Just outside the Royal Capital of Cetinje, Lipa Cave is one of the largest cave systems in Montenegro and the first to open to tourists. Its tight passageways and voluminous ‘halls’ stretch for more than 2.5km underground, from the village of Lipa into the mountains along the Adriatic coast. Lipa’s impressive karst rock formations and cathedral ceilings make it one of Montenegro’s most important natural attractions.

Biogradska Gora is a forest and national park in the mountainous area of Bjelasica in north-eastern Montenegro. Protected as part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, Biogradska Gora is known for its primeval forests – one of the last three large virgin rainforests in Europe, in fact.

Surrounded by the rugged mountains of Komovi, at 1,443 metres above sea level, Bukumirsko Lake might not be Montenegro’s largest lake (it’s only 130 metres at its widest point), but it’s surely one of the most beautiful.

Part of Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon is one of the largest and deepest canyons not just in the Balkans countries, but in all of Europe. The most beautiful spot along the gorge is Đurđevića Bridge. Constructed in 1940 when Montenegro was part of Yugoslavia, it was the largest concrete arched bridge in Europe at the time.

At 250 metres above sea level on the Bay of Kotor, the tiny village of Gornji Stoliv is easy to miss. The village is home to the parish church of St. Elijah, one of the Nine Sacral Objects in Stoliv. Thanks to its unique bell tower, built in 1883, it is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the entire Boka.

Hidden away in the northeastern fringes of Kotor Old Town, the Church of St. Luke is one of the city’s oldest churches. Dating from 1195, this tiny and modest-looking Romanesque church hides a shimmering interior and an unexpected feature: Christian and Orthodox altars sitting side by side.

St. Tryphon Cathedral is an impressive sight sandwiched between Montenegro’s UNESCO-listed walled city of Kotor and the mountains behind it. Rebuilt several times between the 12th and 17th centuries, this remarkable church is known for its original Romanesque architecture and sacred treasures and as a religious and cultural cornerstone of this history-steeped old town.

A small pocket of stone houses with orange roofs squeezed between beaches, Budva Old Town is the historical part of Budva and the city’s most popular attraction. Behind its walls lies a dense network of houses and pathways, as well as some landmarks such as the Budva Citadel and multiple churches. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s history and scenery.

Once you move past the maybe overly grand aspirations of its name, the Montenegro Niagara Falls offer a picturesque place to visit outside of Podgorica. The clear turquoise water of the Cemi River flows over these falls into a tight gorge lined with a jumble of rippling rocks—a pretty waterfall without the clouds of mist and the deafening roar of its namesake.

Squeezed between the Adriatic and steep hillside surroundings covered in thick nature, Mogren Beach carves out a slim space for beachgoers in Budva. A sheer rocky outcrop separates the two halves of the beach, with just a playful wooden bridge through a tunnel linking the two. Sunbeds increasingly fill the limited real estate here, but there are still some spaces to spread out towels and relax.

The Horizont Café perched up high with one of the best views in the region. From this terrace, the entire Montenegrin landscape seems to unfold before your eyes—mountains stretching into the horizon and rolling hills below. It’s the perfect place to relax after exploring, especially as the sun starts to set, casting the town and the surrounding nature in a warm glow. Order a coffee or a glass of local wine, sit back, and enjoy the view—this is Montenegro at its most peaceful and beautiful.

One of the absolute best beaches and best places to visit in Montenegro has to be Žanjice Beach, located on the Lustica Peninsula. It’s not as crowded as some of the more famous spots like Sveti Stefan or Budva, which means you get a more serene, less touristy experience—but still with that crystal-clear Adriatic water you’re after.

This tiny, iconic islet connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway looks like something out of a movie. It’s the kind of place where, if you’re not careful, you’ll convince yourself you belong among the rich and famous guests who stay here.

This park is all about dramatic scenery and cultural significance. Perched on Mount Lovćen is the Njegoš Mausoleum, the resting place of Montenegro’s beloved ruler and poet, Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. Reaching it involves climbing 461 steps—sure, it’s a bit of a workout, but the 360-degree view from the top is pure magic. You can see all the way to the Adriatic on a clear day, and it’ll make you feel on top of the world.

Built high in the mountains, in the middle of nowhere, standing still in the cliffs from the 17 th century, looking like it defies gravity, shining white bright, there is Ostrog Monastery - the most important sacral object in Montenegro and region. Ostrog Monastery is the third most visited sacral place in the world, just after the Christ's Tomb and the Holy Mount.

Our Lady of the Rocks, an island with a story that feels like folklore come to life. Local sailors built this artificial island by dropping stones into the bay, and every year, they still toss rocks into the water to keep it alive. You can visit by boat, but the real magic is sitting on the shore, looking out at the island with its little church rising out of the water.

It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend a week hiking, rafting, skiing—depending on the season—and still only scratch the surface. The park is home to Montenegro’s tallest peaks, thick forests, and more crystal-clear glacial lakes than you can count. Black Lake is a stunner, with its ever-changing hues of emerald and sapphire and thick pine forests.

On the Montenegrin side, an area of 400 sq km has been protected by a national park since 1983; today, Skadar is renowned as one of Europe’s top bird habitats. It’s a blissfully pretty area encompassing steep mountains, island monasteries, clear waters, and floating meadows of water lilies.

This medieval beauty is what happens when ancient stone buildings, secret alleyways, and a splash of Venetian influence come together. The whole place is like a living, breathing museum—but one that smells of fresh bread and espresso.

The winding roads around the bay lead you to quaint villages, each with its own charm. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding. This entire area is hands down one of the most photogenic spots in the country, and you’ll be snapping pics like it’s your job.