The top thing about road journeys is that they give the most liberating trips; this is a way of travel whereby one can follow his own schedule, discover some of the most remote treasures, and make memories that may not be wiped out from the mind. One such beautiful destination for this purpose is Montenegro – a tiny, breathtakingly beautiful country in the Balkans.
A road trip in Montenegro is memorable because of its Montenegro’s diversity in landscapes , from tough mountains to pristine strands. Be one of nature, history, or adventure, Montenegro has something to present to everybody.
Key Takeaways
- Adventure, relaxation, and discovery combined on a Montenegrin road trip
- From the grand mountains of Durmitor to the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea, the diverse landscapes of this country hold endless possibilities for new discoveries
Planning Your Montenegrin Road Trip
The first thing to do before hitting the road is preparation; this will guarantee a flawless and pleasurable experience. Although Montenegro is a small country, its winding roads and mountainous areas demand careful planning.
One way to make the most of your journey is to endue in an individual travel guide service like Tripsteer, that can supply you with a personified plan adapted according to your preference for places you wish to visit. This way, you will not miss some of the important places, and at the same time, you get to have some of the less well-known ones that may not appear in any guidebook.
Basic Tips for a Road Trip
Plan Your Route Carefully
Plan the itinerary in a way that would not involve excessive detours, as Montenegro contains coastal roads, mountain passes, and travel across national parks. Choose between the Bay of Kotor loop and going from Podgorica to the Durmitor National Park.
Know the Local Driving Laws
Driving in Montenegro is a type of adventure in itself, as narrow roads, hairpin bends, and occasionally some livestock crossing all combine. The speed limits change according to the terrain, so familiarize yourself with the local regulations. In Montenegro, driving is done on the right-hand side of the road, and the use of seatbelts by all passengers is compulsory.
Respect Nature
Montenegro is a country of natural beauty; it’s fragile. On-road driving through national parks and protected areas, stick to the trails and throw away waste appropriately. This country seeks sustainability in tourism, and that needs to be the case even with road-trippers.
Be Prepared for Varied Terrain
Landscapes in Montenegro vary from the coast roads that meander along the Adriatic up to steep and rugged mountains inland. It’ll be very important to have a vehicle that can take on both. Rental of a robust SUV will be recommended, especially if you plan to explore rural or high-altitude areas.
Keep Cash on Hand
Always have some cash at hand since, although all major towns and tourist areas in Montenegro have good credit card acceptance, it is nice to have it for really small and remote places. There are some tolls on the main highways of Montenegro, so it’s a good idea to have some change handy to make your journey smoother.
Must-See Attractions of Montenegro Road Trip
The Bay of Kotor: A Breathtaking Start
Begin your road trip in Montenegro at the beautiful Bay of Kotor, one of the most startling and iconic places in the country. The bay features a fjord-like aspect, with tall mountains surrounding it-giving the perfect picture during your drive down its winding roads.
Stop in the quaint town of Kotor, famous for its medieval old town, well-preserved UNESCO-listed fortifications, and great views from atop the city walls. Not far from there is the village of Perast, which is famous for its Baroque buildings and two small islands: Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George.
Take your time exploring this area, because it forms one of the real highpoints of any Montenegrin road trip due to the great mix of historical charm and natural beauty.
Durmitor National Park: Adventure Awaits
A must for the adventurous soul, Durmitor National Park in northern Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, deep canyons, and glacial lakes. The Tara River Canyon, which is the second deepest in the world, has some breathtaking views and white-water rafting.
A drive through Durmitor, another face of Montenegro awaits-one of rugged mountains commanding the horizon at almost every turn. And of course, there is the famous Black Lake – the serene spot where one can hike, picnic, or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature.
The Coastal Road to Budva and Beyond
Head back to the coast from the mountains to the vibrant Budva. With its pulsating nightlife and beaches covered with sand, Budva is a great place to relax after a few days of tours around most of Montenegro’s rugged regions. Budva’s old town, full of narrow streets with Venetian-type buildings, is ideal to be strolled at leisure, and the beaches in its vicinity, Mogren and Jaz, are right on point for some sunbathing.
Continuing south, the highway crosses over to Sveti Stefan, a small islet connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Once a fishing village, Sveti Stefan is today a luxury resort. Nevertheless, it is among Montenegro’s most photographed places.
Lake Skadar: A Hidden Gem
The largest lake in the Balkans sits on the border between Montenegro and Albania, hidden away. A true haven for birdwatchers, some 270 species of birds are taken care of, with the rare Dalmatian pelican. Also, there are several national parks here with picture-book villages, ancient monasteries, and ample vineyards-presuming an excellent stop en route for a leisure drive.
On the other hand, a very common and popular variant is boating on the lake this way allows one to view this tranquil, unspoiled section of Montenegro from another angle. If you like fresh fish, then don’t miss your chance to have a meal at one of the lakeside restaurants where a catch of the day is always ordered.
Final Word
Adventure, relaxation, and discovery combined on a Montenegrin road trip. From the grand mountains of Durmitor to the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea, the diverse landscapes of this country hold endless possibilities for new discoveries. Paying attention to safety advice and planning your route with taste will bring memories that will last for life.
