ostrog monastery day trip from kotor

How to Get from Podgorica or Kotor to Ostrog Monastery (with photos)

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Serbian Orthodox Ostrog Monastery is one of the most captivating sights in Montenegro and visually impressive monasteries in the world. The centuries-old complex is built into sheer cliffs, with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding plains. It is one of the most unique pilgrimage sites in the world and, without a doubt, one of the most interesting pilgrimages in Europe .

Doing a day trip from Podgorica to Ostrog Monastery by train is relatively easy, but many visitors, myself included, don’t actually stay in Podgorica. Coming from more popular Kotor (see my articles on the best things to do in Kotor and visiting Kotor with kids ) to Ostrog Monastery, you’ll have to travel via Podgorica, and I’ll tell you exactly how to do that below. The most important thing to know is that there are very few trains to Ostrog per day, so you need to time your visit carefully.

From Ostrog Station, it’s a 3-4 hour return hike to Ostrog Monastery, depending on how fast you walk. And that’s just the walking time. Once you factor in time to actually visit the monastery, you’ll probably need around five hours here . This can be shortened if you manage to get a ride to the top (I’ll cover that below).

The trail up to the monastery is an uphill slog. You’ll want to wear good shoes as the rocky trail is loose in sections and there are boulders to step over/around. In summer, it can be very hot, so bring lots of water and expect it to take a little longer.

You’ll pass smaller Ostrog Lower Monastery half way up, then reach the most famous section, Ostrog Upper Monastery, at the top. At the end, I’ll give very specific instructions with lots of photos to help you find the way on this hike.

For those looking for the easiest way to get there, taking an Ostrog Monastery tour from Kotor, Podgorica, Budva, or even Dubrovnik is best. I’ll recommend the best Ostrog Monastery tours below.

Table of Contents

Taking an Ostrog Monastery Tour

Tours to Ostrog Monastery provide the simplest means to getting to Ostrog Monastery from other destinations in Montenegro or even neighboring Croatia. The tours are reasonably priced, allow you to see other highlights of Montenegro on the same day, and remove any stress about missing one of those few trains back to the city.

Tours are also the best option for anyone who doesn’t want (or isn’t able) to do the hike to Ostrog Monastery from the Ostrog train station.

Ostrog Monastery Tours from Podgorica

For the best tour from Podgorica to Ostrog Monastery, this guided half-day tour on GetYourGuide includes Cijevna River views and a stop at Montenegro’s Niagara Waterfall.

You can find this similar tour on Viator .

If you’re looking for a cheaper way to simply get from Podgorica to Ostrog and back, this budget tour option is a fraction of the price, but doesn’t have any reviews yet at the time of writing.

Ostrog Monastery Tours from Kotor

This popular GetYourGuide Ostrog Monastery day tour from Kotor packs in a lot for a very reasonable price, including stunning views of Tara River (the deepest river canyon in Europe) and the mighty Durmitor Mountain massif.

Besides a visit to Ostrog Monastery, the final destination at the end of the day, you will get photo stops at Our Lady of the Rocks in beautiful Perast , Risan Bay, Salty Lake, Đurđevića Tara Bridge, Black Lake, and Žabljak, with options for hiking and more.

Considering that getting to Ostrog Monastery takes even longer from Kotor than Podgorica, and that the Ostrog Monastery tours from Kotor include even more sights, this day tour to Ostrog Monastery is a great deal, not to mention that it’s cheaper than the ones from Podgorica.

You can find a similar tour here on Viator .

Ostrog Monastery Tour from Budva

If you happen to be coming from Budva, the popular beach resort town in Montenegro, then you can try this Ostrog Monastery Tour from Budva .

Ostrog Monastery Tour from Dubrovnik

You can even make a day trip to Ostrog Monastery from Dubrovnik, Croatia by joining this full day tour . See my articles on places to visit in Croatia on a family holiday and how we visited Dubrovnik with our kids and avoided the crowds .

Renting a Car and Driving to Ostrog Monastery

If you are comfortable with renting a car, then driving from Kotor (2-2.5 hours) or Podgorica (1 hour) is feasible. The road from Kotor to Ostrog Monastery is notoriously winding but the scenery is reportedly spectacular. I would suggest you use this service to rent a car , as we used it in neighboring Croatia and had a great experience.

Getting from Kotor to Ostrog Monastery by Public Transportation

Why would you want to travel all the way to Ostrog Monastery from Kotor in one day by public transporation, especially when you get to see so much more on the tours? Well, there are many possible reasons. This is why I did it:

To begin with, taking the bus and train from Kotor to Ostrog Monastery is far cheaper. The bus from Kotor to Podgorica is €12 return, while the train from Podgorica to Ostrog costs a mere €3.60 return. That’s only €15.60 total, plus I spent another €15 on a one-way ride from Ostrog station to Ostrog Monastery (this is optional, see more on that below).

Second, some people (like me) simply prefer to be alone and enjoy the scenery in silence rather than talk to other people on a group tour.

Last but not least, it’s more of an adventure to get there on your own and find the way to the Ostrog Monastery by hiking from the tiny Ostrog train station, the traditional way that pilgrims arrived.

The only way you can do a Kotor to Ostrog Monastery day trip by public transportation and get back before dark is by departing from Kotor extremely early in the morning and traveling to Ostrog via the capital, Podgorica. If you don’t mind coming back to Kotor after dark, you can start your day trip later in the day (I’ll share the exact times below).

There’s no other reasonable way to do it without taking a tour or renting a car and driving on the more direct route through the mountains from Kotor.

When I went, I caught the bus from Kotor to Podgorica at 5:15 a.m. The bus departed from the Kotor Main Bus Station, which is a five-minute walk south of Kotor Old Town, where most hotels are located. It was totally dark when I walked there. The bus takes about 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Podgorica’s main bus and train station, where the train departs to Ostrog.

There were plenty of seats on the bus and I could have just bought my ticket upon boarding. However, for peace of mind, I always like to book my ticket in advance and print it off. I booked my Kotor to Podgorica bus ticket here on BuTicket4.me .

The reason you need to catch such an early bus is that there are very few trains from Podgorica to Ostrog per day. The only train that allowed me to visit Ostrog Monastery in one day and make it back to Kotor before sunset departed at 8:00 AM. Since my bus from Kotor arrived in Podgorica at 7:30, the timing was perfect, and I had enough time to buy my train ticket, breakfast, and coffee before getting on the train.

I’ll give a more detailed breakdown of the Podgorica to Ostrog train times in the section below.

When returning to Kotor, buses from Podgorica to Kotor depart regularly, with the latest one leaving just before 11 PM. I didn’t book mine in advance, and I had no issue getting on the next bus when I arrived, but the buses could be busier in high season or rush hours.

Getting from Podgorica to Ostrog Monastery by Public Transportation

Doing a day trip to Ostrog Monastery from Podgorica easy thanks to the comfortable and modern local train, which gets there is 46 minutes (€1.80) from the capital.

At the time of writing, the train from Podgorica to Ostrog departs at 8:00 AM, 12:55PM, 3:35 PM, 6:30 PM, and 9:45 PM. For the purposes of an Ostrog Monastery day trip, only the first departure really give you enough time (in summer the second one would be doable as well, but it would be tighter, so I still recommend trying to get the first one).

If you’re planning to return all the way to Kotor in the same day, the 8:00 AM train is the only one that will allow you to get back to Kotor before dark.

Double check the Ostrog train times at the time of your visit here on the Montenegro railway website .

Getting from Ostrog back to Podgorica

The return train times from Ostrog to Podgorica are 6:37 AM, 11:18 AM, 2:27 PM, 5:17 PM, and 8:17 PM (please double check in case these times have changed).

You need to check and consider the schedules carefully so that you don’t end up missing a train and having to wait at that tiny train station for a long time.

For example, I caught the 8:00 AM train to Ostrog, arriving at 8:46. I wanted to catch the 11:18 train back so that I could get back to Kotor before dinner (where my wife and kids were waiting for me). This gave me a mere 2 hours and 46 minutes to visit Ostrog, which is NOT enough time for most visitors.

The only reason I managed to achieve this was because I caught a ride from Ostrog train station to the Upper Monastery, visited it rather quickly, then walked quickly back down to the station. As a traveler, I tend to move fast.

I’ve had to reword this section, because some readers have pointed out that what I did seems physically impossible (read the comments at the end). Therefore, I need to emphasize that (1) you can’t guarantee on catching a ride up like I did (2) if you don’t get that ride, you will take around hours longer than I did to visit (if you are a very fast hiker, than maybe 1 hour longer than me).

Therefore, for most visitors, you should aim for that 2:27 PM train back to Podgorica. That will give you over 5 hours at Ostrog, which is plenty of time to trek up, visit at a leisurely pace, and walk back down.

If you take the 12:55 PM train from Podgorica to Ostrog, you can aim for the 5:17 PM train. That gives you over 4 hours to visit Ostrog Monastery, which should also be fine, but you’ll want to move a little more quickly to make sure.

Getting to Ostrog Monastery from Ostrog Train Station

Ostrog train station is a tiny station in the middle of nowhere. There are no shops, people, houses, or anything. There’s only a small building on site, which was closed when I went there.

When you arrive you will only have two options to reach Ostrog Monastery: pay for a ride (maybe) or hike there.

Taking a Taxi from Ostrog Station to Ostrog Monastery

An unofficial taxi (in other words, a random local guy in a car) is sometimes waiting in the parking lot at Ostrog station to take visitors up to the monastery for a fee. You can’t totally depend on this option, though, as some readers have told me there were no cars in sight when they arrived.

If you want to go by taxi, then one reader of this post has recommended going to the next stop after Ostrog, but another reader tried it and didn’t find any. So personally, I would say just stick with Ostrog station. Then you can at least hike up if there’s no taxi.

For my visit, sure enough, when I arrived at the station, the guy was there waiting there in the little parking lot!

The driver didn’t speak a single word of English, so it was tough to communicate. He wanted €15 for the ride. I didn’t understand if that meant for one-way or return. I only wanted one-way because I wanted to hike back, so I tried to offer him less. We hit a communication wall, so I just paid the €15 and made it clear at the end that I didn’t need the ride back. So if you don’t want to face this issue, I would recommend having a local write out some key phrases about what exactly you want before you get there.

The drive from the train station to Ostrog Monastery took 20 minutes, which was longer than I expected – the road going up is winding and not very direct. Still, I was happy for it, because it shaved 1-2 hours of uphill hiking off my visiting time.

Final Thoughts for your Day Trip to Ostrog Monastery

Ostrog Monastery is one of the most fascinating sights in the Balkans, and must-do for any visit to Montenegro. Doing a day trip to Ostrog Monastery from Kotor or Podgorica is simple, but it is important to plan your timing properly, and know how to hike to Ostrog Monastery once you get there.

I hope this article has helped, and please let me know in the comments if you found any issues with my instructions, how you enjoyed your visit, or if anything has changed.

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14 thoughts on “How to Get from Podgorica or Kotor to Ostrog Monastery (with photos)”

the hiking up to Ostrog Monestry is very interesting.thank you..

such a useful blog post thank you!!

Thanks for reading!

Thank you for this article!

We are French in travel in Montenegro and your article help us for reach (today) the monastery and go back by walk to the train station ! Little tips : if you want to go with taxi, it’s better to stop on the next train station. There are more taxi, it’s less far and cost between 5 and 10€.

Oh, thanks for that very good tip. I will update the article with that information!

bonjour, c’est quelle gare la plus proche? merci

Great article, with a lot of details

Thanks Nick for the fantastically detailed write up. It will surely help a lot of fellow travellers. Now, if this can help anybody…. 1. No way it is a 1hr walk unless you are a super-human tri-athlete. We are ok walkers and it took two hours to the very top. 2. In fact it would be safe to double all Nick’s timings. 3. We went on a hot July day and consumed 2-3L of water and were head to toe drenched in sweat. 4. Due to extra time going up, and extra time looking at churches etc, we missed our train back and had to wait 1.5hrs for the last train back. 5. No sign of taxi at any point of the journey (trust me, we were looking!). Not at Ostrog Station. Not on the way up or the way down. And not at the Monastery. 6. We tried hitching and asking for a lift down. No luck in about 1hr trying. Most cars were families with kids in the back. 7. In summary – I wouldn’t do this walk again. It was tough, and the logistics of the train journey are awkward.

Thanks a lot for your feedback. Comments like this help me to make sure my content is accurate. I kept very precise notes for this article. As I said in the post, I managed to find a taxi up (And I do mention that the taxi is not always there, but I’ll add an additional warning about this), but I estimated it as a one hour hike up based on hiking down that trail. After seeing your comment that it takes double that amount of time, I’ve browsed some other people’s experiences. Another blog says 1.5 hours up, and yet another says “just over one hour up and just under one hour back down”. GoogleMaps also puts it at 1 hour’s walking time going up. I walk fairly quickly, but I’m definitely no super-human tri-athlete. I was there in fall rather than summer, so that may have helped as well.

Super helpful blog to get to the monastery, such a great hike! It took 1 hour and 45 minutes up on a very hot day. Thanks Nick!

Thanks for letting us know!

Thankyou so much for your directions up to Ostrog Upper Monastery, Nick: they were absolutely spot-on.

As a couple of fellow travellers have said in their comments, you’d have to be super human to get up there and back to the train station in 3 hours (excluding the visit to both monasteries). Maybe you are.

However, realistically, as someone else wrote, you should double the timings for most walkers to factor in those who are not very fit and those who are fit but significantly older than you. My wife and I hiked up there yesterday February 26th and are very strong walkers despite being 63. The walk up was very taxing due almost entirely to the terrain: the path is completely laden with large and small rocks and sometimes it was difficult to navigate the path even while wearing sturdy walking boots. Thankfully, it wasn’t in the heat of summer which would have made for a more uncomfortable walk. The walk down took us an hour or so less but was really difficult because of the terrain now being navigated at quite an angle of decline in some parts, trying to place your feet on rocks that would not give you a sprained ankle of worse if you got it wrong.

That said, it was a really lovely day with some nice green space to have a rest and a little picnic on the way up. The Lower Monastery was lovely, but of course the real allure is the whitewashed Upper Monastery and the views of the valley down below. Great photo opportunities.

We’re really glad we did it and visited the most famous religious site in Montenegro. The very long walk up and down was well worth it. We arrived at the station at 8.50am and can say that the 2.20pm train back into Podgorica would’ve been a real rush even if we’d managed to get a taxi from the Upper Monastery down to the station. As it was, the 5.15 train was much more suitable as we had a leisurely hour-long wait for it accompanied by beautiful views of the valley below us.

Thanks again for the time taken to write this excellent and informative blog, Nick, … and yes you CAN see the Upper Monastery from Ostrog Station .

Thank you so much for the feedback. It helps a lot. I will update my article based on what you and others have said!

Thank you for this helpful blog. In Podgorica I got onto the wrong train, but then I took a taxi to the lower monastery. From there I started the hike back to the train station and up again to the upper monastery.

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The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Ostrog Monastery

Posted by Kyla Hunter | Sep 25, 2019 | Montenegro | 0 |

Ostrog Monastery is a beautiful monastery built into the mountainside way up near the top of the mountain. It reminded me a bit of Tiger’s Next Monastery (Bhutan), but on a smaller scale and without the 4 hour hike to get there. It’s an incredible engineering feat, especially considering it was built in the 17 th century!

The Monastery belongs to the the Serbian Orthodox Church and is still an active place of worship and pilgrimage today. I read that anywhere from 100,000 to 1 million pilgrims and visitors come to Ostrog each year. I couldn’t find verification on this number, but I can’t imaging 1 million people driving the winding road up to the monastery and back, so I’m inclined to believe that closer to 100,000 is more accurate. Either way, whenever you visit, know you won’t be alone!

Throughout this post you’ll find some “expert tips”, things we learned during our visit that we wish we would’ve known ahead of time, as well as “kid tips” for those of you traveling with kiddos.

The History of Ostrog Monastery and St Basil of Ostrog

Ostrog Monastery is dedicated to it’s founder, Vasilije the Metropolitan Bishop of Herzigovina. He started building the Monastery with three caves already present in the rock face. The first the church Vavadenja, the second was for storage and sleeping quarters for guests, and the third was a small chapel to keep religious artifacts. He continued to build and expand beyond these three caves throughout his life. He died at the Monastery in 1671 and was buried at the Lower Monastery.

Seven years later, in 1768, the Abbot of nearby St Luke Monastery had a vivid dream commanding him to go to Ostrog and open the grave. After the dream recurred three times, he finally decided to listen. Upon opening the grave, he found Vasilije’s body perfectly intact and smelling of basil. Vsilijje was taken the Church of Presentation, in the Upper Monastery, and was eventually anointed St. Basil. His body remains in this location today.

Present Day Monastery

The Upper Monastery was rebuilt between 1923 and 1926 after a fire destroyed most of it. Two cave churches were spared in the fire and now serve as the main areas of the Monastery. They both have incredible frescos that have remained largely intact over the past few centuries, which is quite impressive considering they were painted directly on the stone walls.

The Lower Monastery was built in 1824 and is centered around the Church of the Holy Trinity. To be honest, we didn’t actually visit, so I can’t offer a lot of advice or information. If you’re spending the night, the (paid) dorm rooms are located just up the road from the Lower Monastery.

*expert tip – There’s a great view from a few of the switchbacks on the road to the Upper Monastery. If you’re driving, make sure you pull all the way over for the view so you’re not obstructing traffic!

Visiting Ostrog Monastery

The parking for the Upper Monastery is only 10km off the main highway, but the road is quite winding and narrow. Most places are wide enough for 2 vehicles to pass one another, but there are many blind corners that require everyone to slow down to stay safe. The road above the Lower Monastery has too many narrow switch-backs for buses, so at least there’s no risk of running into a bus along the way. It’s a SLOW drive, so give yourself more time than you might think is needed.

If you’re scared of heights (like me), prepare yourself in advance…the road’s cut into the side of the mountain just like the monastery. It feels like you’re driving right along the edge of a cliff, which you basically are! Thankfully there are guard-rails the whole way. These made me feel a tiny bit better, but my stomach was still flip-flopping nervously most of the drive.

*kid tip – If you’re traveling with little ones (or have a disabled parking permit) you should be able to drive all the way up to the Monastery. You may have to persuade the guard that it’s necessary (we did see people with strollers walking from the lower parking lot), but with some convincing it should be possible. 

*expert tip –  When you enter the parking lot, drive around the stone building to your right. There’s an “upper” parking area that’s well shaded and right beside the entrance to the walking path, so it’ll save you a few steps.

Once you make it to the parking lot you’ll be able to relax and breathe a bit easier (at least until the drive down)! It’s only a few hundred meters (and many hundreds of steps) up the path between the parking lot and the monastery, thankfully all in the shade. Some of the stones are a bit slippery so watch where you’re stepping! There was another tourist walking up behind us who slipped and fell quite hard only a few stairs up. She was okay, other than her pride, but it definitely made us all a bit more conscious of where we were stepping.

It’s not uncommon to see pilgrims walking barefoot from the Lower Monastery to the Upper Monastery. It’s a significantly further uphill climb compared to the parking lot (about 3km), and not one I’d be in a hurry to do. I guess the benefit to bare feet is more traction on the rocks. Some even do it on their knees, although we didn’t experience that during our visit.

Once you arrive at the gate, take a moment to marvel at the beauty of the Monastery (and catch your breath after all those stairs!).

The rock stairs between the parking lot and the monastery.

*expert tip – Bathrooms are located at the end of the parking lot (we didn’t use them, so I’m not sure what condition they’re in. I suggest bringing your own toilet paper just in case). Turn left as soon as you get to the top of the stairs and you’ll see a “WC” sign pointing you in the right direction.

*expert tip – There are water fountains to the left of the entrance gate. This is potable water and is great if your husband accidentally thought the ancient-looking water pump at the beginning of the walking path works and dumped out your water bottle before you’d barely began the climb!

We arrived just after 6pm on a random Wednesday in August, and there was some kind of prayer service happening. A couple monks were standing on a covered platform changing and praying. Around the courtyard a wide variety of people stood listening to the haunting sounds. It created quite a somber mood that brought so much more meaning to the experience. Sure, it’s a beautiful place for tourists to come take pictures (like us!), but it’s also an incredibly important religious site where pilgrims bring their burdens, pray and find some relief from their suffering.

The Church Of The Presentation

We listened to the liturgy for a while, then noticed that some people were still entering the church so we decided to follow along and visit while there weren’t as many people. As we walked up the stairs and along a pathway, I thought it odd that the entire path was covered by bit blue umbrellas. Randy started explaining to the girls that the umbrellas kept the sun off the people standing in line to get into The Church Of The Presentation during the day. (totally didn’t click for me!)

This church is home to the relics of St Basil and is the main site in the Monastery. It’s not uncommon for there to be a large line, especially in the busy summer months and during the weekend. It can also get quite busy in May when pilgrims come to celebrate St Basil of Ostrog Feast Day. St Basil died on April 29 th (Orthodox calendar) which translates to May 12 th in our present-day Gregorian calendar. This day marks a huge celebration at Ostrog Monastery, which often continues throughout the month of May.

Outside the entrance of the church, just to the left, there’s a basket where pilgrims can leave a gift. It’s customary for people to bring clothes, food or blankets for the monks to keep as needed or distribute to the poor. Since we were traveling we didn’t bring anything with us to donate, but I’d read that cash works just fine too! (although you shouldn’t leave cash in the basket, put it in one of the many donation boxes found throughout the Monastery).

As we entered the church, my first thought was that it was quite small and dark. Calais marched her way up to the front and a Monk practically shoved a cross in her face (he did it nicely, but he definitely pushed it in front of her in a way that made the intention clear!). I quickly told her to kiss the cross, which she did. The monk then motioned for me to lift her up…so I did and then I told her to kiss the photo in front of her (not sure if she was supposed to or not, but it felt like that was the thing to do). Once I put her down I told her to cross herself and move out of the way…I had to repeat it all over again with Kacela!

Once Randy and I also had a turn, and I fished out a few euros to put in the donation box, then took a hurried moment to admire the frescoes on the walls. I wish I would’ve taken the time to look at the walls BEFORE we went to the monk. After we finished I just wanted to high-tail it out of there because I was sure we did something wrong and felt a bit like a fraud. There wasn’t anyone ahead of us to copy so we just made it up on the fly, although I’m sure they’re used to tourists not knowing what to do.

*expert tip – It IS customary to kiss the cross, and if it’s not busy you can kiss or touch your forehead to the photo of St Basil as well. If it’s busy, make sure you admire the room before you get to the relics, because once you’re done a monk will be waiting to usher you out so the next person can have a turn.

The Church Of The Holy Cross

After leaving the Church Of The Presentation we made our way inside and up a few sets of stairs to the highest floor of the Monastery. The Church Of The Holy Cross is found at the top of the stairs and to the right. The frescoes on the walls are beautiful, and quite well preserved, especially considering the rest of the Monastery (other than the Church Of The Presentation) was burnt in a fire.

This small church was much more low-key and we were able to take the time to properly admire the paintings on the walls. No one else was in the church with us, other than the Monk who quietly read in the corner and ignored us. I imagine the frescoes in here were similar to the ones I wasn’t able to properly see in the Church Of The Presentation.

Outside this church there are a number of tiled murals on the walls. The few people who were lingering were taking photos, despite the no photo sign on the entrance. They were in plain view of the Monk, and he wasn’t saying anything, so I also snapped a few pics with the girls (who both scolded me for breaking the rules).

The View & The Vine

The best part of the Monastery, aside from the religious significance and incredible engineering, is the spectacular view over the valley below. It’s beautiful from the entire complex but seemed to have a special charm from the highest floor. Perhaps, it’s because you can see where the stark white wall seamlessly joins the cliff face above it, making me feel like I was part of the mountainside, if only for a moment.  Or maybe it’s just because I knew I was that much higher so my brain subconsciously thought it was better. Either way…it’s a pretty incredible view!

At the far end of highest balcony, opposite the church, there’s a vine growing out of the mountain. The locals consider this a miracle as nothing should be able to grow out of pure stone. They named it, aptly, the Miracle Vine.

Ostrog Monastery Traditions

Blessing tokens.

Pilgrims travel to Ostrog Monastery for healing, both physical and spiritual. There are many documented miracles, even today, of people being healed here. Visitors will often take with them a token (holy water, candles, souvenir tokens) to touch friends and family unable to make the journey, so they’ll also be blessed by St Basil. There’s a small gift shop at the bottom of the stairs in the white building, and another between the prayer rooms in the building with the arches.

Lighting Candles

As with many religions, lighting candles to pray for the living or dead is important. After purchasing candles from the kiosk (which may have a long line, so queue up and be patient!) you can enter one of the prayer rooms located on either side of the kiosk in the arch-building. Each room has two high troughs on either side, and a lower trough in the middle at the back. As with most Orthodox churches, one side will be to pray for the living and the other will be for the dead.

*expert tip – Candles are available in all shapes and sizes. The smallest ones start at 10 euro cents per candle and increase in value from there.

After praying on the “dead” side at the Cetinje Monastery a few days earlier (a lovely local corrected the girls and helped them move to the other side because she thought that was more appropriate for the children), we opted for the middle! This had the added bonus of being lower and easier for the girls to reach too. They’d also both decided to buy 10 candles, which they had to light one at a time, so I knew we were going to be there for awhile!

The custom is to kiss the candle, light it with one of the candles already in the stand, then set it into the sand (in the water) while saying the prayer.

*kid tip – Try to find a place where the sand is deep, it’ll be easier for the kids to get the candles to stand up straight. And try to discourage them from buying 10 candles…2-3 is likely enough!

Useful Things To Know Before Visiting Ostrog Monastery

This is an active Monastery so respectfully dress is required. Both males and females should have their shoulders and knees covered, and women should refrain from showing excessive cleavage. You’ll see many women with their heads covered, but this isn’t necessary.

*expert tip – There isn’t a change room at the top, so make sure to change in the car in the parking lot.

How To Get To Ostrog Monastery

The easiest way to get to the Monastery is by renting a car and driving yourself and is reasonably done from either Kotor or Podgorica as a day-trip.

Driving From Kotor to Ostrog Monastery

The highway is excellent from Kotor to Ostrog Monastery, at least until you turn off the highway at Bogetici. As you leave Kotor you’ll wind around the bay before you start climbing up the mountain. Make sure to leave a few minutes to stop and take in the spectacular view of Kotor Bay from the pullouts along the side of the road.

The drive from Kotor first takes you west (around the bay), then North, then East to Niksic, and then South. You’ll definitely feel like you’re going the round-about way, but that’s what happens in this mountainous country.

Alternatively, you could drive the Serpentine road to Lovcen, then to Cetinje and finally via Podgorica. If you’re doing a day trip from Kotor I’d suggest to go this way initially and return via Niksic. You could also include a stop at Njegos Mausoleum in Lovcen and the National Museums in Cetinje along the way. (Total drive time is approximately 2 hours either way, although the Serpentine road to Lovcen is unpredictable as it’s very narrow and occasionally gets clogged up with tour buses)

How To Get From Podgorica To Ostrog Monastery

The drive from Podgorica to Ostrog Monastery is much simpler than from Kotor and should take less than an hour. Just head straight up the Niksic Highway to Bogetici. You can turn off at Danilovgrad and take the secondary highway as well. We considered this (it actually looks to be a straighter road than that from Bogetici), but had enough white-knuckle, single-lane driving so decided the shorter route was the better option.

Best Time To Visit The Monastery

Ostrog Monastery opens every morning at 6am, however the closing time seems to be up in the air. Everywhere I looked it appears that the Monastery closes at 5pm in the summer (May to September) and 4pm in the winter (October to April). However, we arrived around 6pm and saw plenty of people still driving down the mountain around 8-8:30pm. To be on the safe side I’d plan to show up before the posted closing hour.

I’d suggest visiting closer to closing hour as the light in the evening is incredible and it’s going to be less busy. Also, the Monastery is lit up beautifully at night and would be worth seeing. If you’re not spending the night you’ll have to drive down the curvy road in the dark, but there shouldn’t be any vehicles coming up it to worry about.

Spending The Night at Ostrog Monastery

The Monastery is well set up to accommodate overnight guests, and has been doing so since it was founded in the seventeenth century.

The most comfortable option is the 8-10 person dorm rooms, segregated by male and female, near the Lower Monastery. These cost 5 Euro per person and there’s parking space available in front of the building.

The Upper Monastery has two options, both of which are free. There’s the large (sleeps more than a hundred) triple-bunk dorm room, or blankets available to sleep in the courtyard. You’ll also need to bring your own pillow if you’re sleeping outside, and pack some food for dinner and breakfast as no meals are provided.

We initially thought of spending the night and sleeping in the courtyard, and the girls were pretty excited about it. However, when we arrived and realized that the courtyard is concrete stones, and the blankets available are thin (so we’d need a lot to just be comfortable) we decided against it.

No matter where you sleep, wake-up call is at 5:30am.

Where To Stay Near Ostrog Monastery

There are a few great options near the Monastery to spend the night.

We ate dinner and slept at Koliba. It’s most of the way down the switch-backs, but still high enough to have an excellent view over the valley. You can see part of the monastery from the restaurant, but sadly it’s not a great view.

There are lovely two-bedroom cabins available that fit up to 6 people and have a private bathroom. The other option is a twin room (2 single beds) with a shared bathroom. Some of these have air conditioning and some don’t. I’d recommend the rooms with A/C!

We didn’t have A/C, and kept our window open all night. It cooled the room down nicely but Kacela ended up with a number of mosquito bites on her back. Randy & Calais ended up closing their window because Calais was freaking out over the mosquitos, so they sweltered for the night. I think the A/C would’ve been a better option (but wasn’t available since we showed up at dinner and booked a last-minute room). All rooms include a cooked to order breakfast.

Cost: 13.50Euro/person for basic twin room with shared bathroom (including breakfast), kids ages 7-12 pay 70% of the adult price. A/C was an additional few euros per person.

Check the prices for the cabins on Booking.com .

Hotel Sokoline

This hotel comes highly recommended and has a great view of the monastery. It’s found on the “new highway” towards Danilovgrad. The prices were a bit out of our budget, but if you’re looking for something a bit more comfortable than a twin room with shared bathroom, this is your place!

Book your room at Sokoline, or check out the best prices .

There are a number of private cottages available to rent in the mountainside around Ostrog. If you’re planning on spending a few days, or are traveling with a family, these may be your best option.

The best ones (and closest to Ostrog) are Cozy Bungalow , Cozy House Ostrog and Village House Vrelo .

Where To Eat Near Ostrog Monastery

There are a number of small café-style restaurants right beside the Lower Monastery. They were all closed up when we were leaving around 7pm, so don’t count on them if you’re leaving late. We preferred to get further down the switchbacks before it got dark, so opted to eat at Koliba. The view is fantastic and the food was quite good and reasonably priced. This seems to be a popular place for people to stop in for breakfast after an early morning visit to the Monastery.

Bogetici also has a few more café and restaurant options close to the highway.

If you’re heading to Montenegro, make sure to add Ostrog to your list! And don’t forget to PIN ME for later 🙂

(This post may contain affiliate links, for which we earn a small commission at no additional expense to you. You can read our affiliate policy here .)

About The Author

Kyla Hunter

I am a wife, mother and professional schemer! I love planning travel...and of course, actually traveling with my family. My favourite experiences tend to happen off the beaten path, and I'd love to show you that it's possible to travel everywhere with your kids!

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Guide to Visiting Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro

BY SARAH PAVLOVIC  

Built into a sheer cliff, Ostrog Monastery is one of the most beautiful and revered holy sites in Montenegro. 

Ostrog Monastery is one of the most revered religious sites in all of the former Yugoslav states. It’s visited by up to a million tourists and pilgrims every year. It’s also revered and visited by Orthodox Christians, Roman Catholics and Muslims.

We took a trip up here in June and it was the perfect weather to see this marvel of human dedication and engineering. The sun was shining, the flowers were blooming and we enjoyed the mountain air.

From afar, Ostrog looks like it defies gravity. It’s built right into a sheer cliff face way above the plains below. You can see the white of the building shining like a beacon against the dark rock from miles away.

There are two parts to the monastery: the upper and lower monasteries. We parked at the lower monastery and followed a lovely path through the woods for about 45 minutes to the upper monastery. If it’s hot or you’re not up for the hike, you can park further up, but there’s still a 10 minute walk to the top. If you have elderly or disabled people with you who can’t walk the last part, you can drive to the upper monastery (the part in the cliff that is the main attraction).

Although Ostrog Monastery is a tourist attraction, it’s very much a place of worship and has a sombre air. The hushed tone of the place is perfect for allowing you to appreciate the views over the plains and the dedication it must have taken to construct this church in the side of a cliff.

The Foundation of Ostrog Monastery

Ostrog Monastery was founded by St Basil, or Vasilije as he’s known here (28.12.1610 – 29.04.1671), the Metropolitan Bishop of Herzegovina, who was later to become St Basil of Ostrog Monastery. 

The Life of St Basil

St Basil was born 28th December 1610 in Herzegovina which was then part of the muslim Turkish Ottoman Empire. He was born Stojan Petrovic Stojanovic Jovanovic to parents Petar and Ana. Fearing for his safety, his parents entrusted him to his uncle Seraphim in Zavala Monastery.

Later, his uncle sent him to a monastery in Trebinje (now Bosnia and Herzegovina) to further his studies. He lived an ascetic life and years later, he reluctantly accepted the position of Bishop of Zahumlje and Skenderija. He lived at Tvrdosh Monastery, but when the Turks attacked and  destroyed it, he moved to Ostrog in Montenegro.

Building the Monastery

St Basil started with three caves in the rock face. He decided to build the Church of the Presentation in the first cave, a bedroom for guests in the second cave and a chapel which would house religious artefacts in the third cave.

There was already a church below the monastery so he also added a house for monks and wheat milling here.

The Glorification of St Basil

St Basil continued expanding the monastery throughout his life until he died there in 1671 at the age of 61. In 1678, seven years after his death, the abbot of St Luke Monastery nearby had a dream about St Basil. In it, he ordered him to go to Ostrog and open his grave. Initially the abbot ignored the dream, but it plagued him and after dreaming the dream for the third time, he told the monastery about it and went to Ostrog.

When they got there, they fasted and prayed for seven days. On the seventh day, they opened the grave.

St Basil’s body was perfectly preserved and smelled of basil. So they took it to the upper monastery, to the Church of the Presentation, which is where it still lies to this day.  

Historical Events at the Monastery

The site of Ostrog and St Basil’s relics have had to be defended many times in the last 300 years.

In 1714, the monks buried the relics below the monastery, near the Zeta river to protect them from Turkish Numan-Pasha Chuprilic. The river flooded but luckily the relics were spared.

In 1852 the relics had to be moved a gain. The Turkish commander Omar Pasha attacked the monastery and the siege lasted nine days. The monastery was defended by just 30 Montenegrins, led by Duke Mirko Petrovic. After they successfully defended the monastery, they moved the relics to Cetinje where they stayed in the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin until the spring of 1853.

They were taken back to Cetinje for a year from 1877 to 1878. Finally, the relics were moved to a small cave behind the monastery during the Second World War, but the monastery was never damaged by German bombs.

What to See

The lower monastery.

The lower monastery centres around the Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1824.

This is also where most of the monastic residences are and the konak , where pilgrims can find a bunk for the night.

You can park here and walk up to the upper monastery, or you can continue further and park in the parking lot closer to the upper monastery.

The Upper monastery

The upper monastery is a 3km / 2 mile walk uphill from the lower monastery.

A fire destroyed much of the monastery and it was renovated between 1923 and 1926. Two churches in the caves survived and they’re now the main areas of the monastery. 

The Church of the Presentation

The frescoes here were painted at the end of the 17th Century. This is where St Basil’s relics are. You can visit and offer a prayer to his relics. There’s often a queue to enter, particularly in summer and on weekends, but the monks of the monastery usher people in and out very quickly so it doesn’t take long.

You’ll be ushered into a very small room where the relics are watched over by a monk. You can pass by the relics and kiss the cross if you wish, then you’ll be ushered back out again. It’s common here to see people out of the room backwards, but you don’t need to feel obliged to do this. It’s a new practice and is considered by many locals to be unnecessary.

Local's Tip:  It’s traditional to bring offerings of food, blankets, clothing or soap that you leave for the monks before you enter the church.

The Church of the Holy Cross

This church is in a cave on the upper floor of the monastery and the frescoes were painted by the Serbian master artist Radul. They’re in very good condition considering the location and the damp inside. The most impressive thing about these frescoes is that they had to be painted around the natural contours of the rock. They depict St Sava, St Basil naturally, scenes from the life of Christ and religious holidays.

This church was named the Church of the Holy Cross because it’s believed that a piece of the cross Christ was crucified on was given to the church when it was built.

The Miracle Vine

When you head up to the top floor of the upper monastery, you’ll come out on a balcony that overlooks the plains below. The view is stunning and makes you wonder how on earth they managed to build a monastery here – in the 17th Century no less. In a corner of the balcony you’ll see a vine coming out of the cliff. Locals say it’s a miracle it grows here, out of the cliff, where no vine should rightly be able to grow.

The Church of St George

The ruins Church of St George lies about 200m above the lower monastery. The church was burned by invading Turkish armies in 1770 and wasn’t rebuilt. You can still see the outline of the building and there’s a small cemetery beside it. 

Customs and Traditions

Walking barefoot.

Don’t be surprised if you see people walking from the lower monastery to the upper barefoot or on their knees – this is also a common tradition.

Souvenirs and blessed tokens

It’s traditional to buy tokens at the monastery and touch friends and family who need a miracle with them so that they’re blessed by St Basil.

Leaving prayers

Pilgrims to Ostrog can write prayers for St Basil and the priests of the monastery will read them aloud during liturgy.

Lighting candles

Lighting candles for the living and the dead is a practice you’ll find at all Serb Orthodox churches. Usually there’s a metal stand at the front of the church where you kiss, then light, then place your candles. In Ostrog, there are places on either side of the room – one side for the living, one side for the dead. 

It’s also tradition to take some local holy water home with you. There’s a tap on the left when you enter the upper monastery where you can fill your bottle fresh, cold mountain water. This is also particularly welcome on a warm day after you’ve hiked up all the steps to get there! 

You need to wear or bring a long skirt, trousers or jeans to enter the monastery. There’s nowhere to change so bring a towel and be prepared to get changed in your car if it’s too hot to wear these all day. You’ll also need to have your shoulders covered, a t-shirt is fine, but spaghetti straps aren’t. Some women cover their heads with a scarf, but it’s not required. 

You can also leave donations both for the monks of the monastery and the poor they serve. At the entrance to St Basil’s remains, you can leave useful gifts for the monks who live there. Monetary donations for the poor (but not the monks) are also welcome.

St Basil of Ostrog Feast Day

May 12th is a special day at Ostrog. The church commemorates St Basil of Ostrog and thousands of pilgrims from around Montenegro and even Serbia and as far away as Russia come to the monastery.

St Basil died on 29th April in the Orthodox caledar, which falls on 12th May in the Gregorian calendar – the one we use today.

Ostrog Monastery is especially busy on this day, but is also busy throughout May.

Getting there

If you have a rental car you can drive yourself to Ostrog Monastery.

Monastery Ostrog overlooks Bjelopavlici plain 50km from Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital city. It’s 15km from Niksic and 20km from Danilovgrad. 

You take the turn-off at Bogatici and it’s 8km from here up to the monastery. This road is pretty hair-raising to be honest. It’s a switchback road up the cliff and you’ll almost certainly have to pass coaches on the way up and down.

If you’re not keen on driving yourself, you can also park at the turn-off and grab one of the taxis that wait here.  A return trip should cost you around €20, make sure you negotiate the price with waiting time in advance.

Tours to Ostrog Monastery

• The Durmitor, Tara and Ostrog Monastery Day Trip is an excellent way to see some of Montenegro's most breath-taking scenery. This is a great-value group tour and you can be picked up Kotor , Budva , Tivat or Herceg Novi
• If you prefer a private tour, there is a  private tour from Kotor to Ostrog Monastery and Rijeka Crnojevica , where you can take boat tour and visit one of Montenegro's most scenic spots, Pavlova Strana
• You can also book a private tour from Herceg Novi to Ostrog Monastery
• The Monastery Ostrog - Spiritual Center of Balkans and Beautiful Countryside tour takes you from  Podgorica  to Ostrog Monastery and Tunjevo, one of Montenegro's gorgeous off-the-beaten-track spots
• The Ostrog Monastery and Niagara Falls day trip from Podgorica takes you to visit the monastery and the waterfalls of the Cijevna River near Podgorica. There is a great, traditional-style restaurant by the waterfalls called Niagara. The falls tend to run dry by summer, but there is a good swimming hole here to cool off

Opening Hours

May – September: 6am – 5pm daily October – April: 5am – 4pm daily

Overnighting

In the monastery.

You have three options for overnight at Ostrog Monastery:

• The lower monastery which has 29 dorm rooms with 8 or 10 beds each. The rooms are separated for men and women. Beds cost €4 per person.
• A bunk in the upper monastery.
• The monastery grounds. You can get sleeping mats and blankets in the monastery free of charge.

Beware: This is no hotel. The wake-up call here is 5.30am!

The best hotel option in this area is Hotel Sokoline , a beautiful, modern hotel with stunning views over the whole area. 

If you prefer something more rustic and private, you'll love the unique Cool Cyclist Cottage which is an oasis of rustic charm. 

Alternatively you can stay in either Podgorica (50km away) or Niksic (15km away). I would recommend Podgorica because it’s the capital city and Niksic is an industrial town rather than a tourist town. 

Click here to see my top accommodation picks in Podgorica .

Recommended Restaurants

There are no shops or restaurants at either the upper or lower monasteries. But you can get excellent food at Koliba in Bogatici. They serve hearty, traditional Montenegrin mountain food like prosciutto, baked beans, sausages, casseroles and pies. You’ll have earned a good meal after all the steps!

St Basil of Ostrog Miracles

St basil of ostrog and senator william barr.

One of the  most well-known legends about Ostrog, is that of United States Senator William (Bill) Barr.

In 1970 Senator Barr survived an assassination attack where someone put dynamite underneath his car, which exploded when the driver turned the key in the ignition.

Senator Barr survived but lost his right leg and was left in severe pain. His doctors tried everything to relieve his pain, but nothing worked.

According to the senator, he had a recurring dream about visiting a white church in the cliff of a mountain. In the dream, an old man with white hair and a beard spoke to him in a foreign language. The old man would heal the sick and wounded with his touch.

One day Senator Barr went to visit a prosthetics maker in Michigan who was the son of a Yugoslav immigrant. While there he noticed pictures of a white church and St Basil on the wall. The pictures stayed with him and he visited the prosthetics maker again to ask him about them. Jane (pronounced Ya-ne), the prosthetics maker, told him about Ostrog and St Basil and the senator immediately decided to visit the monastery. Eventually Jane decided to go with him with a group of his prosthetics patients.

They went in 1980 and in preparation for the trip, the senator learned prayers in Serbian, studied the life of St Basil and fasted for 40 days. Once they got there, he spent a gruelling hour every day walking from the lower monastery to the upper. He said these visits to the monastery couldn’t compare to anything else in life and he didn’t care how long or difficult the trips were. Every day his pain improved, especially when he kneeled before St Basil’s relics.

When he went home his pain had completely disappeared. He was so moved by his experience he took three icons of St Basil with him – one for his house, one for his wife and one for his keychain. 

After his trip he committed his life to helping other patients who’d lost limbs. He founded a prosthetics institute and organised mobile clinics in America, Africa and the Middle East. He was especially passionate about helping young victims of terror attacks.

Unfortunately it was one of these missions that killed Senator Barr. He was piloting a helicopter carrying  a mobile clinic and Jane when it crashed. They were both killed instantly. Among the few things recovered from the crash was a key chain with an icon of St Basil.

You can also read a full account of the story here .

Senator Barr’s wife, Dr Dojna Galic Barr, wrote about her husband’s story in a book called Blue Pigeon . 

St Basil and the Pear

Legend has it that St Basil once threw the remains of a pear he’d just eaten over the side of the monastery railings to the cliff below. The next day a pear tree had grown complete with pears on one side and flowers on the other.

St Basil and the Parsley

Another legends says that St Basil urgently needed parsley to treat a sick pilgrim, but there wasn’t any around. He planted parsley seeds and the next day had a large bush of parsley. This plant grew for years in a corner with no sun or rain.

This page has a very thorough account of St Basil of Ostrog and his many miracles.

St Basil of Ostrog's Prayer

Saint Basil, oh great follower of God, help all as well as me. Defender of orthodoxy, defend us too, who follow your faith and stand beside you. Great follower of God, pray to him for all your people, as well as for unworthy me. Strong knight and leader of Ostrog, save us from the seen and unseen. Raised by Serbian soil be the light in front of God, be our light and light up our road and make darkness disappear.

With prayer and tears you have warmed the cold cliffs of Ostrog, please warm our hearths with God’s spirit, so we can be saved. The weak and the ill come from all corners of the world to your grave, and you helped them, got rid of their demons as well as the devil, and healed their souls and bodies. Please continue to help, the baptised and the unbaptised, everybody and me as well. You brought peace to fighting brothers, please continue to bring peace, help the divided, make the sad happy, calm the stubborn, heal the sick. Saint Basil, oh miracle worker, father of our spirit, listen and hear your children’s spirits in the name of Jesus Christ.

Other Churches Dedicated to St Basil

In Montenegro there are other churches dedicated to St Basil in Niksic, Bar, Vilus, Mt Sinjajevina, Kumbor, Dobrota, Bileci, Prijepolje, Obzovici and Svcugi.

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12 Magnificent Day Trips from Kotor, Montenegro (to Take in 2024!)

Looking for the very best day trips from Kotor, Montenegro?

While I could spend days walking through Kotor and hopping between the old town and waterfront, I highly recommend that first-time visitors explore beyond the city too.

As someone who has traveled extensively around Montenegro and lived here full-time, I’ve explored almost every day trip possibility.

My curated list of top-day tours from Kotor includes both classic excursions and adventurous alternatives. These trips are all realistic, with most destinations reachable within 0.5 to 1 hour of driving, and none exceeding 2 hours each way.

Ostrog Monastery

This is a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Montenegro. Ostrog is one of the most popular Montenegro places and is visited by over a million people from all over the world every year, and every May 12th, a river of people gathers at Ostrog. 

Many of them come just to spend the night outside the monastery under the open sky. While I have never done it myself, I know many who have, and they say it’s an unforgettable experience. 

This description will be a bit longer, but Ostrog deserves it.

Perched high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda, the monastery is a serene yet striking sight. Built in the 17th century, it’s dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, a revered figure in Montenegrin history.

What makes Ostrog Monastery unique is its location and architecture. The monastery is carved almost entirely into a vertical cliff, creating a dramatic and almost surreal appearance. This location was not chosen lightly; it’s said to represent a spiritual retreat, a place of peace and introspection away from the world below.

The monastery complex consists of the Upper and the Lower Monastery. The Upper Monastery houses the Church of the Presentation and the Holy Cross Chapel, where the relics of Saint Basil are kept. Pilgrims and tourists are often found here, drawn by the monastery’s spiritual significance and the breathtaking views of the Bjelopavlići plain.

The Lower Monastery, located near the bottom of the cliff, is home to the Church of the Holy Trinity, an important part of the complex with its own unique history.

It is believed that after his death on April 29, 1671, Saint Basil began appearing in the dreams of the Bishop of Ostrog, instructing him to open his coffin. When the monks complied, they found Saint Basil’s body uncorrupted. Since then, his relics have become a great holy object. A grapevine grew out of the rock near where he died, despite there being no soil, leading to a belief that its fruits cure infertility.

Ostrog has miraculously been preserved multiple times throughout its history. In the early 18th century, the Turks attempted to burn down the monastery, but a brother of the Montenegrin prince managed to save Saint Basil’s relics, as it was believed the saint made him invisible to fulfill this mission.

During World War II in 1942, fascists dropped a bomb on the monastery. The bomb split into two but did not explode. It is still kept in the monastery as evidence of the holiness of Basil of Ostrog.

The easiest way to visit Ostrog Monastery is through a day trip. Alternatively, you can rent a car or take a taxi to the monastery. Driving from Kotor to Ostrog takes about 2-2.5 hours.

For a more immersive experience of the monastery’s sanctity, there are several accommodation options available.

You can stay in the monastery’s guesthouses, located at the base of the upper mountain, near the Lower Monastery.

Another comfortable option is lodging in Bogetići village, at a place called Koliba (5 km from Ostrog Monastery). Here, you can stay in wooden bungalows situated at the start of the pilgrimage path leading to the great Orthodox holy site.

The trip to Ostrog Monastery is an experience in itself. The winding road leading up to it offers spectacular views, and the final ascent on foot through a narrow path is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

National Park Lovćen

Like a guardian, Mount Lovćen rises above Kotor. For Montenegrins, it represents the symbol of freedom and their identity. In 1952, it was declared a national park, encompassing its central and highest parts. The national park covers an area of 6,400 hectares, with its highest peak being Štirovnik.

What’s interesting is that this peak was always covered in snow until 10-15 years ago, even in summer. So, while lounging on any beach in the Bay of Kotor, you could see the snow-capped mountain. A similar sight could be seen in Zadar, too, as the peaks of Velebit were also snow-covered even in August.

Lovćen is famous for its viewpoints, as we experienced on the winding roads of Kotor, where the experience was truly incredible. But that’s not all; the view from this mountain extends in all directions – towards the sea, its rocky peaks, or the old stone houses that bear witness to different times. The panoramas on the serpentine roads were just the beginning of what awaited us.

After turning towards the national park, we took a narrow road that passed by old houses. The scenery kept changing; at one moment, we saw nothing but abyss, then meadows. There was also a shepherd tending to his flock, enjoying the sunshine and good weather. Wherever you look on Lovćen, you’ll witness unique scenes.

After the sign for the entrance to Lovćen National Park, we encountered a barrier and an entrance fee of 3 euros per person.

We passed the barrier and continued towards Njegoš’s mausoleum, which is the largest and most important monument in the national park and the highlight of our visit to Lovćen.

Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš

On the second highest peak of Lovćen, Jezerski vrh, stands the mausoleum of one of Montenegro’s greatest writers and statesmen, Petar II Petrović Njegoš. When he was alive, Njegoš chose this place and built a chapel where he was later buried.

The original chapel was destroyed during World War I, and Njegoš’s remains were transferred to a monastery in Cetinje. It was later rebuilt, ensuring that the renowned thinker returned to rest where he had wished to remain forever.

A steep climb led us to the parking lot, but since parking spaces were limited, we, like most visitors, parked along the way.

To reach the entrance of the mausoleum, we had to climb 461 steps through a tunnel leading to the mountain’s peak. The ticket costs 5 euros, but once you’ve climbed those 461 steps, who could resist going inside?

Two statues made of dark stone guard the entrance to the mausoleum, symbolizing two Montenegrin women. In the central part, there’s a statue of Njegoš holding a book, with an eagle with outspread wings guarding his back, and above him, an arch with a mosaic made of 200,000 gilded tiles.

Descending marble stairs into the crypt, we reach the sarcophagus containing Njegoš’s mortal remains. I feel the cold marble under my fingers. Although the wind is howling outside, there’s a strange sense of peace inside.

Behind the mausoleum, a path leads to a viewpoint. They say that the most beautiful panorama of Montenegro can be seen from here, and I can understand why Njegoš wanted to remain here forever.

Perast 

This is a city-museum where every street, house, staircase, and stone has its own story and history. The best testimony to its baroque architecture, most of which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

It was built by reputable, wealthy seafarers, and many families had noble origins, so they nurtured culture and creativity. Perast still embodies this artistic, refined, and elegant spirit today – this energy colors this place with palaces, chapels, and churches. Here are a few must-visit spots in this town:

• The Church of St. Nicholas, dating back to 1616, stands in the heart of the city along the promenade and dominates the surroundings with its 55-meter-high bell tower. During the tourist season, you can climb the tower and capture perfect photos of Perast.
• The magnificent Bujović Palace from the distant year of 1694, now transformed into the Perast City Museum.
• A hundred narrow steps lead to the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, built in 1678, which is a fusion of Baroque and Renaissance styles and offers a splendid viewpoint.
• Conte Restaurant is a delightful choice – I warmly recommend it for a romantic and pleasant seaside lunch. I also suggest having breakfast at Café Šijavoga, where they serve delicious fried pancakes and strong, homemade coffee.

From here, you can take short boat tours to the islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and the natural islet of St. George.

Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George Island

If you cast your gaze from Perast towards the narrowest part of the Bay of Kotor, known as the Verige, you’ll notice two small islands that seem almost surreal – Our Lady of the Rocks and the island of St. George.

The church from which Our Lady received her name is the result of centuries of legend and tradition intertwining. It was built with the help of diligent residents of Perast and neighboring towns in the Bay of Kotor.

According to legend, as two Perast fishermen (the Mortičić brothers) were returning from fishing, they saw a light on the reef near the town. As they approached, they noticed an icon with the image of the Virgin Mary and took it to Perast. Remarkably, the icon was undamaged when the brothers brought it to the church, despite being found in the sea.

On the same night it was taken to the church, the icon disappeared, and the next day, it was found on the same reef where it was initially discovered. Several times, the fishermen carried the icon to the church, and it inexplicably disappeared overnight, only to reappear on the same reef.

The people of Perast saw this as a sign from heaven and decided to build a church on that spot in honor of the Virgin Mary. Slowly, people began to pile stones around the reef, creating a small islet where they built the church.

On July 22nd, the feast day of St. Mary Magdalene, people celebrate the beginning of the church’s construction. On that day, the people of Perast, as well as those from all around the Bay of Kotor, take boats and sail around the island, tossing stones into the sea as a pledge to future generations.

To reach the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, the only way is by boat or ship.

Probably the most popular tourist destination in Montenegro. Budva is a city with a history spanning around 2500 years and is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic Sea. 

The coastal area, known as the Budva Riviera, is the hub of Montenegrin tourism and is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, sandy beaches, and nightlife. If you are interested these are the best beaches in Budva .

It’s safe to say that Budva is a true summer haven for the young at heart, as it not only hosts energetic night parties but also daytime beach gatherings.

But, Budva and the entire Budva Riviera are not just a place for those looking for a nightlife.

This is also a place to those who want to enhance their stay with sightseeing and visits to dozens of medieval structures and cultural-historical landmarks.

They say that Tivat is the brightest city in the Bay of Kotor, with luxurious marinas, hidden beaches, and diverse cuisine. While there are many things to see in Tivat, Porto Montenegro is undoubtedly the most prominent. 

During the day, popular activities include sailing and exploring nature, while at night, you can enjoy stunning sunsets and discover the local culture and flavors characterized by a perfect blend of traditional and modern elements.

Herceg Novi 

Located half an hour away from Kotor when heading towards Dubrovnik, Herceg Novi is surrounded by many tourist attractions. The old town is particularly attractive, as well as the Kanli Kula fortress and numerous religious buildings.

An interesting fact is that out of all the cultural monuments in the country, which total 342, as many as 89 can be found in the municipality of Herceg Novi.

From personal experience, I can tell you that due to the large number of things to see in Herceg Novi , it’s not possible to explore it all in just one day, but you can certainly visit some of the main landmarks.

I think I don’t have anything new to say about Dubrovnik that hasn’t already been said or written online. It’s a city where the past meets the present in a really cool way. Walking through the Old Town with its ancient walls feels like stepping back in time.

There’s the famous Stradun street, and places like the Rector’s Palace have lots of history to them. Dubrovnik isn’t just about old stuff, though. It has great places to relax by the sea, and you can always find a good place to grab a bite. It’s a must-see if you’re into history, but it’s also just a nice place to hang out.

Sveti Stefan 

This is a unique island resort in Montenegro, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Originally a fishing village, the island was transformed into a luxury hotel during the 1960s. Its old stone buildings, narrow streets, and pristine beaches make it a favorite among tourists seeking a blend of history and luxury. 

The island is known for its exclusivity and upscale accommodations. While it’s now primarily a high-end resort, the charming architecture and environment of Sveti Stefan continue to attract visitors from around the world.

The Blue Cave

This is a natural sea cave known for its dazzling blue water, created by sunlight reflecting off the limestone floor. It’s a popular spot for swimming and boat tours. 

To get there from Kotor, you typically need to take a boat tour as the cave is only accessible by sea. These tours often include other sights around the Bay of Kotor and provide a chance to swim in the cave’s unique, glowing waters.

Free Ferry Ride

Okay, so this might be more for kids and teenagers, but you could find this insider tip handy. The ferry between Lepetane and Kamenari is only chargeable for vehicles. 

If you’re walking on, it’s completely free. As 12-13-year-olds, we loved this and used it a lot. It was one of those things we’d do just for fun.

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How to Visit Ostrog Monastery

Ostrog Monastery is one of the most important religious sites in Montenegro. It is a Serbian Orthodox monastery carved into the side of a cliff in the 17th century. The monastery is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, a bishop who built the monastery. It’s easy to visit Ostrog Monastery as a half-day trip either on a tour, during your road trip, or on an excursion from Kotor.

The monastery entrance is free . Many people were buying candles to light inside or donating coins in the boxes.

During my half-day visit, most visitors were religious, crossing themselves and kissing the monastery walls and such. Occasionally, a monk would be singing in the background. This all added to the experience and wonder of the site.

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A little about Ostrog Monastery

The monastery was founded in the 1660s by Saint Basil of Ostrog. He was a bishop known for his piety in childhood and his healing abilities. After his death, his relics were placed in the monastery, and it soon became a popular pilgrimage site.

You may even see some people walk barefoot to the top of the monastery—this is part of a religious pilgrimage.

The monastery area is much larger than just the upper monastery; this is the part that is built into the rock cliffs. There is also a lower monastery where there are dorms for monks and pilgrims, as well as the Church of the Holy Trinity. In between the two, there is a small Orthodox church.

How to Get to Ostrog Monastery

Ostrog Monastery is located about 50 kilometers from Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. However, the country is small and with enough time, the monastery can be visited as a day trip from many places including Kotor.

Taxis in Podgorica can take you directly to the monastery for about 40 euros. They can also wait for you for up to 2 hours and take you back. The drive to Ostrog Monastery from Podgorica takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Be sure your taxi takes the new highway—it’s the only option via google maps. Our taxi insisted he knew the way and took a terrifying old road that was completely unnecessary—adding some time to our journey and car sick feelings.

In our Tesla taxi!

From Niksic to the monastery will likely be around 20 euros, one way.

There are taxis waiting to take you to Niksic or Podgorica in the parking lot of the Upper Monastery.

Take a Tour

Don’t bother dealing with transport by booking a tour to visit Ostrog Monastery. This tour will pick you up from your hotel in Podgorica and this one will also visit Montenegro’s Niagra Falls. This all-day tour from Kotor will cover not only the visit to Ostrog Monastery but also the gorgeous Tara Canyon and Black Lake (which we spent 3 days at after visiting the monastery. Read the Montenegro Itinerary for all the deets if you wanna do it yourself!)

Train + Hike

The Ostrog Train Station is on the Podgorica and Niksic train line so it is possible to arrive by train from either city. There was just one taxi hoping for a customer getting off the train when we took the train to Niksic. As such, if you do the train option, prepare to hike up to the monastery . It’s a serious climb that will likely take at least 1.5 hours. Follow the trail up (or down) the mountain.

Do you see the train station in the distance?

Be sure not to miss the red sign turn-off if you’re hiking down to the train station. We took a wrong turn and ended up having the climb back up a road we had just hiked down… The signs switch from English to Serbian so we didn’t notice…

The timetables we found online were incorrect when we reached the station to take us from the monastery to Niksic. Prepare for this to happen to you. Here is my best attempt at getting pictures of the 2023 timetables with the intense glare. The train ticket was just 1 euro from the monastery to Niksic, which is what we did since we took a taxi to the monastery. You’ll pay the fare in cash on board.

We lucked out because we thought the train would depart at 4:04pm, when in fact it was actually scheduled for 4:34pm. We had to wait longer for the train, but it was better than missing it! If you’re late to the station, don’t expect to see the train. The train literally stopped for 40 seconds for us to jump on before taking off again.

Montenegro is a popular car trip destination in Europe . I saw license plates from all over throughout my 10-day trip. That said, I would not have wanted to drive on the winding roads of the Montenegrin mountains. There is a reliable and new highway from Podgorica to Ostrog that is on google maps. Be sure to follow the map to avoid the old route, which will take you on a “terrifying” (literally, according to Lonely Planet) route. Our taxi did this but I do not recommend it.

There are parking lots throughout the monastery’s three locations though most cars park at the upper monastery .

Inside Ostrog Monastery

I suggest you start at the upper monastery and then make your way down to the other sites. Like us,  you may need to wait in line to enter. The visit took us just 20 minutes.

You’ll start at the relics of Saint Basil and then follow the crowd through the rooms. This tiny room is a no-photo zone.

The mosaics are lovely as you climb from room to room as you follow the crowds.

Eventually, you’ll reach an open area where there will be an excellent view and more mosaics.

From there you’ll climb back down and exit. Stop in to see the burning candles.

At the gift shop, you can buy candles to place inside. There are also creams, oils, books, and knickknacks.

To the left is the gift shop and to the right is the candle room.

Next, hike down to the little church . Stop for ice cream! This spot also has a great view of the monastery. You can walk on the road or take the stair/trail combo down. The path is intuitive so need to worry about directions.

Then, visit Ostrog monastery lower section and the Church of the Holy Trinity .

How Long to Visit Ostrog Monastery+ Tips

The Ostrog Monastery opens at 6am. However, the closing time seems to be 4pm in the winter and 5pm in the summer. Sunset seems like it would be lovely from the monastery though I wouldn’t want to drive here after dark.

You can easily visit the monastery in 2 hours depending on how fast you hike and where you start. If you start from the train station, you may need 5+ hours to hike up, down, and for your visit. If you’re driving, you can see everything in about 1 hour or so. To spend more time at the monastery, you can also go for a walk in the surrounding area or get a snack at one of the cafes.

You should plan to wear long pants or a skirt/dress when visiting the monastery. I saw some women and men in shorts but they could still enter. However, the rules state to cover your legs and shoulders. There are shawls available at the gift shop entrance too. I’m not sure if you need to give a donation or payment to use but that’s an option for you.

There is often a line outside the upper monastery , especially during the summer months.

A monastery cut into a cliff

The Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro is the most important pilgrimage site in the country. For obvious reasons, it’s also drawing in the tourists.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: April 20, 2024

Ostrog Monastery, Montenegro

Cut into a cliff, this spectacular Montenegro monastery near Niksic has centuries of fascinating history… like the Ostrog Monastery miracles, for example!

Without giving it too much thought, I join the queue at the top of this monastery in Montenegro. Perhaps it’s my partial British heritage that subconsciously prevents me from questioning what the line is for – I just feel compelled to stand behind someone and wait, slowly shuffling ahead with the others.

My mind wanders slightly and I look out over the view from Ostrog Monastery. At the top of a mountain in central Montenegro, with an expansive valley stretching out below me, it’s a good location to enjoy the scenery.

I don’t really mentally process that everyone in the queue is a local, all the women have their heads covered with scarves, and many are holding bags full of food or clothes.

It’s only when I’m almost at the end of the queue that I notice the bags are being put into wooden baskets like offerings – but by then it’s too late.

I’m ushered through a tiny entrance in the cliff I need to bow down to get through… and I find myself in a cave.

This isn’t any ordinary cave, though. The walls are painted with frescoes from many years ago, there’s a small altar in one corner and in front of it is a priest giving blessings and mumbling in a language I can’t understand.

I realise I had been waiting with everyone for this special moment to be face to face with the human representative of the divine spirit of Ostrog Monastery.

Thinking quickly, I cower in a corner and wave the person begins me past. I pretend this was planned and act calm. I stand for a while and admire the artwork which surrounds me. I inspect everything carefully and put on a face designed to give off respectful appreciation.

Then I smile politely at everyone and make a retreat back through the small hole, bowing out of necessity rather than devotion as I squeeze back out.

This is what happens when tourists like me visit a site that is still a significant centre of worship.

The story behind Ostrog Monastery

Ostrog Monastery is, in fact, the most important Orthodox site in Montenegro – and definitely the most dramatic!

It was built in the 1600s by literally carving into the face of a cliff. The work was overseen by the Bishop of Herzegovina at the time, who would go on to be known as St Basil of Ostrog.

His decision to build this monastery in Montenegro into a cliff was probably in a large part for protection, because this was the time when the Ottoman Empire was causing havoc in the area.

But the legends say that St Basil was also guided by God to create something special here. In the first cave, he built a church. The second cave he made a bedroom for guests. And the third cave was where the religious artefacts would be held. 

Large and painted white, Ostrog Monastery can be seen from kilometres away, contrasted against the greys and oranges of the natural rock. But, actually, this is all from a restoration that happened around 1925 after a major fire destroyed much of the monastery.

The two caves, which are the most important part of the site, did survive, though. Perhaps St Basil of Ostrog was protecting them.

Ostrog Monastery miracles

When St Basil of Ostrog died in 1671, he was buried at the monastery in Montenegro that he had founded. But this was not the end. In some ways, it was just the beginning.

This is when the miracles of Ostrog Monastery began, with people telling stories of St Basil appearing in their dreams. He would often be there to guide them, to help them, to heal them.

Over the years, the stories spread, and people started coming to visit Ostrog Monastery. Many of these visitors who were sick or injured were said to be healed by being in the presence of the relics of St Basil.

There are countless stories of these miracles, people who claim that St Basil cured them – even in modern times.

One of the most famous tales that’s told is of a former US senator called William Barr who had been injured in an attempted assassination. He said he had a recurring dream of an old man in a white church in a cliff but didn’t know where it was.

When he one day heard about Ostrog Monastery, he decided to do a pilgrimage. He spent many days, walking (in pain) up to the monastery and kneeling before St Basil’s relics.

Each day he felt less pain until eventually it went away completely.

Pilgrimage to Ostrog Monastery

Every year, tens of thousands of people make a pilgrimage to Ostrog Monastery in the hope that the relics of St Basil will be able to help them. Many of them go barefoot for the last three kilometres from the lower monastery, up the winding road to the upper monastery.

Although I am not doing it for any spiritual reason, I find myself doing a bit of a pilgrimage myself.

I have come from Podgorica to Ostrog Monastery by public transport, which has dropped me off on the highway, about eight kilometres from the upper monastery. Although there are a couple of taxis waiting nearby, I decide to walk.

(I will go into the transport options to get to Ostrog Monastery shortly but, if you’re interested in visiting, I would recommend a tour to take the hassle out of the logistics and save yourself the walk! I would recommend this great tour that also visits some other sites.)

There are definitely a lot of people here when I visit. Some are tourists, but the majority are definitely local. Maybe not pilgrims, as such, but presumably believers who have come to worship.

It’s a Saturday, so it’s probably a bit busier than usual. But it’s interesting to see such a cross section of the community here. From the old grandmothers to hip well-dressed twenty-somethings.

The pilgrimage to Ostrog Monastery is clearly not confined to just a certain type of person.

I guess that included me. I may not have brought a bag to donate to the church, I may not have had a blessing, and I may not have appreciated the presence of Saint Basil’s remains.

But the long walk each way did give me plenty of time to think and it’s hard not to be inspired or awed by these incredible buildings in the cliffs above the Bjelopavlici Plain.

This monastery in Montenegro is a highlight of my time in the country and I would recommend trying to visit Ostrog Monastery if you can. If you have any ailments, St Basil may be able to help.

Where is Ostrog Monastery?

The Ostrog Monastery is just off the main highway between Podgorica and Niksic. By road, Ostrog Monastery is about 25 kilometres from Niksic, about 40 Kilometres from Podgorica, and about 120 Kilometres from Kotor. You can see it on a map here .

How do you get to Ostrog Monastery?

I wouldn’t say it’s simple to get to Ostrog Monastery by public transport, but it is possible. To get from Budva or Kotor to Ostrog Monastery, you’ll need to first get to Podgorica. To get from Niksic or Podgorica to Ostrog Monastery, you can take a train to Ostrog train station, or jump on one of the many buses that go between the two cities and get off on the highway at Bogetici (just tell the driver ‘Ostrog’ when you get on). From Bogetici, it’s a two-hour walk one way. From the train station, it’s a bit over one hour. Or there’ll probably be taxis waiting at both to take you to the last leg. Of course, it’s much easier with a tour (which I’ll discuss in a moment), or I would also recommend hiring a car to explore Montenegro.

When is Ostrog Monastery open?

Ostrog Monastery is open from May to September from 06:00 – 17:00. From October to April, it’s open from 05:00 – 16:00.

How much does it cost to visit Ostrog Monastery?

There is no cost to visit Ostrog Monastery but there is an opportunity to leave a donation, if you like.

Are there tours to Ostrog Monastery?

The easiest way to visit Ostrog Monastery is with a tour and, unless you have a lot of time and enjoy the challenge, I would recommend you take one. Most of the Ostrog Monastery tours will also visit some other sites in the region so you get to see some bonus parts of Montenegro. Plus the tours can be quite affordable, especially considering all the time they save. I would recommend this great tour , which packs A LOT into one day. You can browse some of the other tours that include the monastery here .

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN PODGORICA

Although you could also stay somewhere like Kotor , the best accommodation to visit the monastery is in nearby Podgorica.

For a friendly and cosy hostel, I would recommend the lovely Hostel Q .

With a nice breakfast and unbeatable location, Hotel Kerber is really good value.

For something modern and cool, Hotel Hemera has a great design and fantastic facilities.

And the best five-star luxury hotel is the Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora , in the centre of the city.

More stories about Montenegro

• The best things to do in Montenegro
• Things to do in Kotor
• Is Podgorica really that bad?
• What to see in the old capital of Cetinje
• Visiting the monastery cut into a cliff
• Discovering Europe's largest canyon
• The virgin forest of Biogradska
• Exploring the ruins of Stari Bar

27 thoughts on “A monastery cut into a cliff”

Wow, this looks like a very beautiful place. We really wanted to visit Montenegro when we were living in London but we never got the chance. We certainly want to make sure we go there next time we’re in Europe. Your blog posts about us have made us want to. (Although we might skip the capital, giving your last blog post!)

Definitely skip the capital!! It would have been a pretty easy trip from London, I think. You could’ve flown into Dubrovnik and then gone along the coast into Montenegro. But it’s close to a lot of the other Balkan countries so easy to include if you’re ever doing some travelling around that part of the world.

another cool place to visit, will have to Montenegro on my bucklet list and this interesting monastery, thanks for sharing.

Montenegro definitely deserves to be on the bucket list and this is a great place to visit while you’re there. It’s also quite central so there’s a good chance you’ll go pretty close to it if you’re doing a bit of travel around the country.

That’s definitely a unique monastery. The views look especially spectacular.

It’s funny, isn’t it? You trek all the way up there to see the monastery and then it’s the views in the opposite direction that seem more spectacular! 🙂

I have seen images of this monastery though none so detailed as yours – nor quite so magnificent as the shot taken from a distance. Such a dramatic location. The orthodox artwork looks magnificent and so beautifully maintained. I will have to make a pilgrimage of my own!

It’s such a pity I couldn’t take photos inside the cave. It was magnificent the way it was decorated!

Such a dramatic location for the monastery. As you said, even though you didn’t bring an offering, you did hike. Thanks for making that pilgrimage for us. It looks incredibly beautiful!

Thank you for appreciating my hike. It was my own little pilgrimage and spiritual journey… although probably not enough to get me into any kind of heaven 🙂

Wow, that is one monastery I would love to visit. I’m not a big fan of what the Catholic church has left behind, especially here in Central America, too much bloodshed. But when they are as unique as carved into mountains, that is so worth the journey.

It’s worth pointing out that this monastery is part of the Serbian Orthodox Church, which is different to the Roman Catholic Church. That being said, most strains of Christianity have plenty of blood on their hands over the course of history but they’ve all also created beautiful works of art and architecture around the world.

Not only is your article offensive – you treat the monastery like its some typical spot for tourists – its not and this is offensive to locals who worship at the site. It is a religious for of worship, first and foremost. Secondly, the church was built into cliffs because the Serbian Orthodox Christians were actually persecuted in the 1600s. They were persecuted by the Turks under the Ottoman Empire. Learn the history of a place before you offend an entire culture & the Orthodox Church has no where near the same “blood” on its hand that other churches or religions have.

Agree with you Jade. It’s almost as if the writer was reviewing some random local cafe. It is a Holy site and should be treated with respect.

Wow! I’m always amazed by monasteries clinging to mountains like this. What an interesting experience!

It’s a beautiful place. I loved the way you could enjoy it close up or from a distance.

Love the picture showing how small is a Monastery and how big the mountain!

The mountain is massive! But you can still see a tiny fleck of white from the main road as you go by, which is kind of nice.

The only other place I’ve seen monasteries carved into the cliffs was in Bulgaria. And indeed, when they are full up with people you can feel the overall sense of solemnity that overtakes everything.

Superb stuff as always, Michael. /thumbs up.

I can’t even think about how long it must take to make places like this, though. It sounds like I’m going to have to make a trip to Bulgaria soon and see all these things you keep talking about!! 🙂

Wow what a stunning Monastery!

There are lots of monasteries in Serbia but you can really pick the stunning ones. It’s a whole part of the history that I never knew about before. The paintings inside the buildings are so beautiful and detailed. Definitely the kind of thing that’s worth seeing when you’re there.

Hi how much time did u spend exploring the monastery?

Hi Yvonne. I was there for about an hour. It is not a huge site but it’s worth taking your time and enjoying the views as well as the buildings.

Serbian monastery Ostrog-Montenegro… https://zlj13051967.wordpress.com/2016/11/01/serbian-monastery-ostrog-montenegro/

That place is so beautiful

I just finished painting a picture of the monastery on a live edge board that looks like the mountain. My wife Carole and I baptized our God Children (Kaca and Zlatko) here in 1992 during the war. It was one of the most religious experiences I’ve ever had and I still get emotional thinking about it. I lost my wife five years ago after 50 years married, but I still have my God children and wonderful memories in Montenegro and Serbia.

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11 Must-Take Day Trips From Kotor, Montenegro (And 3 Places to Skip)

Not only Kotor is one of the most beautiful cities in Montenegro, but it also happens to be located in the area with close proximity to many sights and natural wonders. This is why you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to go on day trips from Kotor to see historical settlements, some hidden gems , and landscapes with unspoiled nature.

And to help you understand where to go and what are the best Kotor day trips, I compiled this list of all the interesting places that are really worth checking out! Although at the end of the post, I also include a few destinations that are not the best picks for day trips. I explain why.

Whether you are looking to get closer to fjords, grottos with blue water, ancient monasteries or pristine beaches with oyster farms, I included them all and even more. And the best part – many of these Montenegro trips from Kotor can be done during the offseason too!

Planning a Trip to Kotor Last Minute?

Will be visiting Kotor soon and not sure where to start? I have a few suggestions for you, check them out!

Top Tours & Activities in Kotor:

• From Kotor in 1 day: Kotor, Perast, Budva & Old Lady of the Rock
• Kotor Private Guided Tour With Wine Tasting & Food
• From Kotor Around Bay of Kotor With a Swim
• Lake Skadar, Budva, Virpazar from Kotor

Top Hotels in Kotor for All Budgets:

• Forza Mare – 5-star in Dobrota near Kotor (lux) 
• Hotel R Palazzo – boutique with fjords views (mid-budget)
• Hotel Villa Duomo – Kotor Old Town (mid-budget)
• Villa Mariner – in a quiet village near Kotor (budget)

Planning to go on day trips from Kotor on your own? Then make sure to book a car rental in Kotor from a leading company to ensure good prices! 

Must-Take Day Trips From Kotor on Any Visit

Kotor day trip to perast & ostrvo .

One of the most popular day tours from Kotor is to the town of Perast, located right by the bay and main road. This picturesque small Adriatic town is like an open-air museum that shows magnificent examples of Baroque architecture against the backdrop of the natural scenery of the Bay of Kotor . It is a must-visit place on any Montenegro itinerary .

Many buildings there are like real palaces due to the fact that in the past, there were 12 noble families who lived in Perast. It was precisely them who built this town including all the Baroque mansions and churches that Perast is proud of to this day.

The most beautiful architectural masterpiece is the Bujović mansion , built according to the project of the Venetian architect. It houses the Perast Museum which presents a collection of sea maps, ship models, portraits of outstanding mariners, weapons, and archival documents. This museum will be especially interesting to families traveling to Kotor with kids. 

The uniqueness of Perast lies in the fact that there are 2 islands nearby inseparable from the town both geographically and historically. One of them is the island of Ostrvo or as it is also called Our Lady of the Rocks . This is the only man-made island of the Adriatic with an 11 m high Byzantine-style Catholic church with museum on the second floor.

The second island is the i sland of St. George which also bears the second name “Island of the Dead”. It has a cemetery where the famous Captain Perast was buried. The island is very picturesque, but you can only admire it from the water since it is closed to the public.

Day Tours From Kotor to Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks Island and Beyond:

If you intend to get to the island on your own , then you can do it by water taxi from Perast . The fare is around 5€ per person and travel time will take only a couple of minutes. In the summertime, leave as early as possible to avoid crowds. 

Trip From Kotor to Budva Old Town & Surroundings 

Budva is one of the oldest cities in the Adriatic. It is more than two and a half thousand years old. Located only 23 kilometers away from Kotor, it makes it easy and fast to go there on a day trip, whether you are renting a car in Montenegro and driving or traveling by public bus. 

Being the main tourist center of the country and the capital of nightlife, Budva has beautiful beaches and a cute vibrant old town. It is worth devoting one long day to this city and the surrounding area.

Some of my favorite sightseeing spots and activities in Budva are:

• Old Town with its church square , Citadel , door to the sea, museum, and beach cafe
• A wall around the old town . If you don’t want to walk along the streets of the old city, then walk along its perimeter along the walls, looking down at the courtyards, yachts, and the sea
• Mogren Beach
• Coffee-break in the panoramic cafe Vista Vidikovac
• The ruins of the Mogren fortress
• Park zone of the Slovenska Plaza Hotel
• A boat trip to the island of St. Nikola to the beach
• Podmaine (Male Orthodox) Monastery
• Walking trail from Budva to Becici, as well as to Kamenovo beach through tunnels, or any other walking trail nearby
• Fish farm ‘Pojata’ with restaurant and mountain waterfall. The only reason I recommend this place is the mountain waterfall, where you can swim in a natural pool  on a hot summer day. Additionally, this place will be interesting for kids since, in the summer, there are geese, donkeys, rabbits, pigs, a pond with fish, and a pool. 
• Round panoramic platform at the Church of St. Sava
• Austrian fortress Kosmach  with a view over the Budva Riviera

When in Budva, you can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and go on a tour to coastal caves .

>> Also check this seaside day tour from Kotor to Budva and Sveti Stefan  

Kotor Day Trip to Lovcen National Park & Cetinje 

Before I go into details about this day trip from Kotor, allow me to tell you the following.

If you plan to be mainly along the Montenegro coast without going inland, then Lovcen Park is perfect for a one-day excursion. Especially if you don’t have a car since there are many day trous from Kotor on offer. But there are also some nice hiking trails in the park for those who want to stay longer.

However, if on your trip you also plan to go to Durmitor mountains or Prokletije Park, nature and views there are 10 times more beautiful and impressive than anywhere in Lovcen. So in this case, I suggest you skip a day trip to Lovcen Park, you won’t lose much.

When going with a guide, choose a tour that shows many places during the day, not just Lovcen with Mausoleum. Like this 11-hour tour from Kotor that also includes a boat ride for example or Lovcen Park and Skadar Lake combined tour where you get to visit two major national reserves.

From Kotor to Lustica Bay 

Lustica Bay is not really a tourist attraction but a beautiful place for walking, dining, and/or spending some time near the sea. This luxury looking marina is a relatively new project built by investors from Dubai , so you can expect it to be expensive. However, you can easily come here for a few hours or a day and not spend much.

This ambitious project includes not only a port and a luxurious hotel, but also a world-class Mediterranean restaurant, cafes, walking paths , shops, and a hundred or so private houses and infrastructure for residents.

The Chedi Luštica Bay , a 5-star hotel with a spa and beach , has opened on the seafront a few years ago. Its luxurious design has lots of vegetation, a clean sea with a panoramic boardwalk, beach (outside guests can visit for payment), beautiful views, and Mediterranean-style buildings. Their restaurant ‘The Spot’ occasionally hosts special events, such as wine tastings, live music performances, and themed dining experiences.

Not far from it, there is a small sandy Almara beach with a Beach Club where anyone can come for a day.

Also, there are several other cafes nearby that have very reasonable prices. If you get to come for breakfast, I recommend 21 Bistro Sea View and next-door bakery ‘Pekanbaru Davidovic’ with delicious borek.

Things to do here on a day trip from Kotor: Walk, visit the hotel, get a spa treatment, dine, and spend time on the beach. If you are not planning to go to the spa or stay on the beach (umbrellas and beach chairs rent prices are somewhat high) then you can easily make it a half-day trip from Kotor and combine it with other attractions as Lustica peninsula has a lot to offer. 

I talk more about it in my Herceg Novi things to do post, if you’d like to draw more inspiration.

Must-Have Trip to Tivat & Porto Montenegro 

Most people associate Tivat mainly with the airport, not knowing that there is actually much more to it. Yes, Tivat is a small city but there are enough interesting sites to see. Particularly Porto Montenegro which is a modern part of Tivat and the main infrastructure center of the Bay of Kotor.

Porto Montenegro is a luxury marina and waterfront development with a selection of high-end retail boutique shops, numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of international and local cuisines and providing a diverse dining and shopping experience. The concept of this place is to be an alternative to overloaded and terribly expensive city ports in Italy and France.

Here you’ll find the most expensive shops and hotels and an amazing PMYC yacht club with a bar, restaurant, and an impressive 64-meter infinity swimming pool overlooking the sea.

Walk around, go for a cup of coffee with a view of the snow-white yachts, or rent a pedal catamaran or kayak and sail to the largest island in the bay Sveti Marco.

And for more details about Porto Montenegro and Tivat read my post about the best thing to do in Tivat city and municipality.

Prevlaka Island & Stradioti Island 

Not far from Tivat, there are a few islands that tourists don’t usually visit which are great to see together on a trip from Kotor on the same day when you come to Tivat.

The first one, Prevlaka Island (or Island of Flowers which you see in the photo) is easily accessible by car. You can park right after you cross the bridge to the island and then walk on foot. 

In the past, during Yugoslavia times, Prevlaka Island was home to the sanatorium complex for the military. Today, it is abandoned and has a small monastery, museum, and ruins of another monastery.

The main reason to come here is for the great views, to swim and fish. By the way, if you are visiting Montenegro in summer and looking to escape crowds of people along the Montenegro coast, come to swim here. This island will be empty. 

Stradioti or Island of St. Mark is the largest island in the Tivat Gulf, and actually in the entire Kotor Bay. From a distance on the shore, it seems that there is nothing on the island except greenery. However, from an airplane or helicopter, you can see old buildings and reed bungalows that used to belong to the French company ‘Club Med’ before the Yugoslav Wars.

No, I do not suggest any helicopter tours. Instead, if you want to have an adventure , you can get to the island in a kayak, boat, canoe, or floatie (just kidding). The best place to rent a boat or canoe is Tivat. Just make sure to wear closed shoes in the summer since there can be snakes. 

Tour of the Bay of Kotor (Most Popular Excursion in Montenegro)

The Bay of Kotor is beautiful from any angle. You can admire its ancient cities when walking through the streets, you can sunbathe on its not very popular beaches, or you can go around the bay on a bike (a real adventure).

And what you also can (and absolutely should) do is to see Kotor Bay from the water as the view of the ancient cities from the deck of a boat is simply breathtaking!

The choice of tours around Boka Bay is big but all of them are more entertaining than educational. Usually, guests spend time on a boat that goes along the bay while listening to the guide and enjoying the views or sunbathing on the upper deck. Depending on the company, the tour program and amenities differ. But in any case, you will have a great day trip.

And my favorite part about this tour is availability. Kotor Bay excursion takes place in any weather and pretty much any season even when traveling to Kotor in the fall or winter.

In really windy weather which makes the sea stormy (not in the bay but in the open sea), for the sake of the safety of passengers, the captain may prohibit the ship from entering the Herceg-Novi Bay and the Blue Cave. But that is more common for winters in Montenegro . In the summer this happens very rarely.

>> Full-day Bay of Kotor trip by boat with a professional guide, snacks, and swimming

Day Trip Around the Bay of Kotor By Car

Another must-have experience for a Kotor day trip is to explore it slowly by car. Being one of the best road trips in Europe with hidden pearls of architecture along the narrow winding road, the entire stretch of the bay is full of interesting places, including some locally favored establishments.

If you haven’t hired a car yet, I recommend you rent it from a local through Localrent since they can deliver it to the door of your accommodation in Kotor. Otherwise, to save money rent it from an international company at the Tivat airport .

Some of the top places to visit in Boko-Kotor Bay by car during one day are: Tivat, Dobrota, Perast (if you haven’t visited on a tour yet), Prcanj, Gornji Stoliv, Ostrvo, Saint George islands, Roman Mosaics in Risan, Tvrdjava Unter, Morinj with one of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro , Kamenari, Portonovi, and Herceg Novi . 

The mandatory part of the program for me always includes a stop at the Al Posto Giusto restaurant in Tivat with excellent European cuisine and delicious hot apple strudel with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and Mussles and Oyster Farm . 

But for all the stops and cool places to visit along Boka Bay, you should read my guide to the Bay of Kotor by car.

Rent a car in Kotor with a low (or no) deposit

Ostrog Monastery Day Trip With a Few Sights on the Way 

The main holy place in Montenegro – the Ostrog monastery is carved in the rock above the Belopavlichka plain at an altitude of 900 m above sea level.

This is a place of incredible beauty, faith, and spirituality. Also, this is the most visited place by pilgrims in Montenegro and people from all over the Balkans. On Holy Saturday, people tend to gather on the platform in front of the monastery and lie down on mattresses to spend a night in prayers. They believe that every “true” Orthodox believer should do that.

Many travelers try to visit Ostrog. Montenegrins even bring small kids and babies to get closer to relics. For some, it may be better to go on an organized day tour from Kotor and be part of the group than to go on their own. 

If you prefer to visit Ostrog without a tour, it is better to go from Kotor through Podgorica (that road is only 6 kilometers longer) and see a few other attractions on the way like another monastery in a cave – Serbian Dajbabe Monastery . Not far from it, there is a waterfall ‘Nijagara’  and restaurant with the same name.

On the way back, if you still have daylight, make a stop at Slano Lake . 

>> Check private day tour to Ostrog & Rijeka Crnojevic

Trip to a Skadar Lake Through a Scenic Road

Skadar Lake or Shkodra is the largest lake in the Balkans. It is worth going there if you would love to explore one of the islands, see unique flora and fauna, abandoned fortresses, and cute villages on its banks. And also do not miss a boat tour offered by locals on the spot. 

The best way to visit Lake would be by car. Excursions to Skadar Lake, sold by travel agencies in coastal cities of Montenegro, do not show the real beauty of the lake. A lot of tours are short, guides do not go into details or tell stories about local life. And there are many settlements around the reservoir and a lot of interesting facts to learn. 

The gate to Skadar Lake is the village of Virpazar . It is the most touristy place on the lake with a lot of people in the summer. In Virpazar, you can rent a kayak, go to the restaurant, and climb the Besac castle.

Although I personally don’t like Virpazar since it’s too touristy. So instead, I recommend you to go to Dodosi , Karuc , and Godinje  which is a lesser-visited and known village on Skadar lake, even though it’s only 10 minutes away from Virpazar. It is famous for its wineries and beautiful scenery.

Stop at Winery Garnet to taste great wine and national cuisine, for example, fish from Skadar Lake or homemade goat cheese. The owner Mishko can show you his winery and rent a canoe or motorboat.

If you want a full-fledged excursion with historical facts and an interesting walk in Godinje, Mishko can offer it to you too and have a tour in English. Contat him in advance to find out about the price and make arrangements. For a faster response, contact him on Instagram .

On the way back to Kotor, instead of taking the same highway road through the tunnel, make a loop and go on a scenic drive through Donji Murici to Cafa Stegvas panoramic point from where you get to see Albania.

NOTE : in August, the water blooms, so you may get the wrong impressions about this place. The ideal time for visiting is May through early July or September through November.

>> A good full-day tour from Kotor to Skadar Lake combined with the visit to Lovcen

Day Trip From Kotor to Lipa Cave & Rijeka Crnojevica

Rather a unique place to visit from Kotor, but it is a good option on a very hot July or August day and when traveling with kids. The temperature is always around 7-10C degrees which helps to cool off when it’s hot.

Among the thousands of caves in Montenegro, Lipa Cave is the only one equipped for visits. And it is one of the largest caves in the Balkans. In some ways, it reminded me of the longest cave in Europe located in Liptovsky Mikolas Slovakia .

Inside the cave, there are paths and lighting, outside a cafe with a bathroom. Visitors can walk around the designated area on guided tours to explore the cave and witness its impressive geological formations in the form of stalactites and stalagmites that formed an underground river.

Lipa Cave is conveniently located next to Cetinje, so you can combine these two visits with another visit to Lovcen National Park.

For opening hours and prices, check Lipa Cave website . 

Kotor Day Trips That I Don’t Recommend Taking & Here is Why 

Durmitor national park.

Durmitor National Park day trip from Kotor is not a good idea and I seriously don’t recommend doing it. It takes almost 3 hours to get to the park one way but honestly, there are quite a few things to see along the way. With a few stops, you could be driving 5-6 hours one way if not longer.

Even if you don’t make any stops and go to the park alone, it will still take 6 hours of your time just to drive to the park and back.

Usually, tourists who go to Durmitor for a day, get to see only the most touristy part of the Black Lake, Durdevica Bridge, and sometimes drive on a scenic road Sedlo Pass . Sometimes it is still possible to fit in rafting or even halfway hike to Bobotov Kuk .

How much else can you squeeze in one day? In fact, not a day but 7-8 hours. In the spring or fall months when days are shorter, it’s even less time. However, there is so much more in and around Durmitor Park. 

For the best experience, it is recommended to go to Durmitor for at least 2 days. During this time, you’ll be able to experience the beauty, try local food, and possibly go on one of the hikes that I talk about in my post about Durmitor hiking . 

Whitewater Rafting in Tara

Whitewater rafting in Tara is an absolutely astonishing adventure that should be on Montenegro’s bucket list. However, as with Durmitor National Park, spending 5-6 hours in a van just for a few hours on a river rafting boat just doesn’t seem to make sense. 

If you want to go from Kotor to the mountain canyon for the rafting, it is better to combine it together with a trip to Durmitor. And for that, devote at least 2 days and spend one night in the city of Zabljak or in the mountains nearby.

One day is just not enough time for rafting and local natural landmarks. You’ll be tired of never-ending serpentines (about 450 – 500 km). And the mountain area is not a place where to rush. The northern part of Montenegro is a place for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of nature.

If you are still convinced you’d like to go on a whitewater rafting tour from Kotor, choose at least that tour that lasts 12 hours . The drive itself takes 3 hours one way, so you want to make sure you are not tired.

Dubrovnik 

The only time when I recommend going on a Kotor day trip to Croatia is when you have seen it all and base yourself in Herceg Novi. While technically it is possible to do a quick trip, it is generally not recommended due to the distance, border crossing times, and the abundance of attractions on the stretch of the road between Dubrovnik and Kotor.

Since the journey involves traveling through several border crossings, it can take a significant amount of time, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Also take into consideration that Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a major tourist destination that deserves ample time to explore its cultural and architectural treasures. Rushing through these attractions on a day trip may not allow for a truly immersive experience.

I am an advocate for slow travel which is more qualitative and rewarding at the same time. So I don’t believe that you’ll have quality time when visiting Dubrovnik on a day trip from Kotor. You’ll appreciate it much more by devoting at least 2 full days to this trip. 

Where to Stay in Kotor – My Favorite Apartments & Hotels 

VILLA MARINER: a beautiful apartment on the peninsula between Kotor and Tivat. It has its own beach and pier. Located in a quiet village Prcanj but is easy to get to from Kotor. 

BOGDANOVIC APARTMENT WITH SEA VIEW : A clean and spacious flat in Dobrota which is only a few minutes walk from Kotor. Being only a few steps from the private beach, this apartment has a beautiful sea view from the balcony. 

ASTORIA HOTEL: a lovely historic accommodation in the Old Town of Kotor. It has a very unique interior and decor, clean rooms with large beds, and the best location. The hotel, although looks like it was built in a cave, has modern furniture and bathrooms. 

HOTEL R PALAZZO: a modern and relatively new hotel in an excellent location in Dobrota that offers absolutely unbeatable views. It features spacious rooms with a modern design, a gym, outdoor pool, sauna, and stunning views of Kotor Bay. Come here to destress and get full relaxation .

For more places, check my guide to best areas in Kotor where to stay .

More Montenegro Travel Inspiration

• Is Montenegro a good country? – what to know before you go
• Is Montenegro Safe? – honest answers to important questions
• Car hire in Montenegro – things to know and avoid
• Is Herceg Novi Worth Visiting? – let’s find out
• Where to Stay in Montenegro – quick overview of resort cities
• How to Find & Rent Apartment in Montenegro – long term
• Backpacking Montenegro – what to know
• Montenegro Travel Guide – all my posts in one place!

Are you looking for more inspiration for travel around the Balkans? I have a ton of posts on Turkey travel and then if you are visiting Romania, check my post on Bucharest to Brasov day trip . For Bosnia & Herzegovina, here are Sarajevo restaurants and cafes guide and must-do activities in Sarajevo . 

Did you want to receive more updates on Montenegro travel? Then subscribe to my email.

More Posts About Day Trips Around Europe

• Best Day Trips From Antalya – to see more of southern Turkey
• Day Tours & Trips From Lviv – to see Western Ukraine
• Munich to Mittenwald day trip – self-guided route with a car
• Munich to Oberammergau – alternative way to spend one day in Bavaria
• One Day in Nyon, Switzerland – great one day trip on the Lake Geneva

Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely.

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Ultimate List: 20 Must-See Attractions in Montenegro

Montenegro offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural heritage. Highlights include Kotor's old town, Sveti Stefan resort, Durmitor National Park, Lovcen National Park, Tara River Canyon, ancient monasteries, and historic towns. Montenegro captivates with its charm and lasting memories.

Key Highlights

• Montenegro offers a perfect combination of stunning natural landscapes, historical sites, and cultural attractions .
• The country is known for its beautiful coastal towns and beaches, such as the charming old town of Kotor and the picturesque village of Sveti Stefan .
• Montenegro is home to several national parks, including Durmitor National Park and Lovćen National Park , which offer breathtaking views, glacial lakes, and impressive mountain ranges.
• The Bay of Kotor is a must-see attraction, with its fjord-like bay, medieval towns, and stunning scenery.
• The country also has a rich cultural heritage, with ancient monasteries like Ostrog Monastery and historic towns like Stari Bar that showcase Montenegro's fascinating history.

Top Must-See Attractions in Montenegro

Montenegro is a treasure trove of must-see attractions. From the enchanting Bay of Kotor to the historic Kotor Old Town, here are some of the top attractions you should not miss when visiting this beautiful country.

1. The Enchanting Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is often referred to as Europe's southernmost fjord, but it is actually a submerged river canyon. Surrounded by towering limestone mountains, the bay offers breathtaking views and a unique blend of natural and cultural heritage.

Explore the charming coastal towns, such as Kotor with its well-preserved old town and beautiful fortifications. Take a boat trip around the bay to admire the stunning scenery and visit the ancient monasteries dotted along the coastline. The Bay of Kotor is a true gem of the Adriatic coastline and a must-see attraction in Montenegro.

2. Historic Kotor Old Town

Step back in time as you wander through the narrow streets of Kotor Old Town. This well-preserved medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a glimpse into Montenegro's rich history. Marvel at the 15th-century architecture, visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon with its intricate stone altar, and explore the ancient fortifications that surround the town.

Don't miss the opportunity to climb the 1,350 steps to the top of the fortress for panoramic views of the town and the Bay of Kotor. Kotor Old Town, with its charming stone alleyways and historic buildings, is a true gem of Montenegro and a must-visit destination for history lovers.

3. Majestic Durmitor National Park

Escape to the breathtaking landscapes of Durmitor National Park , located in the rugged Dinaric Alps. This national park is a paradise for nature lovers, offering stunning views, glacial lakes, and dramatic mountain ranges. Hike through the pristine forests, explore the deep canyons, and marvel at the crystal-clear lakes. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Black Lake , one of the park's most beautiful attractions, situated 1,500m above sea level. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply enjoy being surrounded by nature's beauty, Durmitor National Park is a must-see destination in Montenegro.

4. The Serene Black Lake

Nestled within the enchanting Durmitor National Park, the Black Lake is a serene oasis of natural beauty. Surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, this glacial lake offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the stunning reflections of the surrounding landscape on the calm water.

For those seeking adventure, there are hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints and hidden corners of the park. The Black Lake is a true gem of Montenegro's nature and a must-visit attraction for those looking to reconnect with the tranquility of the great outdoors.

5. Stunning Lake Skadar

Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and a true natural wonder of Montenegro. This stunning lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife. Take a boat trip on the lake to explore its hidden coves, visit the charming villages that dot its shores, and admire the beautiful water lilies that bloom in abundance.

Nature enthusiasts will love the bird-watching opportunities, as Lake Skadar is home to over 270 bird species. Whether you're a bird lover or simply enjoy the tranquility of a peaceful lake, Lake Skadar, oozing over the Albanian border, is a must-see attraction in Montenegro.

6. Pavlova Strana Viewpoint’s Breathtaking Views

For breathtaking views of the Adriatic coastline, head to the Pavlova Strana Viewpoint. Located in the beautiful Lake Skadar National Park, this viewpoint offers stunning panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the view of rugged mountains, the sparkling lake, and river 'Crnojevića' flow. The viewpoint is easily accessible by car, and there are hiking trails that lead to it for those who prefer a more adventurous approach. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply want to soak in the beauty of Montenegro's coastline, the Pavlova Strana Viewpoint is a must-visit attraction.

7. Hidden Gem: Gornji Stoliv

Escape the crowds and discover the hidden gem of Gornji Stoliv, a small village nestled in the Kotor Bay. This charming village offers a glimpse into traditional Montenegrin life, with its stone houses, narrow streets, and friendly locals. Explore the picturesque waterfront, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade, and savor a delicious seafood meal at one of the local restaurants.

Gornji Stoliv is a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and a taste of authentic Montenegrin charm. With its mild Mediterranean climate, it's also an ideal place to relax and unwind while enjoying the beauty of the Bay of Kotor.

8. The Ancient City of Stari Bar

Step back in time as you explore the ancient city of Stari Bar. This once-thriving city was an important trade center during the Ottoman Empire and is now a fascinating archaeological site. Wander through the narrow streets, marvel at the ruins of mosques and churches, and imagine the bustling life that once filled these ancient walls.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Stari Bar Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Stari Bar is a must-visit destination for history buffs and those interested in the rich cultural heritage of Montenegro.

9. The Thrilling Tara River Canyon

Experience the thrill of the Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. This stunning natural wonder offers breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and exhilarating outdoor activities. Go white-water rafting on the Tara River, navigate through the rapids, and marvel at the dramatic cliffs that surround you.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, take a leisurely boat ride along the river and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the canyon. The Tara River Canyon is a must-visit attraction for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

10. Piva River Canyon’s Natural Beauty

Discover the natural beauty of the Piva River Canyon, a hidden gem in Montenegro. This breathtaking canyon is known for its crystal-clear lakes, dramatic mountains, and untouched wilderness. Explore the rugged hiking trails that wind through the canyon, discover hidden waterfalls, and soak in the tranquility of nature. Take a boat ride on the Piva Lake and marvel at the stunning reflections of the surrounding landscape on the calm water. Whether you're a nature lover or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the Piva River Canyon is a must-see attraction in Montenegro.

11. Mystical Ostrog Monastery

Visit the mystical Ostrog Monastery, a major Orthodox Christian pilgrimage destination in Montenegro. Perched high up on a vertical cliff, this impressive monastery is a true architectural marvel. Explore the inner cave churches, adorned with frescoes that seem to blend into the rock walls.

Pay your respects at the tomb of Saint Vasilije, the monastery's founder, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're a spiritual seeker or simply interested in history and culture, the entire monastery of Ostrog is a must-visit attraction that will leave you in awe.

12. Vibrant Budva Riviera

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Budva Riviera, a popular tourist destination in Montenegro. This picturesque coastal region offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a lively nightlife scene. Relax on the sandy beaches, take a dip in the Adriatic Sea, and explore the charming old town of Budva with its medieval walls and Venetian architecture.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the famous Mogren Beach, known for its pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters. The Budva Riviera is a must-visit destination for beach lovers, partygoers, and those seeking a vibrant Mediterranean experience.

13. Picturesque Sveti Stefan

Discover the picturesque village of Sveti Stefan, a true gem of the Adriatic coastline. This exclusive resort is located on a small island and is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Admire the charming stone houses, the narrow streets, and the stunning views of the crystal-clear waters.

Sveti Stefan, which has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, is a haven of luxury and tranquility, offering pristine beaches, world-class restaurants, and breathtaking sunsets. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or simply want to indulge in the beauty of the Adriatic, Sveti Stefan is a must-visit destination in Montenegro.

14. The Legacy of Lovćen National Park

Explore the legacy of Lovćen National Park, a natural and cultural treasure in Montenegro. This national park is home to Mount Lovcen, the country's symbol of national pride. Hike to the circular platform at the top of the mountain for breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor and the medieval city of Kotor. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Njegoš Mausoleum, a tribute to Montenegro's national poet, ruler and philosopher. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park, with its dense forests, scenic hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. Lovćen National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

15. Exploring Biogradska Gora

Embark on an adventure in Biogradska Gora National Park, a hidden gem in Montenegro. This national park is known for its ancient forests, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Explore the dense woodland, hike along scenic trails, and discover the crystal-clear waters of Lake Biograd.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Biogradsko Jezero Eco Village, where you can learn about the park's conservation efforts and enjoy traditional Montenegrin hospitality. Biogradska Gora National Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

16. Captivating Prokletije National Park

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Prokletije National Park, a hidden gem near Montenegro's border with Albania. This national park is known for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and breathtaking vistas. Hike to the highest peaks, explore the glacial valleys, and marvel at the untouched wilderness. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the stunning Grbaja Valley, with its crystal-clear river and lush meadows. Prokletije National Park is a must-visit destination for mountain enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and nature lovers.

17. The Peaceful Shores of Plav

Discover the peaceful shores of Plav, a hidden gem in Montenegro. This small town is located on the shores of Lake Plav and offers a tranquil retreat away from the crowds. Relax on the sandy beaches, take a boat ride on the lake, and explore the surrounding countryside.

Plav is a great place for nature lovers, with its pristine landscapes, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. Whether you're looking to hike, swim, or simply relax in nature's embrace, Plav is a must-visit destination in Montenegro.

18. Discover the Underground Wonder of Lipa Cave

Embark on a unique adventure and discover the underground wonder of Lipa Cave. Located near Cetinje, this cave offers a fascinating journey into the depths of the earth along the Adriatic coast. Explore the labyrinth of chambers, marvel at the impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about the cave's geological history. Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the beauty and mystery of Lipa Cave. Whether you're a spelunking enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of the underground world, Lipa Cave is a must-visit attraction in Montenegro.

19. The Coastal Charm of Tivat

Experience the coastal charm of Tivat , a vibrant town located on the stunning Adriatic coastline. This town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern comforts. Explore the charming old town, visit the luxurious Porto Montenegro marina, and relax on the beautiful sandy beaches. Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat trip to the nearby Our Lady of the Rocks, a picturesque island with a beautiful church. Tivat is a must-visit destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation, culture, and coastal charm.

20. The Mystique of The Blue Cave

Embark on a magical journey to The Blue Cave, a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. Located near Herceg Novi, this cave is known for its mesmerizing blue glow, created by the reflection of sunlight on the water. Take a boat trip, such as a day trip from Tivat or Kotor, to the cave and marvel at the iridescent shades of blue that surround you. Swim in the crystal-clear waters and immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the cave. The Blue Cave is a must-visit attraction for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience in Montenegro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit montenegro.

The best time to visit Montenegro is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall.

Are there any hidden gems in Montenegro not frequented by tourists?

Yes, there are several hidden gems in Montenegro that are not frequented by tourists. One such gem is the small village of Gornji Stoliv, known for its charming stone houses and narrow streets. Explore the picturesque waterfront and savor a delicious seafood meal at one of the local restaurants.

How can visitors ensure they respect local customs while touring?

Visitors can ensure they respect local customs in Montenegro by dressing modestly when visiting religious sites, such as Ostrog Monastery. It is also important to be mindful of local traditions and customs, such as removing your shoes when entering someone's home. Remember that Montenegro is an independent country with its own unique customs and traditions.

What are the must-try foods in Montenegro?

Must-try foods in Montenegro include traditional dishes that showcase the country's Mediterranean cuisine. Try the delicious seafood, such as grilled fish or octopus salad. Don't miss the opportunity to taste local specialties like pršut (Montenegrin prosciutto) and cheese from the Njegusi region.

How to get around in Montenegro?

The best way to get around Montenegro is by car. The country has a well-developed road network, making it easy to explore different destinations. You can rent a car at the international airport or in major cities. Alternatively, you can also use local buses or taxis for shorter journeys.

Tips for eco-friendly travel in Montenegro?

To practice eco-friendly travel in Montenegro, respect nature and follow the rules and regulations in national parks and protected areas. Avoid littering and dispose of waste properly. Choose eco-friendly accommodations and support local businesses that promote sustainable practices.

What are the top safety tips for travelers in Montenegro?

For solo travelers in Montenegro, it is important to take basic safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping valuables secure. Follow local laws and customs, and be aware of your surroundings. It is also recommended to have travel insurance for peace of mind.

How to find accommodation that offers an authentic Montenegrin experience?

To find accommodation that offers an authentic Montenegrin experience, look for traditional guesthouses or family-run hotels. These accommodations often provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, allowing you to experience Montenegrin hospitality firsthand. Stay in charming old towns or rural villages to immerse yourself in the local culture.

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