Awesome Day Trips from Podgorica
The quirky city of Podgorica sits in the central region of Montenegro. While there is plenty to explore in the city itself, the geographical location of the capital makes it a perfect base for exploring more of the country. Most trips out of the city will require a rental car. However, taxis are readily available and not too expensive making them a good option. The rail network is also pretty good in comparison to other Balkan countries. Here are some of the very best day trips from Podgorica.
Take a Day Trip to Lake Skadar from Podgorica
The spectacular Lake Skadar is the largest lake in Southern Europe and not to be missed while visiting Montenegro. The blue green water is surrounded by dark, rugged mountains making for a dramatic, yet peaceful setting. Fortunately, there are many ways to get to Lake Skadar, making it one of the best day trips from Podgorica.
The lake is vast and crosses the border into neighbouring Albania. If you have the freedom of a car in Podgorica, there are many beautiful places along the lake shore that you can visit. We decided to take the train. The train will take you from Podgorica to Virpazar in under 30 mins and costs only €1 each way. Virpazar is a quiet village that lies near the lake. Closer to the shore there are restaurants and boat rides and there is even an ancient castle to explore. For more details on different ways to get there and what there is to do, read our blog about travelling from Podgorica to Virpazar.
Visit Beautiful Bar for the Day
For a visit to the coast, the town of Bar is less than 1 hour away and is a fantastic day trip from Podgorica. The small town is not a typical tourist hotspot. However, it has an interesting history and spectacular surroundings. If you are looking for off-the-beaten-track, Bar is perfect. There are many popular beaches that are unknown to most tourists, but are still buzzing with locals. There are also the quiet ruins of the old town to discover and even a 2,000 year old olive tree to marvel at!
In the evening the town really comes alive, it is definitely well named! The nightlife is jumping and there is an endless choice of bars and clubs.
It is easy to visit Bar as a day trip from Podgorica, but even better if you can stay overnight! You can take the train from Podgorica to Bar to experience the spectacular scenery. Or the drive will take less than an hour from the city centre.
Spend Some Time in Budva as a Day Trip from Podgorica
Budva is one of the most popular destinations in Montenegro. As a result, it’s pretty easy to get from Podgorica to Budva by bus. The narrow streets of the medieval town are surrounded by stone walls built by the venetians. However, the city was founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, making it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. Unfortunately, the sprawling new developments are not exactly sympathetic to the antiquity of the place.
Despite the history in this old town, it is often referred to as the “Montenegrin Miami” because of its beaches, bars and nightlife. It is not uncommon to see multi-million dollar yachts moored in the marina.
The iconic Island of Sveti Stefan lies about 6km up the coast and is definitely one of the most picturesque places in Montenegro.
The bus from Podgorica to Budva leaves from the central bus station, takes 1.5 hours and costs less that €4. However, if you are driving, it will only take around an hour as long as there is no traffic. This is a fantastic day trip from Podgorica but it is also worth staying a night or two if you have the opportunity.
Visit Cijevna River Canyon – The Niagara Falls of Montenegro
Just 10 minutes from the city centre is Montenegro’s very own Niagara Falls. Ok, it’s not as impressive as its larger, North American cousin, but this beauty spot makes a perfect day trip from Podgorica.
The falls are at their most impressive in the spring as the thaw runs off the surrounding mountains. Just by the water there is a nice little restaurant that serves traditional Montenegrin food. This is not a well-known spot amongst tourists so it’s a great place to go to see the “real” Montenegro. However, it has become more popular recently. Do be aware that the falls pretty much dry up around August when the weather is hot and dry.
The Legend of Cijevna River Canyon
There is, of course, a little legend involved with this manmade waterfall – as with so many places and things in the Balkans.
The story goes that around 50 years ago local farmers decided to build a dam over the river bed, create a waterfall and therefore enough force to move a watermill to mill their grain. The legend claims the dam was constructed twice. However, each spring it was destroyed by the engorged river. One day, an old woman appeared. She told the locals that there was only one way to resolve this problem. The only way was to put sheep’s wool between each stone along the dam. This was done, and the dam has lasted ever since…
If you have your own wheels, the waterfall is an easy 10 minute drive from Podgorica centre, just follow the road towards Tuzi. Otherwise, jump in a taxi from the city , as there is no public transport available. For one of the best day trips from Podgorica, turn water into wine and combine a visit to Niagara Falls with a trip to the nearby Plantaze Winery.
Day Trips from Podgorica – Wine Tasting at Plantaze Winery
Podgorica really excels at making (and drinking) wine! The Plantaze Winery even has the largest complete vineyard in Europe and produces a lot of Montenegro’s wine.
Plantaze’s Sipcanik wine cellar is a great place to go wine tasting in Podgorica. Tastings include a tour of the vineyard, the cellar (holding 2 million liters of wine!) and expert knowledge on every wine you sample. The cellar is actually an old, underground aircraft hangar which adds an interesting edge to the day. However, it can be cold so bring a jacket!
It’s best to book a tour in advance. You can reach them at visit@plantaze.com. You can also pick up a bottle from Plantaze in supermarkets for around €2.
The winery is around 8km south east of the city. A nice easy drive towards Tuzi, or take a taxi from the city centre. Don’t drink and drive kids!
Marvel at Ostrog Monastery in the Mountains
For Monastery fans, Ostrog Monastery is incredible. For everyone else, this place is unreal! During Ottoman rule, Orthodox Christians were forced into the mountains. However, it is a bit of a mystery exactly how the building was carved out of the vertical cliff of Ostroška Greda, in 1665, 900m above the Zeta Valley. The remains of St. Vasilije of Ostrog are kept here and wrapped in fabric.
The monastery still receives pilgrims from far and wide and of all faiths. Many visitors decide to trek up the hill towards the site, some in bare feet. For others, there is a car park 200m from the monastery. The drive from Podgorica will take around an hour and it’s best to stick to the main road – the old road is questionable at best.
Alternatively, there is a train from Podgorica to the town of Ostrog. However, be prepared for a hike to the Monastery. It takes around 90 minutes to the lower monastery and then it’s another 2km to the main shrine.
For in depth information and easy travel, take a tour of Ostrog Monastery. There are plenty of tours available and everything is organised for you. Some also include a visit to Niagara Falls.
Day Trips from Podgorica – Beautiful Biogradska Gora National Park
One of Europe’s last three primeval forests, Biogradska Gora National Park has many trees over 500 years old. It is even said that that not a single tree has been cut in the park.
The National Park is fantastic for nature and outdoor lovers and for hikers. There are many different, sometimes rare, varieties of flora and fauna to be found and the surroundings are beautiful. Take a hike up Bendovac Mountain where you will find a well maintained and signed trail that will take 2 – 3 hours. Just before the peak there is a small ethno-village where you can stop for refreshments. There is also a shorter hike around the lake which takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
When visiting Biogradska Gora National Park, it is adviseable to go in the morning before it gets busy. August is the busiest month as locals take their holidays during this time. Water levels are very low towards the end of summer but the park is beautiful all year round.
There is a car park and entrance costs €3 per person. Biogradska Gora National Park is less than a 2 hour drive from the capital making it possible to visit as a day trip from Podgorica. Without a car, you can take the train to Mojkovac and then jump in a cab to the park.
Go Horse Riding Off-the-Beaten-Track
One way of going well off-the-beaten-track in Montenegro is on horseback. Just 15 minutes from the city is a beautiful stables called Mountain Riders and this is a highly recommended day trip from Podgorica.
The stables offer riding tours for beginner to advanced levels. You will trek through spectacular mountains and forests, sample fruit from old orchards, explore abandoned villages and be at one with nature.
The stables are only a short drive from Podgorica, or a taxi driver will happily take you there.
Explore the Ancient Roman City of Dioсlea
Only 6km from modern day Podgorica, lies the Ancient Roman city of Dioсlea. Initially settled in the 1st century AD, this city’s population once grew to around 40,000 people – larger than most modern Montenegrin cities!
Today there are only remains of the various buildings, piles of stone and broken pillars and columns. However, walking through the ruins it is easy to imagine the grandeur, organisation and ambition of the roman civilization.
There is no information at the site so it’s worth doing a bit of research prior to your visit.
To reach Dioclea from Podgorica it is an easy drive. Without a car it is possible to walk in just over an hour, but be aware that parts of the road are unpaved. Alternatively, grab a cab and you’ll be there within 15 minutes. Just make sure you agree a collection time (and price) if you don’t intend to walk back.
Have a Cuddle at the Montenegro Animal Sanctuary
The Montenegro Animal Sanctuary (Prihvatiliste i Oporavak Zivotinja Crna Gora) is a great day trip for animal lovers and kids.
This sanctuary takes in injured and abandoned animals from across the country. There is a flock of Emus that were left by a travelling circus. The same circus also abandoned camels, horses and llamas that were all taken in by the rescue. All the animals at the sanctuary roam together freely as there are very few fences and cages. The bear and wolf cubs are kept separately for safety but are still very well cared for.
The drive from Podgorica will take 20 – 30 minutes and entry to the park is €3. There is plenty of parking. All proceeds go towards feeding and caring for the animals. You can also bring carrots, fruit and dog food to donate and a change of clothes might be needed if it’s muddy and you want a camel cuddle.
Day Trips from Podgorica
There are so many great day trips from Podgorica. The city’s location makes it a fantastic, central base for exploring more of this amazing country. It is also within reach of Albania and Croatia which are well worth a visit.
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Why not try travelling from Podgorica to Dubrovnik? There is plenty of history and culture to discover in beautiful Dubrovnik.
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Podgorica or Montenegro? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
Short on time? Save “10 Awesome Day Trips from Podgorica – Your Montenegro Inspiration!” for later by pinning the picture below.
So many people head straight to the Montenegro coast, which is stunning, but you miss so much of the country that way.
Yeah, there’s really loads to see around Podgorica!
Great! Please let us know how you like it!
There are so many cool day trips from Podgorica. Such an underrated area!
Oh my gosh, this is such a comprehensive guide and your photos are so gorgeous. I’m definitely pinning this for future travel inspiration.
It has been so long since I have been to Montenegro. I would love to go back and explore more of the area!
You had me at wine tasting to be honest hahaha. I always love your posts. Montenegro has been on my list for years, and although i have never heard about this area before it is now in my to-visit list once this corona thing is over. Thanks for sharing.
You photos are stunning! I’d love to visit Montenegro and visit some less well-known places like this. Thanks for sharing.
I haven’t heard of most of this destinations before! They look fantastic to take a day trip to though so I’ll make a note of them for when I travel to this area!
These sound like such cool spots with so much history!!
What interesting places. I could see myself enjoying one of the beaches – the water looks inviting.
Once borders open up again I’m hoping to explore the Balkans and I’m really happy to have a blog like yours to help me plan my travels <3
Ostrong Monastery IN the mountains! Literally! What a cool thing to see! I haven’t heard of many of these places, so it’s really cool to learn about them!