But there’s plenty here if you’re looking for night life too. Budva Riviera is known for its cocktail-fuelled summer gatherings - there are few places prettier to party in Europe.
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Exploring the walled medieval city of Kotor - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - is easily one of the best things to do in Montenegro. A tangled warren of alleys, with defensive walls more than double the length of Dubrovnik’s, Kotor has countless quaint squares and churches, plus a palace and cathedral, which means your coffee-stop-offs couldn’t be any more picturesque. To get a sense of the scale of the city’s sprawling fortifications, hike up to St John’s Fort. The path climbs the ancient walls, offering jaw-dropping views over the old town and the Bay of Kotor beyond.
Don’t miss: Kotor Bay, a spectacular steep-sided inlet surrounded by towering mountains, a little north of the city.
Down the coast from Kotor, Budva is the undisputed summer party capital of Montenegro, its waterfront and beaches forming a chain of lively clubs during high season. But beyond the blare of turbo-folk (a pulse-pounding blend of traditional Serbian folk music with modern pop), Budva has plenty of historical attractions (hardly surprising given that it was founded in the 4th century BC). And its beaches aren’t half bad either.
Don’t miss: taking a boat ride across to St Nikola Island, with three stunning beaches and resident rabbits and roe deer.
For Montenegro holidays with added luxury, Sveti Stefan should jump to the top of your must-visit list. South of Budva on the Budva Riviera, this tiny teardrop island is Montenegro’s most upmarket – and photogenic – destination. While the island itself is off-limits unless you’re a guest at the swish resort (we’re talking Sophia Loren, Princess Margaret, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor swish - they’ve all stayed here), you can reserve a table in the restaurant, plus there are plenty of plenty of places to stay nearby.
Don’t miss: Milocer park. Take the path from near the Olive restaurant to see Villa Milocer, King’s Beach and fragrant olive groves.
Sprawling the border between Montenegro and Albania, lily-speckled Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans. Surrounded by reed beds and mountains, it’s ideal for exploring by kayak, on foot or by bike. Lake Skadar National Park is also one of the best birding sites in Europe, with over 270 species recorded here, including the iconic rare Dalmatian pelican. If you’re an outdoorsy type, visiting this natural paradise is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Montenegro.
Don’t miss: checking-out the pretty village of Virpazar, gateway to the lake.
Historic ruins, ancient olive trees, cobbled streets tucked at the foot of Mount Rumija - lovers of old town ambience wondering what to do in Montenegro will be blown away by Stari Bar’s rustic beauty. In fact, you won’t want to leave. When you’re done exploring the ancient city walls, medieval churches, fortress and aqueduct, head to the market to buy olives, mandarins, lemons or cheese from the traditionally-clothed vendors. Then round off a perfect day in one of the village’s cute cafés.
Don’t miss: buying the legendary local olive oil.
With fifty peaks over 2000 metres, stacks of glacial lakes and almost 200 bird species, Durmitor National Park is a hotspot for hikers and nature-lovers, and another Montenegro UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a shortish walk, try the Crno jezero (Black Lake) circuit, where Tito sheltered in a cave during WWII. Alternatively trek the one-day trail to Ledena pećina (ice cave), which is filled with snow and ice throughout the year. But for the mother of all Durmitor hikes, try the multi-day trek to Bobotov Kuk, the region’s highest mountain.
Don’t miss: Tara Canyon - the deepest canyon in Europe, and the second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon.
Built into a sheer cliff face 900 metres above sea level, this 17th-century monastery defies all laws of physics and architecture – its dazzling white frontage seems miraculously carved into the vertical mountain face. Dedicated to St Basil of Ostrog, it has two cave churches, one of them housing St Basil’s bones, and both of them decorated with 17th century frescoes. Being Montenegro’s most important site for Orthodox Christians, it attracts a whopping one million pilgrims each year.
Don’t miss: spectacular views of Bjelopavlici plain.
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