Top 10 Things to Do Solo Traveling in Montenegro

Montenegro is a small Balkan country and when I went it wasn’t full of tourists so now is the time to visit and enjoy the quiet. Full of natural parks, good food and beaches, it has something for every type of traveler.  I spent two days on a solo travel stop on a little side trip from Croatia and enjoyed my time there. Locals were friendly and helpful, English is widely spoken and I felt safe as a solo traveler. This travel guide will help you plan your perfect trip for your first time in Montenegro.

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1. Kotor Old Town

Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous part of Kotor. Old Town is widely recognized as the best-preserved medieval urban entity in the Mediterranean. The city sits right next to the Bay of Kotor. The city is full of cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, churches, shops and squares.

There are great restaurants and coffee shops if you want to relax for the afternoon or if you’re feeling like checking out the city, don’t miss the San Giovanni Fortress.  You can climb to the top for some amazing views over the bay. The climb can be a bit difficult (only 1,300 steps! Ha!), but as most climbs to the top of castles and fortresses are well worth the city views. The St. Tryphon Cathedral was built in 1166 but has been reconstructed several times due to earthquakes. It is an amazing site of Roman style architecture. 

Headed to Montenegro? Looking for a place to stay? Check out some recommendations below.

2. Bay of Kotor 

The Bay of Kotor is surrounded by beautiful mountains with picturesque towns. You can take a boat ride around the bay and stop by the city of Perast, a tiny little city with one street, but cute and a little stroll would be worth the stop. Don’t forget to stop at Our Lady of the Rocks, which is a man-made island and church. You can also kayak or paddle board along the bay if you want to relax on the water.

3. Durmitor National Park

This UNESCO-listed park is a short drive in the north of the country. If you love nature, adventure and epic views you can’t miss it. You can hike through the pine forests, stop and see the Black Lake or go rafting in the Tara River Canyon, which is Europe’s deepest canyon.  You can hike the Durmitor mountain range or if you love winter it’s a  great place to ski or snowboard.

4. Sveti Stefan

Sveti Stefan is perhaps the most iconic image of Montenegro . It’s a tiny island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of beach. While the island itself is now a private luxury resort, visitors can still admire it from nearby beaches. Its villas and turquoise waters make it one of the most photographed places in Montenegro. 

5. Lovcen National Park 

High in the mountains above Kotor, Lovcen National Park is home to Montenegro’s most well-known monument, the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos. Petar Njegos was a poet and a philosopher and the mausoleum was dedicated to him. You can climb the 461 steps to see breathtaking views around the Adriatic Sea. 

6. Budva Riviera

Budva is known for the nightlife, sandy beaches and well-preserved old town. It’s a medieval city with stone walls, churches and little shops. You will find the most visited beaches, Slovenska Plaza and Mogren here and you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade. Along your walk you can visit the Citadel, one of the historic landmarks. This is the most lively nightlife area in Montenegro after sunset.

7. Stari Bar 

Located near the modern coastal town of Bar, Stari Bar is ruins of a fortified medieval city. You can explore stone walls, towers and churches with a backdrop of olive trees and mountain views. It’s more peaceful than other touristy spots along the way.

8. Ulcinj & Ada Bojana

In the far south, near the Albanian border, lies Ulcinj, one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic. It has a unique mix of Eastern and Western cultures, with Ottoman style architecture, mosques and winding roads in its old town. Velika Plaza is Montenegro’s longest sandy beach and you can sunbathe or do some water sports like kitesurfing if you want. While in the area you could stop by Ada Bojana, a river island with a relaxed bohemian vibe. It has a number of seafood restaurants to choose from and the sunset views are amazing.

9. The Blue Cave and Lustica Peninsula

Accessible by boat from Kotor, the Blue Cave is a sea grotto where sunlight makes the water glow a turquoise blue. Most boat tours include swimming stops and visits to hidden beaches, tunnels and coastal villages along the Lustica Peninsula. A perfect half-day adventure on the water. I was unable to do the tour because of my time constraints, but I’ve seen a Blue Cave before and the water is unreal. Pictures won’t do it justice.

10. Ostrog Monastery

Looking like it’s clinging to a cliff at 900 meters altitude is the Ostrog Monastery. It’s a sacred pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians and one of the most important Orthodox pilgrimage sites in the Balkans. It’s also a great place for quiet reflection with views of the valley.

Final Thoughts

Montenegro is, as of now a little untapped treasure, but up and coming. Cruise ships and tourists are starting to gather here because of the parks, beaches and cultural sites. I went in June 2022. It was relaxing and there was a lot to do. My advice is to rent a car, you’ll get the most out of your visit. I was there only two days and I feel like I could have easily stayed one or two additional days. Use this easy to follow travel guide to help you plan your trip!

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