I first started planning my Montenegro travel itinerary when I was visiting its neighbour, Croatia. Fellow travellers just coming from Croatia’s small neighbour were raving about the place.
Rustic, cheap, crystal clear waters, less tourists, and plenty of stunning nature.
I had to go.
A month later I was flying into Montenegros capital, Podgorica, to start a 1 week adventure that really does feel off the beaten path for westerners.
For this 1 week Montenegro travel Itinerary you can fly into the capital Podgorica and fly out of Tivat. Or you can reverse the destinations and fly into Tivat.
Skadar National Park – 2 nights
Lake Skadar is the first stop on your journey. After flying into Podgorica Airport you can take a local train or taxi to your first destination. The train is an old Soviet era one and has a real authentic appeal, although it only seems to run every 3 hours. The taxi on the other hand is quicker but you may get slightly overcharged. Whichever way you decide to travel you will soon arrive in arguably the most beautiful part of Montenegro.
Skadar National park glistens in the sunshine, is a nature lovers paradise, and isn’t short of activities to keep you busy.
Kaying Lake Skadar
The centre-piece of the National Park is Lake Skadar itself. The lake is the largest in southern Europe and its so big that half of it is shared with Albania. Lake Skadar is surrounded by huge limestone hills covered in dense forest and there are not too many tourists around – even in the summer seasons.
As you kayak on the lake you’ll glide over the carpet of lily pads and see the many birds that call this lake home.
You can easily spend a morning exploring the lake. It’s pretty tiring but if you want you can even visit some local islands and beaches!
Just remember to leave enough time to get back to base as the summer months can have rain in the evenings.
Godinje Bay
Hidden about a 90min trek or 10 min taxi ride from the town of Virpazar is Godinje bay. The bay isn’t that well known and as a result its beach will only have a few visitors.
The relatively small and intimate beach overlooks the lake with stunning views of the distant mountains as well as an island that has the ruins of an Ottoman prison.
The water is perfect for swimming in, and beach has kayaks available to rent. There is also as a small local restaurant to keep you watered, fed, and happy.
Some of the best hiking in Europe
Now I’ve been on my fair share of hikes, but Skadar National Park has one of the most rewarding hikes i’ve ever been on.
The hike in Walnut Valley, just a short walk from Virpaza, will take you through dense forests, along a crystal clear river with old ottoman bridges crossing it, past munching tortoises, and into the depths of Montenegrin nature. The whole way I didn’t see another soul and the hike culminates in the freshest waterfalls i’ve ever swam in! I reckon its about 2-3 hours out and 2-3 hours back.
Besac Castle Viewpoint
Besac Castle overlooks the Lake Skadar and the town of Virpazar. The castle costs 1 euro to enter and has recently been restored to its former glory.
Its only a 15 minute walk from the town and is a great place to watch the sunset.
Budva – 2 nights
Budva is a bustling seaside town that is a big draw for tourists from all over. Although busy, the town is well worth a visit and will keep you entertained for your stay.
Getting to Budva from Virpaza takes about an hour by road and is best done via taxi. Its usually around £50 for the journey and unfortunately there are no direct trains at the time of writing this.
Beaches and Cliff jumps on you Montenegro travel itinerary
Budva is famous for it’s beaches, and they’re busy during the summer! However that’s for good reason, the waters are crystal clear and the beaches are beautiful.
On the north side of Mogren Beach you will find two stunning cliff jumps. one is about 7m and the other is over 15m. The scenery is stunning and the waters so inviting!
Jump at your own risk!
Aquapark Budva
Situated up in the hills overlooking Budva is Aquapark Budva. Opened in 2016 the park has 7 waterslides and apparently you can get up to 80kmh on one of them!
The park has plenty of restaurants and bars and it also hosts plenty of parties during the summer for you to enjoy.
Night Life
The night life in Budva is buzzing and the best you’ll find on your Montenegro travel itinerary!
Inside the old town there are plenty of cool bars and pubs for you to start your night in – my fave was Casper Bar. Some are a little stuck up and only let you have a table if you buy a bottle – but you can avoid those!
Once the bars and pubs quieten down you can head to the clubs if that’s your thing! Top Hill was voted the worlds best club in 2012 and still impresses. It wasn’t our thing so I just headed to the beach with my new hostel friends and talked into the early hours. Grandad, I know.
Sveti Stefan
You have probably seen a picture of Sveti Stefan from Instagram. It’s a stunning piece of land jutting out into the sea that looks like its been hand carved by the gods. On the island is Montenegros most exclusive hotel as well as a swathe of fancy restaurants.
Viewing the island from the shore and visiting the beaches in the area is an experience itself. To get on the island you need to book a table at one of the restaurants – if you can get in – I’m sure you can, you fancy pants.
Kotor – 2 nights
Kotor may well be the highlight of your Montenegro Itinerary – it was for me! The town has simultaneously the best old town i’ve visited and the most jaw dropping scenery to accompany it.
Kotor Old Town
The old town of Kotor is the one of most stunning i’ve visited in Europe. The town is surrounded by its ancient walls and the streets have so many secrets to explore.
Off each cobbled street you will find churches, cute cafes, tiny shops, and great pubs. You can easily can spend a day exploring.
Montenegro travel itinerary – Fortifications of Kotor
The imposing fortifications of Kotor overlook the town and are a great place to view the sunset. Getting to the fortifications is about a 30 – 45min walk and there is a way you pay 8 euros or another way it’s free.
The free way is fun and takes you up a shepherds path, past some pretty cool ruins, and into the fortress through a back door.
Once at the top the views of the bay of Kotor are stunning and exploring the fortress is great fun.
Perast and Our lady of the rocks
Perast is a small piece of Venice about a 30 minute drive up the coast from Kotor. The town is small but has stunning buildings and views to accompany.
Our Lady of The Rocks is a small island that was formed by sailors dropping rocks on the spot until it formed an island. On this island has been built multiple places of worship and rocks are still dropped there today!
Saturday Market
The Saturday market in Kotor is a must visit if you’re in the town on a weekend.
TripAdvisor has this rated as the 3rd best attraction in Kotor so it must be pretty good!
Vendors come from all over the region to sell their homemade produce such as olive oil, fruit, and trinkets.
Lovćen National Park
Lovćen National Park is another slice of paradise straddling the Kotor.
The small National Park contains the best panoramic views in Montenegro. A hike up the steps to the Njegos Mausoleum is tiring but well worth it.
The mausoleum is guarded by two huge statues and you’ll feel like you’re on the lord of the rings set. The views from site are a Panormaic dream.
Theres also 3 great hikes in the park ranging from 4.5km through to 12.5km.
This stunning 1 week Montenegro Travel Itinerary will take you on an adventure through the rustic young country.
Skadar will provide you with stunning nature and outdoors activities. Budva will provide you with fun times on beautiful beaches. Whilst Kotor will show you the stunning ancient history of Montenegro in jaw dropping surroundings – 3 very unique destinations!
Montenegro travel itinerary Map
