Montenegro is a small country, but what it has to offer within its borders can easily fill several weeks of exploration. If you are staying in Budva or Petrovac and you’ve rented a car, some of the most beautiful routes in the Balkans are right at your fingertips — all easily accessible as day trips, with no overnight stays or rushing.
Kotor and the Bay of Kotor — an hour's drive, a hundred reasons to visit
The Bay of Kotor is without a doubt one of the most photographed destinations in the entire Mediterranean. It's only a 45-minute drive from Budva to Kotor, and a little less than an hour from Petrovac.
Old Town Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering narrow cobblestone streets, Venetian palaces, and the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. For those seeking a panoramic view, we recommend climbing to the Fortress of Saint John—about 1,300 steps, but the view is unforgettable.
If you have time, continue your drive around the bay to Perast and the island of Gospa od Škrpjela — one of only two artificial islands on the Adriatic.
2. Lake Skadar — nature you won't find anywhere else
Lake Skadar is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula and one of the most important bird reserves in Europe. The drive from Petrovac to the entrance of the National Park takes about 45 minutes, and from Budva a little over an hour.
We recommend visiting Virpazar — a small fishing village on the shore of the lake that is an ideal starting point for a boat tour. The lakeside restaurants offer fresh fish and eels, a local specialty not to be missed.
Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit because the vegetation is lush and the heat is not extreme.
3. Stari Bar and Bar — history at your fingertips
Stari Bar is an archaeological site and a fortified town dating back to the early Middle Ages. It is located just a 30-minute drive from Petrovac and is often overlooked in favor of Kotor, making it a peaceful and authentic alternative.
The ruins of the Old Bar offer an incredible view of the surrounding olive groves—some of the olive treesin this region are over two thousand years old and are among the oldest in the world.
4. Ostrog Monastery — a breathtaking monastery
The Ostrog Monastery is carved directly into the rock at an altitude of about 900 meters and is one of the most visited holy sites in all of Southeast Europe. The drive from Budva to Ostrog takes about an hour and a half, and from Petrovac a little less.
The road to the monastery is narrow and winding, but fully passable for passenger vehicles. Tip — start early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during the summer months.
5. Cetinje — the capital that preserves the history of Montenegro
Cetinje is the former capital of Montenegro and a city that breathes history at every turn. It is just a 35-minute drive from Budva through Lovćen, and the drive itself on the switchbacks above Budva is one of the most beautiful experiences on the Montenegrin coast.
The city is home to the National Museum of Montenegro, the Cetinje Monastery, and numerous embassies from the kingdom's era—all located in a small, easily walkable downtown that can be explored on foot in a few hours.
How to make the most of these routes
All of the destinations listed are available as day trips—no overnight stays and no rushing. The key is the flexibility that your own vehicle provides. You're not tied to bus schedules; you can stop wherever you want and set off whenever it suits you.
If you are planning multiple excursions during your stay, rent a car in Budva or Petrovac for multiple days for multiple days — the per-day price is more affordable, and the freedom to move is priceless.
