My Visit to Montenegro
One of my favourite memories from the Balkans was arriving in Montenegro aboard the famous train from Belgrade to Bar. It’s regularly described as one of Europe’s most spectacular railway journeys, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. As the train crossed soaring viaducts, passed through countless tunnels and wound its way through dramatic mountain scenery, every hour revealed another breathtaking landscape.
The journey ended in the coastal town of Bar, where the scenery changed completely. After travelling through rugged mountains, I arrived beside the sparkling Adriatic Sea. I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable everything was, especially considering I was enjoying meals and drinks overlooking the water. It was a wonderfully relaxed place to spend a few days before continuing my journey around the Balkans.
Montenegro may be one of Europe’s smaller countries, but it packs an incredible variety of experiences into a remarkably compact area. Medieval towns, dramatic mountains, pristine national parks and one of the world’s most beautiful bays combine to create a destination that offers something for every traveller.
Discover Kotor
Montenegro’s most famous destination is undoubtedly Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled at the end of the spectacular Bay of Kotor. Surrounded by towering mountains and fortified medieval walls, its maze of narrow stone streets is filled with cafés, restaurants, churches and hidden squares.
For the best views, climb the ancient city walls to the Fortress of San Giovanni, where panoramic views stretch across the bay below.
Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks
Just a short drive from Kotor lies the elegant town of Perast. Lined with Venetian palaces and waterfront cafés, it offers a quieter glimpse into Montenegro’s maritime past.
A short boat ride takes visitors to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny artificial island topped by a beautiful church filled with fascinating history and artwork.
Budva Riviera
Budva combines sandy beaches with one of the Adriatic’s oldest walled towns. Spend the morning exploring the medieval streets before relaxing on the beach or enjoying waterfront restaurants overlooking the sea.
The surrounding Riviera offers numerous beaches and picturesque villages stretching along Montenegro’s coastline.
Durmitor National Park
Away from the coast, Montenegro becomes an outdoor paradise. Durmitor National Park is home to glacial lakes, rugged limestone peaks and some of the country’s finest hiking.
The famous Black Lake provides an easy walk surrounded by forests, while more adventurous visitors can tackle mountain trails with spectacular views.
Tara River Canyon
The Tara River Canyon is one of Europe’s deepest canyons and one of Montenegro’s greatest natural wonders. The emerald river below is famous for white-water rafting, while the impressive Đurđevića Tara Bridge offers breathtaking views across the canyon.
Lovćen National Park
Rising above the Bay of Kotor, Lovćen National Park rewards visitors with some of the finest panoramic views in the Balkans.
The climb to the Njegoš Mausoleum may involve hundreds of steps, but the spectacular 360-degree views across mountains, coastline and neighbouring countries make every step worthwhile.
Bar
Often overlooked by visitors heading straight to Kotor or Budva, Bar is Montenegro’s principal port and an excellent base for exploring the southern coast.
Its attractive promenade, beaches and relaxed cafés make it a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the Adriatic lifestyle. Just inland, the atmospheric ruins of Stari Bar reveal centuries of history beneath the slopes of Mount Rumija.
For me, Bar will always be remembered as the end of that unforgettable railway journey from Belgrade—a place where dramatic mountain landscapes gave way to warm sunshine, the Adriatic Sea and a wonderfully relaxed pace of life.
