That compact nature is one of Montenegro’s greatest strengths. Over short distances, sea turns into mountains and lively places give way to silence. We started our journey in Podgorica, where you instantly feel you’ve arrived in a different corner of Europe. A small, slightly old-fashioned airport, no-nonsense taxi drivers, and an atmosphere still untouched by mass tourism. Montenegrins are known for being exceptionally tall, and after a few meals featuring impressively large portions of meat, I began to suspect there might be a connection.

We traveled during the summer holidays, which brings me to an important note. The Adriatic coast is beautiful, but in July and August it is also very busy. If you’re looking purely for a beach holiday, Montenegro wouldn’t be my first recommendation in high season. Outside that period, however, it seems absolutely delightful. One place you should always visit, regardless of season, is the Bay of Kotor. The play of light and water, the countless shades of blue, and the steep mountains rising almost vertically from the sea make this an extraordinarily beautiful location. We explored the bay by speedboat, which is highly recommended because it allows you to see much more and reach further. The Blue Cave, tiny islands, and hidden corners follow one another in quick succession.

Where Montenegro truly stood out for me was inland. The mountain drives are nothing short of spectacular and never the same twice. In Durmitor National Park, Crno Jezero, the Black Lake, reflects the surrounding forests and mountain peaks like a perfect mirror. You can enjoy an easy walk around the lake or relax by the water, but we opted for a more challenging hike toward the ice cave Ledina Pećina. The views along the way made every step more than worthwhile. We stayed outside Žabljak, away from the main road, surrounded by silence and beneath a star-filled sky that you’ve long forgotten exists in Belgium.

For the final days, we traded the mountains for water and tranquility at Lake Skadar. Near Virpazar, we stayed at a small-scale glamping site. Outdoor showers, evenings around the campfire, kayaking straight from the jetty, and enjoying local wine at sunset made it far more pleasant and comfortable than I had expected. During a boat trip across the lake, drifting between water lilies and green hills, I felt transported to Asia for a moment. Honestly, I would have happily swapped our final beach days for more time here.

On a practical note, I strongly recommend renting a car with a solid all-inclusive insurance policy. The roads are narrow, winding, and sometimes busy. Allow plenty of time for getting around, as traffic jams and photo stops are simply part of the experience. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so a warm layer and a rain jacket are far from unnecessary. Be sure to download a hiking app as well, since trail signage often leaves room for interpretation. And for those traveling with teenagers, a local eSIM makes life much easier, keeping everyone connected without any surprises on the bill.