Where should you visit in Montenegro for photography?
Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Montenegro is a hidden gem for photographers seeking to capture a diverse array of captivating scenes. During my recent visit, I was enchanted by the blend of dramatic coastal landscapes and historic towns, each offering unique photographic opportunities.As I prepared for my trip, I found that comprehensive guides on Montenegro’s best photo spots were scarce. To fill this gap, I’ve put together this blog to share my experiences and insights with fellow travel photographers.
In this article, I’ll highlight some of my favorite and most picturesque locations from my journey. Please note that this list focuses on the coastal region of Montenegro. I’ve heard that the northern mountainous areas also boast stunning scenery, which I hope to explore in the future.
1)Lake Skadar
My first recommendation is a hidden gem that often flies under the radar. When people talk about Montenegro, this place is frequently overlooked. If your adventure begins in Podgorica, I highly suggest making a detour to Virpazar. Nestled on the shores of Lake Skadar and en route to Budva, Virpazar offers a unique charm.
Here, you can embark on boat tours to explore the lake, which is ideal for wildlife photography. Although my winter visit revealed a lake that wasn’t as picturesque as I had anticipated, the Viewpoint Skadarske Jezoro in Virpazar provided some excellent opportunities for capturing stunning landscape shots.
2)Budva
Budva is the heart of Montenegro’s tourism, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning beaches, numerous bars and restaurants, abundant water activities, and vibrant nightlife, it has something for everyone.
Exploring the old town was a highlight of my visit, offering countless photographic opportunities. I especially enjoyed capturing the town’s charm during the blue hour, when the light adds a magical touch to the scenery.
One of the nice places for photographing in Budva is the Old Town and the statue of the dancing girl. Moreover, if you start from the Old Town and walk towards Mogren Beach, you will find a marvelous natural rock formation called ‘door in stone.’ It’s very hard to take photos there due to lighting, but I would definitely recommend that you go there as a traveler. You can see the photos I took below, as I do in every article.
3)Perast
And here we are, my favorite place in Montenegro. It is a twenty-minute ride from Kotor to this small settlement that is a must on the visit list. Sunrise and sunset are some of the best times to capture stunning photographs. There’s a very high probability of some fog forming over the water in the bay. I am sharing with you some of the photos taken.
One thing I would love to mention as a tip: If you’re staying in Kotor or are in transit through Perast, make sure to stop at Konoba Otok Bronza for breakfast. It offers nice choices for breakfast at a very small price, right next to the bay.
4)Tivat
Tivat wasn’t originally on my itinerary. My journey began in Kotor early in the morning, then took me through Perast and Herceg Novi. On the return trip from Herceg Novi to Kotor, you can take a ferry from Kamenari to Tivat, which is just a short 10-minute ride away.
Tivat boasts an incredible vantage point for sunset photography. Unlike Kotor, where the surrounding mountains obscure the sunset, Tivat’s open view provides a stunning backdrop. While scouting for the perfect sunset shot, I chose the lighthouse at Plaza Ponta. The combination of the sun’s position and a plane’s trail in the sky added a unique atmosphere to the photo, making it one of my favorites. Sometimes, capturing the perfect shot is all about being in the right place at the right time.
5)Kotor
Kotor is the most popular tourist destination in Montenegro. I recommend starting your visit by hiking up to Kotor’s Fortress, which stands 290 meters above the city. From there, you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of the bay. However, it’s not the best spot for sunset photography, as the light may change quickly and you might miss the optimal moment.
After exploring the fortress, consider delving into the Old Town. Its charming side streets and historic architecture provide excellent opportunities for architectural and street photography. Kotor is also a great place to meet fellow photographers, especially if you’re traveling solo.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope you found it helpful and that it inspires your own adventure in Montenegro. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to leave a comment or message me. As mentioned at the beginning, Montenegro offers a wealth of photographic opportunities, and this is just a glimpse of my personal experience.