Traveling to Montenegro is like stepping into a postcard, where sapphire-blue Adriatic waters meet dramatic, rugged mountains. From the sun-soaked beaches of Kotor Bay to the misty peaks of Bar, the landscape shifts with breathtaking beauty at every turn. The people are warm and welcoming, always ready to share stories, a smile, or a glass of a homemade alcoholic beverage. Local cuisine is a feast for the senses- fresh seafood, slow-cooked meats, and flaky pastries await you at every meal. Montenegro may be small, with a population of only 616,000 people, but it leaves a big impression. While three nights will give you a great sense of the country’s beauty, you can easily spend an entire summer here.
We were forewarned to avoid Montenegro’s airport so we flew into Dubrovnik and drove less than two hours to Kotor Bay.
Kotor Bay is a stunning place where calm blue waters meet towering green mountains. The bay is lined with historic towns, stone buildings, and old churches that add to its charm. Whether you’re walking the narrow streets or taking a boat ride, the views are always beautiful and peaceful.
The Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort is a five-star haven offering everything you need for an unforgettable getaway- sleek, modern rooms with private balconies, exquisite waterfront dining, a serene private beach, attentive service, and a prime location at the heart of the bay. What you’ll especially love about the hotel’s location is that it is far from where the cruiseships dock, the massive ships won’t obstruct your incredible views. Service is stellar, you’ll be warmly greeted every possible moment.
2) Grab Pre-dinner Drinks & Bites
After your scenic drive to Kotor Bay, satisfy your appetite with a relaxing nosh at the hotel’s Lighthouse bay front restaurant. It’s the perfect place to ease into your stay, offering fresh cuisine paired with an impressive selection of Serbian, Croatian, and Montenegrin wines; all enjoyed with stunning, well-shaded waterfront views.
3) Hire a Private Boat to Perast
The hotel will arrange a private, round trip boat taxi to Perast, less than ten minutes away. It’s well worth the price to avoid the forty-five minute drive along with the added bonus of enjoying the bay breeze. Perast is a captivating seaside town where baroque palaces and narrow stone alleyways will draw you in. Known for legendary battles with pirates, Perast blends coastal charm with centuries-old legends of battles. Gaze out at the twin island churches floating just offshore, climb the many stairs that lead to stunning views, and grab reservations along the water to soak in an epic sunset.
Unlike the busier towns along the Bay of Kotor, Perast offers a more tranquil experience. With no large cruise ship docks and limited vehicle traffic, it has preserved its peaceful atmosphere making it an ideal escape for those looking to explore Montenegro’s coastline without the crowds.
Restaurant Conte’s prime waterfront setting and elegant decor create the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner, especially as you savor a breathtaking sunset. The cuisine is exceptionally fresh. You’ll love the plump, briny Croatian oysters, their perfectly crafted pastas, and the tender, flavorful beef that delight every palate.
Relax on the boat ride back to the hotel, soaking in the enchanting twinkle of lights shimmering along the bay. What a stunning country.
Breakfast is included at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort and what a bountiful spread it is! I rarely find myself going back for seconds at a buffet, but here everything is so fresh and flavorful I couldn’t help myself. From roasted paprika, cooked beans, and Mexican rice to made-to-order egg stations, pastry bars, and a wide selection of local cheeses, the hotel’s breakfast truly sets the standard.
Saint George Island in Perast is a lush islet crowned by a historic Benedictine monastery, offering stunning views of the Bay of Kotor. The island is now used to host private events.
Lady of the Rock is a work of love made by fisherman and sailors who built it one rock at a time. It is home to a beautiful 17th-century Catholic church adorned with priceless artworks. If you plan to enter the church, make sure you’re dressed modestly. Otherwise, enjoy the breathtaking views from each part of the island.
The Blue Cave in Kotor Bay is famous for its mesmerizing, crystal-clear waters that shimmer with vibrant shades of blue, created by sunlight reflecting through underwater openings.
Kotor Bay is dotted with numerous hidden caves waiting to be explored; renting a speedboat gives you the freedom to access many of these spectacular, secluded spots that larger vessels simply can’t reach.
Get ready to leave the calm waters of Kotor Bay and head out into the open Adriatic Sea, where the breeze picks up, the waves grow livelier, and you’ll pass by historic island fortresses once used as prisons echoing stories reminiscent of Alcatraz. Enter old submarine tunnels used in World War II. This boat tour is a beautiful adventure.
3) Explore Montenegro’s Oldest City
After a few hours on the water, you’ll have worked up an appetite. Your first stop in Old Town Kotor should be a satisfying lunch to replenish and recharge. You’ll have a great meal at Restaurant City. We loved the fresh ingredients used in the bruschetta and the selection of local cheeses were a delight paired with a crisp, dry locally made white wine. The Caprese salad, Greek salad, and pesto pasta dish were equally delightful.
Old Kotor, a historic gem nestled in the Bay of Kotor, often sees a surge of visitors when cruise ships dock and release crowds into the compact town. While the labyrinth of narrow alleys and centuries-old architecture can be enchanting, the charm can be overshadowed by the dense foot traffic during peak hours. For some, like myself, navigating the throngs of tourists might feel more like bumper-to-bumper pedestrian traffic than a leisurely stroll through history. That said, many travelers are drawn to this lively atmosphere and consider it an essential part of the Kotor Bay experience, though it may not be for everyone. Ironically, my favorite part of this town is outside of it where you can enjoy the full perspective of the walled city, an old fortress, without a crowd.
Just ninety minutes from Kotor Bay, tucked in the mountains, lies the Skadar Lake region. The journey itself is part of the adventure- a breathtaking drive that winds along high coastal roads, offering sweeping views of the Adriatic below. This scenic route is worth the trip on its own, with jaw-dropping vistas at every turn. Despite its beauty, few tourists venture into this part of Montenegro, making it a hidden gem. Skadar Lake is a destination rich in nature and tranquility, well worth exploring for those seeking a more peaceful and off-the-beaten-path experience.
offers a unique and authentic retreat in the heart of Montenegro’s wine country, although it may take a bit of adjustment for travelers accustomed to traditional luxury standards. Drawn in by the property’s glowing reviews and attractive website, we were excited to experience it for ourselves. Our initial impression was impacted by regional power outage during the hottest part of the day, which left us questioning our choice upon arrival. Some aspects of the resort, such as the absence of amenities like hair conditioner and the use of paper-thin towels, felt a bit rustic at first. However, once the power returned and the air conditioning kicked in, the charm of the place began to shine through. The peaceful setting, connection to nature, and overall atmosphere gradually won us over. For travelers open to a more grounded, eco-friendly experience with a few trade-offs from typical luxury comforts, Cermeniza can be a rewarding and memorable stay.
You’ll enjoy endless views, multiple pools, charming freestanding cottages, and a common terrace shaded by grape vines ideal for sipping wine. The location is undeniably convenient as well, just a short drive from Lake Skadar and town. The onsite, family-run wine cellar adds a lovely, personal touch.
That said… one night here was charming. Two nights would have felt like a test of character
Between the ultra-rustic amenities and a power outage that arrived just in time for the midday heatwave, we began to suspect the resort was “off-grid survival training.” If you’re into rugged escapes with a scenic backdrop and don’t mind a little discomfort with your wine, this might be your happy place. For us, though, one night was enough.
5) Rise Up and Relish the Landscape
The Circular Viewpoint right outside of Virpazar offers the most striking panoramic views to those who can bare the treacherous drive up the narrow, windy steep roads.
6) Stroll the Nearby Town
Virpazar is a picturesque lakeside village where stone bridges, bobbing fishing boats, and cozy cafés create a quaint atmosphere. Located at the gateway to Lake Skadar National Park, it’s the perfect spot grab a coffee or a meal before venturing out into the wilderness.
7) Indulge in Fine Dining
Your rustic mountain getaway might reconnect you with nature but it may also reconnect you with a deep yearning for cloth napkins and a properly chilled glass of wine. After politely fleeing our original dinner reservation (let’s just say ambiance was… limited), we happily stumbled upon a charming hotel restaurant in Hotel De’Andros that looked promising and delivered. The meal was delicious, the setting delightful, and for a moment, we felt pampered again.
8) End the Day With Vines & Vino
There’s no better way to end a day than sipping wines on the vineyard where they were produced during golden hour. Our private table was set within the vines where we sipped three exquisite local wines, nibbled on artisanal cheeses, and savored warm, honey-drizzled priganice, a traditional Montenegrin delight. As the sun dipped behind the hills, casting a golden glow over the vineyard and a soft breeze danced through the leaves, the moment felt nothing short of magical. It was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our mountain journey. A visit to Monte Grande Winery is a Montenegro must.
1) Rise and Shine, Breakfast Time
Although you could order a very simple breakfast at the eco hotel , the plentiful spread at the luxe Hotel De’Andros, in their elegant, air-conditioned dining room, is way more enjoyable. Grab a plate and be prepared to fill it with local delights along with American favorites.
2) Fall in Love with Lake Skadar
Words can hardly capture the breathtaking beauty of Lake Skadar. To truly appreciate its pristine, untouched charm, you must experience it firsthand with a private, guided tour, like Falcon Tours, through the National Park. Picture vast fields of lily pads, a symphony of wild birds, and a serenity so profound, it feels almost otherworldly.
3) Goodbye Mountains, Hello Sea
After soaking in the breathtaking mountain region, make your way to Tivat for a different taste of Montenegro. Known for its glamorous vibe, Tivat’s marina is lined with luxury yachts and exudes an upscale, cosmopolitan charm.
The Regent Porto in Tivat is a five-star property that screams luxury from the moment you pull up into valet. Nestled in the heart of the glamorous Porto Montenegro marina, offering stunning views of Boka Bay and the surrounding mountains, the hotel is designed with modern elegance, and world-class amenities, including an award-winning spa with hammam and vitality pools, multiple infinity-edge swimming pools, and fine dining options. Also offered are personalized concierge services like yacht and helicopter transfers. You’re guaranteed to find a sophisticated retreat at the highest standards.
Rooms are well appointed with sweeping views of the bay and are supplied with decadent Miller Harris products. The hotel itself is stunning in all aspects.
The food in Montenegro has been surprisingly consistently delicious throughout. Even the poolside Smash burger and gnocchi at the Regent Porto pool bar were outstanding.
6) Spend Hours Lazily Poolside
There’s nothing more rejuvenating than lounging for hours by the pool, effortlessly soaking in the sun and occasionally dipping into the cool water. It’s the purest form of relaxation and the ultimate expression of vacationing.
Porto Montenegro in Tivat is a sleek, high-end marina destination on the Adriatic, where luxury yachts dock alongside a promenade lined with designer boutiques, upscale cafés, and fine dining spots. Brands like Cartier, Dior, and Balenciaga fill the retail spaces, while restaurants and wine bars offer sea views and a vibrant social scene. The waterfront blends modern style with Mediterranean charm, hosting art events, fashion shows, and yacht club gatherings that draw an international crowd. Porto Montenegro is a standout stop for travelers chasing sun, style, and sophistication.
8) Cool down with delicious gelato at Moritz. The salted caramel and hazelnut flavors are a dream.
MayaBay is a Monaco concept with a location in Dubai so it’s no surprise that it’s made an appearance in Porto Montenegro too. The decadent interior oozes modern sophistication as club music permeates the space to make for a fun vibe. The menu is literally a hardcover book with gorgeous photographs of the dozens of Asian cuisine selections that are well-prepared by the kitchen and sushi bar. Stars of the show were the turbo Thai fish baked in a banana leaf and topped with veggies and the specialty MayaBay tender beef. You’ll make great memories over a great meal.
Breakfast Before Breaking Away
All good things must come to an end and there is no perfect ending better than a delicious meal. The breakfasts in Montenegro compete with the lavish buffet spreads you’ll find only in Israel– a plethora of mouthwatering, fresh options that keep you coming back for more food than you should probably eat in one sitting. No other place in the world, besides Israel, has ever delivered this level of outstanding breakfast; now Montenegro joins the ranks.
In just three nights, Montenegro captured our hearts. We journeyed through three distinct areas (2 bays and a lake), each offering its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences. From its dramatic landscapes to its rich history and culture, every moment felt like a new discovery, leaving us longing to return. There’s no doubt in my mind, Montenegro is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful countries you will ever explore. I can already feel the pull to go back.
