After immersing yourself in the vibrant things to do in Budva, from lounging on its sun-kissed beaches to exploring its medieval Old Town, consider extending your adventure with day trips from Budva. These excursions offer a gateway to Montenegro’s diverse landscapes and cultural sites, revealing the rich tapestry of history and natural beauty beyond Budva’s lively streets.

Venturing beyond Budva, you’ll discover the extensive list of things to do in Montenegro, including the serene beauty of the Bay of Kotor, the rugged mountains of Durmitor National Park, and the charming coastal towns dotting the Adriatic coast. Each journey enriches your experience, showcasing the country’s varied attractions from historical landmarks to breathtaking natural wonders.

Choosing where to stay in Budva is crucial for travelers seeking to balance the town’s energetic nightlife with easy access to Montenegro’s tranquil natural sites and historical treasures. A well-selected accommodation not only provides comfort after a day of exploration but also positions you perfectly for both enjoying Budva’s highlights and embarking on memorable day trips.

Discover Best Day Trips from Budva, Montenegro

1. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor in a beautiful summer day, Montenegro.
Kotor in a beautiful summer day, Montenegro.

Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in a spectacular bay, is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town and stunning natural scenery. The town is renowned for its winding streets, historic buildings, and the imposing Kotor Fortress.

Distance: Approximately 23 km

Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: UNESCO World Heritage Site, medieval old town, Kotor Fortress

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Entrance Fees:

  • Kotor Fortress: €8

Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Bay of Kotor, Kotor Old Town

Travel Tip: Climb the 1,350 steps to the top of the Kotor Fortress for breathtaking views of the bay.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Aerial view of the old town of Dubrovnik.
Aerial view of the old town of Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik, known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, is famed for its magnificent old town encircled with massive stone walls. This Croatian city offers a rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful seaside views.

Distance: Approximately 93 km

Travel Time: About 2 hours by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Old town encircled with massive stone walls, stunning architecture, seaside views

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • City Walls: €30
  • Rector’s Palace: €15

Budget: Approximately €50-€80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Old Town of Dubrovnik, Adriatic Coast

Travel Tip: Visit early or late in the day to avoid the crowds, especially if a cruise ship is in town.

3. Lovćen National Park, Montenegro

Lovćen is a mountain and national park in southwestern Montenegro close Cetinje.
Lovćen is a mountain and national park in southwestern Montenegro close Cetinje.

Lovćen National Park, located in the rocky region of the Dinara Alps, is home to the mausoleum of Montenegrin hero Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. The park offers spectacular natural beauty, hiking trails, and panoramic views.

Distance: Approximately 40 km

Travel Time: About 1 hour by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, panoramic views, hiking trails

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • National Park Entrance: €2
  • Njegoš Mausoleum: €5

Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Njegoš Mausoleum, Lovćen Peak

Travel Tip: Drive up to the Njegoš Mausoleum and climb the 461 steps to the top for stunning views.

4. Skadar Lake, Montenegro

A beautiful view of Lake Skadar and empty road in Montenegro.
A beautiful view of Lake Skadar and empty road in Montenegro.

Skadar Lake, the largest lake in Southern Europe, straddles the border between Montenegro and Albania. It’s known for its diverse fauna, historic monasteries, and floating meadows of water lilies.

Distance: Approximately 45 km

Travel Time: About 1 hour by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Largest lake in Southern Europe, diverse fauna, historic monasteries

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Lake Entrance: €4
  • Boat Tour: €20-€30

Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Skadar Lake, Birdwatching Sites

Travel Tip: Take a boat tour to explore the lake’s hidden corners and spot the diverse birdlife.

5. Tirana, Albania

Tirana, Albania.
Tirana, Albania.

Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, offers a mix of Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet-era architecture, alongside modern developments. Highlights include Skanderbeg Square, the Bunk’Art museum, and Dajti Mountain.

Distance: Approximately 170 km

Travel Time: About 3 hours by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Skanderbeg Square, Bunk’Art museum, Dajti Mountain

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Entrance Fees:

  • Bunk’Art Museum: €6
  • Dajti Ekspres Cable Car: €8

Budget: Approximately €40-€70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Skanderbeg Square, Dajti Mountain

Travel Tip: Don’t miss the chance to ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car for panoramic views of Tirana.

6. Ostrog Monastery, Montenegro

Montenegro, Danilovgrad. Monastery Ostrog in the mountains, a functioning Serbian Orthodox monastery, located at an altitude of about 900 m above sea level. Founded in the XVII century.
Montenegro, Danilovgrad. Monastery Ostrog in the mountains, a functioning Serbian Orthodox monastery, located at an altitude of about 900 m above sea level. Founded in the XVII century.

Ostrog Monastery, a miraculous construction set high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda, is an important Serbian Orthodox monastery. It’s a site of pilgrimage and known for its stunning views and religious significance.

Distance: Approximately 100 km

Travel Time: About 2 hours by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Serbian Orthodox monastery, stunning views, religious significance

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Entrance Fees:

  • Free (donations encouraged)

Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation and food)

Scenic Spots: Ostrog Monastery, Mountain Views

Travel Tip: Dress modestly for the visit, as it’s a place of worship, and try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

7. Cetinje, Montenegro

Cetinje, Montenegro: Panoramic view of Njegos Mausoleum with group of tourists in background.
Cetinje, Montenegro: Panoramic view of Njegos Mausoleum with group of tourists in background.

Cetinje, the old royal capital of Montenegro, is a town of historical importance and houses several museums, monasteries, and the former Royal Palace. The town’s quaint streets and historical buildings offer a peaceful retreat from the coastal bustle.

Distance: Approximately 30 km

Travel Time: About 45 minutes by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Old royal capital, museums, monasteries, Royal Palace

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Entrance Fees:

  • National Museum of Montenegro: €5
  • Royal Palace: €3

Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Cetinje Monastery, Lovćen Mountain Views

Travel Tip: Visit the National Museum of Montenegro to delve into the country’s rich history.

8. Perast, Montenegro

Historic city of Perast in the Bay of Kotor in summer at sunset.
Historic city of Perast in the Bay of Kotor in summer at sunset.

Perast, a charming coastal town in the Bay of Kotor, is known for its baroque architecture and historic churches. The nearby islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks are also popular attractions.

Distance: Approximately 35 km

Travel Time: About 1 hour by car

Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)

Main Attractions: Baroque architecture, historic churches, islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks

Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn

Entrance Fees:

  • Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks: €5
  • Museum of Perast: €2

Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)

Scenic Spots: Bay of Kotor, Islet of Our Lady of the Rocks

Travel Tip: Take a boat trip to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks and explore its quaint church and museum.

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Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/budva-l32215?activity_type=dayTrip

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