10-Day Montenegro Family Travel Itinerary
Trip Overview
- Duration: 10 Days
- Best Travel Season: Spring & Autumn (April-June, September-October) – Warm weather, fewer crowds
- Ideal For: Families who love history, nature, and adventure
- Family-Friendliness: Excellent – Traffic-free old towns, stunning nature spots, beaches, and cultural sites
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrive in Kotor & Explore the Old Town
Stay: Muo Sea Front Apartments Kotor
Getting There: Arrive via Dubrovnik (Croatia) and drive 2 hours into Kotor
- Stroll through Kotor’s Old Town, discovering charming squares, medieval walls, and hidden alleyways
- Stop for ice cream – Kotor has some of the best gelato in Montenegro
- Walk along the Serpentine Road for breathtaking views
- Visit Kampana Tower & Citadel – Kids will love climbing the old fortifications
- Explore the Kotor Fortress Walls (walk part of the trail for stunning views)
- Relax by the Bay of Kotor and enjoy sunset by the water
Family Tip: The Old Town is mostly car-free, making it great for exploring with young kids.
Day 3-5: Budva & Coastal Adventures
Stay: Lastva Grbaljska (2-bedroom Airbnb near Budva)
- Take a day trip to Lovćen National Park – Visit Njegoš Mausoleum for panoramic mountain views
- Explore Budva’s Old Town – Another beautiful medieval town with coastal charm
- Visit Sveti Stefan – A famous photogenic island (viewpoint only, as access is limited)
- Spend time at the beach – Mogren Beach or Jaz Beach are great for families
- Take a day trip to Petrovac – A relaxed coastal town with fewer crowds
Family Tip: Budva’s beaches can be crowded in peak season, so aim for early mornings or late afternoons.
Day 6-7: Bar & Lake Skadar National Park
Stay: Bar, Zupci – Mountain accommodation with stunning views
- Take a day trip to Stari Bar – Explore ancient ruins and have lunch at a local taverna
- Visit Lake Skadar National Park – Take a private boat tour to spot pelicans and enjoy the breathtaking lake
- Stop by a hidden winery inside a cave near the National Museum
- Find a secret river pool for an off-the-beaten-path wild swimming spot
- Enjoy sunset from a local mountain viewpoint café
Family Tip: Boat tour vendors in Virpazar can be pushy—choose wisely and book a reputable guide.
Day 8-9: Durmitor National Park & Tara Canyon
Stay: Zabljak – A cozy mountain lodge near Black Lake
- Walk around Black Lake (Crno Jezero) – A family-friendly hiking trail around a stunning alpine lake
- Visit Tara Canyon Bridge – Incredible views and short hikes nearby
- Find a secluded wild swimming spot in Tara Canyon and enjoy nature
- Try a local mountain restaurant – Hearty Montenegrin meals with fresh ingredients
Family Tip: Pack warm clothes – even in summer, it can be chilly in the mountains.
Day 10: Return to Dubrovnik via Ostrog Monastery
Drive Time: Around 3.5 hours from Zabljak to Dubrovnik (including stops)
- Visit Ostrog Monastery – A dramatic white monastery built into a sheer cliff
- Stop at a local bistro for lunch before crossing the border
- Arrive in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and relax before flying home
Family Tip: The drive from Zabljak to Dubrovnik is long—schedule rest breaks to keep kids happy.
Accommodation & Transport Tips
- Best Family Hotels & Airbnbs: Pick mountain lodges in Durmitor, sea-view apartments in Kotor, and farm stays near Lake Skadar
- Getting Around: Renting a car is essential for flexibility—Montenegro’s public transport isn’t ideal for family travel
- Best Budget Tip: Booking apartments with kitchens helps save on food costs
Estimated Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation: €50–€120 per night (varies by location)
- Food: €5–€15 per meal (budget-friendly bakeries, fresh market produce)
- Transport: Car rental €40+ per day, fuel €1.50 per liter
- Activities: €10–€50 per excursion (boat trips, national park fees)
How to Pack For A Montenegro Family Trip
- Light clothing for coastal areas, warm layers for the mountains
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets and hiking trails)
- Swimwear for wild swimming and beach days
- Sun protection – Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses
- Insect repellent for lakes and national parks
Read our packing guide: Montenegro packing Guide
Final Thoughts
This itinerary balances history, nature, adventure, and relaxation, making it perfect for families traveling to Montenegro for the first time.
- Modify for toddlers: Stay extra nights in Kotor and Bar for slower travel
- Modify for teens: Add adventure sports – zip-lining in Tara Canyon, kayaking at Lake Skadar
- Shorten itinerary: Focus on Kotor, Budva, and Durmitor if you only have seven days
