If you just have a day to explore Montenegro and wondering what to do in Montenegro in a day, here’s a definitive guide to the top 5 things to do in Montenegro in a day.
“Montenegro, you are simply stunning!” I complimented as I bid goodbye after spending an entire day in its company. The tiny Balkan nation absolutely swept me off my feet.
One fine day in 2016, I came across a beautiful photograph of a place I didn’t know about during a random internet search. I loved it so much that I shared it with my friends and family on Facebook and started dreaming of visiting the place someday.
Do you want to see that photograph?
Here it is!
This picture made me fall head-over-heels for Montenegro. I wanted to be in the same place I saw in the photograph.
And the day I planned our Croatia family vacation, I knew Montenegro had to be a part of it.
Read Next: Best Places in Montenegro You Have to Visit!
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I may earn a teeny-weeny commission (think chai money, not a private jet) at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep this blog running, the words flowing, and the pages free for you to enjoy. I only recommend things I truly love, use, or secretly wish I invented, because trust matters, and so do good recs. Thanks for supporting the little cozy corner of the internet I call my virtual home.
Montenegro – Pearl of the Adriatic
The world’s newest and littlest country, Montenegro has emerged as the hottest destination in no time. The pint-sized country has everything from mountains to history, beaches, national parks, monasteries, and whatnot. Also, it’s more untouched and peaceful as compared to its neighboring Balkan countries Croatia and Greece.
Inspired by the imposing Mount Lovćen encircling the Montenegrin Adriatic coast, Venetians name it Monte Negro which literally translates to Black Mountain in English. Montenegrins call their country Crna Gora in their mother tongue.
Montenegro’s mountains, lakes, Adriatic coastline, and old towns – everything is stunningly gorgeous.
“At the birth of our planet, the most beautiful encounter between the land and the sea must have happened on the coast of Montenegro. When the pearls of nature were sown, handfuls of them were cast on this soil.” This is what the famous British Poet, Lord Byron had to say about the beauty that’s Montenegro.
Montenegrins are as warm, friendly, and beautiful as their country. They take pride in their culture and history. Montenegrin language, history, and culture have a strong Roman, Ottoman, and Yugoslavian influence.
And how can I not mention the locally grown food and wine in Montenegro? That’s super terrific!
5 Best Things to do in Montenegro in a Day
Montenegro has so much to do and see if you’ve time but if you are time-pinched like us and are left with just one day to explore Montenegro, simply follow our recommendations of the best things to do in Montenegro in a day.
Explore Perast
Perast, a tiny old town on a perfect stretch of Kotor Bay or Boka Bay exudes a Venetian charm. It’s so tiny that you can walk from one end to the other in less than a minute. It’s a must-see in Montenegro.
Stroll the town and climb the bell tower of St. Nikola Church for picture-postcard views over the Bay of Kotor.
A short boat ride costing 5 Euros takes you across the bay to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island that’s home to a little church that preserves an icon of the Virgin Mary.
The island’s history, mystery, and dramatic vistas make it intriguing enough to spend a generous time here.
Sveti Đorđe, a natural island with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery off the coast of Perast is off-limits for tourists. It can only be admired from a distance.
As per the legend, the island is cursed and thus, is named ‘Island of the Dead’ by the locals.
Explore Kotor Old Town
The ancient walled city of Kotor situated on the natural fjord-like Bay of Kotor (Boka) with a backdrop of dramatic limestone cliffs is utterly scenic and charming.
The old town is not only picturesque but is steeped in history and thus, is rightfully designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Allow yourself to get lost in the cobbled lanes of the old city to feel its soul. That’s one of the best things to do in Kotor.
It’s recommended to visit Kotor during the shoulder season as during peak season cruise ships disembark in Kotor leaving hordes of tourists. No wonder, Kotor is chosen as the second most famous cruising port after Dubrovnik in the Mediterranean.
While in Kotor, make sure to gather some strength and hike the Ladder of Kotor or Ladder of Cattaro to the Castle of San Giovanni for the sweeping views over the old town and Bay of Kotor.
Not-so-serious-hikers can hike the city walls up to St. John’s Fortress, a shorter trail that’s part of the Ladder of Kotor trail.
Explore Budva Old Town
The coastal resort town of Budva is fondly called Miami of Montenegro because of its stunning beaches and dynamic nightlife.
But, a history admirer in me loved strolling the narrow mazelike streets of the Old Town of Budva.
I somehow just adore the European Old Towns with all those charming squares and labyrinthine cobbled streets lined with cute shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Another stellar in Budva is the lovely bronze sculpture of a girl near the beach Mogren often referred to by different names – Dancer from Budva, Gymnast from Budva, or Statue Ballerina of Budva. It’s the most photographed attraction in Budva.
Explore Sveti Stefan
Owned by the acclaimed Aman group, Sveti Stefan is an ancient village-turned-luxury-island resort. It has hosted glitterati like Marilyn Monroe, Sophie Loren, Elizabeth Tylor, and Kirk Douglas in the past and continues the legacy.
The resort still maintains much of the original architecture. It is one of the most photographed or rather Instagram-able spots in Montenegro.
It being ridiculously expensive is off-limits to many of us but yes, we can certainly click a photograph and admire its outdoors.
Explore Lake Skadar National Park
The largest lake in southern Europe, the horseshoe-shaped Lake Skadar stretches from Montenegro to Albania.
About 50 km from Kotor and 35 km from Budva, Lake Skadar National Park can be reached by car or bus. The bus drops you at the tiny village of Virpazar. You can take a boat ride on Lake Skadar from Virpazar or can also indulge in hiking, kayaking, or bird-watching depending on the time on your hands.
Herceg Novi, Risan, Tivat, Bar, Cetinje, Podgorica, Petrovac, Zabljak, and Kolasin are other beautiful towns in Montenegro that are worth exploring if you’ve time. Biogradska Gora, Durmitor, and Lovcen are stunning national parks in Montenegro.
That’s Montenegro summed up!
We explored Montenegro on a day trip from Dubrovnik but it undoubtedly needs more time to drink in its beauty. I’d recommend spending at least 5 to 7 days in this beautiful Balkan country. Check out this 5-day itinerary for Montenegro to plan a perfect trip.
I’m already planning a 7-day trip to Montenegro to catch up on the places I missed. What about you? Have you visited Montenegro or are still missing out on such a gem? I hope our post inspires you enough to travel to Montenegro soon.
Here’s a humble request – please share this post with the world if it helped you in any way.
Recommended Reading:
Renting a Car in Europe
Schengen Visa for Europe
How to Plan a Trip to Europe
Most Beautiful Places in Montenegro You Have to Visit
The Epic 14 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Best Places to Visit in Croatia
The Blue Cave in Croatia
The Island of Vis in Croatia
Coolest Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best Things to do in Split, Croatia
The First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Split, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Things to do in Zagreb, Croatia
A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Zagreb, Croatia
Where to Stay in Zagreb, Croatia
Save the Best Things to do in Montenegro to Pinterest
Sharing is nice 🙂 If you have liked our post please share it with your friends and family and feel free to subscribe to our mailing list or you can also follow our stories on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.