Montenegro Road Trip: Kotor, Budva and Beyond
Montenegro Road Trip – The Bay of Kotor, Budva and Beyond
Montenegro is tiny. We’re talking smaller than Yorkshire, smaller than Los Angeles County. You could fit the whole country inside Croatia with room to spare. And yet, in this pocket-sized nation, you can drive from turquoise coastal waters to Europe’s deepest river canyon in just two hours. That’s not a road trip — that’s a magic trick.
This small Balkan country packs an extraordinary punch. Medieval walled towns cling to hillsides above azure bays. Gothic churches sit on tiny islands you can swim to. Northern mountains rise so sharply they look like someone drew them with a ruler. And every kilometre of driving here feels like a discovery.
Bay of Kotor – The Jewel of the Adriatic
The Bay of Kotor is the obvious starting point, and it doesn’t disappoint. The drive around the bay — and you really should drive around the full loop — passes through Kotor old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with labyrinthine streets, ancient churches, and walls that climb dramatically up the hillside behind the town.
Stop in Perast along the way. This tiny Baroque town has two islands in front of it — one natural, one artificial. The artificial island, Our Lady of the Rocks, has a church built from offerings from sailors. You can take a short boat ride out to it.
The bay road is winding but well-maintained. Take your time, stop at viewpoints, and let it all sink in.
Budva Riviera – Montenegro’s Party Coast
From Kotor, it’s about an hour’s drive south to Budva, Montenegro’s most famous resort town. The old town here is a fortified peninsula with narrow streets and a lively atmosphere — think Dubrovnik 30 years ago, before the cruise ships took over.
Just up the coast from Budva is Sveti Stefan, the iconic island hotel that looks like something from a James Bond film. You can’t drive onto the island itself (it’s private) but you can photograph it from the beach next door and enjoy a cocktail at the resort’s beach bar.
Jaz Beach, also near Budva, is one of the best in the country — a long sweep of sandy bay that’s popular with locals and visitors alike.
Durmitor National Park – Mountain Majesty
Now for something completely different. Drive two hours north from the coast into the Dinaric Alps and you’ll reach Durmitor National Park. This is a landscape of dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and some of the best hiking in the Balkans.
Black Lake (Crno Jezero) is the most accessible — a beautiful dark lake surrounded by forest with a short walking trail around its perimeter. For more adventurous hikers, there are challenging trails to summit Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak in Durmitor.
But perhaps the most spectacular drive in Montenegro is the road through the Tara River Canyon. At 1,300 metres deep, it’s the deepest river canyon in Europe — deeper than the Grand Canyon. The drive along the rim is absolutely breathtaking, and there are viewpoints where you can stop and just stare.
Lovćen National Park – History and Views
Between the coast and the mountains sits Lovćen National Park, centred on Mount Lovćen and the impressive Njegoš Mausoleum. This tomb of the Montenegrin poet-king Petar II Petrović Njegoš sits at the summit, and the views from here stretch all the way to the Adriatic Sea on a clear day. It’s one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the entire Balkans.
Crossing from Croatia
Most visitors enter Montenegro from Croatia, either at the border near Dubrovnik (about 30 minutes from the Dubrovnik old town to the border crossing) or further north near Metković. The Dubrovnik crossing is the most convenient if you’re already on the Croatian coast.
Border crossing is straightforward — EU citizens breeze through, others may need to show a passport. Allow 15-30 minutes for the crossing in summer.
Driving Tips
- Mountain roads: The roads in Durmitor and toward Lovćen are narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved. Take your time, drive slowly, and don’t be afraid to pull over to let locals pass.
- Petrol: Petrol is cheaper in Montenegro than in Croatia. Fill up here if you can.
- Tolls: There’s a toll on the Sozina Tunnel (about €4) which shortcuts the long way around the bay. Worth it for time, but you miss some scenery.
- Driving licence: EU licence is fine. Non-EU visitors need an IDP.
Rent a car through Montenegro car hire or Budva car hire to explore this incredible country properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor?
The drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor takes about 1.5-2 hours, including border crossing time. The border is about 30 minutes from Dubrovnik old town. The road along the Bay of Kotor to the old town adds another 30-45 minutes.
Do I need a car to explore Montenegro?
Yes, absolutely. Public transport in Montenegro is limited and unreliable. To see the Bay of Kotor, Budva, Durmitor, and Lovćen properly, you need your own vehicle. The distances aren’t huge, but the mountain roads require time and flexibility that buses simply can’t provide.
Is driving in Montenegro difficult?
The coastal roads (Kotor, Budva) are generally fine — well-maintained and not too challenging. The mountain roads in Durmitor and Lovćen are narrower and winding, requiring more caution. Take your time, don’t rush, and pull over to let faster drivers pass. Local drivers can be aggressive on mountain roads.
What’s the best time to visit Montenegro?
May-June or September-October are ideal. The coast is warm from May to October, but July-August brings crowds and high prices. The mountain regions (Durmitor) are best visited in summer (June-September) when roads are clear. Winter brings snow to the mountains and many attractions close.
