The perfect 7-day Montenegro road trip itinerary: From the Bay of Kotor to the Balkan Peaks

Montenegro might look like a tiny country to you on the map, but the reality is far from it. Home to majestic Balkan mountains, pristine lakes, incredible national parks, and relaxing beaches, Montenegro belongs on every road tripper's bucket list. At every turn, you will find views and landscapes like nowhere else.

Are you planning to spend a week-long getaway in this small country that has a big road-trip story to tell? Then here’s a 7-day Montenegro road trip itinerary that will take you around the best of Montenegro but without any rush.

7-day Montenegro road trip itinerary overview

Here’s a quick overview of the trip route and stays:

Day-by-day Montenegro road trip itinerary

Day 1: Your journey begins from Kotor

On day 1, let’s start by exploring the town of Kotor. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this coastal town is popular for its historic monuments and Venetian-influenced architecture. If you are flying into Montenegro, the nearest airport to Kotor is Tivat Airport. It is just 7.9 km away, which will take you around 13 minutes to reach the town.

Enjoy the scenic view of the Bay of Kotor and wander around the old town. After that, take a short 15-minute ride towards Perast. Famous for its offshore islets and picturesque landscape, this area is a must-visit. Visit nearby cafes and then head back to Kotor for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Let’s enter Virpazar

Begin our journey towards Virpazar on day 2, but first stop by Budva and Paštrovačka Gora. Budva is a popular location in Montenegro that offers a rare but perfect mix of historic structures, beaches, and epic nightlife. It is often nicknamed “Montenegrin Miami” and is a perfect spot to chill.

For those of you who want to explore the open-air clubs and high-energy beach bars can opt to drive back and forth from Virpazar to Budva. The next stop will be towards Paštrovačka Gora, where you will find scenic views of the coastal mountain range. The day will end at Virpazar, which is a quaint little village in the Bar municipality of Montenegro.

Day 3: Continue moving towards Kolašin

In the morning, take a stroll around Virpazar, have your breakfast, and start driving towards Kolašin. On the way, you can make a stop at Morača Canyon and enjoy the amazing scenic and dramatic views. Expect tunnels, bends, and changing elevations, so adjust speed and time accordingly. Reach Kolašin, spend some time in cozy cafes, and stay overnight.

Day 4: Chase mountain horizons from Kolašin to Plav

Scenic drive from Plav Lake to Kolašin in a rental car.

Begin your journey on day 4th towards Plav, a small town in the northeastern part of Montenegro. It is set beside Lake Plav and surrounded by the dramatic Prokletije Mountains, which is a perfect destination for road trippers who are in search of alpine scenery, a mountain lake, mountain trails, and cultural attractions. On the way, you can make a quick stop by Andrijevica, a small mountain town, and enjoy the breathtaking views. Stay overnight in Plav.

Day 5: Enter Grebaje Valley

After exploring Plav, it’s time to move ahead and witness the beauty of Grebaje Valley. But before reaching there, take a small detour to Gusinje. You can visit Grlja Waterfall, Ali Pasha Springs, and enjoy the natural attractions. After that, move towards Grebaje Valley and stay overnight there.

Day 6: Explore Grebaje Valley / Prokletije

The next day, explore the Grebaje Valley and its surrounding regions. Home to amazing treks and Prokletije National Park, this valley showcases the true beauty of the Balkans. Enclosed by towering, sharply pointed limestone peaks, you will find the most impressive landscapes of the Prokletije region here. The peaceful atmosphere of the valley makes it a perfect picnic spot or mountain viewpoint. Stay here overnight.

Day 7: Time to say goodbye to Montenegro trip

On the last day of your trip, drive towards Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro. Spend some time in the city to see what authentic Montenegrin life is like. If you have rented a car, you can drop it off in Podgorica, as many suppliers have their rental desks there. Bid adieu to the trip with all the unforgettable memories you have collected.

How to make your Montenegro road trip easy?

Follow the driving rules:

• Driving side: Drive on the right and overtake from the left.
• Headlights: Keep dipped beam headlights or daytime running lights on as required while you are driving.
• Child safety: Children aged under 12 cannot sit in the front seat, and children under 5 must be seated in an approved child safety seat.
• Mobile phone usage: Using phones while driving is strictly prohibited. Only hands-free devices like Bluetooth or speaker systems are allowed as long as the driver does not get distracted.
• Right of way: Vehicles that are coming from the right generally have priority at intersections unless there is a sign that states otherwise.
• Seat belts: Passengers and the driver both have to wear seat belts.
• Speed limit: For urban areas - 50 km/h, for rural areas - 80 km/h, for expressways/higher - 100 km/h. This may vary from location to location.

Pick the best time to visit:

Seasonal breakdown

Late spring & early summer (May to June)

• Flowers bloom, and landscapes turn into bright green
• Ideal time for hiking across national parks
• Temperatures range between 20°C and 23°C

Summer (July to August)

• Peak tourist season
• Temperature becomes hot and dry in coastal areas
• Best time for swimming and enjoying beach life
• Accommodation and other rental prices spike
• Temperature goes around 30°C to 35°C

Early Autumn (September to October)

• Temperature is warm enough to enjoy sea activities in coastal areas
• The crowd starts to disappear
• September temperature is around 28°C (82°F)
• October is the best month to witness the magic of fall

Winter (December to March)

• Cold in the coastal region with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C
• Snowy in the northern part of the country with -10°C to 0°C temperature
• Best time for winter activities like skiing

Pack the essentials

If you are planning to hike:

• Carry sturdy hiking shoes that have good grip.
• Keep water shoes to walk or do activities around pebbly, rocky beaches.
• Choose breathable clothes during summer, especially for coastal areas like Budva or Kotor.
• Carry woolen clothes or windbreaker jackets in areas like Prokletije National Park.

FAQs

• Is 7 days too long for a road trip in Montenegro?

  7 days are enough for a road trip in Montenegro. You can easily cover all the major locations and still take little detours wherever possible.

• Can I travel across the border from Montenegro?

  Cross-border travel from Montenegro is allowed. You will be required to present visas and other travel-related documents. If you are planning to travel in a rental car, then tell your supplier about your travel plans and obtain written authorization.

• Is a road trip in Montenegro expensive or cheap?

  Montenegro can be relatively affordable compared with some Western European destinations, but costs vary considerably by season. Accommodation, car rentals and restaurants around Kotor and Budva can be significantly more expensive during the summer peak.

• What should I be careful of when driving in Montenegro?

  Montenegro has many narrow and winding mountain roads, so drive carefully and adjust your speed according to the road conditions. Traffic regulations are strictly enforced, so make sure you follow all local driving laws and signs throughout your journey.

• Which places should I definitely explore when on a road trip to Montenegro?

  When in Montenegro, do visit the Old Kotor Town, Grebaje Valley, and Budva. These locations will show you the varying terrain of Montenegro.