Day Trip to Montenegro

Montenegro came into being in the 15th century, evolving from the Slavic state of Duklja. In 1929, it became a part of erstwhile Yugoslavia. The country only declared its independence in June 2006, making it one of the youngest modern European nations.

Due to Dubrovnik’s location right on the thin, southern tip of Croatia, it is relatively easy to pop over the border further south into Montenegro. (In fact, many of those who are holidaying in one of the Montenegrin coastal towns find it easier to fly into Dubrovnik.) Here’s a guide to some of the day trips from Dubrovnik to Montenegro that you can make!

Just over the border into Montenegro are a number of coastal towns and you may like to see what other Adriatic seaside towns are like. Amongst those that are relatively easily reachable from Dubrovnik are Herceg Novi, Budva, Perast and Kotor. The majority of these towns don’t really have many beaches to speak of, so if that’s the kind of thing you’re after it’s probably better to plan a different day trip.

Kotor is probably the most worthwhile Montenegrin town to make a day trip from Dubrovnik to; it’s a wonderfully preserved coastal town with numerous sights. The bus journey to Kotor takes around 2 to 2 and a half hours.

Top things to do in Kotor

1. City Walls

The Old Town of Kotor is surrounded by 4.5km of walls which begin at sea level and go all the way up to St John’s Fortress. The Walls of Kotor were built during the Byzantines, but most of the walls that are still there today are from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The historical significance of these walls make them a Kotor must-see and, although you can’t access each and every part of the walls as they’re crumbling with age in some places, you can still climb many parts as they’re well preserved in lots of areas. When you climb the Kotor city walls, you can expect epic views, including beautiful scenes of the bay.

2. Hike to the fortress of St. John fortress

All the way up I walk behind defence walls, pass several watch towers until I reached a chapel. At the chapel five cats waited for their food to be delivered :) Kotor is famous for the large population of cats. I`m still wondering if there are more cats than residents in this city :)

Step by step I continued walking until I entered the main fortress. Ruins of many buildings, towers, defence systems are connected by various ways and stairs. I reached the top just 5 min before the sunshine appeared over the top of the next mountain ridge.

The view was absolutely great.

3. Hang out in the Piazza of Arms

One of the best things to do in Kotor is soak in the atmosphere in the old town’s main square.

Enter Old Town Kotor through the beautiful Sea Gate, and you’ll find yourself in the Trg od Oružja (the Piazza of Arms). This is Kotor’s main square, and a wonderful place to hang out. Also called the Square of the October Revolution, the piazza has always functioned as a meeting place for the citizens of Kotor. The square got its name from the fact that it used to be an arsenal during Venetian times. Admire the gorgeous 17th and 18th century palaces around the square. The Hotel Cattaro was once a theater. Next to it is the old Rector’s Palace.

The photogenic Clock Tower is from 1602. The three-storied edifice has just two clock faces. Look for the Pyramid of Shame at the bottom of the clock. Here’s where folks that had committed crimes were pilloried in medieval times. 

Have a drink at one of the many cafes in the square. The people watching here is the best you’ll find in Old Town Kotor!

Browse the shops in the square for souvenirs. :)

4. Wander the alleys of Old Town Kotor

If you do nothing else in Kotor Old Town, wander the cobblestone streets and alleys. The town is super charming, and every little street invites exploration. And it isn’t very large, so you can cover most of it in just one hour.

Stop to admire the Kampana Tower at the corner of the north and west walls, and the blue-green waters of the Skurda River.

5. Bay of Kotor

One of the best things to see in Kotor, the Bay of Kotor (aka ‘The Boka’!) is an obvious must on any visitor’s list and simply can’t be missed as the city is built right beside this body of water.

The bay is on the Adriatic Sea and it’s absolutely picturesque, as is all of the Adriatic Sea with its stunningly blue waters. This is a lovely spot for a relaxed coastal walk where there are eateries and shops and you’ll get amazing views of Kotor city when you’re at the bay. While taking a boat cruise on the bay is popular to see the highlights, other, active options include kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.

6. Cats Museum

Kotor is known for the many, many cats roaming its streets, so being home to a cat museum is quite fitting. This attraction began when countess Francesca Montereale di Mantica donated a large collection of period images. Many of the museum’s artifacts have come from International Cats’ Adoption Centre “Badoer” in Venice, too.

The Cats Museum has to be top of your list of places to visit in Kotor if you’re a cat lover or are just plain curious. Just like it says on the tin, the Cats Museum is an entire building dedicated to furry feline friends.

As well as its vast collection of cat memorabilia, including postcards, lithographies, and school exercise books, there are two exhibitions/events here: A Cat for Europe and The Cat in I World War. This is a really unique attraction and really is a must-do in Kotor if you love cats

7. Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum of Montenegro (or Museum Maritirum) was founded by the Boka Marine fraternity in around 1880, and was opened to the public in 1900. Nowadays, you can learn all about the country’s maritime history in the 16th-18th centuries through its central exhibition which takes you through the domestic shipping and maritime trade, as well as notable events such as the 1756 battle of brothers Jozo and Marko Ivanovic against pirates of in the port of Piraeus.

There are many other artifacts and exhibitions at the maritime museum too, such as the room dedicated to the Boka Marine fraternity and the Steam-Shipping Department. This has to be one of the best things to do in Kotor for culture vultures!

8. St Tryphon Cathedral

Also known as Kotor Cathedral, this cathedral is one of the two Roman Catholic cathedrals in Montenegro and is named after the patron saint of Kotor: Saint Tryphon (Sveti Tripun). In Old Town Kotor, the building itself is amazing, it’s the largest building in Kotor and it has two bell towers, but it also has a fascinating history.

It dates back to the 12th century when it was built to replace a church from the 8th century! Then, in 1667, it was significantly damaged during an earthquake and was reconstructed. The reconstruction job wasn’t fully completed because of a lack of funding, so that’s why the two bell towers look quite different. In the earthquake of 1979, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, as well as much of the Montenegrin coast, was badly damaged, but the cathedral of Saint Tryphon was restored and it’s now one of the most loved Kotor tourist attractions.

While you will have a long day and a lot of it will unfortunately be spent in the car, Durmitor National Park is beautiful enough to warrant the effort: it is one of the best national parks in Europe.

WHAT TO DO ON A DAY TRIP TO DURMITOR NATIONAL PARK

With 23 mountain peaks that are over 7,500 feet tall, and bounded by the Tara and the Piva rivers, Durmitor National Park is nestled in the picturesque Dinara Alps. The area has historical importance as well. A major World War II battle took place near Žabljak, and there are archaeological digs in the region. Durmitor was designated a National Park in 1952.

So here are the best things to do on a day trip to Durmitor National Park!

1. Visit the Ostrog Monastery

The Ostrog Monastery is not part of Durmitor National Park, but it was definitely worth the detour to us. When you look at the dazzling white Upper Monastery from the road below, it seems impossible that a building could indeed be built in that spot. Located in the cliff face almost 3,000 feet from the valley floor, the Ostrog Monastery is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, who is believed to have performed several healing miracles. Make sure you look up when you pass through the gate: the inside of the arch is painted.

The site is of immense importance to Orthodox Christians in Montenegro, and over a million people visit the monastery each year. Some pilgrims even walk barefoot from the Lower Monastery to the main shrine at the top. From the grounds of the Upper Monastery, you get spectacular panoramas of the valley below. You can see vendors selling shawls and other souvenirs at stalls on the grounds. Pilgrims buy shawls and other necessities for the monks in the monastery. There are frescoes in the caved shrine, but it’s fairly dark. If you are claustrophobic, you might find it close inside, especially if there are lots of other folks inside when you visit. Photos are not permitted inside.

2. Take in the views at Durmitor National Park

Driving through the Durmitor National Park, you’ll be awestruck by the breathtaking vistas all around you. With alpine meadows, many mountain peaks, and deep green forests, the landscape is both wild and dramatic

Bobotov Kuk is the tallest peak in the park. You can hike to the peak if you are an experienced hiker, but the shortest route is about 3 hours one way, so the hike unfortunately can’t be attempted on a day trip.

3. Take a walk at Black Lake

On a day trip to Durmitor National Park, Black Lake (Crno Jezero) is the ideal place to stop and stretch your legs. Considered the most beautiful alpine lake in the country, Black Lake is one of the most visited attractions in Montenegro. The dark brooding waters that give the Black Lake its name are created by the shadow of the mighty Meded Peak. Beautiful pine forests edge the lake, and are reflected beautifully in the waters when the light is right.

A pathway goes around the entire lake, and is about 2 miles in length. I walked a little bit along the path, but it was quite wet and muddy when I visited and I had to turn back because my shoes were not waterproof.

4. Walk the Tara Canyon Bridge

Walking the Tara Canyon Bridge is a must-do when you are in Durmitor National Park. The Durdevića Tara Bridge is an amazing arched bridge that spans one of the deepest gorges in the world. At its deepest, the canyon is about 4,300 feet deep! 

Just a quick boat trip from Kotor Bay, you’ll find Perast, a real gem of a seaside town. It’s got these cool baroque historic buildings and a chill vibe by the water, setting the stage for the Lady of The Rocks.

This little island has a neat story about sunken ships and stacked stones, and there’s this neat Roman Catholic Church to check out. The views of the bay? It’s totally Instagram-worthy, especially in the early morning light.

1. Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast

Legend has it that the little islet on which the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks stands was literally built rock by rock by the fisherfolk in the area. After an icon of Madonna and Child was found on a rock on the water, residents created the artificial islet over time until the church could be built.

A stunning photo op from the shore, the church is also worth viewing up close. Simply walk up to the pier at Perast and you’ll find boatmen ferrying visitors back and forth. Our boatman gave us an hour on the island, which was plenty of time.

Inside the church, you’ll see beautiful paintings and artifacts. In season, the church can get claustrophobic during the day, with lots of tour groups visiting, so try and visit early or late in the day. What’s unique about the tapestry, other than the time it took to complete, is that it contains some of the lady’s own hair, woven along with the gold and silver threads. The altar is gorgeous as well.

2. Walk the tiny town of Perast

The small town of Perast is located at the base of the hill of St. Ilija, just a few miles from Kotor. This is the town closest to the two little islets in Boka Bay. I found Perast very picturesque, particularly from the waterfront and the water.

Perast is an old town, and became particularly prosperous in the time of Venetian rule. Its slender campanile rises gracefully into the sky, and multiple palazzos line the main street. There are 16 churches in this tiny town!

3. Admire the Roman mosaics in Risan

Risan is a quick and convenient stop as you are driving along the Bay of Kotor. Known as Rhizinium in Roman times, Risan was a prosperous settlement in the 1st and 2nd centuries, home to many impressive villas. The bedroom floor, appropriately enough, has a beautiful mosaic of Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep. The dining room floor features herbs and flowers. You’ll also see the artifacts recovered from the site. The mosaics are well preserved and restored, and it’s worth paying the modest entrance fee for a tour of the small site.

4. St. Nicholas’ Church

With a belfry reaching 179 feet, St. Nicholas Church is the most prominent landmark on Perast’s shoreline. The five-story tower was built in 1691 and the Venetian clock was added in 1730. The namesake for this unfinished church is Nikolaos of Myra, a bishop and Christian saint from the 4th century. Dedicating a house of prayer to the patron saint for sailors and fishermen seems logical for a town dependent on the sea throughout its history.

5. St. Mark’s Church

St. Mark’s Church is right next to the Smekja Palace. It is not a functioning church any more, but the facade is pretty, with the Venetian winged lion above the door and two statues of St. Mark on either side at the top.

6. Get great views of the bay from the road

The main road that goes around the Bay of Kotor passes above the town of Perast, not through it. There are a couple of turnouts or wide spots where you can park and get out of your car for the most amazing views of the Bay of Kotor. 

Try rakija or homemade wine

Almost every home in Montenegro has a grape vine in the yard. Most Montenegrin households make their own wine, and sometimes a more potent brew, called rakija. Sooner or later, someone will offer you a taste of rakija in Montenegro!

While rakija in Montenegro is most commonly made from grapes, you’ll occasionally find it made from plums or peaches or other fruits. If you don’t drink alcohol, try homemade fruit syrup! It’s very sweet, but it tastes awesome diluted in chilled sparkling water.

So there you have it: my suggestions for the best things to do on a visit to Montenegro. Have you visited? I’d love to hear your thoughts: comment below to respond.