Montenegro is located in the west-central Balkans at the south end of the Dinaric Alps. The country is home to over 293 kilometres of meandering coastline and 120 beaches. It is also dotted with many historic and beautifully preserved medieval towns and villages and important historical sites. This winning combination makes it the perfect option for those who like to combine cultural sightseeing with great hikes. Here we will explore the five most stunning places to visit in Montenegro.

1. Bay of Kotor

When it comes to the jaw-dropping Bay of Kotor, it has to be seen to be believed. The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) is the largest Adriatic bay between Montenegro and Croatia. And it is home to the perfectly-preserved medieval towns of Kotor, Risan, Tivat, Perast, Prčanj and Herceg Novi. The natural beauty of the Bay’s ocean views and craggy mountains will stay in your heart for a lifetime.

The Bay of Kotor.

2. Durmitor National Park

The truth is Montenegrin mountains are some of the most beautiful in the world. And the slopes of Durmitor mountain will certainly take your breath away. A national park, the plateau is intersected by several deep canyon gorges and around 50 peaks rising higher than 2,000 meters. This makes the region an incredible hiking location. The highest peak in the national park, Bobotov Kuk, crests at 2,523 metres above seal level (8,278 feet).

Durmitor National Park.

3. Lake Skadar

Just when you thought Montenegro couldn’t get anymore beautiful you come across Lake Skadar. Located 20 kilometres south of the capital Podgorica, Lake Skadar is largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula. A vast freshwater lake which touches the border with Albania, Skadar is the shape of a dolphin when viewed from above. The lake is a great location for nature lovers, since it’s home to 24 species of fish, moles, wild boar and even the odd wolf.

4. Ulcinj

Ulcinj is one of the most beautiful towns in the Balkans. It is the southernmost city on the Montenegrin coast, and has a majority Albanian population. Wherever you wander in Ulcinj views of the Adriatic fill the horizon. Great beaches and elegant minarets of numerous mosques give Ulcinj a distinctly Eastern energy. The town is also home to Velika Plaža Beach, which spans 13 kilometres.

5. The Ostrog Monastery

Located in central Montenegro, the The Ostrog Monastery is one of the most revered religious sites in the Balkans. Carved into the side of a cliff, the 17^th century monastery is now a popular pilgrimage site, attracting over 1 million visitors per year. Visitors can take an 8 kilometre hike to the monastery itself, and from there a balcony offers spectacular panoramic views of the region. Ostrog is truly one of the most beautiful monasteries in Europe, and is another must-see location in Montenegro.

Steeped in history and natural beauty, Montenegro is certainly well worth visiting for its scenery, culture, sights, beautiful coastline and hiking potential. Rugged mountains, crystal clear waters and well-preserved medieval towns, all serve to give Montenegro its unique beauty and charm.

---

People also read

The Best Hikes in Montenegro

Montenegro is a country in Southeast Europe on the Adriatic Sea. It has an area of only 13,812 square km, but every corner of Montenegro […]

Top Five Most Beautiful Places in Hungary

Hungary is a country of immense beauty. It proudly boasts 10 national parks, 145 minor nature reserves, and 35 landscape protection areas. It’s a country […]

Coastal Walks in Sydney, Australia

Not only is Sydney a vibrant city with some very famous landmarks it also has a an abundance of beautiful beaches and coastal walks […]

5 Breathtaking Natural Landscapes in Kenya

Kenya is brimming with beautiful vistas and is blessed with striking natural beauty. The country is home to 54 national parks that regularly rank […]