Montenegro is a country of remarkable natural beauty, offering dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, and lush valleys. A scenic drive is one of the best ways to experience its stunning landscapes. Whether you’re after winding mountain roads, coastal views, or charming villages, Montenegro has a variety of routes that will leave you in awe.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through some of the best scenic drives in Montenegro, where to stop, and what to see along the way. Plus, we’ll show you how renting a car in Montenegro will make your road trip experience even more enjoyable.
Before we dive into the best scenic drives, let’s talk about why renting a car is the ideal way to explore Montenegro. While public transport is available, renting a car allows you to stop wherever you want, explore hidden gems, and take detours for spontaneous adventures.
With a rented car, you can enjoy your pace, taking time to soak in the views or following a planned route. Montenegro’s roads are generally in good condition, making driving comfortable and easy. Whether you’re venturing along the coast or heading up into the mountains, rent a car in Montenegro to experience the country at its best.
If you enjoy coastal views, this scenic drive will not disappoint. The road from Budva to Herceg Novi takes you along the sparkling Adriatic Sea, offering spectacular views of the coastline, the Bay of Kotor, and lush hillsides. As you drive, you’ll pass through charming seaside towns like Petrovac and the village of Sveti Stefan, known for its scenic island resort. You can stop for a swim or relax on the beaches, as the route offers several opportunities to enjoy the sun and sea.
Along the way, stop in Perast, a small town with an unforgettable view of the Our Lady of the Rocks island. The drive continues past beautiful spots like the Bay of Kotor, which is described as one of the most scenic bays in the world. This drive is perfect for anyone who wants to experience Montenegro’s dramatic coastline, enjoy sea views, and explore some of its most well-known coastal towns.
For those looking to immerse themselves in Montenegro’s natural beauty, a drive to Lovćen National Park is essential. This scenic route takes you through the heart of the country’s mountainous landscapes and is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Lovćen is one of Montenegro’s most iconic national parks, with dense forests, steep hills, and striking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. As you drive through the park, stop at the Njegoš Mausoleum, located at the summit of Mount Lovćen. The mausoleum is dedicated to Petar II Petrović Njegoš, a national hero and poet, and offers a panoramic view of the entire country.
The drive is narrow and winding in some areas, but the views are worth it. You can see the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Sea on clear days. Take your time to enjoy the journey to this stunning spot.
On the way, you can stop and explore Kolasin, a small town known for skiing in winter and serving as a gateway to the national park. Biogradska Gora is one of Europe’s last remaining rainforests and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. The road to the park takes you through rolling hills and lush greenery, offering plenty of opportunities for breathtaking views.
You can stop to explore Kolasin, a small town known for winter skiing and as a gateway to the national park. Once you reach Biogradska Gora, you can enjoy scenic walks around the park’s glacial lakes and deep forests. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the drive to Biogradska Gora is a must-do, as it leads to one of Montenegro’s most peaceful and pristine natural spots.
The drive from Cetinje to Njeguši offers a glimpse of Montenegro’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Starting in the historic town of Cetinje, which was once the capital of Montenegro, the drive will take you through traditional villages and charming old stone houses, with the rugged Lovćen Mountains towering above.
The road winds through hairpin bends, offering incredible views of the Bay of Kotor. Stop at Njeguši, a charming mountain village known for its delicious local cured ham (prosciutto) and cheese. Here, you can sample traditional Montenegrin delicacies and enjoy the town's tranquillity before heading to the top of Lovćen. This scenic drive is perfect for those who enjoy history, culture, and mountain views. It’s also a great way to learn more about Montenegro’s traditional lifestle and cuisine.
Skadar Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Balkans, and driving to it from Podgorica offers an unforgettable experience. As you make your way from the capital city, the route takes you through fertile plains, small villages, and rolling hills before arriving at the stunning lake.
Skadar Lake is famous for its wildlife, including various bird species, and offers great kayaking, boat tours, and wildlife watching. If you're interested in local history, the nearby town of Virpazar has historic landmarks, including the ruins of a medieval castle. The drive to Skadar Lake is peaceful, and the lake itself is incredibly serene, making it an ideal stop for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Montenegro.
If you’re seeking adventure and natural beauty, the drive to Tara River Canyon will take you through some of Montenegro’s most impressive landscapes. Tara River Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The road takes you through winding mountain paths, with plenty of photo opportunities.
The Tara River is famous for its crystal-clear waters, and visitors can enjoy activities like rafting and zip-lining in the canyon. If you love dramatic landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities, this drive will not disappoint.
This drive takes you along the Montenegrin coast, from the beautiful town of Tivat to Herceg Novi, passing through stunning seaside views and small coastal villages. Along the way, you can visit Porto Montenegro, a luxury marina perfect for dining and shopping.
The drive also passes through Igalo, a small coastal town known for its wellness resorts and beautiful beaches. The journey offers an excellent mix of natural beauty and coastal charm, making it ideal for a relaxed road trip.
If you’re looking for a road trip that combines mountain views and serene lakes, the drive through Plav and the Prokletije Mountains is a hidden gem. This drive takes you through Montenegro’s northern region, where you can enjoy scenic views of Lake Plav and the surrounding mountains.
Plav is a charming town with a mix of Ottoman and Montenegrin architecture, and the drive through the Prokletije Mountains is one of the most scenic in the country. This area is perfect for hiking, with many trails leading to beautiful viewpoints and waterfalls.
For those who want to explore beyond Montenegro’s borders, the drive from Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a beautiful journey that combines the best of Montenegro and its neighbouring country. This coastal route offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the opportunity to experience Montenegrin and Croatian coastal charm.
Along the way, you’ll pass through towns like Cavtat, famous for its medieval buildings and coastal beauty. The drive is relatively short but offers plenty of scenic views and photo opportunities, making it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the Adriatic coast.
A short but scenic drive, the road from Kotor to Perast offers incredible views of the Bay of Kotor. This route takes you along the bay’s edge, with panoramic vistas of the water and surrounding hills. Stop at several viewpoints to admire the bay's beauty, and once you reach Perast, you'll be rewarded with views of the Our Lady of the Rocks island.
Perast is a small town that feels like a step back in time, with its baroque architecture and peaceful atmosphere. This drive is perfect for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Bay of Kotor in a short amount of time.
Montenegro is a country that offers an incredible range of scenic drives, from rugged mountain routes to coastal roads that take you past charming towns and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed road trip or an adventure through stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone.
Rent a car today to make the most of your Montenegro road trip. Enjoy the freedom to explore scenic drives, winding mountain roads, and coastal views at your own pace. Book now and start your adventure!
