Hiking in Montenegro - Best Hikes in Montenegro

Montenegro, a land of rugged mountains, turquoise bays, and ancient fortresses is a perfect place for anyone that looks for an adventure. The joy of hiking in Montenegro is unrivalled, offering breathtaking views, exhilarating ascents, and trails that meander through landscapes untouched by time.
From the challenging climb to the top of the old Kotor Fort trail to the serene beauty of Tivat hiking routes, there’s an adventure for every hiking enthusiast in our country. Montenegro’s hiking trails, both famed and off-beat, are as varied as they are numerous.
In this blog post, you will discover Montenegro’s best hikes, from the stunning Boka Bay trail to the verdant peaks of Žabljak and beyond. On your path, you will experience the allure of an invigorating Kotor hike, the thrill of trekking in Montenegro, and the beauty that awaits in each footfall!

Boka Bay trail invites hikers on a captivating journey of scenic landscapes and coastal panoramas. Located close to the town of Tivat, the trail is an integral part of the area’s rich offering of outdoor activities. No matter if you are an experienced hiker, or just an explorer looking for a relaxing day out in Montenegrin nature, this trail for hiking in Montenegro provides a rewarding experience.

The Boka Bay Trail follows the rugged coastline and will immerse you in a world where the azure waters meet majestic mountain landscapes. The diverse terrain is perfect for hikers who appreciate a bit of a challenge, but it is also accessible to those looking for a less difficult, yet charming hike. 

All three courses of the Boka Bay trail offer stunning views of the Boka Kotorska Bay and the surrounding mountains. The Red Course is the longest of the three courses offered, with a distance of 60.3 kilometres and an elevation gain of 2,990 metres. The race starts in Risan and finishes in Katedrala Sv. Tripuna.

• Green Course by Porto Montenegro is the shortest of the three courses, with a distance of 17 kilometres and an elevation gain of 800 metres. The race starts in Porto Montenegro and finishes in Katedrala Sv. Tripuna. The terrain is 80% paths and 20% asphalt. The race is limited to 100 participants and has a time limit of 4 hours. The ITRA Mountain Level for the Green Course is 2, and it awards 1 ITRA point.
• Blue Course is the middle-distance course, with a distance of 34 kilometres and an elevation gain of 2,050 metres. The race starts in Perast and finishes in Katedrala Sv. Tripuna. The terrain is 80% paths and 20% asphalt. The race is limited to 150 participants and has a time limit of 8 hours. The ITRA Mountain Level for the Blue Course is 4, and it awards 2 ITRA points.
• Red Course is the longest and most challenging course, with a distance of 60.3 kilometres and an elevation gain of 2,990 metres. The race starts in Risan and finishes in Katedrala Sv. Tripuna. The terrain is 100% paths. The race is limited to 50 participants and has a time limit of 19 hours. The ITRA Mountain Level for the Red Course is 6, and it awards 3 ITRA points.

The Boka Bay Trail is a challenging but rewarding race that takes runners through some of the most beautiful scenery in Montenegro. The route passes through forests, mountains, and villages, and offers stunning views of the Boka Kotorska Bay.

The race is well-organised and supported, with five aid stations along the route. There is also a pasta party the night before the race, and a post-race party with food and drinks.

If you are looking for a challenging but rewarding trail running race in a beautiful setting, the Boka Bay Trail is a great option.

Here are some additional details about the Boka Bay Trail:

• Age limit: 18 years old and up
• Registration fee: €150

The Green Course is a good option for runners who are looking for a shorter and less challenging race. The Blue Course is a good option for runners who are looking for a moderate challenge. The Red Course is a good option for experienced long-distance trail runners who are looking for a challenging race.

The Boka Bay Trail event that we organise at Porto Montenegro offers an opportunity for everyone to join in a celebration of the great outdoors, immersing in the stunning landscape while promoting healthy living and community spirit! No matter which course you choose, you are sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the challenging terrain of the Boka Bay Trail.

In our country, the thrill of the hike is as diverse as the terrain itself. Montenegro has an array of trails, and each offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical richness. A Montenegro travel guide will be of great use if it’s your first time visiting us, and rugged mountain peaks and shimmering coastline will take your breath away, so let’s uncover some of the best hikes in Montenegro!

This is a hiker’s paradise, offering everything from challenging ascents to peaceful strolls through biodiverse landscapes. Dominated by the imposing Mount Lovćen, it’s a treasure trove of hiking in Montenegro. Not far from here, you can also venture into the wild beauty of the Prokletije National Park, another must-visit for every hiker. Its dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and pristine rivers offer a unique trekking experience.

Back at Lovćen, one popular route is the hike to the Njegoš Mausoleum, a monumental tribute to our national hero, Petar II Petrović – Njegoš. The mausoleum will not only allow you to introduce yourself to Montenegrin culture but will also provide hikers with panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and Boka Bay. This is one of the Montenegro hiking trails that you must visit!

One of the most popular hikes in this area is the climb to Jezerski Vrh to visit the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. It’s a moderate hike of approximately 5 km (one way), with a 550 metres of ascent, taking about 2 hours. The trail starts from the Ivanova Korita visitor centre.

Another popular route across Lovćen National Park is Risan – Donje Ledenice – Risan. Longest trail is 11.2 kilometres long (about 7 miles). The difficulty is from medium to hard, and takes about 5 hours and 50 minutes.

Orijen Mountain is a challenging hike, but those who reach the summit are rewarded with breathtaking views across the Adriatic Sea and into the neighbouring countries. One of the best hikes Montenegro has to offer, the trail through Orijen features a range of flora and fauna unique to the region as well as cultural landmarks. This route is an exciting choice for hikers interested in combining nature exploration with glimpses into our history. 

This mountain range features several hiking routes. The most famous trail is the ascent to the highest peak, Zubački kabao, standing at 1,894 metres. The hike begins from the village of Vrbanj and is approximately 18 km long (round trip). It involves a challenging 1,200 metres ascent and usually takes about 7-8 hours to complete.

Another hiking route covering Orijen is Crkvice – Orijen Sedlo – Crkvice, and is recommended to experienced hikers. The longest trail is about 20.5km long (around 12 miles) and takes approximately 6.5 hours.

Pestingrad is a mountain peak located above the city of Kotor in Montenegro. It is 998 metres (3275 feet) above sea level and offers stunning views of the Kotor Bay, the Lovćen National Park, and the surrounding mountains.

The hike to Pestingrad is a moderate one, with an elevation gain of about 500 metres (1640 feet). The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, and there are several places to stop and rest along the way.

There are a few different ways to reach Pestingrad. One popular option is to start the hike from the village of Njeguši, which is about 10km (6 miles) from Kotor. Another option is to start the hike from the town of Dobrota, which is located on the shores of the Kotor Bay.

There are a number of trail tours that offer guided hikes to Pestingrad. These tours can be a great way to learn about the local history and culture, and to get some help with navigation.

• Trail tour: The most popular trail tour to Pestingrad starts in the village of Njeguši, which is about 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Kotor. The hike takes about 3-4 hours to complete, with an elevation gain of about 500 metres (1640 feet). The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, and there are several places to stop and rest along the way. 
• Estimated time: The estimated time to hike to Pestingrad from Njeguši is 3-4 hours. If you are starting from Dobrota, the hike will take about 2-3 hours.
• Locations: The start point for the hike is in the village of Njeguši. The finish point is at the summit of Pestingrad. 
• Trail difficulty: The trail to Pestingrad is considered to be moderately difficult.. There are some steep sections, but the overall hike is not too challenging.

If you are looking for a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views, then the Pestingrad hike is a great option. There are a number of different ways to reach Pestingrad, and there are also a number of trail tours that offer guided hikes. So whether you are looking for a solo adventure or a group hike, the Pestingrad hike is a great way to experience the beauty of Montenegro.

Tivat is brimming with Mediterranean charm, and it is truly a hiker’s dream. It is known for its Tivat hiking trails and offers a rich blend of coastal and mountainous terrains. From ascending Mount Vrmac, with its panoramic views of the bay, to exploring the serene coastal paths around the Luštica peninsula, which is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro, each route offers unique rewards. 

Trails wind through pine forests, lead to secluded beaches, and unveil historical ruins, each revealing a new facet of Tivat’s charm. Its diverse landscape and captivating beauty make Tivat hiking a unique experience.

Tivat’s surroundings also offer some scenic coastal hikes. A popular choice is the circular route of the Gornja Lastva. It’s a light hike of around 7 km, offering great views over the Bay of Kotor, and typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

An easier route you can take is Lady Nena – Hero class submarine loop from Tivat. It is 3.6km long (2.24 miles) and takes about an hour.

After a day of hiking in Montenegro, hikers can come to visit us and find an ultimate sanctuary at Porto Montenegro. Luxury holiday apartments in Montenegro will provide more than just upscale accommodations, it will offer a rejuvenating retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. You can relax in our spas and saunas and treat your body with fine dining! 

Porto Montenegro is perfectly located for those wanting to explore Montenegro’s diverse hiking trails. From here, you can easily reach the famed Boka Bay Trail, Vrmac, Lovćen, Orijen, and other notable hiking destinations. 

We offer spacious, comfortable rooms with modern amenities, allowing you to recharge and prepare for the next day’s adventure! Beyond the accommodation, Porto Montenegro is home to a variety of world-class restaurants, spas, and saunas.

With the blend of comfort, luxury, and easy access to the best hiking routes, Porto Montenegro isn’t just a place to stay – it’s a crucial part of the experience of hiking in Montenegro. So whether you are winding down from a day’s trek or planning your next adventure, Porto Montenegro offers the perfect setting!

Hiking in Montenegro is an enchanting journey – from Žabljak’s towering peaks to Tivat’s serene coastlines, every trail promises a unique experience. Notable hikes such as the Boka Bay Trail and the old Kotor Fort Trail offer captivating vistas and intriguing history.

The adventure continues as trekking in Montenegro uncovers the untamed beauty of Prokletije National Park and more. Tivat hiking introduces travellers to the beautiful Lovćen National Park, an idyllic retreat for nature enthusiasts.

Whether you are exploring the best hikes in Montenegro or uncovering hidden paths, Montenegro offers an unforgettable hiking experience!