Spring in Montenegro is, according to many (local) people’s opinions, the best season on the island. the most beautiful season. Sprinb brings longer days, milder evenings (perfect for long walks along the Adriatic coastline!), drives past Lake Skadar’s fields of water lilies, and waterfront al fresco dinners.
And while Montenegro’s picturesque landscapes are bursting with color, you’ll have the almost deserted old-town streets and beaches all to yourself, perfect for visiting and photographing popular historic & natural landmarks – without the crowds!
Enjoy a Beach Picnic with Friends
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, then drive along the Adriatic Highway, and choose a beautiful beach to settle down on your blanket full of delicacies, immersed in the stillness of nature and breathtaking views of the sea. Choose a beach where the sun does not set early, such as Jaz Beach, Becici Beach, Buljarica Beach, or Long Beach in Ulcinj, and soak up Montenegro’s stunning and relaxed off-season atmosphere.
Go on a Coastal Hike
Long, sunny days, mild temperatures (however, be also prepared for bits of rain!), and towering coastal mountain ranges teeming with spring colors, make the months of March, April, and May ideal for lacing your hiking boots and exploring the beauty of Montenegro’s trails while enjoying stupendous views of the Adriatic.
The very casual ‘Seven Bay Trail’, which connects a series of charming bays and beaches along the stretch of coastline from Sveti Stefan to Budva, is probably best enjoyed during this time of the year, and in May, the sea water temperature may already be warm enough for taking a dip.
Hiking up the Kotor Fortress Trail (or even up to the Krstac Pass via the Ladder of Kotor) is be reserved for early mornings and evenings in warm weather, but even then it may be just too strenous for some. However, springtime is an excellent season for these hikes, plus any other coastal hike, including the hike through the Lovcen National Park!
Go on a Road Trip
Anyone who has been in Montenegro during the peak summer months, will know that many roads are congested with traffic. Take advantage of low tourist numbers, jump in your (rental) car and explore Montenegro whilst the roads are still quiet. At the foot of Mount Lovcen and above the Bay of Kotor, the Kotor Serpentine Road offers twenty-five panoramic switchbacks of pure emotion that every visitor to Montenegro must have traversed at least once.
Starting down in Kotor, you’ll arrive at the hamlet of Njegusi, which is known for its famous Njegusi Prosciutto, gaining almost one kilometer in elevation in the process. Stock up on regional delicacies and continue your journey through the Lovcen National Park, where you’ll find plenty of panoramic hiking and biking trails as well as a kid’s adventure park, towards the Njegos Mausoleum and call it a day.
Explore the Bay of Kotor
Within the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, there are many picturesque coastal towns and villages waiting to be discovered. Enjoy traditional Adriatic fare at one of Perast’s waterfront restaurants, stroll along its beautiful promenade, and take a trip to Our Lady of the Rocks Island – springtime is just perfect for that!
Prcanj on the other side of the Bay is an often-overlooked coastal gem. Once a thriving shipbuilding town where fast sailing ships for Venice’s merchant fleet were built en masse, Prcanj remains unconsunmed by the passage of time and is now a tranquil haven, with a handful of good restaurants and its major landmark – the beautiful Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which overlooks the bay from an elevated position.
Our tip: Rent a bike and cycle the Bay of Kotor!
Stroll Kotor’s Old-Town Streets
The historic part of Kotor is a warren of narrow streets and alleyways, each overflowing with restaurants, cozy bars, and shops selling everything from shoes and jewelry to souvenirs and accessories. Boasting plenty of well-preserved churches, picturesque squares, and townhouses from the Baroque era, Kotor’s Old Town is perfect for soaking up Mediterranean vibes and people-watching.
Spend at least half a day (or more!) exploring this stunning historic town, taking in its most important sights such as St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, which dominates the southeastern part of town, the Kampana Tower, Square of Arms dotted with the 17th-century clock tower, the Sea Gate, or the iconic Cat Museum of Kotor.
Get Pampered in a Spa
For many, springtime is the the best season for a soaking or massage session. The air is fresh,everything blooms around you, and the beautiful night sky is filled with stars. A full-body or Thai massage will increase your circulation, release muscle tensions, and give your body a revitalizing boost into getting more active this spring.
All around Montenegro, there are wellness and massage parlors, plus purpose-built contemporary spa hotels, offering the complete range of beauty and health treatments in world class facilities with accommodation on-site – that can also be booked by nonguests. Hotel Splendid in Budva, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay, One & Only Portonovi, and the Hotel Regent Porto Montenegro are some of the most sumtuous, but there are also plenty of more reasonably priced options such as KAMALAYA Thai Massage, with availabele outlets in Budva, Kotor, and Podgorica.
Visit a Farmers Market
Not all farmers markets in Montenegro operate year-round, but come April, they’ll come back to life after the winter, boasting a wide selection of seasonal fruits & vegetables, cheeses, farm-fesh eggs, meats, and seafood. Other than the fresh produce that can be found on the market stalls, expect to find plenty of homemade products such as olive oil, jams, liquors, juices, and syrups.
Some of the most popular markets find themselves along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in the Old Town of Herceg Novi, outisde Kotor’s city walls, and at the entrance to Bar’s historic center, but you’ll find them also in smaller towns like Petrovac, where you can find a selection of local produce, handicrafts, and beach accessories.
Attend a Local Event
With several festivals and events throughout the spring to choose from, the Tivat Wind Fest is one that draws the largest crowds. Organized over five weekends in April and May, it is celebrated with dozens of open-air concerts, sailing regattas, theatre plays, and other cultural events.
Make sure not to miss the ‘Days of Camellia’ in the charming coastal town of Stoliv, wich takes place over five weeks in March and April, honouring the camellia flower, constituting a great opportunity to gather and have fun with the Boka locals. Budva celebrates their Venetian-style carnival in a big way with colorful processions taking place during the days preceeding Labour Day.
Admire the Niagara Falls
Thanks to its mountaineous terrain, Monteengro has an abundance of waterfalls, most of which have their peak runoff during the snowmelt in spring, including the stunning Niagara Falls close to Podgorica. April and May are the best months for a visit; this is when the waterfalls are gushing down the beautiful Cijevna River Canyon, a spectacular nature event that can be witnessed from the riverside Niagara Restaurant’s terrace.
Embark on a Paragliding Adventure
By virtue of vigorous springtime thermals, some of the most favorable conditions for this exhilarating activity can be had in mid-spring, allowing for long and smooth flights, whereas as early spring can be challenging for beginner paragliders due to strong and turbulent weather condition.
For anyyone who still hasn’t tried paragliding yet, it is a thrilling and transformative experience, offering a fantastic way to experience the beauty of flight without the need for extensive training. The Budva Riviera is Montenegro’s paragliding hotspot, where several paragliding companies offer tandem flights with licensed instructors.
Play a Round of Golf
Take advantage of the quieter (and not too hot!) spring months to arrange some professional golf lessons to improve your game. The Lustica Bay Gold Course is currently the only one in the country. Designed by South African retired golfer Gary Player, the 18-hole cliff-top course boasts 86 hectares of play and breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor.
Peering down some 180 meters to the stepped fairways, steep-faced bunkers, and putting surfaces below, this dramatic terrain not only tests anyone wanting to familiarize themselves learning to play in the mountains, but even the best in the game. On-site, you’ll find excellent practice facilities and professional instructors as part of their golf academy.
Savor Authentic Adriatic Cuisine
Did you notice that local fish and seafood always seems to taste better with a sea view? One of the perks of visiting Coastal Montenegro is that we can dine on all the delicious Adriatic fare the region is known for. Drive out to a romantic cove, find an authentic waterfront tavern and order buzara mussels, grilled octopus, or a seafood feast platter, perfect for sharing!
With arguably one of Kotor’s most impressive sea views, Konoba Bonaca offers some great fish a la carte. Pretty on the outside with its al-fresco terrace, this restaurant is even more of a winner inside; we particularly love it when there’s a spring storm brewing and the colors of the sea change dramatically.
Try a New Watersports
Even though the sea water temperature may be still too low for comfortable swimming, Montenegro’s varied and dramatic Adriatic coast is just perfect to be explored by stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or really any other (motorized or motorless) vessel. Guided kayak tours on Lake Skadar are equally stunning during this time of the year.
What’s more, the kitesurfing season in Montenegro starts in May, with the perfectly shallow waters and constant on-shore wind at its sole kitesurfing spot – on Long Beach, south of Ulcinj – guaranteeing excellent conditions for beginners to learn the basics and advanced kiters to enjoy the power of the wind.
Experience the Thrill of Rafting
Springtime in the Durmitor National Park showcases herself with an abundance of green trees and blossoms. Running through the heart of this park runs the UNESCO-protected Tara River Canyon. The turquoise-colored Tara River, which is also popular for its iconic 365-meter long bridge, spanning the gorge.
While whitewater rafting is also a popular summer activity, we prefer spring river rafting with high water levels and minimal crowds. As the river rises and swells with water from the snowmelt, it develops larger rapis and stronger currents, perfect for adventure-seeking outdoor enthusiast.
