Montenegro, a hidden gem in the Balkans, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. I was fortunate to explore Montenegro with Jet2Holidays, and in just four days, we were able to experience a significant amount of what the beautiful country has to offer.

Removing the fact that this was a collaboration with Jet2Holidays, I can hand on heart say that Montenegro is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever visited. If you enjoy adventure, mountains and good food then Montenegro should be on your radar.

If you’re looking for a short or longer holiday to Montenegro, then I would recommend Boka Bay as a base. The Bay of Kotor is one of the Mediterranean’s most unique and breathtaking landscapes. Situated along the southern Adriatic Sea, the bay is comprised of four smaller bays, all encircled by towering mountains ranging from 1,000 to 1,700 meters that rise dramatically from the water's edge.

Where to fly from? The closest airport to Boka Bay is Tivat, Montenegro (approx. 20-minute drive.) Explore flights to London Stansted Airport or click here to check out flights to Tivat with Jet2.

Top 10 Things to see and do in Montenegro:

Stay at Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay with Jet2Holidays

Nestled in the heart of Boka Bay, the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay provides luxurious accommodations and serves as an ideal base for exploring Montenegro. From my experience, this hotel was flawless. With stunning mountain views, a private beach, and exceptional service, it ranks among the best hotels that I've ever stayed in.

Several bars and restaurants are conveniently located near the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and it's just a 15-minute drive to Kotor, where you can explore the charming old town and experience the vibrant local atmosphere.

Book here Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort with Jet2Holidays or explore other hotels with heated and indoor pools.

A boat tour to the Blue Cave and around the coast:

Personally, this was my favourite part of the trip since I love being on the water. While there are plenty of charter and ferry options to explore the coast, we opted for a private charter from Herceg Novi this time. Our captain, Vladimir, guided us along the coast to the Blue Cave, then took the experience to another level by taking us to a quieter spot where we swam through a secluded blue cave and even jumped from the cliffs (terrifying but so much fun!)

There's nothing quite as breathtaking as cruising beneath the towering mountains on a speedboat, and in my opinion, is a must-do whilst staying in Montenegro.

Visit Our Lady of the Rocks:

Our Lady of the Rocks is an iconic islet located in the Bay of Kotor, steeped in legend and history. Today, the site is home to a beautiful church and museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Montenegro's heritage. A visit to Our Lady of the Rocks is a Montenegro must-visit. Imagine the tranquil bay waters below and the majestic mountains of Kotor rising all around you.

A private charter boat was arranged for us through the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Hotel for an evening excursion to Lady of the Rocks and Perast. As we sailed, we were treated to an incredible sunset over the water. The charter took us to Perast, where we spent a lovely evening before returning to the hotel.

Spend the evening in Perast:

Are you looking for one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic Sea? If so, then you NEED to visit the UNESCO-protected coastal town, of Perast. The whole town stretches about 1.5 km from end to end, and if you walk at a steady pace without stopping, it should take you around 20 minutes to get from one side to the other.

Perast is unquestionably one of the most beautiful towns I’ve ever visited. Its stunning backdrop features majestic mountains and the iconic Lady of the Rocks Island. The town is adorned with charming seafood restaurants, exquisite wine bars, and historic medieval churches, making it truly enchanting. If you’re staying at Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, then the boat journey will take approx 10-15minutes.

There, we dined at Conte Restaurant, where I enjoyed my favourite meal of this Jet2Holidays trip—fresh seafood as the sun dipped below the horizon. Magic!

PS: I’ll let the photos do the talking, but I highly recommend the pasta gnocchi and tuna tartare!

Swim under the mountains during sunrise:

An unforgettable moment. I put my alarm on for 6.30 am, jumped straight out of bed and rolled onto the private beach at Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort. I swam beneath the mountains, as the sun rose, marking the beginning of a new day.

If you're staying around the Bay of Kotor, then you'll find plenty of opportunities to swim. There's just one road at sea level where you can leave your belongings and take a dip in the bay almost anywhere you choose.

Adventure to the top of the mountains via the Kotor Cable Kart:

Experience the beauty of Montenegro with the Kotor-Lovćen Cable Car, offering an unforgettable journey through one of Europe’s most stunning national parks. The Cable Kart takes 11 minutes (4km) to reach 1,348m above sea level.

There is plenty to do at Lovcen National Park, such as visiting cultural and historical sites, biking and hiking, exploring Montenegrin villages, and if you’re feeling brave enough, the Alpine Coaster.

Test your limits on the Alpine Coaster

The Alpine Coaster offers an exhilarating ride as it winds down the cliffs of Lovcen, providing breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor. With a top speed of 40 km/h, the coaster is fully equipped with all necessary safety precautions, however check the website before you go as the Montenegro mountains are prone to stormy weather . You can control the speed, and to be honest, the coaster feels more like a toboggan (it isn’t for the faint hearted however!)

You’ll find the Alpine Coaster at the top of the cable cart and is a great activity for the whole family.

Explore the old medieval old town in Kotor:

Nestled between towering mountains and the Bay of Kotor, the historic walled city of Kotor, is sure to captivate you. You may find yourself lost through the tiny, cobbled streets, but you’ll be quickly found again as the city is fairly small. Like nearby Perast and other coastal towns in Montenegro, Kotor was under Venetian rule for nearly 400 years, and this ancient city is certainly a striking reflection of that era.

Side note: Don’t forget to go and check out Cat Corner, where a wonderful lady has been looking after the local cats for 30+ years!

Romantic dinner at Catovica Mlini

Potentially the most romantic dinner setting, ever. Catovica Mlini is surrounded by greenery and fed by streams that flow down from the mountains. The location has been home to mills for over two centuries and has now been transformed into a unique restaurant offering local cuisine in a setting that reflects the area’s history. A true culinary and cultural experience in Montenegro, that should be on your bucket list.

Jeep Safari with Go Baloo to Gornji Stoliv

Discover the timeless beauty of Gornji Stoliv, a historic stone village nestled on the hillside, offering sweeping views of the Bay of Kotor. With its panoramic outlook over Perast and the surrounding islands, this secluded spot is fascinating to explore.

Dating back to the 14th century, Gornji Stoliv is rich in history and was once home to 1,200 residents. The village was once a lively centre for olive farming, renowned for its production of fine olive oil and soap, but is now home to just one family.

You can either walk to Gornji Stoliv, however I definitely recommend booking onto the Go Baloo Jeep Safari! The drive is short, but it’s incredibly steep, and the jeeps are ideal for getting you to the top. You will also have the opportunity to stop for a lunch and fresh juice at No Name Cafe (yep, that is it's name!)

Visit an authentic food market in Herceg Novi:

If you enjoy the authentic, off the beaten track side of a country, then I recommend taking a visit to Herceg Novi. Herceg Novi is a small coastal town in Montenegro, situated at the western entrance to the Bay of Kotor and at the foot of Mount Orjen.

There are plenty of historical landmarks at Herceg Novi and an authentic food market which runs two times a week.

My two recommendations that we tried and tested:

For coffee: The City Café – the central meeting place in Herceg Novi is The City Café which can host 1000 guests.

For lunch or dinner: Konoba Skver, a family-run restaurant with a fisherman owner offering fresh, daily fish.

This trip in collaboration with Jet2Holidays and GoMontenegro was nothing short of incredible. Once I’ve been to a country, I usually like to try somewhere new, but I could re-visit Montenegro time and time again. There is something for everyone, and it doesn’t feel overrun with tourists (as of yet!)

Thank you Jet2Holidays and GoMontenegro for the most amazing trip! *PressTrip

For more photography work, check out my interior and food photographer page.

Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide: Top Destinations, Tips, and Must-Sees