Discover Montenegro with Manawa
Manawa has recently visited Montenegro, and we are excited to share with you our favorite activities to discover in this spectacular Balkan country. Unveil Montenegro's hidden treasures and wonders with Manawa. An all-in-one article, with our best picks in this beautiful country.
Whether you are looking for a cultural or an outdoor destination, Montenegro has it all. From charming mediaeval towns to lush mountains, dramatic landscapes, unique nature, wide canyons, vibrant turquoise lakes, to hidden lagoons and caves! Montenegro is enriched with diversity and an enchanting beauty that will take your breath away!
When should you visit Montenegro?
Montenegro's diversity allows you to visit the country whenever you want, depending on your preferred season of the year.
SUMMER SEASON is ideal for those looking to discover Montenegro's coastal cities, to enjoy the long, sunny days and engage with water-related outdoor activities!
SHOULDER SEASON includes the Spring and Autumn months, for those looking to experience the country at a lower pace, with less crowd, and benefit from the low-season prices. You can still enjoy most of the outdoor activities, as well as the cultural aspects of the country.
WINTER SEASON is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, and you can experience areas like the Durmitor National Park, overlooking the white-washed steep mountains!
How to get to Montenegro
- Tivat Airport
- Podgorica Airport
- Dubrovnik Airport
Montenegro's airports are relatively small compared to other European airports, yet they still offer convenient services for travellers. A lot of travellers choose to arrive at Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia, as it serves a greater range of flights and airlines. You may also opt for a ferry ride from Dubrovnik directly to the port of Kotor.
There are a lot of companies offering car hire services, and they can pick you up directly from the airport, and drive you directly to their base so you can pick up your car. One of them is
Most travellers choose to stay in Kotor and Budva, two magnificent coastal cities, which are easily accessible from Tivat airport, with a 30-minute and 1-hour drive respectively. If you choose to travel from Podgorica airport, the distance to Kotor is approximately 2 hours long and 1 hour to Budva. Be prepared as traffic can get quite messy during peak hours!
Now, let's get to the seductive coastal towns of Montenegro!
Kotor, a true gem!
Kotor is part of UNESCO and it boasts some incredible views. Our first impression of Kotor was how similar the landscape was to the incredible Norwegian fjords! You will find yourself overlooking some steep mountains and the deep blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. The city is charming by day, with its cobblestone alleys, wide ramparts, historic landmarks, and its old fortress overlooking the town. As the sun goes down, you will experience some vibrant colours illuminating the city and the sea that surrounds it.
Our top activities in Kotor:
- Speed Boat Tour to Our Lady of the Rocks & Blue Cave with Rijo Speed Boat Tours. Meet your guide at the port of Kotor and prepare for an adventure along the sea, visiting a remote island, a submarine tunnel, and the incredible Blue Cave!
- Boat Tour to Perast in Kotor Bay with Montenegro Globe for a shorter tour, visiting Our Lady of the Rocks, and Perast, another coastal gem.
- Private Boat Tour to Zanjice Beach with Port of Good Hope for a more personalised experience visiting the stunning Blue Cave and Zanjice Beach!
- Panoramic Jeep Tour of Kotor Bay with Local Food Tasting and GoBaloo for some majestic views along the coastline!
- Private Bike Tour in Durmitor, Montenegro with Monte Mare Travel, an absolute must for those who wish to visit Durmitor, situated at an elevation of 1,456 metres (4,777 feet) above sea level, and surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
If you are looking for self-guided activities, we recommend taking the stairs up to the Fortress for some awe-inspiring sunset views! Alternatively, take a leisurely walk in the narrow streets of the Old Town, and start looking for the cats that stroll within the walls.
Budva, the metropolis!
Budva is the metropolis or else, little Monaco of Montenegro and it boasts a more upper-class vibe. It is renowned for its well-preserved mediaeval architecture and old town on one side, and its buzzing beach clubs, colourful Riviera, vibrant nightlife, deluxe yachts, and luxury hotels on the other side. It even has its own little Hawaii, a small island right on the opposite of the city, the 'Sveti Stefan'
Here are our top activities in Budva:
- Tandem Paragliding Flight over Budva with Budva Paragliding for an absolute adrenaline boost! This tandem flight will take you up to 1200 metres above sea level, and you will witness some incredible panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the picturesque coastline. This is a must activity! - Did we mention that it is an all-year activity too?
- Parasailing in Budva - Experience Budva from Heights and Thrills, a blend of parachuting and sailing, offering an extraordinary sensation of freedom and weightlessness.
If you are looking for something more relaxing, head to the beach and rent a kayak or an SUP to discover the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea! A lot of the watersports centres offer guided tours to hidden caves, and remote islands, as well as night kayak experiences with illuminating colours.
Herceg Novi, an oasis of surprises!
Herceg Novi is located on the western side of Kotor Bay and is known for its greenery, crystal-clear waters, spectacular coastline, as well as its fortified walls of the charming Old Town. The Mamula Fortress and Forte Mare are the most important landmarks of the city, and definitely worth the visit.
Due to its magnificent coast, you can enjoy a variety of water-related activities, including a Coasteering Excursion from Azra Fort to Wolf's Cove with Active Travels Montenegro to explore the rugged coastline of Montenegro!
Bar, an unspoiled paradise!
Nestled between the mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Bar boasts a mix of old and new, a mediaeval city and an unspoiled seaport. You can wander amongst the ruins and take in the tranquillity and chilled atmosphere of this charming laidback seaport.
Bar is also within proximity to the Rikavac and Međureč Gorge, offering some fun-filled canyoning experiences to those looking for an adventure.
Here are our top picks from Bar:
- Discovery Canyoning in the Rikavac Gorge with Adriatrek Canyoning Montenegro, perfect for beginners, with easy access, rappels, a beautiful waterfall, and a nature pool.
- Canyoning in the Međureč Gorge with Adriatrek Canyoning Montenegro, for a more exhilarating experience, with jumps and vertical waterfalls, overlooking some scenic limestone surroundings.
Looking to extend your stay?
If you have a day to spare, we recommend visiting Durmitor National Park and the Tara River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-visit destination for nature lovers! Prepare for a 2h30 drive from Kotor, or Budva amongst the mountains, towards the village of Zabljak. You can visit the National Park and its seductive lake as well as take part in some adrenaline-filled activities.
- Rafting Excursion in Durmitor National Park with Rafting Tara, is the perfect way to experience the marvels of the Tara River while also enjoying a healthy dose of adrenaline!
- Canyoning at Nevidio Gorge in Durmitor National Park with Montenegro Explorer, the last conquered canyon in Europe, a rough jewel on the outskirts of the National Park which is defined by its bottleneck canals, raging waterfalls and vertical rock faces – making it a challenging yet fun experience for adventurous beginners.
- Jeep Safari in Durmitor National Park with Tarasport, to discover some hidden treasures along the way, including the deep river canyons, dense forests, and some breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Zipline over Tara Canyon with Durmitor Adventure, gliding over Europe's deepest canyon for a minute of an adrenaline boost! You may choose between three flights, with a 350-metre, 670-metre, or 1050-metre cable length, situated 150 and 170 metres above the canyon. This will be the highlight of your trip to Montenegro!
With a blend of unspoiled nature, rich history, and a diverse cultural heritage, Montenegro offers an immersive experience waiting to be uncovered! Whether you are seeking a historical destination, succulent flavours, or breathtaking nature, this Balkan paradise has it all. Manawa invites you to discover Montenegro and its hidden treasures!