1Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan)
A fortress and park at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. The route starts here: climb the walls for views of the rivers and the modern city.
DURATION
6 daysDISTANCE
≈ 1150 kmSEASON
May–OctoberDIFFICULTY
ModerateCOUNTRIES
Serbia, MontenegroRoute on the map
Open in Google Maps ↗The line shows the approximate driving route and the return to Belgrade. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1Day 1Belgrade → Zlatibor
A first night by a mountain lake.
- 2Day 2Zlatibor → Žabljak (Durmitor)
The Montenegrin border, Black Lake and the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, one of the highest concrete arch road bridges in Europe.
- 3Day 3Žabljak → Kotor
Mountain serpentines and the Bay of Kotor, which is UNESCO-listed.
- 4Day 4Kotor → Perast → Budva
Kotor's old town, Our Lady of the Rocks island near Perast and the beaches of Budva.
- 5Day 5Budva → Sveti Stefan → Virpazar
Lake Skadar and its fishing villages.
- 6Day 6Virpazar → Podgorica → Belgrade
A long drive of about 8–9 hours; if you like, split it with a night in Kolašin.
What to see along the way
The stops in order: the numbers match the markers on the map.
1
2Lake Ribnica (Zlatibor)
A mountain resort with rolling meadows and lakes. A convenient place to stop, with many walking trails and cafés serving local food.
3Black Lake (Durmitor)
A glacial lake at about 1,400 m near Žabljak, surrounded by conifer forest and the peaks of Durmitor. An easy trail circles it.
4Đurđevića Tara Bridge
A 1940 arch bridge about 365 m long, rising roughly 170 m above the Tara river canyon. There is a viewpoint and zipline attractions.
5Kotor
An old town within fortress walls on the Bay of Kotor (UNESCO). The climb up the stairs to St. John's Fortress takes about an hour.
6Perast
A baroque town with a waterfront and bell tower. Boats leave from here for the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks with its church.
7Budva
A resort town with a walled old town and long beaches. A good place for a break from the road.
8Sveti Stefan
A village island joined to the shore by a narrow causeway, now a resort with restricted access. The best views are from the road and the beach.
9Virpazar and Lake Skadar
A fishing village on Lake Skadar. Boat trips leave from here among water lilies, birds and old fortresses.
Photos of the places: Wikimedia Commons, free licences. The author and licence of every photo are listed on the page «Photo credits».
Suitable vehicles
These vehicles suit this route.
CompactCross-border allowed
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
5 seatsAutomatichybrid300 km/day
from €28
per day for rentals of 7+ days
Sedan / estateCross-border allowed
Škoda Octavia Combi
5 seatsAutomaticdiesel300 km/day
from €34
per day for rentals of 7+ days
Sedan / estateCross-border allowed
Škoda Superb
5 seatsAutomaticdiesel300 km/day
from €42
per day for rentals of 7+ days
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