Montenegro offers travelers an enchanting blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. As summer approaches, this small Balkan gem transforms into a vibrant destination where medieval towns come alive with festivals, pristine beaches welcome sun-seekers, and majestic mountains provide a cool retreat from the coastal heat.
Discover the most captivating cities in Montenegro this summer, which offer up serendipitous experiences like romantic stone streets of coastal towns to the dramatic landscapes of the country’s inland regions.
Budva
Known as the Montenegrin Riviera’s crown jewel, Budva boasts a remarkable 2,500-year history that’s immediately evident as you wander through its captivating Old Town (Stari Grad). This medieval walled city sits dramatically on a peninsula, its stone buildings and narrow alleyways telling stories of Venetian rule and maritime glory.
During summer months, Budva transforms into Montenegro’s entertainment hub with the prestigious Budva Theatre City Festival. By day, visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular beaches like Mogren and Jaz, where crystalline waters meet lively beach bars. Just a short drive away lies the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus – especially magical during summer sunsets.
Kotor
Nestled at the deepest point of Europe’s southernmost fjord, Kotor offers perhaps Montenegro’s most dramatic setting. This UNESCO-protected medieval town is embraced by towering limestone cliffs and the stunning Bay of Kotor’s blue waters.
Discover Kotor’s unique charms on our Adriatic Wonders Tour, where you can witness how summer animates these charming squares, with cultural events like the Kotor Art Festival and the delightful Kotor Festival of Theatre for Children. The season’s longer daylight hours provide perfect conditions for climbing the city’s impressive defensive walls; a 1,350-step hard-but-rewarding journey for climbers that ends with breathtaking panoramic views across the bay.
Inside the Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets reveals Romanesque churches, elegant palaces, and bustling piazzas. The Maritime Museum showcases the region’s rich naval tradition through fascinating exhibits.
Herceg Novi
At the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, Herceg Novi welcomes visitors with vibrant bougainvillea and fragrant jasmine vines creating colorful contrasts against the stone architecture. The city’s strategic position results in an intriguing architectural tapestry blending Ottoman towers, Venetian clockfaces, and Austrian fortresses.
For wellness enthusiasts, nearby Igalo offers therapeutic mud treatments and mineral water springs that have attracted health-focused travelers for generations. The town’s microclimate, characterized by over 200 sunny days annually, makes summer visits particularly rewarding.
Cetinje
Just an hour’s drive from the coast but worlds away in atmosphere, Cetinje stands as Montenegro’s historic royal capital and cultural heart. Summer visitors benefit from its slightly cooler mountain climate while exploring its remarkable concentration of museums, monasteries, and historical buildings.
The former Royal Palace, now the National Museum of Montenegro, houses fascinating collections of royal regalia, historical weapons, and ethnographic treasures. The blue-domed Cetinje Monastery contains priceless religious artifacts, including what is believed to be the right hand of John the Baptist.
Perast
With fewer than 300 permanent residents, the small coastal town of Perast delivers an experience of timeless elegance. This perfectly preserved Baroque settlement rewards visitors with atmospheric stone palaces, graceful church towers, and spectacular Bay of Kotor views.
July visitors might witness the fascinating Fašinada celebration (July 22nd) – a centuries-old ritual involving a procession of decorated boats carrying stones to reinforce the foundation of the artificial island supporting Our Lady of the Rocks church.
Tivat
Once a humble naval base, Tivat has undergone perhaps the most dramatic transformation of any Montenegrin coastal town. The development of Porto Montenegro has established this city as a sophisticated destination perfect for a journey aboard a private charter and luxury dining experiences.
Summer in Tivat centers around palm-lined promenades and designer boutiques, where superyachts create a glittering backdrop for alfresco dining. Despite its cosmopolitan makeover, Tivat retains access to authentic natural experiences at the nearby Solila Nature Reserve and hiking trails on Vrmac Hill.
Timing Your Visit
While Montenegro’s Mediterranean climate makes summer visits generally delightful, strategic timing can significantly enhance your experience. Consider early June or September for equally beautiful weather with fewer crowds and more reasonable rates than the absolute peak (July 15th-August 15th).
In Kotor, we would advise avoiding the 10 AM-2 PM window as it is when cruise ships dock by exploring in the early morning or late afternoon for a more authentic experience. Or even embark on a day trip with Adventures Croatia from Dubrovnik and roam the wonders of Montenegro with no worries in the world.
Summer Festivals
Plan the cities to visit in Montenegro around the vibrant summer festival calendar:
- Kotor Art Festival (July-August) – Classical music in atmospheric squares
- Boka Night (August, Kotor) – Bay-wide celebration with decorated boats and fireworks
Ready to explore Montenegro’s captivating cities this summer? Let Adventures Croatia’s expert planning team secure the perfect accommodations and create your ideal Montenegro itinerary.
