Montenegro is a must visit destination on any backpacking trip to Eastern Europe.
1) Cetinje – The cultural and educational centre of Montenegro:
This place has such a tranquil feel – I thought I was still dreaming while I walked around at 9am! If I could have my time again I would have definitely stayed the night and used Cetinje as my base of operations. This is a great place to get a spot of breakfast before you begin heading up the mountain to the next ‘Top’ site! Before you leave make sure you check out the Monastery (which contains on of the oldest libraries in Montenegro) and the Vlaška church. If you are a history-buff or have time you should definitely rock into a couple of Cetinje’s famous museums that are dotted around. All these landmarks can be found in the center so you need not walk very far!
2) Mount Lovćen and The Mausoleum of Njegoš
If I had to describe it in 3 words I would be ‘Montenegro’s Mount Olympus’ (Mountain of the Gods). From Cetinje to the top is a long winding road that is really worth the effort. If you have a car there is the added bonus of a car park at the top followed by 400 stairs until you reach ‘the best view in Montenegro’ and the Mausoleum. The view from the top is mind blowing. On a clear day (try to come as early in the morning as possible) you can see 50% of Montenegro. People also claim that you can see Italy across the Adriatic sea… but I’m still a little bit sceptical!
The Mausoleum is also a really cool site (with natural air-conditioning!!!) and definitely worth the 1 Euro entrance fee!
3) Ostrog Monastery:
This is not a drive for the faint hearted, but if you manage to brave it – you can wear the experience like a badge of honour. The road snakes up the mountain – usually one lane wide with NO barriers to stop you from falling off AND having to cope with buses, taxis roaring passed you in both directions!
I had the biggest sweat patches in my t-shirt after the drive to the top – but it was so very, very, very worth it! This UNESCO monastery is still active (so you don’t have to pay a penny) and with prayer music getting channelled throughout the building (via Sony speakers – ha!) which gives it a very pious and holy feel to it. Don’t forget to check out the Cave-Church where the Bishop of Herzegovina (1671) is buried. Priests still keep a vigil over his body to this day. Oh… and the views are simply stunning!
4) Perast and the Bay of Kotor:
If you drive from Niksic to The Bay of Kotor using the new main road you will be rewarded with the most incredible view of the bay. As you descend on the road that leads to Kotor one of the first villages you’ll pass by is a place called Perast.
STOP THE CAR!
As a must, you have to get some dinner, a drink and walk around this beautiful town (where there is only access for local cars). Once you are sweaty and hot you can go to any one of the ‘sun lounging’ spots and relax with the beautiful views of St. George island and Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rock) and their picturesque chapels.
Perast is exactly how I imagined ALL of Montenegro to look. An old rustic town, quietly sitting on the side of a bay – with the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic sea lapping the sidewalk and not that many people around. If I end up bringing the misses on a holiday Perast is way, way up there on my list of romantic getaways for two – or three if you’re lucky 
5) Kotor:
Last but not least is Kotor – which is a slightly busier Perast. I’d recommend grabbing some dinner here, walking around the old town, checking out the Venetian fortifications, trekking up to the top of the mountain to take in the breath taking views and generally relaxing in one of the most beautiful coastal city in Montenegro. There is also a lovely hostel right in the middle of the Old Town that is definitely worth a stay in!
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