Top 5: Places to Visit in Montenegro (Besides Kotor)

The Balkan nation of Montenegro is slowly becoming an affordable European alternative to places like Italy and France. Go before everyone else does, and consider including these five places in your itinerary, which take you out of the touristy, centuries-old streets of Kotor.

Perast

Just down the road from Kotor is a smaller, less-crowded, bay-front village called Perast. Closed to cars, the quaint town of fewer than 500 people is a quieter option when the throngs of cruise ship passengers descend upon Kotor.

Lake Skadar

The Balkan Peninsula’s largest lake sits near the capital city of Podgorica and is a worthy stop-off point on a Montenegro road trip. Nestled in a valley between two mountains, visitors can hike and picnic around the lake when they’re not filling their camera with photos.

Durmitor National Park and/or Biogradska Gora

These two national parks are about 30 minutes apart, but both harbor unique sights. The smaller of the two (Biogradska Gora) is home to one of Europe’s last remaining rainforests, while Durmitor was formed by glaciers and features the country’s highest peak atop Bobotov Kuk.

Tara Canyon

The world’s second-deepest canyon (after the Grand Canyon) draws adventure junkies for zip lining, rafting and swimming. The turquoise waters glimmer as they roar through the valley, surrounded by picturesque cliffs of emerald green.

Sveti Stefan

This A-list island is closed to the public, but photos can be snapped from the public beach next door. The exclusive island has welcomed guests like Sylvester Stallone and Queen Elizabeth II.