After my third visit to Montenegro this summer it’s firmly become one of my favourite destinations in Europe. From the majestic fjord-like scenery in Kotor, to the elegant waterfront restaurants of Perast, I’ve found more to love about Montenegro on every visit.
If you’re looking for a relaxing, great value holiday with rich cultural experiences, jaw-dropping scenery and shedloads of fresh seafood, Montenegro is the place to go.
How to get to Montenegro
One of the easiest ways to get to Montenegro is to book flights to Tivat with Jet2.
Flights from London Stansted Airport take just under 3 hours to get to Tivat Airport and the transfer time to Kotor is 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Best things to do in Montenegro
Montenegro is the little Balkan country that’s got something for everyone. From adventurous hikes and an Alpine Coaster, to vibey beach clubs and upmarket restaurants.
You can spend your morning climbing an ancient fortress, and the evening on a speedboat getting whisked across the sun-dappled Bay of Kotor en route to dinner.
To help plan your trip, here are all my favourite things to do in and around Kotor, plus my top tips for booking affordable luxury holidays to Montenegro with Jet2holidays.
Explore Kotor Old Town
Snuggled in a corner of the fjord-like Boka Bay is the fortified Old Town of Kotor. Kotor’s medieval red roofs and biscuit-coloured buildings make a striking contrast with the surrounding mountains and water, and the best way to appreciate this dramatic scenery is to climb the Kotor city walls and hike to St John Fortress.
The 2.5 km return hike is not as intimidating as it sounds, especially as there are lots of places to stop and marvel at the views along the way. (Find more info about the hike here.)
Kotor is also famed for its cat population, so you can expect to see lots of well-loved kitties along the cobbled streets, especially at Pjaca Od Drva. (Otherwise known as Cat Square!)
I’m more of a cocktail girl than I am cat person, which is why one of my favourite spots in Kotor is the rooftop terrace at Boutique Hotel Hippocampus. Definitely head here for chic aperitives away from the crowds.
Top tip: As Kotor is a popular port for cruise ships it can be crowded at certain times of the day/year. If you’re planning a visit, check out the cruise ship timetables on a site such as Cruise Mapper to see if there is a window during your stay when ships aren’t docking.
Ride the Kotor Cable Car & Alpine Coaster
Opened in August 2023 (a few months after my first visit to Kotor) the Kotor Cable Car takes you to the top of Lovcen, the ‘Montenegrin Olympus’, in just 11 minutes.
Where once you needed to drive winding, switchback roads for the best views of Montenegro, you can now sit in a cable car and soak it all up instead.
You’ll get a glimpse of Kotor Old Town on the way up before finding yourself amongst the clouds with Boka Bay, Tivat, the Adriatic Coast and miles of mountains stretching out below you.
The Kotor Cable Car Upper Station offers not just amazing views but also access to hiking trails, spectacular photo points, cycling routes and a children’s play area.
You can relax at the chic Forza Kuk terrace restaurant, maybe sip an Aperol Spritz at Monte 1350 Bar or opt for an adrenaline rush on the Alpine Coaster.
For just €8 a ride you can whizz (or steadily crawl) on this self-driven coaster that’s perched on the edge of the mountain. There are a few sections that might feel a bit hair-raising if you’re afraid of heights but this is a ride that is mostly about the scenery and even has dedicated sections where you’re encouraged to slow down to soak up the views. (Or take selfies!)
Each carriage seats two people so children aged 3-8 can ride with an adult.
Buy tickets for Kotor cable car and the Alpine Coaster here.
Take a boat trip to Perast
My favourite place in Montenegro is the picturesque fishing village of Perast. This tiny UNESCO-protected town on Boka Bay, with its traditional Baroque architecture and striking church spires abutting the water, looks like something from a storybook.
It’s a popular spot to visit by boat due to the 2 island churches shrouded in folklore that sit just offshore from Perast.
It also has some wonderful upmarket restaurants along the waterfront where you can sample traditional Montenegrin seafood right next to the shimmering water. (See restaurant section below for more info.)
Spend a day in Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is an underrated coastal town found near the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. I was utterly charmed by the immaculate Old Town and loved seeing the locals interact with each other on market day.
Boasting several 15th and 16th fortresses, including Kanli Kula which has an impressive amphitheatre overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Herceg Novi is a great place for history lovers. You might want to wear decent walking shoes though – Herceg Novi is known as the town of stairs due to the reportedly 100,000 of them that thread the streets.
Look out for the clock tower in the Old Town, which was once the main gate and is now an official symbol of Herceg Novi, and stop for a coffee on the terrace of Gradska Kafana for Amalfi vibes without the price tag.
One of the best things to do in Herceg Novi is to get out on the emerald waters via a private boat trip.
We had an amazing experience on a boat tour with a skipper called Vladimir who took us to the famous Blue Cave and fascinating former submarine tunnels, before dropping anchor in a couple of quiet bays where we could snorkel and explore caves all by ourselves.
Find a similar Blue Cave boat tour here.
Visit Budva Old Town
Situated on the Adriatic Sea, the beach resort of Budva boasts a beautiful maze-like Old Town that juts out into the water. On my first visit to Montenegro I loved wandering the cobbled streets and stopping for coffee and people watching at Casper Bar & Coffee Roastery.
We also had an outstanding meal at Vista Vidikovac, a trendy Mediterranean restaurant with a jaw-dropping view of Budva.
Go on a jeep safari to Gornji Stoliv
For something quite literally off the beaten track, book a jeep adventure with Go Baloo to the ancient mountain village of Gornji Stoliv.
Perched high above Boka Bay, this village has the most incredible views of Perast and it blew my mind just trying to imagine how people lived here without proper roads or vehicles.
Most of the old stone buildings are now abandoned except for the No Name Café that serves simple tasty snacks with one of the best views in Montenegro.
Where to eat in Montenegro – 4 can’t-miss restaurants
Hotel Conte, Perast
If there’s one thing you must do in Montenegro it’s book a taxi boat to take you to dinner at Hotel Conte in Perast. The scenery, the seafood, the fantastic service all combine to make a most memorable and quintessential Montenegrin evening.
For an incredible indulgent treat order their traditional tasting menu (€95 per person) and feast on 7 courses including fresh oysters, scallops, prawn stuffed gnocchi, grilled octopus and traditional beef steak. Make sure you save room for dessert though as their almond parfait is a Perast speciality you don’t want to miss.
Scala Santa, Kotor
Regarded as the oldest restaurant in Kotor, Konoba Scala Santa is an atmospheric taverna in the heart of the Old Town. Situated on a relatively quiet, cat-filled square close to the entrance for the hike to St John’s fortress, this restaurant is so well located I’ve actually dined there 3 times now.
The menu has a good mix of Italian and Montenegrin classics and, for me personally, the bruschetta and spaghetti with shrimps are a highlight.
For dessert head next door to the best ice cream shop in Montenegro, Moritz Eis. Order the salted caramel and thank me later!
Konoba Skver, Herceg Novi
The family-run Konoba Skver is on the waterfront at Herceg Novi and is a favourite with the locals.
Run by a friendly fisherman, you can ask him what was the catch of the day and soon find it on your plate.
Catovica Mlini, Morinj
For something a little bit special, book a table at Catovica Mlini, which is considered to be the most beautiful restaurant in Montenegro.
Situated 15 minutes’ drive from Perast, in the direction of Herceg Novi, this elegant restaurant in a former mill is a bit of a hidden gem. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and picturesque waterways that are laced with wooden bridges, the setting at Catovica Mlini is pure romance.
The menu features elevated Montenegrin classics and the food is simply fantastic. The mixed seafood starter and sea bass on black rice with white truffle sauce were some of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten in Montenegro.
Children are welcome and have plenty of space to run around. Reservations are recommended and can be done online via their website.
Stay at Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay
This beautiful bayfront hotel is the perfect choice for a luxury holiday to Montenegro. Situated part way between Kotor and Tivat, the views of the Bay of Kotor from Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay are absolutely jaw-dropping.
The resort boasts two shared pools (and some rooms with private ones), a chic beach club, a waterfront spa & indoor pool, elevated dining at The Lighthouse Restaurant, and show-stopping mountain views from every corner.
I stayed in a deluxe pool view room that was generous, stylish and cosy. The bed was unbelievably soft and staff were great at restocking water, tea and coffee daily.
The breakfast spreads were a delicious mix of eggs made to order, local delicacies, a huge array of salads including smashed avocado and hummus, plus freshly made pastries.
I loved that the hotel has its own pier where you could hop on a speedboat, like we did to get to Perast one evening. (The water is the quickest way to get around in summer as the narrow road leading to the hotel does get very congested.)
There are also shops and restaurants within walking distance and the area around the hotel is absolutely beautiful and so atmospheric. I loved my morning walks along the Bay when the sun was just beginning to crest the mountains and only the locals were out for a swim.
Overall, this hotel is the perfect base for a luxury beach holiday in Montenegro that also gives you a taste of life along Kotor Bay.
How to book an affordable luxury holiday in Montenegro
You can find great deals for package holidays to Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay with Jet2holidays.
Don’t forget to join MyJet2 for exclusive discounts, rewards and offers, all your bookings in one place and a streamlined checkout process.
Disclosure: I travelled to Montenegro as a guest of Jet2holidays and Montenegro tourist board. All opinions are my own and are based on multiple visits to this beautiful destination.
Read more: Kotor travel guide
