As people who have spent the best part of 20 years visiting the Balkans, we’ve developed a strong sense of the best places for day trips in the Balkans—and the ones to avoid—depending on the time of year. It’s a region rich in history and culture, and we’re excited to share some of its lesser-known beauty with you. This part of the world holds a special place in our hearts, and we can’t wait to introduce it to you.
While these day trips are particularly convenient for us as we’re usually based in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, each destination is well worth visiting in its own right. With everything located so close together, it’s easy to experience a diverse slice of the Balkans within a 10–14 day trip.
Montenegro
Kotor
A true showstopper, Kotor is famous for its medieval Old Town and breathtaking surroundings. Its cobbled streets wind through a maze-like fortress, where markets and street musicians bring the ancient stone walls to life. At the heart of it all sits a beautiful church in the main square.
We usually keep things simple here—grabbing some lunch, sending a postcard, or enjoying an ice cream. Near the fortress entrance, you’ll find a charming local market selling fresh fruit and vegetables. If you’re after something more authentic and slightly removed from the crowds, we highly recommend BBQ Tanjga. It can get busy around lunchtime, but it’s absolutely worth the wait.
One thing to keep in mind: the large cruise ships that dock here can take away from the scenery slightly, but Kotor’s beauty still shines through.
TIP 💡 Don’t forget to try Krempita – a local dessert originating from Kotor Bay!
Weather permitting – you can also climb to the Ladder of Kotor viewpoint if you’re up for it. We would avoid if the heat is stifling in the midday sun.
Recently opened, the Kotor Cable Car offers a scenic ride 1,348 metres up Mount Lovćen. At the top, you’ll find Forza Kuk restaurant with STUNNING views of Lovćen and Boka Bay🌳. We would recommend relaxing here for sunset – the views are literally unbeatable. If you’re feeling adventurous you can also go on the Alpine Coaster – be aware it can be a little wobbly and if you are even slightly scared of heights, this is not for you!
Perast
Perast is tiny but packed with charm – a dreamy spot where you can laze by the water, admire grand old mansions, and catch a boat to the mysterious islets of Our Lady of the Rocks. There’s a short climb to the top of the clock tower (albeit a little claustrophobic fyi) and a stunning viewpoint from the main road just above the town.
Cetinje – Lipa Cave
Lipa Cave is a fascinating underground wonder just outside Cetinje, offering a cool escape and a glimpse into Montenegro’s natural beauty. Guided tours take you through dramatic chambers and tunnels, with impressive stalactites and eerie silence all around. It’s a unique adventure, perfect for those seeking something a bit different from the usual sightseeing. We found the tour guides to be excellent, who translated in Russian, German and English – it’s an attraction that not many know of.
Croatia
Cavtat
Just across the border, Cavtat is a small and peaceful coastal town in Croatia that often flies under the radar. It’s the perfect place to spend a few relaxed hours, wandering along the palm-lined promenade and dipping into its charming galleries. The town is perhaps best known for the Račić Mausoleum, a stunning spot for panoramic views—especially at sunset. For us, staying in Herceg Novi, it couldn’t be more convenient, with the drive taking just 20 minutes.
Dubrovnik
A little further along the coast lies Dubrovnik. Its historic city walls and old towers are undeniably impressive, but we’d personally avoid visiting during the peak summer months. If you’re hoping for sunshine without the crowds and inflated prices, May is an ideal time to go—just before the tourist rush begins. In the height of summer, we find it can feel overcrowded, uncomfortably hot, and quite expensive. A single day is usually enough to explore the Old Town and take in its beauty. While Dubrovnik is iconic, there are plenty of quieter, equally stunning spots across the Balkans—and even within Croatia itself—where you might prefer to spend more time. If you do visit, don’t miss stopping by a local pekara for some freshly baked burek—it’s delicious.
TIP 💡 If you are planning to drive to Dubrovnik, be prepared to spend on parking! You are looking at a minimum of €8 per hour.
Krka National Park
Not exactly a hidden gem, but certainly a must-visit if you’re travelling through Croatia or nearby. It’s a bit of a drive from Herceg Novi, yet still well worth including as a day trip. Think lush forests, wildflowers, and a series of breathtaking waterfalls cascading into emerald-green pools—a true bohemian dream.
Since our last visit, access has become more restricted to help protect the area, with swimming now limited in certain spots due to the impact of tourism. That said, it’s still a wonderful place to spend the day. You can enjoy a picnic in the shade, wander along scenic trails, and even take a dip where permitted. It remains one of Croatia’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar
Mostar is one of the Balkans’ most distinctive destinations, where European and Ottoman influences blend seamlessly. Often nicknamed “Little Istanbul,” it’s full of character, from its cobbled streets and bustling bazaars to its iconic bridges. Crossing the Stari Most is always a highlight, and if you time it right, you might even catch locals diving into the river below—its wild. It’s a great place to browse market stalls, unwind in cosy cafés, and soak up the atmosphere. While it works perfectly as a day trip, you could easily spend a few days here if you wanted to explore more slowly.
Trebinje
Trebinje, on the other hand, is a true hidden gem—quiet, unassuming, and wonderfully off the beaten path. It’s a place we make a point of visiting almost every time we’re in Montenegro, and if you’re nearby, it’s absolutely worth the detour. There aren’t any major “must-see” sights, but that’s part of its charm. It’s ideal for a slow, peaceful day away from the crowds. The shaded main square is perfect for sitting back and people-watching—a simple pleasure that feels especially rich here. We love wandering through the local markets and taking a stroll across Arslanagić Bridge. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a plan—just let the day unfold. And for a real insider tip: don’t miss Studenac restaurant. You won’t regret it.
💡Note—you’ll notice we haven’t included Budva on this list. In our experience, it’s become overcrowded and overly commercialised, and it doesn’t really reflect the true beauty of Montenegro. It tends to be a go-to spot for first-time visitors who aren’t too familiar with the area, but there are far more authentic and enjoyable places to explore. We’d personally skip it altogether—especially when it comes to choosing somewhere to stay.
For us, the Balkans isn’t just a destination—it’s home. It’s the places we’ve grown up around, the flavours we know by heart, and the kind of beauty that never really gets old no matter how many times we see it. We’ve shared some of our favourite spots here, the ones we keep going back to, and the ones we always tell friends about. There’s so much more for us to share, but if this gives you even a small taste of what this region is like, then we’ve done our job 🫶🏻
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