If you’re an avid reader of travel blogs, I’m pretty sure you’ve seen dozens of articles that claim a certain country is underrated. If you’re anything like me, you probably take this statement with a grain of salt by now. But you must trust me when I say that visiting Montenegro should definitely be at least within the top 3 on your list. There’s A LOT to see and too many things to do in Montenegro for any nature and adventure traveller!
Montenegro is overshadowed by its highly touristy neighbor Croatia. I’d be lying if I said the latter isn’t worth the hype. But, Montenegro definitely deserves a lot more recognition than it receives. It’s just too beautiful and would be a shame to miss out on visiting this amazing small country. The only downside to visiting Montenegro is that it’ll ruin any panoramic views you’ll ever see on future trips!
What Are Some Things To Do In Montenegro For Nature Travellers?
Montenegro is a small country that has something to offer to any type of traveller. But, those who are interested in nature and adventure are in for a treat. From epic hiking trails and jaw-dropping panoramic views, to white water rafting, and much more, there’s something for everyone. I’ve listed a few of my top picks on the list of things to do in Montenegro for nature travellers!
1. Hiking in Durmitor National Park
This national park should be high up on every hiker’s bucket list. Durmitor National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that suit everyone’s different level and appetite for adventure. Your options range from completing the very easy 1-hour Crno Jezero (Black Lake) hike, to conquering the majestic Bobotov Kuk peak at 2,522 meters. You’re certainly spoiled for choice.
The hike I enjoyed the most was the Prutaš (2393 m) trail. It is often called The King of Durmitor panoramas (for a good reason). The diversity of landscapes and the views along the way to the top are out of this world! It’s a 12.1km moderate to hard hike which starts and ends at the Planinska osmatračnica Sedlo, Dobri Do observation deck. Depending on your fitness level, you can stop at the plateau which gives you a panoramic view of the peaks of the surrounding mountains (as you can see in the feature image of this article). Alternatively, you can take a break then continue to the summit where you get a breathtaking view of the Škrka Lakes Valley.
Practical tips
- Pack the best windbreaker you own. The wind at the top is strong and very chilly, even in August when it’s boiling hot on the coast. Grab our practical Hiking Success Kit to help you pack for a safe and enjoyable hike!
- Arrive at the starting point early because the available parking spots fill up quick.
- Drive slowly and be extra cautious while driving. The road is very narrow and you cannot see incoming cars at sharp turns.
- You need to buy tickets for 5 EUR per person before you can start the hike. There will be someone to sell you the tickets as soon as you park. Don’t lose the ticket as you can still use it to access the Black Lake or any other spots in Durmitor.
2. Birdwatching in Lake Skadar
Being someone who enjoys wildlife photography and birdwatching, this was certainly one of the highlights of my trip to Montenegro! Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans. It spans an area up to 530 km square between Montenegro and Albania where it is commonly known as Shkodra Lake. However, the larger and more impressive part of the lake sits on the Montenegrin side.
The easiest way to access the lake is from a small town called Virpazar. In the center, the street is lined with stands of tour companies that offer a variety of activities on the lake. If you’re on a tight budget, you can opt for one of the standard boat tours. This typically costs around 15 EUR per person and offers a chance at spotting many bird species. But, I would advise you not to do this and suggest you skip it altogether. To be honest, this was probably my only disappointing experience in all of Montenegro.
Alternatively, if you’re a serious birdwatcher and want to improve your odds at seeing the near threatened Dalmatian Pelican, I highly recommend you choose a private birdwatching tour instead. It’ll cost you around 35 EUR per hour and, from personal experience, I would say it’s worth every penny! The tours usually start at sunrise which offers you better light and bird activity. The boat is much smaller. It can take you to places where the water is too shallow for a big boat to get to.
Moreover, we had an amazing tour guide who shared great insights about the bird species. She knew all the best spots to see the birds. The tour also went through the Morača river which was probably the highlight of the tour. Expect to see lots of cormorants, grebes, grey and purple herons, bitterns, egrets and more kingfishers than you can count. If you visit between April and June, you will very likely come across the European Bee-eater as well.
Other things you can do
- Kayaking is also an excellent way to enjoy the lake while you glide past lily pads.
- You can go biking through the villages on the shores of the lake. There are different trails to choose from depending your fitness and experience level.
- If you’re visiting in the summer, then you might also consider taking a dip in the lake. In fact, if you go on one of the typical boat tours, these usually stop for a 15-30 min swim before making their way back to Virpazar.
- If you’re into wine tasting, there are plenty of wineries in the area that you can visit.
3. Whitewater rafting at Tara Canyon
If you’re looking for an exhilarating adventure while you lay your eyes at some of the most stunning scenery in all of Europe, rafting at Tara Canyon is the answer. The Tara Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its deep gorges, turquoise waters, and lush forests. There are over 20 rapids ranging from class I (easy) to Class IV (advanced). Similarly, there are tours that meet everyone’s preferred level of an adrenaline spike. Tours can be anywhere from a half-day adventure to multi-day expeditions.
The tour we did started with a buffet breakfast before we received our neoprene suits and rafting equipment (including the mandatory helmets and life jackets). Afterwards, we were given a thorough briefing of rafting technique and what to expect during our trip. Next, we were transferred in jeeps across the border to Bosnia where the tour started. We spent a couple of hours on the river, interrupted by a break for drinks and snacks. Overall I would say it was so much fun and should definitely be on every nature and adventure traveller’s itinerary in Montenegro!
4. Wildlife spotting in Lovcen National Park
Besides the excellent hiking and breathtaking views, Lovcen National Park also provides rewarding wildlife spotting opportunities. Its mix of alpine meadows, dense forests, and rocky landscapes offer shelter and food for a range of animals.
You are likely to come across wild boar, roe deer, chamois, foxes, squirrels and rabbits. Similarly, the birding at Lovcen National Park is sure to turn up a long list of bird species. A few notable birds to be on the look-out for include: Eurasian Golden Oriole, Eurasian Hoopoe, Common Rock Thrush, Alpine Chough, as well as an array of woodpeckers and some birds of prey including the illusive Golden Eagle.
On the other end of the spectrum, it would be unlikely that you’ll see some of the Lovcen NP residents without the help of local guides. In the forested area of the national park, you could possibly come across the European Pine Marten. Another hard to find mammal is the Eurasian Badger. You’re more likely to see signs of their digging than the animal itself. Even much harder to find are the largest predator that lives in Montenegro, the Brown Bear, and the endangered and very rare Balkan Lynx. If you do get lucky and find any of these, I would love to see pictures!
5. Enjoy the sunrise at Crno Jezero (Black Lake)
Also part of Durmitor National Park, the Black Lake is the biggest of the park’s 18 glacial lakes. It’s only a 3km walk away from the center of Zabljak – where most visitors of Durmitor choose to stay. Its accessibility and beauty make it a very popular destination among tourists and locals. In fact, when searching for the best hikes in Durmitor National Park, you will very likely come across the walking path around Black Lake. But, to be honest, I wouldn’t really consider it a “hike”, especially when you see the dramatic mountain ranges Durmitor has to offer!
On the other hand, if you want to skip the crowds and enjoy an epic view of a glacial lake, then make sure you visit Crno Jezero for a sunrise. Bring your camera (and travel tripod) to capture the breathtaking scene in golden-hour light! The reflection of the mountain peak against the turquoise water is definitely worth waking up early for!
6. Enjoy the EPIC panoramic views
Trust me when I say that little Montenegro is a heaven for travellers chasing dramatic panoramic views! In fact, when driving around the country, you continuously come across road signs warning you about a panoramic view a few kilometers away. It feels like the road network was intentionally designed with the epic views in mind. At most viewpoints, you can easily park your car and enjoy the scenery.
List of some viewpoints we enjoyed
- FMR2+G22, Morinj, Montenegro: We stopped here when our jaw dropped soon after we entered Montenegro from Croatia along the E65 road.
- Slano jezero – Vidikovac: A very nice panoramic view of the Slansko Lake.
- Pavlova Strana: This is probably the most popular lookout in all of Montenegro as it gives you amazing views of Lake Skadar. However, if you’re driving your own vehicle, you can take the narrow and bumpy road from Meterizi to Rijeka Crnojevica which will arguably give you better views of the lake! Just be careful on that road and if you decide to park for some pictures, make sure other cars can pass through.
- Panorama Tivat Bay & Kotor Bay: If you’re someone who enjoys chasing sunsets, be sure to visit one of the many lookouts over Kotor Bay. The one I’ve linked, as well as the P1 road offer excellent views you’re sure to remember for years to come!
7. Relax on a not-very-touristy beach
This is easier said than done. Popular beach destinations such as Jaz Beach or Becici beach are often crowded. Others such as the Sveti Stefan beach are no longer free to access and would cost 25 EUR per person just for the entrance fee. However, based on the recommendation of our hotel staff, we visited Kamenovo Beach and had a pleasant day relaxing and sun-bathing.
The same guy also recommended we go all the way to Ulcinj which is very close to the border of Albania. Apparently, the only white sandy beaches in all of Montenegro can be found at Ulcinj. He recommended Long Beach but the drive there was almost two hours so we decided to skip it (until next time!)
8. Explore the impressive Lipa Cave
The natural wonders of Montenegro are not limited to what’s above the surface of the ground. The Lipa Cave offers you an incredible experience into over 2.5 km of underground passages and chambers. The cave formations are absolutely stunning with stalagmites of different sizes, some of which are several meters high!
The cave is easily accessible and even offers a ride on a small tourist train into the entrance of the cave. From there on, there are well-maintained walking trails that are illuminated for visitors to enjoy. The standard tour is a great choice for most visitors. You get to enjoy the main chambers of the cave over 60 minutes. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a thrilling experience, you could extend your tour with a spelunking adventure.
Final Thoughts On Things To Do In Montenegro For Nature Travellers
So there you have it, these were my top picks from Montenegro for anyone interested in nature and adventure travel. If these sights and activities have piqued your interest to visit the country, make sure you spend at least 7 full days! With proper time management, you’ll get the opportunity to check-off most, if not all, the top highlights. However, for a nicely paced trip, I would recommend you visit for 10 days.
Have you visited Montenegro? Share your experiences in the comments below!