Kotor is a superb base because so much of Montenegro lies within a couple of hours of it. Mountains, lakes, monasteries and coastal towns are all reachable in a day, and the choice of trips can be matched to your interests, the weather and the time you have. Here are the best options, with how long each takes and what makes it worth the journey.
Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
The easiest day trip, and the one almost everyone makes, is the short drive along the bay to Perast. The Baroque town, its bell tower and the two islets off its shore make a perfect half day, and the boats to Our Lady of the Rocks run constantly in season. If you prefer, make it a full day by adding a lunch by the water and a swim, or a boat trip on to the Blue Cave.
Lovćen and Cetinje
Climb the famous serpentine road out of Kotor, with its dozens of hairpin bends, to Lovćen National Park and the Mausoleum of Njegoš, where hundreds of steps lead to a summit with views over the whole of Montenegro. Stop in Njeguši for smoked ham and cheese, then continue over the plateau to Cetinje, the old royal capital, with its monastery, museums and former embassy buildings. This is a full day by car or tour and gives the best single overview of Montenegrin history and landscape. The Kotor cable car offers a different way up for the first leg of the journey.
Budva and Sveti Stefan
Over the hill on the open coast, Budva has a walled old town on a small peninsula, a long line of beaches and a lively promenade. A few kilometres south, the island village of Sveti Stefan is among the most photographed views in the Adriatic, best seen from the viewpoint on the road above. The trip is easy by bus, taxi or tour, and it works well as a half or full day with beach time. Summer is busy, and the quieter months give you the old town almost to yourself.
Skadar Lake and Virpazar
For a slow, green day, head inland to the largest lake in southern Europe, shared with Albania. From the fishing village of Virpazar, boats glide through reeds and water lilies past pelicans and herons to islets and old fortresses. Many trips combine a cruise with a stop in the Crmnica vineyards to taste Vranac and Krstač wines. It takes about an hour or so each way, and the day suits families, birdwatchers and anyone who wants a break from the coast.
Ostrog Monastery
For a more demanding day, travel inland to the white monastery set into a cliff face high above the plain. It is a place of pilgrimage as well as a spectacular sight, and the drive takes a couple of hours each way, so most visitors go on a guided trip that leaves early and returns in the evening. Dress modestly and bring sturdy shoes.
A cruise around the bay
If you would like a day on the water without leaving the bay, a guided ship cruise gives a relaxed view of the villages, forts and islets, and speedboat trips to the Blue Cave add swimming and the island fort of Mamula. A kayak tour offers a quieter, more active alternative.
Herceg Novi and Dubrovnik
To the west, the town of Herceg Novi at the mouth of the bay has a pleasant old town and a long seafront promenade. Further along the coast, the Croatian city of Dubrovnik is a long day from Kotor. Montenegro is outside the EU and Schengen, so allow time at the border and bring your passport; summer crossings can be slow, and a guided trip with transport removes the logistics.
Choosing between them
For history, pick Lovćen and Cetinje. For nature and quiet, choose Skadar Lake. For beaches and nightlife, pick Budva. For atmosphere on a short timetable, stick to Perast and the bay. Combine two nearby places if you have the energy, but avoid cramming too much into one day, because Montenegrin roads are slower than they look on the map.
Getting there
Buses run along the bay road and to Budva and Podgorica, and taxis are plentiful and reasonable for short hops. For mountain and inland trips, a guided tour or a private driver saves you from steep, narrow roads and parking. Rental cars give freedom but require confidence on the serpentines and patience in summer traffic. Whichever you choose, set out early, carry water and check the weather, because fog and rain can hide the views on the mountain.