🗺️ Montenegro 6 Days Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s the 6-day road trip itinerary we designed and followed during our adventure through the stunning landscapes of Montenegro

Day 1 – Arrival in Podgorica (Evening)

Arrive in Podgorica collect the rental car at the airport upon arrival and settle into your hotel. It saves time the next morning and gives you more flexibility. Most major rental providers operate from Podgorica Airport, so the process is usually quick and convenient. We personally used Discover Cars (Get €10 off on your first booking using my referral), and the experience was smooth and straightforward.

If you do pick up the car on arrival, make sure to check in advance whether your hotel offers on-site parking, as not all city accommodations have dedicated parking spaces.

If time allows, take a relaxed walk around the city centre, crossing the Millennium Bridge and heading up Gorica Hill for a quiet sunset view over the capital. Enjoy a simple local dinner and rest up for the road trip ahead.

Note: If you’re arriving in the morning or early afternoon, I’d recommend skipping Podgorica altogether - pick up your rental car at the airport and drive straight to Kotor or Budva to maximise your time experiencing the real beauty of Montenegro.

🛏️ Stay: Podgorica (1 night)

Day 2 – Budva, Sveti Stefan & Arrival in Kotor

Begin the day with a scenic drive to Budva (around 1 hour 20 minutes). Spend time exploring Budva’s charming Old Town, wandering through its narrow stone streets, and relaxing along the Adriatic beaches. Continue with a short drive to Sveti Stefan, where you can stroll along the pathways around the island, explore the surrounding areas, and enjoy the iconic postcard viewpoints of this famous resort. In the evening, head toward the Bay of Kotor and check into your accommodation in Kotor, ready to explore the bay the next day.

🛏️ Stay: Kotor (1 night)

Day 3 – Exploring the Bay of Kotor

Start the morning wandering through Kotor’s medieval Old Town before climbing up to the San Giovanni Fortress for breathtaking views over the bay. Access to the official city walls and fortress costs around €15 per person. However, there is an alternative hiking trail just outside the Old Town that you can use for free, offering beautiful views over Kotor Bay and a rewarding uphill walk. The views are stunning, though not quite as panoramic as those from the official city walls.

If you choose the free route, make sure to return the same way you entered  otherwise you may end up exiting through the paid section and be required to pay the €15 fee on your way down. Policies can change, but as of 2025, this alternative route was still free to access.

Later, drive to the elegant town of Perast and take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks island. In the afternoon, visit Tivat and stroll around Porto Montenegro’s luxury marina before returning to Kotor for a relaxed sunset by the waterfront.

🛏️ Stay: Kotor (2nd night)

Day 4 – Into the Mountains: Durmitor National Park

Leave the coast behind and drive inland toward Žabljak in Durmitor National Park (approximately 3.5–4 hours). The dramatic mountain scenery makes the journey part of the experience. In the afternoon, enjoy an easy and peaceful walk around Black Lake (Crno Jezero), surrounded by pine forests and towering peaks.

🛏️ Stay: Žabljak (1 night)

Day 5 – Tara Canyon & Kolašin

Visit the impressive Tara Bridge in the morning, where you can admire sweeping canyon views or even try the zipline. If time permits, explore more short trails within Durmitor before driving south to Kolašin (around 2 hours). Spend the evening unwinding in this peaceful mountain town, perhaps choosing a cozy guesthouse or spa hotel.

Day 6 – Biogradska Lake & Departure

Before heading back, visit Biogradska Lake, just 30 minutes from Kolašin, for a gentle morning walk around one of Montenegro’s most beautiful glacial lakes. Afterwards, drive to Podgorica Airport (around 1 hour 15 minutes), return your rental car, and prepare for your flight home.

🛏️ Overnight Stays:

Disclaimer: This itinerary reflects our firsthand travel experiences in Montenegro. Think of it as a flexible framework and feel free to tailor the journey to your specific timeline, budget, and personal preferences.