Montenegro was calling, and we were ready to answer!
Some travel days begin with a leisurely morning, a slow breakfast, and absolutely no sense of urgency.
This was not one of those days!
Our alarm went off at 5:30 a.m., and I watched the sunrise from our balcony before getting ready for a full day of exploring. We grabbed a few apples for a quick snack and were on the road by 7 a.m.
Our destination? Montenegro!
After spending time exploring Dubrovnik, Croatia, we were ready to cross another border and discover what this beautiful neighboring country had in store for us.
Montenegro had been a place I missed for the past three years, so you can imagine the excitement I felt knowing we were heading back. There is something special about returning to a destination that has stayed with you long after you’ve left.
Some places just have a way of calling you back.
And Montenegro? Well, it was about to remind me exactly why I loved it.
Crossing into Montenegro at the Kobila border crossing
We drove south from Dubrovnik and crossed into Montenegro at the Kobila (MNE) border crossing. We arrived around 8 a.m. and were waved through without a wait!
Talk about a great start to the day.
Border traffic can be unpredictable, especially during the busier travel months, so getting through without a delay was a welcome surprise. If you’re planning a Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik, it’s worth checking current border conditions before setting out and allowing extra time in your itinerary.
Once we crossed into Montenegro, we didn’t get far before spotting a place we absolutely had to stop.
And this is where the day got off to an especially beautiful start.
Preobrazenje Viewpoint: A roadside stop with incredible Bay of Kotor views
Sometimes the best views aren’t found at a major attraction. Sometimes, they’re right beside the road, waiting for you to notice them.
Our first roadside stop after crossing the border was Preobrazenje viewpoint, overlooking the city of Njivice.
And WOW. The views were fantastic!
There’s a small pull-off area with parking spots and a large rock that offers incredible views out over the Bay of Kotor, across toward Herceg Novi and Igalo.
It was the perfect place to stop, take pictures, and soak in the scenery before continuing our drive.
The water, the surrounding coastline, and the mountains in the distance made for the kind of view that reminds you why you travel in the first place.
I immediately felt that familiar wave of joy and excitement. We were back in Montenegro, surrounded by the beauty I’d missed, and the day had barely begun!
Travel tip: Keep an eye out for safe roadside pull-offs as you drive along Montenegro’s coast. Some of the most memorable photo opportunities aren’t necessarily marked on a map. Just make sure you park safely and never stop where you could obstruct traffic.
And speaking of unexpected roadside stops, our next one turned out to be even more surprising.
A hidden gem near Herceg Novi: The little church with a magnificent surprise
We continued driving toward Herceg Novi, stopping here and there whenever a view caught our attention or something sparked our curiosity.
One of those stops was a small roadside church called Crkva Sv. Preobrazenja (Predrag Dangubic).
From the outside, it looked like an unassuming little brick church. Nothing about its exterior prepared us for what we were about to discover inside.
And this is exactly why I love leaving room for the unexpected when I travel!
We stepped inside and were greeted by an incredible display of beauty and grandeur. Gorgeous painted ceilings, detailed murals, and a massive gold chandelier filled the interior with an almost majestic atmosphere.
I honestly wasn’t expecting anything like it.
How often do you drive past a small building and have absolutely no idea what incredible details might be waiting inside?
This was one of those moments that made me stop and appreciate the wonder of discovering something without having planned it in advance.
It reminded me of something I firmly believe when traveling: it usually pays to make the random pit stop.
If something sparks your interest, take the time to investigate when it’s safe and appropriate. Keep your sense of wonder. Stay curious. Be open to discovering the unique little gems that might never make it onto a typical tourist itinerary.
Of course, not every spontaneous stop will turn out to be extraordinary. But sometimes, the ones you know the least about end up being the ones you remember most.
This little church was proof of that.
My travel philosophy: Plan enough to make the most of your time, but leave a little breathing room for the unexpected. Some of the best travel memories aren’t on the itinerary!
Visitor note: If you stop at a church or monastery, be respectful of worship services and local customs. Access may vary, and photography may not always be permitted.
Savina Monastery: History, beauty, and a few scenic detours
After our unexpected church discovery, we continued toward Savina Monastery, making a few more random stops along the way for views and anything else that caught our attention.
Honestly, this is one of my favorite ways to explore a destination.
I love having a plan and knowing which places I want to see, but I don’t want to become so focused on checking off every stop that I miss what’s happening around me.
Travel isn’t a race.
And while I love a detailed itinerary (I absolutely am that person who researches the route and saves all the places on a map), some of the best moments happen when you allow yourself the freedom to wander a little.
Savina Monastery was another opportunity to appreciate Montenegro’s history and religious architecture. Set amid greenery near Herceg Novi, the monastery complex offers a peaceful contrast to the coastal roads and busy towns.
We took time to tour the monastery and enjoy the surroundings before continuing along the bay.
Between the beautiful views, historic religious sites, and the unexpected church we’d discovered earlier, our morning was already shaping up to be a memorable one.
Lunch at Tramontana Beach Bar in Morinj
By this point, we’d enjoyed plenty of beautiful scenery and made several stops along the way. It was time to take a break and grab something to eat.
We drove to Tramontana Beach Bar in Morinj, where we stopped for breakfast and enjoyed the lovely views along the water.
There is something about eating beside the Bay of Kotor that makes even a simple meal feel special. The scenery does a lot of the work!
We also met a Serbian couple who asked me to take some photos for them. Naturally, I was happy to help.
I love those little interactions with people you meet while traveling. You may only share a few minutes together, but they become part of the story of your trip.
And then it was time to continue toward Perast, one of the places I’d been looking forward to exploring.
Perast, Montenegro: A charming coastal town on the Bay of Kotor
Perast is one of those little coastal towns that makes you want to slow down and take it all in.
Historic stone buildings line the waterfront, the mountains rise behind the bay, and the entire setting feels like something straight out of a European travel dream.
It’s also home to one of Montenegro’s most recognizable sights: the tiny island of Our Lady of the Rocks.
We made our way to Perast and arranged a boat ride out to the island.
Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks
One tiny island. One beautiful church. And plenty of reasons to pull out the camera.
Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island in the Bay of Kotor, just off the coast of Perast. It is home to the historic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks and its museum.
The boat ride took approximately 15 minutes, giving us a lovely perspective of the bay as we approached the island.
Once there, we enjoyed touring the church and exploring the little island.
The church’s interior, with its religious artwork and historic details, was well worth seeing. I always appreciate places where architecture and history come together to tell a story, and this was no exception.
Of course, there were also plenty of photo opportunities!
The island’s setting is beautiful from just about every angle, with views back toward Perast and across the surrounding water. I could have happily spent even longer photographing the scenery.
It’s one of those places where you keep thinking, Okay, just one more picture.
And then you take another twenty.
No regrets!
Is Our Lady of the Rocks worth visiting?
I would absolutely recommend considering it if you’re visiting Perast.
The combination of the boat ride, the small island, the historic church, and the views across the bay makes it a memorable experience.
Just remember to allow enough time for the boat transfer, the church visit, and photographs. Boat schedules and access arrangements can vary, so check the current details before your visit.
If you love historic churches, scenic European towns, and beautiful waterfront views, this is a stop worth adding to your Montenegro itinerary.
Kotor Old Town: Our last major stop of the day
After Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, we continued to Kotor for the final major stop of our day.
If you’ve seen photographs of Montenegro, chances are you’ve come across Kotor. Its historic Old Town, medieval walls, stone lanes, and dramatic mountain backdrop make it one of the country’s most famous destinations.
But seeing it in person is something else entirely.
We parked in a car park near the Old Town and walked into the historic center through the old town walls.
Almost immediately, we were surrounded by narrow lanes, historic buildings, churches, small shops, and beautiful architectural details.
Kotor is the kind of place where you can wander down one street, turn a corner, and discover something you weren’t expecting.
And if you love historic European towns as much as I do, it’s easy to understand why this one is so popular.
Exploring Kotor’s churches and historic landmarks
We explored the Old Town on foot, visiting St. Tryphon’s Cathedral and taking in the surrounding streets and historic buildings.
The Cathedral of St. Tryphon is one of Kotor’s most recognizable landmarks, with a history that stretches back centuries. Its architecture and interior details make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the city’s cultural heritage.
We also explored the streets around the historic squares and enjoyed seeing the different churches and buildings scattered throughout the Old Town.
Some places you may want to include on your own walking route are:
- Cathedral of St. Tryphon — a major historic and religious landmark.
- St. Nicholas Church — a prominent Orthodox church in the Old Town.
- St. Luke’s Church — another historic church with a distinctive character.
- The Clock Tower — one of the recognizable landmarks in the main square.
- Kampana Tower — part of Kotor’s historic fortifications.
- Pima Palace and Drago Palace — historic buildings that add to the character of the Old Town.
- Gurdic Bastion — worth considering if you enjoy exploring historic defenses.
- The narrow lanes and squares — perfect for wandering, browsing, and discovering details you might otherwise miss.
If you have more time, you can also consider climbing toward St. John’s Fortress, known as San Giovanni, for panoramic views of Kotor and the bay.
It’s a steep climb, so bring water and comfortable shoes if you decide to tackle it.
Another option for sweeping scenery is the Kotor Cable Car, which provides access to mountain views above the bay. Check the current operating schedule and weather conditions before including it in your plans.
The cats of Kotor
One of the things that makes Kotor especially memorable is its cats.
They seem to appear everywhere, wandering through the streets, lounging near doorways, and enjoying the attention of visitors.
A local guide explained that cats have long been associated with Kotor and are an important part of the city’s identity.
We walked through the alleys, browsed a little bazaar, and enjoyed the atmosphere of the historic center.
We were also offered a delicious sample of pomegranate wine and received a few small treasures along the way.
These little moments are part of what makes travel so special. Not everything has to be a major attraction or an experience you booked months in advance.
Sometimes it’s a friendly interaction, a little local discovery, or a detail you stumble across while wandering.
Gelato, smoothies, and a questionable chocolate drizzle
Of course, all that walking called for a sweet treat.
I had a dairy free lemon-mint & a 1/2 scoop of raspberry gelato and my son opted for mango. Both were absolutely delicious and I love that they offer dairy free options for those with lactose sensitivities/intolerance.
We also tried fruit smoothies. Mine included peach, strawberry, and kiwi, my husband opted for strawberry banana and our son went with his favorite fruit, mango. And then, because apparently fruit smoothies weren’t exciting enough on their own, chocolate drizzle was added to the mix. I’m still not entirely sure what I thought of that combination…
But when you’re traveling, sometimes you have to try the unusual things. You might discover something delicious, or you might decide that some food combinations are best left to someone else’s imagination.
Either way, it’s part of the adventure.
After exploring the city and walking through the historic streets, we made our way back through the old town and headed toward the car.
It had been a full day, and we still had the drive back to Croatia ahead of us.
Driving back to Dubrovnik: Crossing at Debeli Brijeg
We began our return journey to our Airbnb rental in Dubrovnik around 6:15 p.m.
On the way back into Croatia, we used the Debeli Brijeg (MNE) / Karasovići (HR) border crossing.
Unlike our easy morning crossing, the return journey involved a wait. We got through the first stop relatively quickly, but the second took approximately 30–40 minutes.
We eventually made it back to Dubrovnik and returned to our Airbnb rental around 9:30 p.m.
After a long day of driving, exploring, taking photographs, and soaking up as much of Montenegro as possible, we were ready to shower, relax, and spend a little time on the balcony before bed.
It was one of those days when you fall into bed tired but happy, knowing you’ve filled your day with experiences you wouldn’t trade for anything.
And just like that, another country, another collection of memories, and another camera roll full of pictures!
Border-crossing tips for your Dubrovnik to Montenegro day trip
For anyone planning a similar route, here’s a quick recap of our experience:
- Into Montenegro: Kobila (MNE).
- Back into Croatia: Debeli Brijeg (MNE) / Karasovići (HR).
- Morning departure: Around 7 a.m.
- Arrival at the morning crossing: Around 8 a.m., with no wait.
- Return departure toward Dubrovnik: Around 6:15 p.m.
- Return border wait: Approximately 30–40 minutes at the second stop.
- Back at our Dubrovnik rental: Around 9:30 p.m.
These are our personal experiences from September 5, 2026, not a guarantee of current border conditions. Wait times can change considerably with the season, traffic, and time of day.
Before traveling, confirm your documents, rental-car cross-border permission, and insurance requirements. Check current traffic and border information as well.
Practical tips for planning a day trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik
1. Start early
Leaving Dubrovnik early gave us a full day to explore and time for a few spontaneous stops. An early start can also help you make the most of daylight, though it doesn’t guarantee shorter border queues.
2. Keep some flexibility in your itinerary
This is probably my biggest recommendation.
We had places we wanted to visit, but we also stopped when something caught our attention. The Preobrazenje viewpoint and the little church near Herceg Novi are perfect examples of why I believe it’s worth leaving room for unexpected discoveries.
Plan your priorities, but don’t be afraid to add a stop when something sparks your interest.
3. Allow time for the border crossings
Remember that you’re crossing an international border, and delays can happen in either direction. Build a buffer into your schedule instead of assuming you’ll move through quickly. *Check out my full itinerary link below to access tips & insights we learned about border crossings and so much more!
4. Confirm rental-car requirements
Check with your rental company before crossing into Montenegro. Verify that your agreement allows cross-border travel and that the necessary insurance and paperwork are in place.
5. Prioritize Perast and Kotor
If you have one day, Perast and Kotor offer a wonderful combination of historic architecture, waterfront scenery, churches, and opportunities to explore on foot.
If you want to add more stops, be realistic about how much time you have.
6. Wear comfortable walking shoes
Stone streets, historic lanes, and potential fortress climbs mean you’ll be happier in comfortable shoes.
7. Check boat schedules and opening hours
If Our Lady of the Rocks is on your list, verify the current boat arrangements and church visiting hours before you go.
8. Don’t forget to look beyond the famous attractions
Montenegro’s well-known destinations are popular for good reason, but the little roadside discoveries can be just as memorable.
A viewpoint, an unexpected church, or a place you hadn’t planned to visit might end up being one of your favorite parts of the trip.
9. Always carry some euros for access to public restrooms
Like most public toilets in Europe, most of the public restrooms in Montenegro require a payment for use. Typically the cost is between 1-2 euros so I recommend always keeping some smaller change on hand.
Is a Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik worth it?
For me, absolutely!
Montenegro gave us spectacular coastal views, fascinating historic sites, beautiful churches, charming towns, and plenty of unexpected moments along the way.
From the Preobrazenje viewpoint overlooking Njivice to the magnificent interior of a small roadside church, the day reminded me why I love exploring beyond the obvious tourist stops.
Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks were beautiful, and Kotor was the perfect final major stop before heading back to Croatia.
Was it a long day? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Without hesitation.
The key is knowing what matters most to you, planning a realistic route, and giving yourself permission to enjoy the journey instead of racing from one attraction to the next.
Because the best travel memories don’t always come from the places you planned to see. Sometimes they’re hiding behind an unassuming little church door, waiting for you to discover them. And that’s why I will always encourage you to stay curious, follow your sense of wonder, and make room for the unexpected.
You never know what beautiful thing might be waiting just around the corner.
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— Krista
Stamps in My Passport
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