026.
✔ Kotor old town — one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe
✔ Blue Cave boat tour — the #1 experience in Montenegro, book ahead in summer
✔ Drive the Bay of Kotor — arguably the most scenic road in Europe
✔ Durmitor National Park — world-class hiking, rafting and mountain scenery
Top 12 Things To Do in Montenegro
Bay of Kotor Boat Tour
The most popular experience in Montenegro — cruise the extraordinary bay, visit Our Lady of the Rocks island church, swim in hidden coves and explore sea caves. Book ahead in July–August; boats fill fast.
Book Boat Tour →Kotor Old Town
One of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean — Venetian walls, Byzantine churches, cat-lined streets and the fortress above. Walk the walls at sunset for the finest view in Montenegro.
Book Kotor Tour →Blue Cave Swimming
An electric blue sea cave accessible only by boat — the colour of the water inside is genuinely otherworldly. One of Europe's most extraordinary natural swimming experiences. Morning visits have the best light.
Book Blue Cave Tour →Durmitor National Park
UNESCO-listed national park with 18 glacial lakes, 2,500m peaks and the Tara Canyon — Europe's deepest river gorge. World-class hiking, rafting and winter skiing. A 2.5 hour drive from Kotor.
Book National Park Tour →Tara River Rafting
Raft through Europe's deepest canyon — 80km of Grade 3–4 rapids through pine forests and sheer limestone walls. The full 2-day experience is unforgettable; half-day options available from Durmitor.
Book Rafting Tour →Budva Old Town & Beaches
Montenegro's liveliest resort town — a compact walled old town on a peninsula, excellent beaches and a buzzing summer nightlife. Mogren beach, just outside the walls, is one of the Adriatic's finest.
Book Budva Tour →Our Lady of the Rocks Island
An artificial island built by sailors over centuries in the Bay of Kotor — the small baroque church contains 68 silver votive tablets and extraordinary ex-voto paintings. Accessible only by boat from Perast.
Book Island Boat Trip →Perast Village
The most beautiful village in Montenegro — a perfectly preserved Baroque settlement on the bay shore with 16 churches and 17 palaces for a population of under 400. Visit early morning before the day-trippers.
Book Bay Tour →Sveti Stefan
Montenegro's most photographed landmark — a pink-walled island hotel village connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. The beach adjacent to the island is public and one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic.
Book Coastal Tour →Kotor City Walls Hike
1,350 steps up to the fortress of St John above Kotor — the finest panorama in Montenegro. Allow 1.5 hours return, start early morning before the heat builds. Entry fee required; tickets from the city gate.
Book Guided Hike →Podgorica & Ostrog Monastery
Montenegro's capital is low-key but the Ostrog Monastery — built into a sheer cliff face — is one of the most extraordinary religious sites in Europe. A 1.5 hour drive from Podgorica or Kotor.
Book Monastery Tour →Montenegrin Food & Wine Experience
Local wine (Vranac red from the Crmnica region), fresh seafood on the bay, lamb under the sač bell and priganice doughnuts — Montenegrin cuisine is excellent and vastly underrated. Book a tasting experience.
Book Food Experience →Book Montenegro Tours — Before They Sell Out
Boat tours fill up fast in July and August — compare and book now
Browse All Montenegro Tours on GetYourGuide →Montenegro Travel Tips
Best time to visit: June and September are ideal — warm Adriatic sea, manageable crowds and lower prices than July–August peak. The boat tours run April through October. Durmitor National Park is excellent June–September for hiking and December–March for skiing.
Getting around: Montenegro is best explored by hire car — public transport is limited and the scenic coastal and mountain roads are part of the experience. The Bay of Kotor road is one of Europe's most spectacular drives. International driving licences are required; roads are narrow in places but well-maintained.
Currency: Montenegro uses the euro despite not being an EU member. Card payment is accepted in hotels and larger restaurants but cash is useful in smaller towns, markets and for boat tour payments.
FAQs
How many days do you need in Montenegro?
5–7 days covers the Bay of Kotor, Budva coast and a day in Durmitor comfortably. 10 days allows you to explore the national parks properly and add the south coast. Most visitors based around Kotor find 5 days the minimum for a satisfying trip.
Is Montenegro safe?
Very safe — Montenegro has one of the lowest crime rates in the Balkans. The main concern for tourists is car hire damage on mountain roads and occasional petty theft in busy coastal areas in peak season. Overall, an exceptionally safe destination.
Is Montenegro worth visiting in 2026?
Absolutely — it remains one of Europe's best value destinations with extraordinary scenery. Visit before it becomes as well-known (and expensive) as Croatia's coast, which it closely resembles for a fraction of the price.