10 reasons to holiday in Montenegro

In short, Montenegro is a must go. Because although it’s one of Europe’s smallest countries, it has five national parks, a plethora of peaks, with over sixty of them hitting heights of over 1,800m, spectacular lakelands and nearly 300km of coast. Which makes it all so easy to navigate. That’s pretty much 10 reasons to holiday in Montenegro already, but let’s unpack those a bit more, to encourage you to pack and go.

The ancient town of Perast on Kotor Bay.

1. Montenegro is petite, pretty and a place to pack a lot in

If you need to compare it to the size of another place, Montenegro (13,812km²) is the same size as Northern Ireland, just a bit smaller than the US State of Connecticut and has a similar footprint to Tokyo and its urban environs. Consequently, you can go from Lovćen National Park in the morning down to the coast at Kotor in the afternoon. Or embark on a walking holiday of both north and south of the country, where you have at least four summits on your adventure.

2. Lake Skadar is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Also known as Lake Scutari, Shkoder or Shkodra, Lake Skadar is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula at 400km² and forms a natural border between Montenegro and Albania. In Montenegro, it was already protected by national park status, and is on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance. Sadly however, for years there were threats of inappropriate development, including plans for a luxury tourist resort on the lake’s Montenegrin pristine shores and waters, (Albania is having similar battles). Local people’s battles to protect it, however, has been a win win, concluding with Lake Skadar being declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2026.

Lake Skadar is a biodiverse beauty in Montenegro.

3. There’s a lot to love about Lovćen National Park

A hiking highlight of this Montenegrin national park is heading up to the top of Jezerski Vrh (1,657m) to visit the mausoleum of the much beloved leader and great thinker, Njegos who died in 1851. This is a bit of a sacred pilgrimage for Montenegrins, as Njegos was considered an ambassador for peace and reconciliation of his time. The gateway town is Cetinje, the former capital where the last King Nikola’s palace is now a museum and its 15th century monastery, galleries and small boutiques make for a lovely wander. You can hike in Lovćen National Park on this eight day holiday, or a shorter version of five days. As mentioned above, you can also hike from Lovćen to the coast at Kotor on the same day on this walking holiday.

4. Biogradska Gora National Park is a biodiverse beauty

Nestled within the Bjelasica mountain range, this national park is renowned for its ancient, primaeval forests, where trees have flourished for four to five centuries. At the centre of this lush expanse lies Biogradska Lake, a serene oasis split by a river of the same name. A multitude of hiking trails wind through groves of fir, beech, elm and juniper, guiding adventurers up to Lica Mountain (1,893m) or along the majestic Bjelasica peaks of Crna Glava (2,139m) and Zekova (2,117m). You can explore it on our walking holiday in northern Montenegro, our shorter six day break in the same area and this north-south hiking combo. Another combo that gives more than a nod to Biogradska Gora is this walking holiday in Albania and Montenegro.

Biogradska Gora National Park in Montenegro is just one example of this small country’s massive beauty.

5. Durmitor National Park is another Montenegrin marvel

Durmitor is the doyenne of natural drama in Montenegro, a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the north of the country with no less than 48 limestone peaks over 2,000m. This walking wonderland features some iconic trekking routes, including climbs to the Previja Pass (2,145m) and Skrka Pass (2,112m). For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a gentle circular hike around the three Durmitor Lakes: Barno, Zminje and Crno. The park is also home to the spectacular Tara Canyon, a prime spot for white-water rafting adventures.

HIking in Durmitor National Park, just one of five parks in a Montenegro, a country around the same size as Northern Ireland.

6. Montenegro features on the multinational Via Dinarica

The Via Dinarica is a network of long-distance walking trails that not only takes you through Montenegro’s Dinaric Alps but also the mountain magnificence of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia. The Via Dinarica in Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) is an eight day small group tour that takes you through two of the region’s most exquisite national parks: Sutjeska in BiH and the aforementioned Durmitor in Montenegro. By day three of this trip, you are summiting Mount Maglić (2,386m), the highest in BiH. For more details, see our blog, Everything you need to know about the Via Dinarica Trail.

7. Kotor is colossal

Perched on a fjord-like inlet flowing into the Bay of Kotor, this protected UNESCO town is celebrated both for its spectacular natural surroundings and its historic architecture. You can experience its unique medieval and Venetian atmosphere within the walled Old Town of Stari Grad, or climb up to the hilltop fortress of St. John for breathtaking views over the bay. It features on both of these cycling holidays in Montenegro, and also the majority of our walking holidays in Montenegro. On many of our Montenegrin holidays, you stay in Perast, also on the bay, which is arguably one of the most romantic spots on the bay, with its Venetian palaces, island chapels and all round waterfront ease.

8. Combine Montenegro with Croatia’s islands

This walking holiday is just a dreamy duo, if you have eleven days to spare. And if you don’t right now, it’s worth planning ahead to hike this bit of Balkan heaven. For starters, you have three days of walking in Montenegro’s Lovčen National Park, followed by Kotor Bay for two days. The love bombing continues along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, with island walks on Šipan Island and the national park island of Mljet. Bring on the Balkans. You feeling the love yet?

9. It’s part of the Peaks of the Balkans long-distance trail

It’s a blinder of peaks, but one where you have nothing but peaceful thoughts, a coming together of neighbours and the only hats you need are ones to prevent the sun. Because the Peaks of the Balkans Trail traverses the Western Balkans, on a circuit that encompasses the heritage highlights (and highlands) of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Depending on the heights that you want to hit, there are options to ascend Mt. Trekufiri, Hajla, Taljanka and Arapi, all promising the most peaceful panoramas.

One of the highlights for many on the Peaks of the Balkans trail is Mount Trekufiri (2,366m), or Tromedja, a natural border triangle where Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro meet. You can take the trail on in sections, go guided or self-guided. For more details, see our blog Getting to know the Peaks of the Balkans Trail.

Mount Trekufiri (2,366m), or Tromedja, is a natural border triangle between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro meet.

10. Montenegro has long adventure seasons

Our Montenegro tours run between March and October, and so tourism brings huge sustainable benefits across three seasons out of four. Montenegro’s mountainous national parks are ideal to visit during June and July. While coastal Kotor can see summer temperatures reach 30C, inland Cetinje remains a comfortable 22C on average. Protected by surrounding mountains, Lake Skadar features its own microclimate that keeps summer heat manageable while keeping the water warm enough for a swim, even into the autumn.

Although certain parts of the coast can get quite crowded in summer, hikers and cyclists can happily explore Montenegro throughout October. And, as our Montenegro walking and cycling holidays focus on small rural areas, we aim to support them out of the traditional season, which can make a vast difference to not just one but several families.

So, in summary, that’s 10 out of 10 for Montenegro as a top adventure destination, with plenty of blinding beauty. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our adventure specialists, or see all of our Montenegro tours here. You may also enjoy our other Balkan blogs: Bigging up our Balkan holidays, Food in the Balkans, Meet our Balkans Destination Manager.