The most beautiful natural sites to discover Montenegro

This pyramid-shaped peak is the highest in the massif and officially in Montenegro.

There are four different paths to reach it. The one going through the north-east is a bit longer and more difficult than the others but offers incredible and more spectacular landscapes. The best solution is to go up to the top by one path and come down by another in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the site.

Northeast route from Žabljak. Crno Jezero - Indjini Dolovi - Lokvice or Ledena Pećina - Biljegov Do - Valoviti Do - Bobotov Kuk (count 5.5 hours walking time, one way).

The other three trails run south: the first starts from Sedlo, the second from Dobri Do (1,742 m) and the third from Škrčka. All three meet at the Zeleni Vir lake (an ideal stopover) and from there they become one.

If you opt to start from Sedlo, along the trail there are several springs where you can fill up your drinking water supplies, although hikers are always advised to bring their water supplies before the hike. On the trail, the small mountain lake Zeleni vir lends itself to a good break before moving on to the last and most difficult part of the summit climb.

Once you reach the Velika Privija pass (2,351 m), this path joins the one passing through the north-east of the summit. It takes 2 hours and a half to walk from Dobri Do and 3 hours to walk from Sedlo (one way).

A summit not to be missed. A panorama of breathtaking beauty! Prutaš (2 393 m) is one of the most beautiful, popular and biggest peaks in Durmitor. The best alpine panorama in Durmitor resembles the Alps and Switzerland. Slightly sloping, green and decorated with prutovi (oblique sticks), Prutaš comes from the word prut andmeans twig. So it is a mountain made of twigs!

Route: Dobri Do - Šarban (1 700 m) - Škrčko Ždrijelo (2 114 m) - Prutaš (2 393 m). Duration: count between 3 and 4 hours of walking (one way).

Black Lake is rightly considered the most beautiful lake in the Montenegrin National Park. Bordered by pine forests and dominated by the peaks of Durmitor, it is actually two lakes connected by a narrow passage. It is called Black Lake because the dense black pine forests of Durmitor that surround it are reflected in the clear waters and give it a black sheen.

It is located only 3 km from the centre of the town of Žabljak and can be reached on foot. A pleasant walk will take you to the entrance of the Durmitor National Park and, continuing through the forest, the lake will appear right in front of you.

There is a 4 km trail around it: a 1.5 hour walk around the two lakes, or a 4 hour walk to Ledena Pečina or to the Katun Lotkvice night cottage.

There are also three marked hiking trails leading to Barno, Zminje and Lake Vražje.

Be aware that in summer it is also possible to rent wooden boats.

There are many activities around the lake. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or snowboarding. In summer, trekking and several cyclo-cross tracks.

To combine fun with sport, there is a nice restaurant on the lakefront, with a tree park that will please the youngest.

Goran Grbović, a former mountain guide, will be happy to accompany you on cross-country skiing in winter and hiking in summer ([email protected] - +382 67 224 148).

Zminje (1,520 m), or "Snake Lake", is a glacial lake known as the "Eye of Durmitor Mountain". It is a quiet place, ideal for a picnic; surrounded by forest, it is somewhat isolated. A marked path leads you through the forest to the lake with nice benches by the water and a fresh drinking water source. Nearby are the Black and Barno lakes, connected by a marked trail. The lake is easily accessible, count 2 hours of walking.

This archaeological site contains the ruins of the ancient city of Duklija (Latin name, Doclea), the forerunner of present-day Podgorica. It is the best preserved and most interesting Roman city in the country and is therefore of great interest to all lovers of ancient history. Built at the crossing of three rivers (Morača, Zeta and Širalija), this city was founded in the very early 1st century AD, when the Romans defeated the Illyrian tribe of Docleati. It was a powerful centre of the Roman province of Dalmatia in the 1st and 2nd centuries, and with the re-division of the Roman Empire in 297 it became the capital of the province of Prevalitania. Its influence began to decline in the 4th and^5th centuries due to the barbarian invasions. Research carried out by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans between 1875 and 1882 brought to light a vast necropolis. This discovery confirmed the importance of the city in the past, as it showed that between 8,000 and 10,000 people at least lived in this city, a real economic crossroads of the Roman Empire. Moreover, the ruins suggest the presence of a large forum, a basilica and several public buildings (temples, villas, baths) along the main street. Little or poorly protected in the past, this site has unfortunately been plundered many times and many of its remains have now disappeared for good.

Budva is surrounded by sandy beaches, which explains its tourist appeal. Big and lively is Slovenska Plaža (1,600 m). The beaches of Mogren, behind the Hotel Avala, are rather quiet. Jaz lies between two small hills in an uninhabited area (access by secondary road from the expressway). A large campsite and several cafés-restaurants line the beach. The smaller (100 m), nearby Trsteno cove is well worth a visit. Here, too, an open-air restaurant allows you to alternate between swimming and eating in summer.

Bezimeni Vrh (2 487 m) is the second highest peak of Durmitor. Together with Bobotov Kuk and Djevojka, they form the highest peak of the Durmitor massif called Soa Nebeska, the most impressive, seen from the west, from the Prutash summit. It rises proudly above the glacial valley of the Škrčke lakes. The climb to the summit is an incredible experience because of the extraordinary natural beauty, which extends in all directions.

This peak is one of the most frequented and easiest to reach.

Savin Kuk (2 313 m) is considered to be one of the most beautiful peaks of the mountain range in the heart of Durmitor. Its ascent on a sunny day in summer and the view from its summit are simply exceptional. A clear mountain panorama of the surrounding mountain range makes you aware of the vastness of the natural park that surrounds you and the almost complete absence of human life.

Savin Kuk is an integral part of the famous and incredible panoramic view above Crno Jezero (Black Lake, 1,416 m), which also contains the Medjed Peak (2,287 m). It is a beautiful triangle-shaped peak on the left side of Medjed Peak, which dominates over the incredible beauty of Crno Jezero, surrounded by a magnificent black pine forest.

Savin Kuk Peak takes its name from the Serbian prince Rastko Nemanjić who left secular life, became a monk, and was later canonized. During his spiritual life, St. Sava often went to the top of Savin Kuk. It is said that this was his favorite place for silence and prayers. Legend has it that he and a thirsty disciple drew a cross on the ground with his walking stick and a spring appeared, Savina Voda, at an altitude of 2,212 meters, which still attracts many people today.

Route: Crno Jezero - Izvor (spring) - Točak (1,450 m) - Mioč Poljana (1,569 m) - Savina Voda (2,212 m) - Savin Kuk. Level: easy. Duration: 3 hours of walking (one way).

The Šljeme peak (2,455 m) is the third highest peak in the Durmitor massif, behind Bobotov Kuk (2,523 m) and Bezimeni Vrh (2,487 m). Unlike the others, this peak is a 2 km long rocky plateau with an average altitude of 2 400 m. On the plateau there are other peaks, the best known being Istočni Vrh (2,445 m) and Vrh Šljemena (2,455 m).

Route: Žabljak - Motički Gaj - Poljana - Korita - Panalj (1 813 m) - Šupljika (1 930 m) - Čista Strana - Vrh Šljeme (2 455 m). Elevation gain: 1 001 m. Level: difficult. Duration: 4h30 walk (one way).

In Durmitor, the impressive alpine panorama from the town of Žabljak (1,456 m) will inspire you. In the foreground, you can see a part of the massif from the vast plateaus of this beautiful mountain town, with a peculiar shaped peak that will hold your attention. Together with Savin Kuk (2 313 m) and Medjed (2 287 m), this peak creates the first line of Durmitor peaks seen from the town of Žabljak. This beautiful peak is called Crvena Greda. Looking towards Žabljak, you will see the amazing red color of this impressive wall which is called Crvena Greda, or literally translated as the Red Shelf. It is not so difficult to reach this red peak, which is a one-day hiking trip. On the trail, you will come across a high rock face called Cuklin Veliki Pas, which is also a great attraction for climbers and is a solid test of climbing skills and abilities.

You will take the path leading to Alisnica Valley, from the beautiful meadow called Poljanak, which literally translates as "field", with a beautiful view of the town of Žabljak.

Spending time on the top of Crvena Greda is an extraordinary feeling, it is like being on the "top of the world", in other words, it is a climber's paradise.

Path: Žabljak - Ivan do - Bosača - Jablan Jezero (1 880 m) - Crvena grada. Level: intermediate. Duration: 3 hours of walking (one way).

Three small islands, accessible by boat, face the town. The largest, Sveti Marko, was home to a Club Méditerranée hotel complex in the 1960s. The islet of Ostrvo Cvijeća, or "Island of Flowers", is home to the ruins of the Archangel Michael Monastery. In the ^13th century, it was the seat of the Zeta kingdom. The island of Our Lady of Charity (Gospa od Milosti) is home to a monastery dating back to the ^19th century.

Not far from the old town - on the national road, a few kilometres after the bridge, a sign indicates the direction of the site on the left - it is here, in Mirovica, that the oldest olive tree in Europe is located. Planted two millennia ago, it has been protected by law since 1963. The volume of its trunk is 10 m and it still bears fruit. Legend has it that in the past, feuding families would meet under this tree, which has the gift of reconciliation!

One of the most beautiful places in Budva, hidden below the Maestral hotel, between Bečići and Sveti Stefan.

This small fishing village consisting of a charming cove, with its port and old houses, is preserved from the urbanization of Budva. The turquoise blue waters allow you to enjoy the underwater life. Lovers of snorkeling and diving will find their happiness here. A small piece of paradise to visit during a stay on the coast. A place to discover!

The surroundings of Bijelo Polje have several mineral water springs. the "Kisela Voda" spring is easily accessible from the city center. Although the site itself is not worth a detour, the water from the spring, slightly carbonated, is a delight. The spring is located about 4 km from the city center, along the national road Podgorica - Belgrade. The spring is located next to a restaurant named after the spring in a rural setting.

This fine sand beach (and grey) is one of the most famous in Montenegro. It is 12,5 km long and extends from the Milena Canal to the Bojana River. Partly bordered by a pine forest, it is known for the richness of its minerals whose bienfaitrices virtues on the human body were recognized at the beginning of the th century. Several wooden restaurants are located there, but sufficiently spaced (12 km long) so that the beach keeps its appearance wild.

This peak is said to offer one of the most beautiful views of the massif and the Black Lake.

Medjed (2 287 m), which literally means "bear", is the best known and one of the most photographed peaks in Durmitor. This peak is the most recognized because it is the closest to the town of Žabljak, the center of the region, while with its incredible background scenery it stands proudly above the beautiful Crno Jezero (Black Lake, 1,416 m), a beautiful lake shape in the form of number eight. Medjed Peak, Savin Kuk (2,313 m) and Sljeme (2,455 m, behind) form an unforgettable panorama that many associate with the famous Canadian mountain lakes.

If you look closely at the Medjed ridge, you can see Veliki Medjed (Big Bear, 2 287 m) on the right side of the ridge, and Mali Medjed (Little Bear, 2 223 m) on the left side of this beautiful ridge. These two rock bears are remarkable natural sculptures.

From the summit you can see the Terzin Bogaz peak (2 303 m), the mighty Sljeme wall (2 455 m), Bandijerna (2 409 m), Milosev Tok (2 426 m), Zupci (2 309 m) and the beautiful glacial cirque of Velika Kalica valley (1 870 m).

East of the summit you will see Savin Kuk (2 313 m), Mount Sinjajevina (2 203 m) and Jezerska Povrs (Lake Plateau).

Route: Žabljak - Indjini Dolovi (1 750 m) - Klještina - Mali Medjed (2 223 m) - Grebenski prelaz. Level: intermediate. Duration: 4 hours of walking (one way).

The two lakes are located at an altitude of 1,686 and 1,711 m respectively, between the Bobotov and Prutaš mountains. Considered by many as the most beautiful site of the massif. Level: intermediate. Duration: 3.5 hours via the village of Mala Crna Gora, 3 hours via Dobri do. The Škrčko lakes are hidden in the middle of Durmitor's peaks and accessible only on foot. In the heart of nature, it is a visit worthwhile for the beauty of its sites.

The Balkans is a mountain range rich in legends, stories and places to discover. There is a profusion of caves as breathtaking as each other from Trieste in Italy to the lake of Skadar. The Lipa cave is one of the last caves in this 600 km long area. Open from April to November, you can enjoy guided tours in English. Last tour at 4pm. Tours are given when the group reaches about fifteen people. Contact us directly for private tours.