MileHacker Logo
Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Montenegro

Nearby Destinations

Many of Montenegro’s famous attractions lie within easy day-trip distance from Podgorica. These destinations showcase the country's natural beauty and historical heritage.

Whether it's the vast waters of Lake Skadar, the historical streets of Cetinje, or the ancient walls of Kotor, each destination presents its unique charm.

Popular Day Trip Spots

  • Lake Skadar National Park: Boating, birdwatching, villages.
  • Cetinje: Old Royal Capital, museums, monastery.
  • Kotor: UNESCO Old Town, city walls, bay views.
  • Ostrog Monastery: Cliffside monastery, pilgrimage site.

Exploring Montenegro

Beyond the city, Montenegro offers diverse experiences, from coastal towns to spiritual retreats.

Transportation Options

Consider various travel methods for your day trips.

Ways to Go

  • Bus: Cost-effective and regular services from Podgorica.
  • Car Rental: Maximum flexibility for pace and stops.
  • Organized Tours: Guided trips that handle all logistics.

Day Trip Destinations

Popular choices for day excursions from the capital.

More Options

  • Budva: Old Town exploration, beach relaxation.
  • Lovćen National Park: Panoramic views, mausoleum.
  • Morača River Canyon: Dramatic scenic drives.

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tour

  • Convenience: Transport and guides are usually part of the package.
  • Logistics Handled: No personal planning needed for the itinerary.
  • Less Flexible: Time spent at locations might be limited.
  • Higher Cost: Can be more expensive, especially for groups.

Independent Travel Car/Bus

  • Maximum Flexibility: Explore at your own rhythm.
  • Immersive Experience: More local interactions possible.
  • Planning Required: Personal organization for routes and schedules.
  • Tiring: Can be more tiring with self-driving or complex transfers.

Time Required and Suggested Itineraries

  • Lake Skadar:Half to full-day
  • Cetinje:Half-day
  • Kotor/Budva:Full-day each
  • Ostrog Monastery:Half-day
  • Biogradska Gora:Full-day (long drive)
  • Lovćen National Park:Half-day (from Cetinje)
  • Doclea:2-3 hours
  • Rural Villages:Half to full-day

Travel Tip:

For organized excursions and convenient booking of experiences, consult GetYourGuide's day trip section.

Natural Escapes

Montenegro's dramatic natural beauty is within reach from Podgorica, inviting exploration of its parks and stunning landscapes.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Biogradska Gora National Park holds one of Europe's last remaining virgin forests, with beautiful glacial lakes for hiking and nature walks.

Lovćen National Park

Home to the Njegoš Mausoleum on Mount Lovćen, it features panoramic vistas across much of Montenegro on clear days.

Scenic Landscapes

Driving through the Morača River Canyon towards Kolašin presents dramatic views of steep cliffs and the river below, with many viewpoints.

Coastal and Mountain Getaways

Day excursions to the coast for beaches or to the northern mountains for various activities are popular.

Beach and Mountain Options

  • Coastal Beaches: Budva, Bar, Petrovac are good for relaxation.
  • Northern Mountains: Kolašin is suitable for hiking, skiing in winter.
  • Tara River Canyon: Rafting experiences during season.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Montenegro's natural beauty varies with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year.

Seasonal Delights

  • Spring Wildflowers: Abundant blooms across meadows and hillsides.
  • Snowy Landscapes: Northern mountains transform into winter playgrounds.
  • Summer Lakes: Ideal for water activities like swimming and kayaking.

Cultural Excursions

Doclea:Ancient Roman town ruins.
Cetinje:Historical buildings and museums.
Lake Skadar Villages:Local wine tasting, traditional food.
Ostrog Monastery:Major spiritual pilgrimage site.
Rural Areas:Experience agricultural life.
Vineyard Tours:Small local producers often host tastings.

Beyond the City:

  • Consider visiting local vineyards for wine tasting tours, especially in the Lake Skadar region.
  • Experience the slower rhythm of life in traditional villages, offering authentic Montenegrin hospitality.
  • Doclea, located close to Podgorica, invites exploration into Montenegro's Roman past.
  • Cetinje showcases centuries of Montenegrin statehood and culture.
  • Ostrog Monastery represents a significant spiritual and architectural marvel.

Multi-Day Extensions

Podgorica can serve as a base for longer explorations within Montenegro and the wider Balkan region.

Coastal Exploration

Dedicate extra days to fully experience the Adriatic coast and the Bay of Kotor.

Suggestions 2-3 days

  • Stay in Kotor or Budva.
  • Explore Bay of Kotor: Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks.
  • Relax on beaches of the Budva Riviera.

Northern Montenegro

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Montenegro's mountain regions.

Suggestions 2-3 days

  • Base yourself in Žabljak (Durmitor) or Kolašin (Biogradska Gora).
  • Undertake extensive hiking and visit glacial lakes.
  • Enjoy white-water rafting (seasonal) or skiing (winter).

Logical Next Destinations

Montenegro's connectivity allows for easy travel to neighboring countries.

Neighboring Countries

  • Croatia: Dubrovnik, Split.
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mostar, Sarajevo.
  • Albania or Serbia.

Transportation Connections

Connectivity options for cross-border journeys.

Travel Options

  • Buses connect Montenegrin towns and neighboring nations.
  • Car rental for cross-border travel; check insurance terms.
  • Flights from Podgorica Airport for broader regional access.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Consider a multi-country road trip through the Western Balkans, using Podgorica as a starting or ending point.

Montenegro Focus

Combine Podgorica, coastal towns like Kotor, and the northern mountains like Durmitor for a complete Montenegrin experience.

Balkan Loop

A common itinerary includes Montenegro, Croatia (e.g., Dubrovnik), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (e.g., Mostar, Sarajevo).

Diverse Experiences

This wider regional travel provides a rich and varied journey through diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes.

Tip for Extended Travel:

For multi-day ethical tours, explore options with G Adventures, known for responsible travel in the region.

Expanding Your Horizon

Recommendations for Longer Stays

1

Coastal Hub

Spend 2-3 days based in Kotor or Budva to deeply explore the Bay of Kotor and the Budva Riviera, including relaxation and boat trips.

2

Mountain Retreat

Allocate 2-3 days to the mountains, staying in Žabljak (Durmitor) or Kolašin (Biogradska Gora) for extensive hiking and nature activities.

3

Regional Gateway

Use Podgorica as a starting or ending point for multi-country road trips across the Western Balkans.

Travel Connections

  • Excellent bus connections between Montenegrin towns.
  • Buses also connect to neighboring countries like Croatia and Bosnia.
  • Car rental provides flexibility for cross-border journeys, verify insurance.
  • Podgorica Airport facilitates flights to regional and international destinations.
  • Consider an eSIM for seamless mobile data access across borders.
  • Portable Wi-Fi devices offer reliable internet on the go.

Planning for a Comprehensive Journey

  • Combine coastal and mountain stays for varied experiences.
  • Explore cultural sites and historical landmarks across the country.
  • Engage with local communities for authentic insights.
  • Factor in travel time between different regions.
  • Research specific activities like white-water rafting or skiing based on season.
  • Look into multi-day tour packages for convenience in longer trips.

Tips for Long-Term Stays

Apartment Rental

Consider renting a private apartment in a residential area for a more local immersion.

Neighborhood Exploration

Discover parts of the city beyond tourist zones, experiencing daily local life.

Base for Balkans

Podgorica serves as a practical and comfortable hub for extensive exploration of the entire country and neighboring nations.

Maximize Your Journey:

For longer ethical and immersive travel experiences, consider tours from G Adventures, focusing on community and sustainable practices.