June 14, 2022, 4:36 am | Read time: 9 minutes

A road trip sounds like freedom. But also like many tiring hours behind the wheel. What if the vacation destination is so small that the next attraction is always just around the corner? Then there’s more time and energy for the destination itself. Montenegro is such a country–the Balkan state is perfect for a road trip in your own car or a rental.

The road trip through Montenegro on the map:

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Road Trip Through Montenegro – The Stages

Day 1: From Podgorica to Lake Skadar (40 kilometers)

Montenegro’s capital doesn’t have the best reputation among travelers. It’s not considered particularly beautiful, especially compared to the rest of the country. So it’s best to pick up the car at the airport upon arrival and leave Podgorica behind.

The journey to a completely different world takes only half an hour. Lake Skadar–also known as Lake Scutari–on the border with Albania is the largest inland body of water in the Balkans. Boat trips into the unique lake landscape of the national park start in Virpazar. Afterward, you can enjoy a great meal in the small town.

A hidden gem for overnight stays is the nearby village of Donja Seoca. The drive there along the single-lane coastal road is an adrenaline rush. The reward for the wild ride is a small village idyll in the mountains, known for its delicious wine.

Day 2: Via Rijeka Crnojevica to Budva (80 kilometers)

The splendor of Lake Skadar and its surroundings is best revealed on the way from Virpazar to Rijeka Crnojevica. You travel for about an hour on one of Montenegro’s most beautiful roads before reaching the dreamy town. You should at least enjoy a coffee by the river of the same name before heading to the popular Pavlova Strana viewpoint. Here, you get perhaps the most beautiful view in the entire Skadar National Park.

From here, simply follow the road to the M2-3, which leads directly to Budva. After a drive through the mountainous landscape, a change of scene unfolds: The Adriatic Sea comes into view.

In the bay, the coastal town of Budva shimmers in the sunlight. Serpentine roads lead down. Maritime flair: A spacious, palm-lined beach promenade and the scent of the sea welcome visitors. There is no shortage of accommodation. Particularly atmospheric are lodgings in the old town and near the coast.

Day 3: Budva and Sveti Stefan (20 kilometers)

Budva is a tourist hotspot where people love to party. Yet, the walled old town still exudes charm. It’s a joy to get lost in the alleys and unexpectedly end up at the small beach of the old town. The sunset here is particularly colorful. During the day, you can walk to the two larger beaches, Mogren Beach and Mogren Beach 2.

If you’re in Budva and have a car, a side trip to the small offshore island of Sveti Stefan is a must–a true postcard motif. The drive takes only fifteen minutes, but unfortunately, the place itself is now a luxury resort and only accessible to hotel guests. However, you can swim at the two beaches to the right and left of the island.

Day 4: From Budva to Kotor (50 kilometers)

From Budva, head to Kotor via Porto Montenegro. The detour is worthwhile. Not only do you get to see the marina, but you also get the best impression of the Bay of Kotor. From Porto Montenegro, a true dream road, the Jadranska Magistrala, runs right along the water.

In Kotor, it’s immediately clear why the city is perhaps Montenegro’s most famous attraction. Two thousand years of history are picturesquely presented here. The oldest city in the country was founded by the Romans.

More tips and inspiration about Kotor are provided by Sonja Koller in the following podcast episode of In 5 Minutes Around the World:

At the central square in front of Kotor’s landmark, the clock tower, you can enjoy a lemonade before heading to the fortress ruins. Most people are happy to tackle the 1,300 steps to enjoy the view of the fjord-like landscape.

For overnight stays, the neighboring town of Dobrota is recommended. It’s quieter and less touristy there. Small private accommodations on the mountainside are particularly appealing. The view of the bay tempts you to stay longer than just one night.

Day 5: Lovcen, Perast, and Herceg Novi (120 kilometers)

Now the mountains call again. It’s only an hour by car from Dobrota to Lovcen National Park. The higher you climb, the more magnificent the view of the coastline becomes. Numerous pull-offs offer opportunities for safe photos.

After entering the national park, the road narrows and becomes single-lane. This requires attention. From the parking lot at the viewpoint, you continue on foot. About 460 steps lead through a tunnel. Then you reach the mausoleum of Montenegro’s greatest poet and ruler: Petar II Petrovic Njegos (1813-1851). The 360-degree view is unforgettable.

Back to the Bay of Kotor. Another attraction is hidden there: Perast, probably the most romantic coastal town in Montenegro. Here you can dine idyllically by the water. Then continue along the E65 coastal road along the Bay of Kotor to Herceg Novi. The town offers beaches, a promenade, and an old town with fortifications and an amphitheater from the 16th century. It’s best to stay a night to take in all the impressions.

Day 6: Ostrog Monastery and Zabljak (220 kilometers)

Today is an exception: You spend four to five hours behind the wheel. But it’s worth it. On the way from Herceg Novi to Ostrog Monastery, the landscape is initially less spectacular than in previous days. At the end, however, an eight-kilometer serpentine road leads up to the sacred building at 900 meters altitude. Although thousands of pilgrims make the journey each year, the narrow-gauge road on the mountain is not for the faint-hearted.

It’s almost a miracle that Bishop Vasilije Ostroski built a monastery in two caves of a vertical rock face here in the 17th century. His remains lie there today. Since you have to drive down the serpentine road again, a prayer can’t hurt. Now continue towards Zabljak in the Durmitor National Park, where at least two overnight stays are recommended.

Day 7: The Durmitor and Tara Gorge (20 kilometers)

Zabljak, at 1,456 meters, is the highest town in Montenegro and the ideal starting point for excursions into the Durmitor National Park. If you’re in the mood for a relaxed hike, head to Crno jezero, the Black Lake. Despite its name, the water shimmers emerald green amid a forest and surrounded by mountains.

Not far from Zabljak is the spectacular Tara Gorge, which visually unfolds its full force, especially at the Brojila viewpoint. From there, you look more than 1,000 meters down into the approximately 78-kilometer-long canyon. The Tara, which winds through the valley, is Montenegro’s longest river and has carved one of the most impressive gorges in all of Europe.

Day 8: On to Bobotov Kuk (40 kilometers)

The Durmitor National Park is home to Montenegro’s highest mountain, Bobotov Kuk. For experienced mountain hikers, the ascent is a must. It takes about three hours to reach the summit from the starting point in Sedlo. There are airy passages with rope protections where you have to pull yourself up. At the top, just before the summit, a nerve-wracking rock ledge awaits. Even if you don’t tackle these last few meters, the view is magnificent.

If you’re not in the mood for a challenging mountain hike, you’ll still enjoy the Durmitor: The P14 road, which leads from Zabljak to Sedlo and beyond, is one of the most beautiful in the country.

Day 9: Back to Podgorica (180 kilometers)

The route from Zabljak to the capital is again a feast for the eyes. On the P4, it runs along the Tara. After about 25 kilometers, you reach the Durdevica Tara Bridge. The spectacular structure spans the river at up to 150 meters high. It’s also amazing how the mountain road was carved into the rocks.

Continue on the E65. In the town of Kolasin, a lunch break is recommended. Once in Podgorica, you understand a bit better why the capital is not particularly popular. The rest of Montenegro simply steals the show.

Climate and Travel Time

The best time for a beach vacation is between June and September. In the mild months of May and October, there are fewer tourists, and accommodation prices are cheaper–the perfect time for a road trip through Montenegro. Between November and March, it is cool.

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Getting to the Road Trip in Montenegro

Either plan more time and drive the beautiful coastal route through Croatia to Montenegro with your own car/camper. Otherwise, there are cheap direct flights from various German airports to Podgorica. It’s best to book the rental car with airport pickup online several weeks in advance. The 1,400 included kilometers are usually sufficient for a round trip. There is a strict speed limit, often only 40 km/h is allowed–so patience and calm are prerequisites for a road trip in Montenegro.

Currency

Although Montenegro is not part of the EU, the euro is used. For about ten euros, you can get a SIM card with several gigabytes of data, which is more than enough for navigation.

Notes on the COVID-19 situation: There is a travel warning for Montenegro. A PCR test, not older than 72 hours, or proof of a COVID-19 vaccination is required for entry.