MileHacker Logo
Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Coastal Montenegro, Montenegro

Perast: Island Charms

A stunning, well-preserved Baroque town, quieter and more serene than Kotor. Perast features two picturesque islands in the bay: Our Lady of the Rocks (a man-made island with a church and museum) and St. George (a natural island with a Benedictine monastery). The town itself boasts numerous stone palaces and churches.

Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) north of Kotor. Local Blue Line buses from Kotor bus station, taxis, or organized boat tours connect the towns. A scenic drive or cycle route also connects.

Perast Exploration

  • Boat trips to islands
  • Our Lady of the Rocks
  • Baroque architecture
  • Serene atmosphere

Coastal Towns

South of Kotor, Budva buzzes with its own Old Town and beaches, while Tivat features a luxurious superyacht marina and a modern ambiance.

Budva: Lively Coast

Budva's Old Town, while smaller than Kotor's, is a different, more bustling atmosphere. The town features a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Budva Exploration

  • Sandy beaches
  • Bustling Old Town
  • Sveti Stefan views

Tivat: Modern Riviera

Home to Porto Montenegro, a luxurious superyacht marina with high-end shops, gourmet restaurants, and sophisticated hotels. Tivat also has a pleasant promenade and botanical garden.

Tivat Attractions

  • Porto Montenegro marina
  • Gourmet dining
  • Botanical garden

Njeguši Village: Inland Flavors

Cultural Delights

  • Traditional Pršut
  • Local cheeses
  • Stunning bay views
  • Rural life insights

Facts

  • Njegoš birthplace
  • Scenic Serpentine Road
  • Car or taxi access
  • Half-day visit

More Nearby Destinations

  • Herceg NoviFortresses & gardens
  • Lovćen National ParkMausoleum & panoramas
  • Skadar LakeBirdwatching & monasteries
  • Lustica PeninsulaHidden coves & olive groves
  • CetinjeFormer royal capital
  • Ostrog MonasteryCliffside marvel
  • Tara River CanyonRafting adventure
  • Durmitor National ParkGlacial lakes & peaks

Day Trip Planning

Exploring Kotor's surroundings deepens your understanding of Montenegro. Consider an organized tour to maximize your time. Find and book tours on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

Montenegro's natural landscapes attract many visitors. Several national parks and scenic areas are within easy reach of Kotor, for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying pristine nature.

Lovćen National Park

Visit Njegoš Mausoleum at its peak for panoramic views. Various hiking trails also wait.

Skadar Lake National Park

The largest lake in the Balkans, a major bird habitat and Ramsar wetland. Boat trips reveal unique flora and fauna.

Lustica Peninsula

A rustic peninsula with ancient olive groves, traditional stone villages, and beautiful beaches. Home to the famous Blue Cave.

Lovćen Park Details

The park starts shortly after Kotor, accessible via the famous Serpentine Road or the new cable car. Mount Lovćen is a sacred Montenegrin mountain.

Highlights

  • Njegoš Mausoleum views
  • Scenic Serpentine Road
  • Kotor-Lovćen Cable Car

Skadar Lake Insights

Approximately 60 km (37 miles) from Kotor. Best reached by car or organized tour. Buses reach Virpazar, the main village for lake tours.

Lake Activities

  • Boat trips through lily pads
  • Island monasteries
  • Traditional fishing villages

Lustica Peninsula Access

Location:Adjacent to Kotor
Transportation:Car recommended or Tivat ferry
Features:Olive groves, hidden coves
Beaches:Plavi Horizonti, Zanjice, Rose
Blue Cave:Accessible by boat tour
Time:Half-day to full-day

Nature Immersion

  • Explore pristine natural beauty.
  • Discover diverse ecosystems.
  • Find opportunities for hiking.
  • Enjoy wildlife viewing.
  • Seek quiet moments in nature.

Cultural Excursions

Deepen your understanding of Montenegrin history and culture by visiting historical and rural sites outside of Kotor.

Cetinje: Historical Capital

Approximately 40 km (25 miles) from Kotor. Regular buses from Kotor provide direct access. A car or organized tour also bring you there.

Cetinje Features

  • Cetinje Monastery
  • Historical museums
  • Former embassies

Ostrog Monastery: Cliffside Marvel

Approximately 100 km (62 miles) from Kotor. Best reached by car or organized tour. Many tour operators in Kotor conduct day trips to Ostrog.

Monastery Experience

  • Built into a cliff face
  • Major pilgrimage site
  • Incredible panoramic views

Rural Village Life

Explore the hinterland of the Bay of Kotor or revisit villages like Njeguši for a cultural experience. These areas focus on local produce and traditional life.

Rural Discoveries

  • Taste homemade products
  • Witness traditional farming
  • Insight into rural Montenegrin life

Multi-Day Extensions

Montenegro's small size makes for easy multi-day extensions to other regions or even neighboring countries, enriching your overall Balkan adventure.

Extension Options

  • North Montenegro & Tara River Canyon
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina (Mostar, Sarajevo)
  • Croatian Coast (Split, Hvar)

Logical Next Destinations

For those with more time, consider expanding your journey to other parts of the region.

Podgorica

Montenegro's capital city, for an urban experience and museums.

Ulcinj

Features the longest sandy beach in Montenegro, for a different coastal vibe.

Žabljak

Gateway to Durmitor National Park, for hiking, skiing, and dramatic landscapes.

Regional Travel

Buses connect most major towns and cities within Montenegro. Regular international bus lines link Montenegro to neighboring countries. Ensure your car rental agreement covers cross-border travel.