Top 5 Instagrammable Locations in Montenegro

From late May to early October, seems like there’s a gathering of travel bloggers, enthusiasts of aesthetic journeys, and seekers of diverse experiences here. Tourists come from everywhere, and it's no wonder – there are so many incredible reel-friendly locations! Authentic architecture, rugged mountain profiles, super yachts, boutique hotels, and tiny cafés overlooking the Adriatic Sea… Let's see which locations you can add to the itinerary of your dream trip to get a more complete impression of Montenegro.

1. KOTOR

The winding cobblestone streets of Kotor are always ready for a photoshoot. Medieval walls in the background add drama to the frames, while incredible views unfold from the slopes. Terracotta roofs, church domes, and the cathedral rise against the backdrop of "Europe's southernmost fjord". The perfect shapes and rich dark azure colour of the Bay of Kotor attract attention – and it's no wonder. It looks like an illustration of a half-forgotten fairy tale about fishermen and mermaids. Or about sailors and sirens?.. Behind the fortress walls of the old town, palaces of past wealthy residents, towers, and fountains have been preserved. And among them, cosy restaurants have appeared.

You can feel like a National Geographic photographer by climbing to the fortress of St. John, also known as the Illyrian Fort. It will take up to an hour. There are several options:

1. Through the official entrance, up the stairs. You won't have to climb 1,400 steps alone – there are lots of cats here. And even if someone gets tired halfway, they will be rewarded with every glimpse of the horizon from the intermediate viewpoints.
2. Along the secret path. At first, it looks like an inconspicuous goat path – indeed, goats can be found here. Orange trees and oleanders line the sides, and the altitude gradually increases. If you don't rush, you can immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and admire the beauty of the details.

Alternatively, you can drive along the Kotor Serpentine Road (P1). Along the way, there will be several viewpoints and a beautiful panoramic view – from Horizont Bar. 

2. PORTO MONTENEGRO

Porto Montenegro is the most prestigious marina in Montenegro, the first in the world to receive the 5 Gold Anchor Platinum status.* It is located in Tivat and looks like a separate fashionable town with boutiques, cafés, luxurious residences, and an instagrammable promenade: with palm trees and fountains. Everything seems so accurate and visually expensive.

You can enjoy this aesthetic from the shore or stroll along the Bay of Kotor on a yacht. This is also one of the 10 most beautiful fjords in Europe! The water here is calm, so the shots will be clear and vivid. There are routes for half a day and for 8 hours. The cost depends on the duration, number of participants, and yacht size. If you gather a group of 5–6 people, no one will believe how economical the price is. After all, the content will look dazzlingly beautiful, and the stories will seem breathtakingly exciting.

3. LOVĆEN NATIONAL PARK

Lovćen is the closest national park to the Montenegrin coast. It's a pleasant retreat after hot days at the beach. Due to its altitude, 1,700 meters above sea level, Lovćen is usually about 10°C cooler, and its lush forests provide enticing shade. Along the way, you can spot endemic plants, over 200 bird species, and the Balkan vole (they're not scary at all, though they resemble mice). While travelers are surrounded by palm trees, magnolias, and acacias below, at the top, there are spruces, firs, and beeches. With altitude, the landscape reveals its magnificence: the mountain range here is uneven, with many gorges and cracks. It's as if the sea waves froze – and no two are alike.

Visiting Montenegro without climbing Mount Lovćen is like not seeing the country at all. After all, this is the iconic Black Mountain! One of its peaks boasts the highest observation platform from which, on a cloudless day, 70% of the country's territory, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea are visible. It's also pleasant that most of the way can be covered by a car.

Here stands the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, who ruled in the 19th century, contributed to Montenegro's establishment as an independent secular state, and put his soul into every decision. His numerous verses and nationally conscious poems testify to this. Inspired reformer Petar Njegoš united state and church power, laid the foundation for local judicial and taxation systems, founded the first public elementary school, the first printing house, and published the Montenegrin alphabet.

The mausoleum is imbued with the spirit of these grand deeds, each of which seemed to accelerate time for the whole of Montenegro and create a better future. Visitors are awestruck by the monumentality of the atrium, stone sculptures at the entrance, dark-green marble, and gilded decorations inside.

4. SKADAR LAKE 

The next location recommended for those in love with new experiences and atmospheric content is Skadar Lake. It is the largest lake in Southern Europe, located near Budva. If your travel time falls from the end of May to the beginning of June, we suggest renting a kayak or canoe or taking a boat tour. The lake is surrounded by reeds, where curly pelicans, little cormorants, and herons hide. And water lilies bloom on the water.

The lake sparkles in the setting of the mountains on the Montenegrin-Albanian border like a precious stone. On the southern shores lie medieval monasteries, family vineyards, and small fishing villages. So, when all the rare birds take their place in the photo gallery, you can visit, for example, the picturesque town of Virpazar and satisfy your hunger with local delicacies. And once again capture Lake Skadar in your lens, but this time – from the shore.

5. DURMITOR NATIONAL PARK AND TARA CANYON

Durmitor is the most renowned reserve in Montenegro and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Glacial lakes, waterfalls, caves, and mountain peaks offer numerous captivating hiking trails. As part of the Dinaric Alps located in the north, the park ensures refreshing coolness even amid summer.

One can reach the national park from Budva, Tivat, Kotor, and other coastal cities on a bus tour. Alternatively, for the ultimate experience, rent a convertible and enhance your collection of Instagram-worthy road trip photos.

In Durmitor, the first must-see is the Tara River Canyon. It is the deepest natural canyon in Europe, second only to the Grand Canyon in the USA. With emerald hues in the shade and cyan under the sun, the waters of Tara rush past steep rocky cliffs and lush forests. You can admire them and capture thrilling videos from Montenegro's longest zip line.* The 1,050-meter descent lasts for 85 seconds. The zip line system, manufactured in Australia, can withstand a load of 7 tons (equivalent to one hypothetical elephant).

You can also take spectacular photographs in a more tranquil manner. For this, head to the Churevac Cliff. The ascent takes up to one and a half hours and can be accomplished with minimal physical fitness. From an altitude of 1,600 meters, you'll have a clear view of the canyon and its astounding surroundings.

Combining a seaside resort vacation with an adventurous exploration of the country is made easy with Join UP!™ We've already ensured that the journey and accommodation are comfortable, while the experiences are diverse.

MONTENEGRO WITH JOIN UP!™

1. 12 years of experience

Montenegro has been in the Join UP!™ portfolio since 2012. Every year, we send around 20,000 tourists to its resorts.

2. Extensive flight program

3. Hotel base

Solo hotels from Join UP!™, a huge selection of apartments, villas, and hotels at the most popular resorts in Montenegro.

4. Professional Partners

R-Tours is a three-time nominee of the World Travel Awards in the category of "Leading Tour Operator in Montenegro" since 2020. They are a strategic partner of the Ministry of Tourism of Montenegro, a Montenegrin Tourist Community (CTU) member, and the Tourist Agencies Community of Budva (UTA).

• With 29 years of successful operation, the company welcomes an average of 80,000 tourists from Europe and Asia per season.
• All guides-historians undergo six months of training and certification to acquaint travellers with the charms of Montenegro at the level of locals through masterclasses, yacht cruises, and visits to authentic shepherd and fishing villages.
• All employees are licensed by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism of Montenegro.

5. Unique Opportunities

• A full range of services: from individual transfers to a variety of excursion programs.
• Special additional option: sea transfer from Tivat to the Bay of Kotor.
• Tours range from 2 to 21 nights - for weekends, workations*, and vacations.