Holiday rentals in Montenegro

Tucked between Albania, Bosnia, and Serbia, and across from Italy’s boot heel on the other side of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is tiny in size, but its reputation as a dream holiday destination has expanded in recent years. Rugged mountain ranges meet perfect ocean waters with glorious beaches and acres of primeval forest. There’s evidence of the ancient Roman occupation, with villas and archaeological sites, fairytale medieval towns, and world-renowned walled cities.

There’s fabulous hiking, sensational skiing, and plenty of shoreline to explore or just sit back and relax upon. Whether you’re seeking a chilled-out beach break, a frenzied nightclub-based dance marathon, an outdoorsy spell of trails and horseback riding — or some combination of all three — paradise can be found in Montenegro.

Montenegro is wonderful … but small. So the sunniest of summer months, July and August, can feel a little packed in the coastal resorts and villas. If you aim for May, June, or September, it’s still wonderfully warm here but not quite so oversubscribed. However, moving inland during the summer months and exploring the Lake Skadar region or hiking in Durmitor National Park is glorious and not quite so busy. It gets pretty chilly in Montenegro during winter. Bad for the sun-seekers, but great for skiers, as there are numerous, excellent winter sport facilities such as Kolašin and Lokve. The entire country is known for its incredible array of flowers: there are festivals dedicated to blooms, including a Mimosa Festival in Herceg Novi during February and Kotor’s Days of Camellia in March and April.

Tara Canyon

For such a small place, Montenegro has a bewildering array of incredible geographical wonders. For example, it’s home to Tara Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in Europe and the second longest in the world (after the Grand Canyon). Located near the equally gorgeous Durmitor National Park, the canyon is the perfect place to hike and explore, losing yourself in the remarkable terrain. The Tara River is also famed for its rafting activities and beautiful waterfalls.

Maritime Museum

The town of Kotor is a must-visit if you’re heading to Montenegro. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with ancient cobbled streets and city walls that are illuminated at night, and surrounded by stunning scenery. This museum dedicated to the region’s shipping and sailing history has been around for more than 100 years and features weaponry, period furniture, paintings, and tons of nautical bric-à-brac.

Mausoleum of Njegoš

Visiting the world’s highest mausoleum might be the bucket list item you never knew you needed. Located in the Lovćen National Park, amongst the jaw-dropping Dinara Alps, this resting place of a former Montenegrin ruler is surrounded by stunning scenery and magnificent views. It’s a 461-step climb to the monument, but the sights you’ll find there are worth it. The nearby mountain village of Njegos is renowned for its delicious culinary treats.