Background
This trip has been boggling my mind for quite some time. Finding the perfect timing was the main issue. We do not have direct flights from Malta to Montenegro so we had to find the perfect connection. Going in summer was out of the question since travelling to temperatures above 30 degrees are not something we enjoy doing, unless we plan on staying on the beach. Montenegro has stunning beaches but it is sooo much more than that! I wanted to take it all in – the lakes, the mountains, the waterfalls and also the beaches. So since this year Easter holidays were late in April the timing was just right to make this trip happen.
Basic Information
Getting there
This road trip started and ended in Podgorica Airport – where we landed but did not visit. To be honest I did not bother researching whether it is worth visiting or not as I was so blown away by what this country has to offer in terms of natural attractions that I did not want to waste a minute. The main international airport is in Podgorica, but there are other smaller airports like the one in Tivat. You may also check out Dubrovnik airport which is close as well. Apart from flying to Montenegro there is also the ferry option from Ancona and Bari (Italy).
Getting Around
Unless we travel for a short period of time and stay in a city (which is a very very rare instance) we opt to rent a car. It gives us the freedom to go around and explore as much of the country as possibly can. We rented a car directly from Podgorica Airport and drove across the entire country. Driving in Montenegro is easy and straightforward. The roads are generally in good conditions. At the moment there are only a few highways and you can expect breathtaking views with every corner you turn. The only problem we have encountered is the lack of signage for roadworks; we found a road closed between Mojkovac and Zabljak and had to drive back. The detour to get to our destination added some 150km of driving. However that was the only hiccup we had during our trip.
Places to Visit
As you know we love nature – so when planning a trip I usually focus on natural parks and attractions. This was the case for Montenegro as well. I tried to include all National Parks in our trip, even though we just had 7 nights and had to move around from a place to the next. 7 nights were enough to get a taste of each of the places we visited. At the moment we are travelling with a toddler in tow; so longer hikes and treks are out of the question. If you wish to explore better each park and go for treks and longer hikes, more time would be needed.
This was our itinerary:
Planning your trip to Montenegro?
Lake Skadar National Park
Tucked between Montenegro and Albania, Lake Skadar is a paradise for travel photographers seeking untouched landscapes, dramatic skies, and authentic local charm. As the largest lake in the Balkans, it offers a diverse range of scenery โ from lily-covered waters and bird-filled wetlands to ancient monasteries perched on secluded islands. Whether you’re capturing golden hour reflections from a boat, wandering through the cobbled streets of Virpazar, or framing shots of the lake from panoramic viewpoints, Lake Skadar delivers endless inspiration.
Prokletije National Park
Often called the “Accursed Mountains,” Prokletije National Park is one of Montenegroโs most remote and visually striking destinations โ and a true treasure for travel photographers. Towering limestone peaks, dramatic ridgelines, glacial valleys, and pristine alpine lakes create a landscape that feels raw, wild, and almost otherworldly. This lesser-known park in the far northeast of Montenegro borders Albania and Kosovo, offering a rugged beauty that rivals the Alps but with a fraction of the crowds (and the price). Prokletije is a dream for landscape and adventure photographers. Originally I was going to skip this part of Montenegro as when researching online I found little to no information. It was also off the route due to its remote location. However I get more excited when I know that a location is less known – as I know that usually these places are the most rewarding. And I was right! This proved to be my favourite part of the country – the less touristic one, with the most dramatic landscapes and where I felt alone in the middle of nature.
Biogradska Gora National Park
This park was just a pit stop from Prokletije to Durmitor. However we couldn’t miss visiting one of Europeโs last remaining primeval forests (we had loved our visit to the primeval forest in Poland’s Biaลowieลผa Park). From the mirror-like waters of Biogradsko Lake to ancient trees and misty mountain trails, this park offers serene, atmospheric landscapes perfect for capturing nature at its most raw and peaceful.
Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park is a visual feast for photographers chasing raw, cinematic landscapes. Located in Montenegroโs north west, this UNESCO-listed park is home to the Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest in Europe, and the postcard-perfect Black Lake. Whether you’re shooting sunrise over snow-dusted summits or capturing the winding roads of the Durmitor Ring, this highland paradise offers a diverse canvas for every lens. It is the most popular mountain destination, therefore it is more touristic than the previously mentioned Prokletije National Park. Zabljak is the main town, where you can find accommodation, shops and restaurants.
Kotor Bay and Lovฤen National Park
This is the most famous and touristic part of Montenegro – and this is justified by the fact that Kotor Bay is truly marvellous. The fjord-like landscape is dramatic and the villages along the bay are exquisitely picturesque. Most tourists opt to stay here and visit the other places as a day trip – and this is perfectly doable since Montenegro is not a huge country. All the places previously mentioned can be done as day trips from Kotor (except from Prokletije National Park). The feel here is very different from other areas of the country though: more upscale, served with restaurants, ample choice of accommodation and sometimes busier (it reminded us of the neighbouring Croatia). During our stay in Kotor we also went for a day trip to nearby Dubrovnik (Croatia) and we also visited Budva region.
Here are some of the places we visited during our stay in Kotor Bay:
Lovฤen National Park
Budva and the Southern Coast
Another popular destination close to Kotor bay, but along the southern coast is Budva and its province. This part of the Adriatic coast is dotted with beautiful beaches and seaside towns that are slightly less crowded than the ones in Kotor Bay. The most iconic place of the entire country is also here though – the island of Sveti Stefan. This privately owned resort is surrounded by turquoise waters and two sandy beaches. Although you cannot walk on the island itself, walking along the bridge leading to it is very worth it.
Further south, the charming coastal town of Petrovac is another gem with its palm-lined promenade, quiet coves, and rich Mediterranean colors. This is the perfect place to unwind, as although it is still touristic, it is less popular than Budva or Kotor.
