A 4-day summer trip to Montenegro: The Hidden Gem of the Adriatic

Montenegro is a country that has it all: stunning natural beauty, fascinating history and culture, friendly and hospitable people, and delicious food. We spent 4 days in this amazing country, and we loved every minute of it. We visited some of the most beautiful places in Montenegro, such as Kotor Bay, Lovcen National Park, Cetinje, Skadar Lake, and Podgorica. We also experienced some of the most thrilling and adventurous activities, such hiking and driving. We learned a lot about the history and culture of Montenegro, and we met some of the most wonderful people along the way. We felt welcomed and embraced by this country, and we felt a connection with its spirit and soul.

If you’re looking for a summer getaway that combines stunning scenery, rich culture, and diverse activities, look no further than Montenegro. This small but mighty country on the Adriatic coast has something for everyone, from ancient walled cities to pristine beaches, from majestic mountains to serene lakes. In this blog post, I’ll share with you my 4-day itinerary for exploring this Balkan beauty, along with some tips and recommendations for making the most of your trip.

Day 1: Budva

We hopped on a Wizz Air flight from Memmingen (FMM) to Podgorica, eager to start our Montenegrin adventure. The sun was barely up when we landed, and we met the friendly guy from Surprice who handed us the keys to our rental car. We wasted no time and hit the road, heading towards Budva, our first destination. The drive was scenic and smooth, with the mountains and the sea keeping us company. In a couple of hours, we arrived at our cozy hotel in Budva, ready to explore this charming town.

We reached our Airbnb earlier than expected, and our host Marco was very welcoming and helpful. He showed us around the apartment, helped us with parking, and gave us some tips about Budva and its culture. He also explained that people here honk to say hi, which I found amusing and friendly. After freshening up, we decided to explore the food. We stopped at a traditional restaurant called Kod Iva, where we enjoyed some delicious fresh fish and homemade wine. We had a wonderful time chatting with the staff and learning more about the local cuisine and customs.

Kod Iva

We followed a secret tip and drove to a hidden spot where we could admire the view of Sveti Stefan from above. Sveti Stefan is a tiny island connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, and it used to be a fishing village turned into a luxury resort. From our vantage point, we could see the red-roofed houses and the turquoise water, creating a stunning contrast. We spent some time there, capturing the beauty and admiring the place.

Then we headed back to Budva, where we explored the vibrant city center. Budva is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast, and it has plenty of attractions to offer. We visited the Old Town, where we walked along the ancient walls, entered the Citadel fortress, and admired the Church of the Holy Trinity. We also enjoyed strolling through the narrow streets, browsing the shops and crafts, and soaking up the atmosphere. We also checked out some of the beaches in Budva, such as Mogren and Royal Beach, where we relaxed on the sand and dipped our toes in the sea.

Day 2: Kotor, Herceg Novi and Perast

We woke up early, eager to explore the beauty of Kotor and its bay. The city was charming, with its medieval walls, narrow streets and cozy cafes. We admired the stunning views of the mountains and the sea, and felt the history and culture of this ancient place. For lunch, we treated ourselves to some delicious seafood risotto and pasta at a lovely restaurant by the Little Bay of Kotor. The food was fresh and flavorful, and the service was friendly and attentive. We savored every bite, feeling grateful for this moment.

Kotor

Next, we embarked on a scenic drive to Herceg Novi, a tranquil town with gorgeous beaches and less crowds. The road was winding along the blue coastline, offering us breathtaking vistas of the sparkling water and the lush greenery. We felt like we were in a dream, a hidden gem indeed. We relaxed on the sand, soaking up the sun and the breeze, and enjoyed some refreshing drinks and snacks. We felt so peaceful and happy, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Then, we headed to Perast, a picturesque village with a rich maritime heritage. We arrived just in time to witness the most amazing sunset we had ever seen. The sky was ablaze with colors, reflecting on the calm water and the boats. It was a magical sight, one that we will never forget. We walked along the coast, holding hands and taking pictures, feeling awestruck by the beauty of nature. We highly recommend this place for anyone who loves romance and adventure. Finally, we returned to our cozy Airbnb, tired but satisfied with our day.

Perast

Day 3: Lovcen National park, Cetinje and Skadar Lake

We commenced on a thrilling journey through the winding roads that led us to Lovcen national park, our destination for the day. As we drove, we marveled at the stunning scenery of Budva, the coastal town where we had spent the night. Along the way, we stopped at a breathtaking spot where we could see the entire Kotor Bay, sparkling like a jewel in the sun. We felt like we were on top of the world, literally and figuratively.

Kotor Bay

We continued our drive, ascending higher and higher into the clouds. The roads became more narrow and curvy, making us feel both nervous and exhilarated. We could barely see what was ahead of us, but we trusted our instincts and our car. We were rewarded with the sight of Lovcen national park, a majestic place that blended nature and history. We explored the park, learning about its significance as the burial place of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, a revered poet and ruler of Montenegro. We also enjoyed the panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, feeling a sense of awe and wonder.

The Serpentine

We decided to take a break and have some drinks at a cozy cafe that was hidden underground near the entrance of the park. The cafe was called Vladika restoran, and it had a charming atmosphere that made us feel welcome. We savored the local beverages and snacks, chatting and laughing with each other. We felt relaxed and happy, ready for more adventures.

We left the park and headed to Cetinje, the old capital of Montenegro. The city was full of history and culture, with beautiful buildings and monuments that reflected its past glory. We had some traditional food at a local restaurant, tasting the flavors and spices of Montenegro. The food was delicious and satisfying, filling us with energy and warmth.

Cetinje

As we were leaving Cetinje, it started to rain. The raindrops fell gently on our faces and windows, creating a soothing sound and smell. We loved the rain, as it added to the charm and mystery of our trip. We wanted to capture one last memory of Skadar Lake from a different angle, so we drove to a hidden point that we had heard about from a friendly local. The road was tricky and slippery, with no signs or markings to guide us. But we were determined and adventurous, so we went ahead with courage and curiosity.

What we found at the end of the road was something truly magical. It was as if nature had painted a masterpiece for us to admire. We took out our cameras and snapped some pictures, trying to preserve this moment forever. We smiled and felt grateful for life and for each other.

Skadar Lake

We drove back to Podgorica, where we would spend our last night in Montenegro. We reflected on our day full of adventure, feeling proud of ourselves for exploring new places and overcoming challenges. We agreed that it was one of the best days of our lives, and that we would always remember it with joy and love.

Day 4: Podgorica

We spent our last day in Montenegro exploring Podgorica, the capital and largest city of this beautiful country. Podgorica is a modern and vibrant city, with a rich history and culture that dates back to ancient times. We explored the city by foot and explored the beautiful streets and visited the Clock Tower, Millennium Bridge and the Museum.

In short, Montenegro is a country that deserves to be discovered and appreciated by more people. It is a hidden gem in Europe, a place that offers something for everyone. It is a country that surprised us, challenged us, inspired us, and enchanted us. It is a country that we will never forget, and that we will always cherish in our hearts. Thank you, Montenegro, for giving us the best trip of our lives. We hope to see you again soon. Thank you for following our travel blog and we hope you enjoyed reading about our adventures. Until next time!

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