Forget the tourist-clogged streets of Rome. Forget the over-sanitised beaches of the French Riviera. If you’re craving a European travel experience that blends untouched nature, dramatic coastlines, ancient history, and soul-warming hospitality then Montenegro should be next on your list.

This small Balkan nation may be easy to overlook on the map, but it’s overflowing with charm, adventure, and affordable luxury. If you’re a backpacker on a shoestring budget or a digital nomad seeking postcard views outside your coworking window, Montenegro offers more than meets the eye.

1. Kotor Bay: Where Mountains Meet Myth

Imagine waking up to the sound of church bells echoing off towering mountains while soft mist dances over a bay so still it mirrors the sky. That’s Kotor Bay, often called the southernmost fjord in Europe (though technically it’s a submerged river canyon).

The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor is a maze of narrow alleys, medieval walls, and surprise cafes. Hike up the San Giovanni Fortress at sunrise for jaw-dropping views and a spiritual sense of awe. It’s a climb (over 1,000 steps!) but worth every drop of sweat.

Pro tip: Go early morning or late evening to avoid the cruise ship crowds.

2. Budva: Beach Life with a Side of Party

If Kotor is the serene soul of Montenegro, Budva is its wild child. This coastal town boasts some of the best beaches in the Balkans, plus a nightlife scene that turns up once the sun dips behind the Adriatic.

But Budva isn’t just bikinis and cocktails. The Old Town offers cobblestone charm, sea-kissed fortresses, and sunset views that feel like a scene from Game of Thrones. Head to Mogren Beach or the quieter Jaz Beach for sun and swim time.

3. Durmitor National Park: Montenegro’s Alpine Heart

Want a break from the beach? Head inland to Durmitor National Park, where emerald lakes, pine forests, and snowcapped peaks create a landscape that rivals Switzerland, at a fraction of the cost.

Here, you can:

• Hike to Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
• Raft the Tara River Canyon (Europe’s deepest gorge)
• Ski or snowboard in Žabljak during winter

If you’re into active travel and less-trodden trails, Durmitor will blow you away and you’ll likely have it all to yourself.

4. Lake Skadar: The Quiet Beauty No One Talks About

Tucked between Montenegro and Albania, Lake Skadar is a tranquil escape surrounded by villages, vineyards, and monasteries. The lake is massive, but still largely untouched by mass tourism.

Rent a kayak, go birdwatching, or just sip rakija with locals in the town of Virpazar. The drive here includes panoramic views so surreal, you’ll pull over more times than you planned.

Travel tip: Go in spring when the lake is covered in blooming water lilies.

5. What to Eat in Montenegro (and Where to Find It)

Montenegrin cuisine is a delicious mix of Mediterranean and Balkan influences, with a few surprises. Some must-tries include:

•   Njeguški pršut (dry-cured ham) – Try it in Njeguši village, where it’s still made traditionally.
•   Ćevapi – Grilled minced meat served with fluffy bread and onions.
•   Buzara – Mussels, fresh from the Adriatic, simmered in garlic, white wine, and herbs.

Wash it all down with Vranac, Montenegro’s signature red wine – robust, earthy, and dangerously smooth.

6. Getting Around: How to Travel Montenegro Like a Local

Montenegro is compact – you can drive across the entire country in about 4 hours – but full of winding roads and dramatic mountain passes.

Best ways to get around:

• Rent a car or scooter: Offers total freedom, but watch out for narrow roads.
• Local buses: Cheap and reliable, especially along the coast.
• Taxis and ride apps: Affordable, but agree on the price beforehand if not using an app.

Don’t rush. Montenegro isn’t a checklist country. It’s a slow sip, not a shot.

Why Visit Montenegro Now?

Montenegro is on the verge of becoming the next Croatia. It still has:

• Affordable prices compared to the EU
• Fewer tourists
• Raw natural beauty that hasn’t been overdeveloped

But it won’t stay a secret for long. Major luxury developments are already underway in Tivat and Porto Montenegro, and more airlines are adding direct routes each year.

Final Thoughts: A Little Country with a Big Soul

Montenegro isn’t trying to impress you – it just is impressive. It doesn’t flash neon lights or curated Instagram backdrops – it gives you authenticity, contrast, and stillness. You can hike a glacial lake in the morning, swim in the sea by noon, and sip wine in a stone village by dusk. It’s the kind of place you visit once, and then daydream about forever.

So, if you’re tired of crowded capitals and overpriced hotspots, trade them for something wilder, simpler, and arguably more beautiful. Montenegro is calling. The only question is: will you answer?

Maire Brown