The Best Outdoor Activities in Montenegro
As traditional tourist destinations get busier year on year, people are beginning to look for something a little different. For us, the Balkan region offers stunning nature, fascinating history and amazing hospitality. Montenegro is no exception. Based in the west of the Balkan peninsula, Montenegro is a fantastic country to explore. As lovers of outdoor pursuits, we regularly return to this extraordinary country. In this post, we have put together some inspiration for you to explore some of the very best outdoor activities in Montenegro. And, trust us, there are many!
So What are the Best Outdoor Activities in Montenegro?
Montenegro offers a variety of outdoor activities that cater to different interests, from stunning natural landscapes to thrilling adventures. Here are some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy in Montenegro:
Hiking in Durmitor National Park: The Durmitor range is perfect for hiking with trails for all levels. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering beautiful mountains, glacial lakes, and the famous Tara River Canyon, which is the deepest in Europe and truly spectacular.
Rafting on the Tara River: Known for its crystal-clear waters, rafting on the Tara River is a thrilling experience. The river flows through the Tara River Canyon and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. This is a super fun activity, if you’re not afraid to get a bit wet! Try a company like Waterfall Rafting Centre, they will help with everything you need for your adrenaline fix!
Beach Activities on the Adriatic Coast: Montenegro boasts a beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing in places like Budva, Kotor Bay, and Herceg Novi. These costal towns are absolutely stunning and it’s well worth spending a bit of time to explore them after you have finished your activity.
Paragliding in Kotor Bay: For a unique view of Montenegro, paragliding over the stunning Kotor Bay and surrounding mountains offers an adrenaline-pumping experience. A tandem flight will cost around €100.
Cycling: Montenegro offers great cycling trails, especially around the Bay of Kotor, the coastline, and mountain areas. You can take scenic routes or more challenging trails. This a a great outdoor activity in Montenegro and a really amazing way to see the country. Just beware of some rather erratic driving.
Climbing and Rock Climbing: Durmitor and the surrounding areas are popular for rock climbing with various routes for beginners and experts.
Visiting the Bay of Kotor: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Bay of Kotor offers a mix of sea activities, such as sailing, kayaking, and swimming, combined with stunning historical towns like Kotor and Perast. This is a great option if your looking for a more relaxed holiday with some active intervals.
Canyoning in the Moraca Canyon: If you’re looking for something adventurous, canyoning in the Moraca Canyon offers an exciting experience with hiking, swimming, and rappelling through beautiful natural landscapes – one of the best outdoor activities in Montenegro!
Skiing and Snowboarding in Zabljak: In winter, Montenegro offers excellent skiing in Durmitor, with a variety of slopes catering to both beginners and advanced skiers.
Wildlife Watching in Biogradska Gora National Park: Montenegro’s oldest national park is a great place for nature lovers. You can go wildlife watching and see deer, bears, and other animals, and explore one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests. We are always fascinated by the variety of wildlife all across the Balkans! For us, this is an amazing outdoor activity in Montenegro.
These activities offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and nature, making Montenegro an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
When to Visit Montenegro for Outdoor Activities
The spring is perhaps the very best time to visit Montenegro. The weather is bright and sunny but not too hot and the days are long. Summer can get scorching hot, autumn can be a little rainy and there is snow in the winter.If you’re not bothered about the weather, visit Montenegro at any point. It is not a city that is busy with tourists so crowding is not an issue. Some attractions close in the winter so it’s always better to check in advance.
How expensive is Montenegro
Montenegro is relatively inexpensive. It is not a popular tourist destination so the prices have not been inflated. However, it is definitely a little dearer than its southern cousin, Tirana. Montenegro uses the Euro, however, this has not been approved by the European Union. Here are some rough estimates as a guide.
What Currency is Used in Montenegro
Well, this is actually a bit of an odd one… Despite not being part of the EU, Montenegro currently uses the Euro. This makes things pretty simple if your visiting from the Euro zone and prices are still far lower than other Euro countries.
Is Montenegro safe
Yes, Montenegro is a safe country. It is not a busy tourist location so there are not the usual scams designed to liberate your hard earned holiday money. The locals and warm, friendly and welcoming. Don’t confuse curtness for bad manners, it is just how it is. Take the same precautions you would in any city and you will be perfectly safe.
The most worrying aspect of Montenegro, and the entire Balkans, is the driving. Not all roads have pavements and driving is often erratic. Make sure you take care and stay alert if walking or driving. If you rent a car, take out full insurance and plan your route well.
How Long to Stay in Montenegro
This really depends on what you plan to do. We could easily spend a few weeks here as there is so much to do and it’s not an expensive country to visit. However, if you are restricted timewise, a week would be a great amount of time to explore some of the outdoor activities in Montenegro.
What to Pack for Outdoor Activities in Montenegro
Obviously some activities have very specific equipment, so we’re not going to list all of that. Most places offer hire of any specialist equipment as well. We have put together a convenient packing list for your trip to Montenegro.
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Weather appropriate clothing such as windbreaker, hiking socks, buff/hat, and fleece. Make sure to wear layers to account for the changing conditions if you plan on hiking
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Map or downloaded GPS or map application on your phone
- Phone
- Decent camera with plenty of space for all the action shots
The Montenegrin Language
The official language spoken in Montenegro and Podgorica is Montenegrin. Many people in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Montenegrin. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals.
Here are a few words to try out:Dobar Dan (do-BAR dan) – Good dayZdravo (ZDRAH-voh) – HelloHvala (HVAH-lah) – Thank youMolim (MO-leem) – PleaseDoviđenja / čao (doh-vee-JEH-nyah / CH-ow) – Goodbye / ciaoDa (DA) – YesNe (NE) – NoDa li pričate Engleski? (DAH lee PREE-cha-teh lee EN-gles-kee?) — Do you speak English?
Where to go next
Decided to visit Montenegro? Podgorica, the capital city, is a great place to base yourself. Check out some of the best accommodation in the areas HERE
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 Montenegro before? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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