If there is one destination that is sure to surprise you, it’s Montenegro. The small and mountainous country on the Balkan peninsula is perched above the Adriatic Sea and is home to a population just short of 700,000. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in cultural sights and showstopping nature. The best thing? It can all be explored within just a few days. Montenegro gained its independence from Serbia in 2006 and since then, the young country has made quite the entrance on the travel scene. From the dramatic scenery of the Bay of Kotor to the boat cruises on Lake Skadar and the nightlife of Podgorica, read our best tips on what to see and do along the coast of this rising star.

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The cats and fjords of Kotor

Kotor is the headliner of the Montenegrin coast – a Unesco World Heritage Site that oozes charm from every street corner. With its mountainous city walls and red tile roofs, this fairy-tale like stunner is already a favourite among international cruise ships and tour operators from neighbouring Croatia, so go now before everyone else catches on.

Backed by a fjord-like landscape at the edge of Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor), Kotor was once one of the Adriatic Sea’s busiest harbours, while today it is one of the best-preserved towns on the Montenegrin coast. Enjoy a romantic stroll through the narrow streets and get your pulse going with a scenic climb of the city walls, or a hike all the way up to the Castle of San Giovanni for breathtaking views of the bay.

Little known to most aspiring visitors, Kotor is also inhabited by a large number of cats. For centuries, Kotor served as a trading port for ships from all over the world and many of the cats on the ships were left behind, eventually populating the city with a diverse array of the much-loved furry felines. Legend also has it that the city was infested with an alarming number of snakes and rats so the cats were brought in to protect the city and its inhabitants. Either way, they are now a symbol of good luck for the whole country. To get your feline fix, check out the Cat Museum and Cats of Kotor shop. When hunger hits, head to Trpeza – a beautifully designed seafood restaurant just a few steps from the historic Church of Saint Luke in the centre of Kotor. Montenegrin cuisine is a perfect mix of Slavic, Italian and Greek gastronomies, so be ready to be wowed by everything from seafood risotto and baked fish to salads with feta cheese and fresh vegetables.

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Perast: man-made islands and local cuisine

Boka Kotorska is called the southernmost fjord in Europe and, arguably, the most stunning destination of Montenegro. The area has plenty of ancient towns rich in history and culture, but the most well-preserved is the medieval village of Perast, located a mere 20-minute drive from Kotor. Despite being very small – there is only one main street – Perast is packed with old churches and former grand palaces. Head straight to the waterfront terrace of Conte Restaurant inside the Hotel Conte, and enjoy panoramic sea views while tasting the local Montenegrin specialities njeguši sir (cheese) and njeguši pršut (ham) produced in the nearby town of Njeguši. Stomach full, find one of the many local boat tour operators and set sail for the small island called Our Lady of the Rocks. This artificial islet, one of two in Cetinje, is built up by small rocks and is complete with the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks and an adjoining museum, which is especially popular among Catholic visitors for a very specific reason. Legend has it that in 1452, two sailors found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock resting in a shallow part of the bay. They, and the people of Perast, decided to build the islet and a chapel (later turned church) in her honour in that same spot.

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A cultural capital with a view

A perfect getaway from the crowds of the bay, Cetinje, the old royal capital of Montenegro, is a town rich with history and abundant in cultural sights reflecting its important past. It was founded at the foot of Mount Lovćen at the end of the 15^th century and since then it has represented the cultural heart of Montenegro. The town is home to one of the most important museums of the country, the National Museum of Montenegro, which is actually a collection of four museums and two galleries displaying the history of the country from ancient times to the late twentieth century. In addition, Cetinje is a must for any nature lovers. It serves as a good starting point for visiting Lovćen National Park and the spectacular Njegoš Mausoleum, which offers breathtaking views overlooking the surrounding mountains, the Bay of Kotor and, on sunny days, even Lake Skadar.

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The Miami of Montenegro

Head back towards the coast and approximately 30 kilometres from Cetinje you’ll find Montenegro’s most visited destination: Budva. Known as the Miami of Montenegro, this popular coastal town attracts beach-goers and bar-crawlers alike. But Budva is more than that.

Budva dates all the way back to the 5^th century BC and its architecture is similar to that of Croatia’s Dubrovnik, but you’ll find fewer tourists here and get far more bang for your buck. For the best examples of the striking architecture, visit the Old Town, known locally as Stari Grad, which is surrounded by medieval walls and complete with a fortress, towers and gates. A must-see when in town is the citadel, built on the ruins of fortifications from previous centuries. If you’re still thinking about those beaches, you’ll find Budva Old Town Beach close by the castle overlooking the ancient walls. For a less crowded option, head to Jaz (one of the three largest beaches on the Montenegrin coast) around 2,5 km outside of Budva. Need more choices? What about Becici, considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic Sea, or Kamenovo, famous for its pristine waters encircled by mountains?

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The hidden gem of the Adriatic Sea

The Montenegrin coast has plenty of villages and beaches often overlooked by travellers who are attracted by the more famous destinations. Petrovac is one of those places still untouched by mass tourism, perfect for those looking for tranquillity and relaxation. The two most important sites to visit here are Kastio, a small Venetian fortress whose entrance is by the town’s harbour, that offers dramatic views of the turquoise waters below, and the Roman mosaics, which date back to the 4^th century and were discovered on an olive grove in 1902. But the best reason to visit Petrovac is for its spectacular beaches. Petrovac Beach with all amenities at hand, lush and green Lucice Beach and the secluded Buljarica Beach make the hamlet an ideal place for a relaxed holiday for any type of traveller. When it’s time to stretch your legs, head to the harbour and catch a ride to Katič – an islet with a small cave to explore.

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A touch of Albania

Heading further down the coast towards the border of Albania, you’ll encounter Ulcinj, which holds the largest population (around 60%) of Albanians or people of Albanian descent in Montenegro. A lesser-known destination on the Balkans tourist trail, but worth a visit if you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing place with scenic surroundings.

Ulcinj is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast and like most cities along the coast of Montenegro, there is an old town (stari grad) with cobblestoned narrow streets, stonewalls, a fortress and good restaurants. Try Taphana Restaurant, a family-run restaurant located at the beginning of the old town. Order the fish soup and a salad and enjoy them while you’re admiring the unparalleled view.

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Cruise the waters of Lake Skadar

Turn inland once more and prepare yourself for an experience out of the ordinary. A popular destination among outdoor aficionados and locals escaping the busy streets of the capital, Lake Skadar and the encompassing national park offers everything from towering mountains and quaint fishing villages, to tiny islands and old fortresses. The dolphin-shaped lake, which is the largest lake in the Balkans, spans two countries, Montenegro and Albania, with the majority being on the Montenegrin side. Explore the small fishing village of Virpazar at the northern end of the lake. From here, you can take a boat tour of the lake, rent a kayak, or start your biking or hiking trail, both hugely popular all-levels activities year round. Culture vultures can discover the island monasteries and churches, and on hot days there’s more than one appealing beach with pristine waters to dip into. While in the area, snap a shot of the railroad tracks that divide the lake in two. The twice-daily train that runs between Bar and Belgrade is quite the sight from the lakeside.

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Harvest the taste of Podgorica

Beaches, mountains, ancient hamlets, lakes… Montenegro has it all. But no visit to this magnificent country is complete without a day-trip to the capital city. Podgorica’s charm isn’t the same as that of Kotor, Perast or Budva. Its streets are a mixture of Ottoman oddments and brutalist blocks, but with some excellent art galleries, plenty of parks and gardens plus a vibrant nightlife, Podgorica is worth a visit. Stroll around town to discover its landmarks: the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, the cable-stayed Millennium Bridge crossing the river Morača, St. George Church and its adjacent (and creepy) churchyard, and Stara Varoš – the old town. Make sure to spend some of your time in Podgorica’s Centre of Contemporary Art, a gallery housed in a former palace of King Nikola Petrovic, which regularly hosts exhibitions from local artists. Wine lovers pay attention, please: Podgorica is home to one of the largest vineyards in Europe, Plantaže, which has more than 11 million grapevines. Book a tour of the majestic wine cellars to taste the wines produced from the last harvest. What better way to end your holiday than with a glass of good wine in your hand?

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