Montenegro’s Adriatic coast is made for road trips. Spanish travellers will love the warm climate and winding seaside roads. Renting a car is the best way to explore, as buses do not always reach small villages or hidden coves. When you drive, you can stop at scenic viewpoints, swim at quiet beaches, or wander through medieval streets. Along this stretch of coastline, every stop can become a unique experience. Here are some of the best coastal drives in Montenegro.
Coastal highways link major towns, while smaller local roads provide access to beaches, marinas, and hillside villages. Here are six road trips to take along the Montenegro coastline:
When you start this drive in Ulcinj, you will feel the southern character of Montenegro’s coast. The road follows the line of Velika Plaža, a 12-kilometer stretch of fine sand. You can stop at marked parking areas, where access to the beach is easy, and facilities such as beach clubs, sunbeds, and water sports are available. Driving here is easy, with wide horizons and very little traffic compared to the central coast.
As you continue, the scenery changes into flat coastal land with wetlands and salt pans. This area is essential for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. You may spot herons, flamingos, and other rare species if you take a short break. Some local side roads lead to smaller beach bars or kitesurfing spots, which can be sandy or uneven.
The route ends at Ada Bojana, a triangular river island formed by the Bojana River delta. Here, you will find wooden river houses on stilts, most built as traditional fishing huts, along with many restaurants specializing in fresh seafood. The river flows directly into the sea, giving you the unusual chance to swim in fresh and salt water within a short walk.
When you leave Tivat, the coastal route offers some of the most scenic views in Montenegro. The road first takes you past Porto Montenegro, a modern marina with luxury yachts, shops, and cafés. You can stop here to stretch your legs or enjoy a drink by the water. Parking is well-organized, and access to the marina is straightforward from the main road.
As you continue north, the drive becomes a smooth cruise along the edge of Boka Bay, one of the most famous natural harbors in the Adriatic Sea. The road is narrow in some sections, but traffic usually flows steadily. Traditional stone houses and newer villas that line the shore. In summer, be careful when passing through villages, as cars often park close to the road and pedestrians may cross without signals.
The route passes through Lepetane, known as the ferry point connecting to the opposite side of the bay, and on to Morinj, a small town with waterfront taverns serving fresh seafood. Morinj is also known for its springs and old mills. Throughout this drive, you are never far from the water. The Adriatic coastline unfolds in continuous curves, giving you changing perspectives of the sea and the mountain slopes rising from the shore.
If you want a more adventurous Montenegro road trip, you should explore the Luštica Peninsula. This road stretches about 40 kilometers, looping through green hills, pine forests, and hidden bays. The route is narrower and windier than the main coastal highways, so you must drive carefully, especially on sharp curves and in villages.
Along the way, you pass through traditional stone villages such as Krašići, Zabrđe, Klinci, and Mardari. Many of these settlements have preserved rural houses and small churches. The views are some of the best in the Bay of Kotor region, with lookout points where you can see both the open Adriatic Sea and the bay’s inner waters. Bring a camera to capture the elevated positions along this route and clear panoramas across the coastline.
The Luštica Peninsula also has several forts, reminders of its strategic role during Venetian and Austro-Hungarian times. Some are accessible directly from the road, while others require a short walk. Small coves and beaches hidden in pine groves are scattered throughout the route. Popular stops include sandy stretches near Krašići and more remote bays with fewer crowds.
Driving along the Budva Riviera is another exciting journey in Montenegro. Starting from Budva, you move south with the Adriatic Sea. The road is well-paved and suitable for standard cars. It can be crowded during summer, so you should plan extra time for traffic around the main resorts.
In Budva, you can explore the Old Town, enclosed by stone walls that date back to Venetian times. Just outside the walls, Mogren Beach has a sandy shoreline framed by green cliffs. From here, the drive becomes more panoramic, with frequent curves that reveal hidden coves and headlands.
A highlight of this route is passing Sveti Stefan, a fortified island village connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. While the island is restricted, the viewpoints along the road offer excellent opportunities for photos. Continuing south, the landscape alternates between pine forests, rocky cliffs, and open beaches
Your next stop is Petrovac, a coastal town with a wide sandy beach. Here, you can enjoy a break in one of the seaside cafés or walk along the promenade. Offshore, you will find the islands of Katič and Sveta Nedjelja, popular for boat trips and panoramic views. Petrovac is also known for its Roman mosaics, which are located near the main beach, close to the remains of a Roman villa.
From Petrovac, you continue south to reach Bar, one of Montenegro’s coastal towns. Bar is a modern port city with historic layers, most notably the Stari Bar fortress area at the foot of Mount Rumija. This old settlement has medieval churches, stone walls, and the ruins of Ottoman-era buildings. In contrast, the modern part of Bar has wide boulevards, a long seaside promenade, and long beaches. The town is also famous for its ancient olive trees, including one believed to be over 2,000 years old.
This route from Sutomore to Virpazar is one of the shortest drives in Montenegro, covering about 20 kilometers. It links the Adriatic coast with the inland beauty of Lake Skadar National Park. Starting in Sutomore, you leave the seaside behind as the road climbs steadily into the hills. You can look toward the open Adriatic Sea from elevated sections before the landscape changes into valleys, vineyards, and mountain ridges.
As you progress inland, you pass through small stone villages. Many houses here are surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, which supply the region’s well-known wine and olive oil. Seasonal stalls along the road sometimes sell local products. The drive ends in Virpazar, a town on the edge of Lake Skadar. Virpazar is marked by its stone bridge and small harbor, where boats depart for lake tours. Around the town, traditional restaurants serve carp and other freshwater fish.
This route begins in Herceg Novi, a coastal town at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, and leads you inland toward Orjen Mountain, the highest peak of the Dinaric Alps in Montenegro. The drive covers about 25 kilometers, with a steady ascent from sea level to over 1,500 meters.
As you leave the coast, palm-lined streets give way to dense forested slopes. The climate shifts quickly from Mediterranean warmth to cooler mountain air. Small hamlets with stone houses appear along the way. There are rustic inns where you can pause for refreshments. Viewpoints along the road offer views of the Bay of Kotor from above. On clear days, you can see the entire bay system. Higher up, the scenery changes again, with alpine meadows and conifer forests.
The mountain also holds traces of history. You will see remains of Austro-Hungarian fortifications, which were once part of a defensive network in this border region. In the upper zones, you can sometimes see eagles, foxes, and wild goats, so this route is perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Here are some important things to know before your coastal road trip in Montenegro:
Montenegro is a dream for road trippers. Every drive feels special, from sandy beaches and quiet coves to mountain passes. Spanish travellers will enjoy the warm coast, stone villages, and the mix of sea and mountains. Whether you stop at fishing towns, climb to Orjen, or circle Lake Skadar, each road shows a different side of Montenegro.
Book a car in Montenegro with Final Rentals to explore at your own pace. Choose from compact cars for budget travel, family SUVs for group trips, or premium models for longer drives. Booking is easy, and cars are available with reliable service at Tivat and Podgorica airports, as well as other locations.
