Montenegro was made for a road trip—in a compact space it packs the Adriatic coast, historic towns, and high mountains. This route follows our 2023 journey by car with our dog Ibo.
In just a few days you’ll go from the sea, up the switchbacks above the Bay of Kotor, and into the mountainous north. The route also works if you’re traveling with a dog; for certain stops, check current access rules in advance.
If you’d like to plan a similar route tailored to your needs (with or without a dog), we’re happy to help—from the itinerary and accommodations to practical details.
Day 1: Herceg Novi
We start in Herceg Novi. After arriving, we check in, stroll the town beaches, and ease into the rhythm of the Montenegrin coast.
We also use day one to take care of the unavoidable formalities: tourist registration and the local tourist tax. The rest of the day is unhurried.
Day 2: Kotor, Lovćen and Budva
On day two we head into the Bay of Kotor. From Kamenari we take the short ferry to Lepetane, then follow the quieter side of the bay towards Kotor.
In Kotor we pause briefly, then climb the steps along the city walls up to the Tvrđava Sveti Ivan fortress.
Back at the car we tackle the R1’s hairpins and wind high above the bay. The views rank among the finest in the country.
We continue into Lovćen National Park to Jezerski vrh and the Njegoš Mausoleum.
Toward evening we drive via Cetinje to Budva and wander the historic Stari Grad. Later we return to Herceg Novi.
Day 3: Drive east
We leave the coast and head inland.
On the way we stop at Ostrog Monastery. Built into a sheer cliff, this Orthodox monastery is one of the Balkans’ most significant pilgrimage sites—the approach alone is an experience. Expect crowds, parking below the monastery, and a short walk up. With a dog, access to interiors is limited; the outdoor areas are accessible.
We continue toward Podgorica and join the A1 motorway. It’s a modern, technically impressive run of tunnels and bridges that shortens the drive north—though for now it doesn’t go as far as you might like.
Leaving the motorway, we cross the Trešnjevik Pass (1573 m) to Andrijevica. Here the scenery finally flips: from maritime to alpine—quieter and far less touristy.
Day 4: Andrijevica and the surrounding area
We downshift and explore the area.
Andrijevica is one of Montenegro’s lesser-visited towns—that’s precisely its charm. Set at the confluence of the Lim and Zlorečica, it serves more as a quiet base for the northeast than as a classic destination.
The countryside is strikingly green, sparsely built up, and feels more authentic than the well-known regions. Even a short walk shows the contrast with the coast: fewer people, more nature, a noticeably slower pace.
If you’re keen, detour to the Prevoj Čakor pass on the Albanian border. Traffic is light, which makes it all the more engaging. The views of the Prokletije range already hint at where we’re headed in the coming days.
Day 5: Vusanje and Zla Kolata
We drive to the village of Vusanje and climb Zla Kolata, Montenegro’s highest peak.
It’s a full-day outing and one of the more demanding parts of the program. Zla Kolata (2534 m) lies in the Prokletije range right on the border with Albania and offers some of the wildest mountain landscapes in the Balkans. Unlike in more famous ranges, you’ll meet few hikers here—the scenery feels raw and untouched.
The ascent is technically straightforward, but the length and elevation gain call for solid fitness and an early start. The reward: views among the very best in all of Montenegro.
After the hike we treat ourselves to dinner at Restaurant Grlja and drive back to Andrijevica.
Day 6: Drive to Žabljak
We drive to Žabljak on the edge of Durmitor National Park.
En route we follow the R10 along the Tara and stop at the Đurđevića Tara Bridge.
The bridge is one of Montenegro’s best-known feats of engineering. Built in 1940, it was among the largest arch bridges in Europe at the time. It spans the deep Tara Canyon—one of the deepest on the continent—and the views from the top are a highlight of the entire route. Today the spot is also popular for adrenaline activities like zip-lining over the gorge.
Day 7: Savin Kuk
From Žabljak we ride the cable car and finish with a short hike up to Savin Kuk.
Savin Kuk (2313 m) is one of Durmitor’s most accessible summits. Thanks to the cable car the ascent is much shorter, and you reach alpine terrain without major effort. From the top, panoramas open across the massif, with views of Žabljak and the surrounding valleys.
An ideal mix of a short outing and a big experience—perfect for a lower-effort day that still delivers serious scenery.
If you want a bigger challenge, add a day and climb Bobotov Kuk (2522 m), Durmitor’s highest peak. It’s a full mountain day with plenty of elevation and some exposed sections—rewarded by some of the best views in all of Montenegro.
Day 8: Crno jezero
A relaxed day: a walk to Crno jezero.
Crno jezero (Black Lake) is one of Durmitor National Park’s signature sights. In fact it’s two connected glacial lakes—the Big and the Small—that merge into a single basin when water levels are high. At around 1416 m, it’s ringed by dense conifer forests and Durmitor peaks, which give it its characteristically dark hue.
The loop trail around the lake is easy and very pleasant—ideal for unwinding after the previous days. Despite its popularity, the place retains a calm feel.
Day 9: Durmitor and Lake Piva
We leave Durmitor on the lesser-known northern route, which runs at 1800 to 2000 meters in places. It’s one of the most scenic sections of the journey: wide high pastures, meadows alternating with rocky massifs, and sweeping views—with barely a trace of civilization.
Stop at Sušičko jezero: a seasonal lake that often dries up—still well worth a stop.
Continue on the R16 toward Lake Piva. This is where one of the most striking road trip stretches begins: hairpins, narrow passages, and views of turquoise water far below.
Then we switch to the M3, which runs along the Piva River. A series of tunnels carved straight into the rock follows, plus the crossing over the Mratinje Dam. At times it feels almost surreal and ranks among the most exciting drives in the Balkans.
We continue to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina—this is where our Montenegro road trip ends.
Trip overview
- Duration: 9 to 10 days
- Country: Montenegro
- Transport: Car
- Trip type: Road trip + hiking
- Dog-friendly: yes
- Main stops: Herceg Novi, Kotor, Lovćen, Budva, Ostrog, Podgorica, Andrijevica, Vusanje, Zla Kolata, Žabljak, Durmitor, Crno jezero, Lake Piva