Kotor, Montenegro: The Perfect Day Trip To Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery

Living in Kotor, Montenegro offers many advantages, especially if you want to explore the mountainous region of Montenegro that hosts many attractions and activities. One of the must-do day trips from Kotor is to visit all the amazing sites that are nearby, such as Durmitor and Tara National Park, Ostrog Monastery and Skadar Lake National Park. With these locations all within a few hours’ drive of each other, it’s easy to immerse yourself in some of Montenegro’s most stunning nature and culture for a whole day. In this article, we’ll go into more detail about what you can expect to see, do and experience on a day trip starting at Kotor and visiting Durmitor and Tara National Park, Ostrog Monastery and Skadar Lake National Park.

Preparing For Your Day Trip

The first thing to consider when taking a day trip from Kotor is how you will get around. You can rent a car from one of the many car rental companies available in Kotor, or take advantage of one of the tour operators in and around town who offer private tours with a driver for the day. This can be a great way to make the most of your time and take in more attractions than you would be able to otherwise.

If you opt to drive yourself, keep in mind that Montenegro roads are not well maintained, but you can easily get around and cover a lot of ground in just one day if you’re familiar with the area. It’s also important to keep in mind that many of the attractions you will visit have limited opening hours so check ahead of time.

Visit Durmitor National Park

Your starting point on this day trip should be Durmitor National Park. This stunning mountain scenery park covers an area of about 39,000 hectares and boasts of some of the most beautiful views of mountains, canyons and lakes. There are plenty of walking trails around the park which makes it easy to spend your morning or afternoon exploring. The park can be accessed easily from Kotor, just under three hours away by car.

There is no shortage of things to do in Durmitor National Park. While hiking or trekking is one way to explore the region, there are also plenty of other attractions such as ski slopes, rope courses and canyoning opportunities. If you’re looking to get some respite from the heat on very hot days, the park is home to numerous crystal clear lakes where visitors can enjoy swimming or just taking in the views.

In addition to its natural spectacular beauty, Durmitor is home to a variety of plant and animal species including wild boar and lynx which may be spotted if you take some time to wander deeper into the park. It’s also worth noting that while the park is open year-round, winter offers an extra challenge with its adventurous cold-weather activities such as skiing and ice climbing.

Head To Tara Consortium National Park

From Durmitor National Park, it’s a quick two-hour drive to Tara Consortium National Park. This national park is located on the border between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, stretching for about 35km along the Tara River. The park is one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Montenegro, renowned for its impressive canyon views, river formations and dense forests.

At Tara Consortium National Park you’ll find something for everyone: from hikers and wildlife watchers to nature lovers, adrenaline junkies and water rafters alike. For those looking for a gentle stroll along nature trails, there are plenty of options here. If you’re not keen on spending too much time on the trails however, opt for a riverboat trip along the Tara River instead. This allows you to take in more scenery while enjoying the relaxing motion of the boat ride.

For those more inclined towards outdoor sports and activities there are several options available here too. A popular option here is rafting or kayaking down the rapids of the Tara River – a unique experience not to be missed! The area is home to a variety of flora and fauna too; in particular, this is one of the best places in Montenegro for spotting brown bears in their natural habitat.

Visit Ostrog Monastery

Next stop on your day trip should be Ostrog Monastery. Widely known in Montenegro as one of the most important religious monuments in the country, this 16th century monastery perches dramatically over high cliffs against stunning views of Durmitor National Park from atop its hillside location. Travelers come from far away to receive healing miracles that are often attributed to this Orthodox Christian monastery founded by Vasilije Ostroski, an eminent Serbian mystic monk who supposedly lived and preached here during his lifetime.

Though sightseeing opportunities are available inside the monastery grounds surrounded by old stone walls & memorials decorated with 20th century frescoes, visitors should remember to be respectful given its religious context. There is also a small museum inside with some old artifacts; photography is allowed in these areas outside of prayer times.

End Your Day Trip At Skadar Lake National Park

The last stop on your day trip should be Skadar Lake National Park. Located an hour drive eastwards from Ostrog Monastery (or two hours northwest from Kotor), the Skadar Lake National Park occupies 40% of Montenegro’s total freshwater area and is renowned for its abundance of bird species that can be seen during the spring months. You’ll also find here another UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Visovac Island Monastery – as well as several fortresses such as Sveti Stephan & Banjani Fortresses dating back to medieval roots and various other historic sites dotting the landscape around this tranquil lake.

Conclusion

A day trip starting at Kotor filled with visits to Durmitor National Park, Tara Consortium National Park, Ostrog Monastery and Skadar Lake National Park offers travelers a chance to explore some of Montenegro’s most stunning natural sights, fascinating cultural heritage sites as well as fascinating outdoor activities – all within just a few hours from each other. Take even less time and make your day even more leisurely when you choose private transport such as tour operators that offer day tours with everything from luxury cars to vans equipped with knowledgeable guides – allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Montenegro’s remarkable sights with no need for worrying about getting lost or missing any important traveler’s tips short of actually having a local experience yourself! Ready for your perfect day trip? Consider making your reservations on GetYourGuide today!