The Best Day Trips Around Podgorica

Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro, located inland; it is a modern city that has managed to blend tradition, nature, and culture. An ideal starting point for exploring the surroundings and discovering hidden treasures, or returning to familiar places to relive beautiful emotions previously felt, Podgorica offers urban attractions such as parks, museums, and restaurants. It also surprises with its charming nearby villages and breathtaking landscapes. Today, we want to talk about what to see around Podgorica and the best day trips awaiting you; embark with us, adventure is waiting!

Let's start with Cetinje, very close to the center of Podgorica, only 35 km away and accessible by bus or car. Surrounded by mountains, it is one of the most appreciated tourist destinations, with one of the most beloved attractions being the palace of King Nicholas I, built in 1867. This palace is now open to tourists who can admire its interiors adorned with antique furniture, refined frescoes, and numerous works of art.

If you love culture and museums in general, a visit to the national museum, considered one of the oldest and most important in the country, located in the center and easily reachable on foot, will tell you the history and culture of Montenegro. Move outside the city towards Lovćen hill, where you will find the Cetinje Monastery, one of the most important places of worship that houses the right hand of Saint John the Baptist, a fragment of the Holy Cross, and the body of Saint Peter of Cetinje.

Immersing yourself in the certainly glorious past of Cetinje will spark a healthy appetite; do you want to taste the local cuisine? There's no better way than to stop for a tasting of njeguški pršut and njeguški sir, the former being a cold cut similar to prosciutto, and the latter a semi-hard cheese produced from sheep or goat milk, sometimes a blend of both.

Danilovgrad is located just 25 km from Podgorica and easily reachable by public transport. It is a quiet city rich in history that gives off a very special aura of spirituality. The small village is famous for the Ždrebaonik Monastery, a peaceful and serene place immersed in nature, visiting it will fill you with inner tranquility.

Among the best excursions around Podgorica, Danilovgrad stands out for its history, spirituality, and wine! After visiting the Ždrebaonik Monastery, explore the ruins of Duklja; this site is a must-see for archaeology lovers. The ancient Roman settlement is located near the city, where you can admire the remains of temples, baths, and paved roads. And if you get hungry? After so much walking, it's ideal to stop at one of the many restaurants offering local cuisine and taste kačamak, a type of local polenta, and cicvara.

Virpazar is a delightful village located on the shores of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, only 25 km from Podgorica and easily accessible by public transport. Perfect if you love nature and birdwatching, as the lake itself is an important habitat for many bird species.

What to do in Virpazar? Experience the thrill of embarking on a small cruise on the lake; you will discover many nearby islands and fishing villages. Once back on land, dedicate yourself to exploring the village, which with its stone houses and red bricks dating back to the 17th century reflects Venetian architecture. Don't miss Besac Fortress, which offers a panoramic view of the lake. If you are a wine enthusiast, Virpazar has a rich winemaking tradition with several wineries offering tastings.

In the heart of the village, there's an ancient stone bridge that attracts photography enthusiasts; just cross it before capturing it to find a stunning view of Virpazar. And after the wine, traditional dishes cannot be missed; with a good glass of Cmrničko, one of the local wines, taste the local carpaccio of carp and smoked fish.

This picturesque village, located along the banks of the Crnojević River, is reachable in 20 minutes by bus or car from Podgorica, attracting numerous visitors each year with its stunning natural landscape. Among the local attractions, the historic center certainly deserves a thorough visit; Rijeka Crnojevića will amaze you with its stone houses and intimate, narrow streets.

The river itself is among the attractions of the place; rent a boat and glide across the waters while admiring the surrounding landscape, but it will be the 'curve of God' that will leave you breathless, as this viewpoint offers a unique glimpse of the valley. Among the sights to see in Rijeka Crnojevića is the Danilo Bridge, a stone bridge that offers spectacular views of the river. The Church of Saint Nicholas is another main point of interest; built in the 18th century, it's an example of traditional religious architecture.

One of the most touristic spots is the 16th-century mill; it's a water mill located along the bank of the Crnojević. Restored and well-preserved inside, you can discover ancient machinery and tools. Do you want to taste a typical dish? Try one of the many fish-based dishes, which are cooked in various ways here, smoked, grilled, stewed, or boiled, such as carp or eel in local restaurants.

Spuž is a village with a medieval allure located just a few kilometers from Podgorica, reachable by bus or car, and if you are a good walker, also on foot. Situated along the Zeta River, it is known for its history, traditional architecture, and the natural beauty surrounding it.

Among the must-see attractions is the Spuž Fortress; the site dates back to the Ottoman era and, even though partly in ruins, it offers a panoramic view of the village and the Zeta River. The river itself is part of the attractions, along with the Orthodox church located at the center of the village. Among the typical dishes to try are, of course, those made with fresh fish caught in the river and nearby lakes, which is very popular among tourists, along with kajmak, a soft and creamy cheese.