Travel Advice and Route Plan for a Journey through Montenegro
Hell yeah, buckle up for an unforgettable journey through one of the Europe's hidden gems, Montenegro! This wild Balkan beauty is an adrenaline junkie's paradise, filled with breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and a vibe that'll leave you craving more. This badass road trip itinerary will have you exploring everything from rugged mountain peaks to sun-soaked coastlines – it's gonna be lit!
First off, let's talk cars: renting one is a must-do, especially if you wanna flex your wild side and explore off-the-beaten-path spots. And while hiring a set of wheels in Montenegro might add a few extra bucks to your budget, the freedom it offers is priceless. Oh, and learn the ropes of driving in this ever-so-slightly chaotic, yet captivating country, 'cause you'll be sharing the road with some intense Montenegrin drivers. Buckle up, buttercup!
Now, let's get down to business. The Bay of Kotor and the coastal towns are where it all starts. If you've picked up your rental in Herceg Novi or crossed over from Croatia, you'll be greeted by this stunning body of water. With its tiny fishing villages, secluded beaches, and the cruise port of Kotor, it's the perfect place to set sail on your Montenegrin adventure.
Next up, you'll want to hit Kotor Old Town – the crown jewel of this country. Every corner of this charming town is worth exploring, but the views you'll find when you hike up the hill are straight-up jaw dropping. Sure, Kotor might be the most popular destination in Montenegro, but trust us when we say it's for good reason. If you plan to base yourself here, our homie Sonja has a post packed with awesome things to do in Kotor.
After you've had your fill of Kotor, hop on over to Tivat, a flashy marina town filled with posh yachts andxb Snow bunnies. Grab a cuppa, kick back, and people-watch to your heart's desire.
As you make your way down the coast, you'll pass the vibrant party town of Budva, which comes alive by night with its electric atmosphere. Top Hill, right on the hill (you guessed it), is an insane venue that's worth checking out if you're down for a wild night.
Moving on, you'll hit Bar, a beach town with a ferry connection to Italy, and eventually, you'll end up in Ulcinj, another history-packed coastal gem with jaw-dropping views of rugged cliffs and the Adriatic Sea.
When you finally tear your eyes away from the stunning coastline, it's time to venture further inland and explore the beautiful north of Montenegro. Get ready to be blown away by the Piva River and Tara River canyon – rafting, kayaking, and general awe-gazing are all on the menu here. And mark our words – if you only do one thing beyond the coast, make it Durmitor National Park. This mountainous wonderland is packed with hiking trails, lakes, wild horses, and some of the most picturesque views you've ever laid your eyes on.
Lastly, don't forget to check out Podgorica, the quirky capital of Montenegro, and Lake Skadar National Park, whichboasts some seriously stunning landscapes, colorful villages, and even an all-green horseshoe bend!
Before we wrap this up, let's talk cash: Montenegro uses the Euro (unlike its neighbors), so prepare to spend some of that dough. But fear not – inland meals can be cheap as chips, while a delicious cocktail in Budva will set you back a few bucks, just like in most big Western cities.
In closing, this 7-day Montenegro road trip itinerary is prime for adventurists ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant parties, ancient history, wild animals, and breathtaking views. So grab your buddies, rent a car, and let the good times roll in Montenegro!
PS: If you wanna go deeper on this, read up on our epic post about the Top 12 Best Places to Visit in April in Europe, coz Montenegro is not the only spot worth exploring this time of year! And hey, don't forget to spice up your travel game with our guide to 14 Epic Multi-Day Hiking Destinations and our lowdown on the Best Places to Visit in Croatia. Enjoy your wild journey, my friends!
Fun fact: Montenegro's name translates to "Black Mountain" in Serbian, which gives you a little taste of the badass vibes you'll find here.
During this Montenegrin adventure, plan to explore the Bay of Kotor and coastal towns like Kotor Old Town, Tivat, Budva, Bar, and Ulcinj. As you continue inland, don't miss the Piva River and Tara River canyon, Durmitor National Park, and Podgorica. While traveling in Montenegro, enjoy a mix of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant parties, ancient history, and wild animals, all while following the road map of a budget-friendly yet unforgettable lifestyle.
