Montenegro is barely 100 km from coast to high mountains — which means one rental car and one week are enough for fjord-like bays, 1,600-metre passes and Europe's deepest canyon. These are the seven drives our travelers rate highest, with honest practical notes for each.
1. Kotor → Lovćen serpentines (the famous 25 hairpins)
The old Austro-Hungarian road climbs from the Bay of Kotor to Lovćen National Park through 25 numbered hairpin bends, with the bay shrinking below you at every turn. At the top: Njegoš's mausoleum and a view across half the country. Practical: the road is narrow — go early morning, take a compact car (or an automatic for easier climbing), and check that your offer allows mountain routes.
Related: Kotor car rental.
2. Bay of Kotor loop (Kotor – Perast – Risan – Herceg Novi)
Hug the waterline around the entire bay: baroque Perast and its two islets, Roman mosaics in Risan, seafront Herceg Novi. It's under 50 km but plan half a day — you'll stop constantly. Practical: summer traffic is slow near Kamenari ferry; parking is easiest early or late.
3. Đurđevića Tara bridge & Tara Canyon
The 1940 arch bridge stands ~170 m above the Tara river, at the edge of Europe's deepest river canyon. The drive from Žabljak side offers viewpoint after viewpoint. Practical: combine with Durmitor (below); fuel up in Žabljak or Mojkovac — stations are sparse in the canyon.
4. Durmitor ring (Žabljak circuit)
A high-mountain loop around Durmitor's peaks: Sedlo pass, glacial lakes, open plateaus. One of the highest public roads in the Balkans. Practical: sections are single-lane with passing places; in winter parts close — summer is the season. An SUV is comfortable here.
See our SUV & 4x4 rental page.
5. Skadar Lake rim (Virpazar – Rijeka Crnojevića)
The horseshoe bend viewpoint above Rijeka Crnojevića is Montenegro's most photographed inland scene. Vineyards, tiny villages, the Balkans' biggest lake. Practical: the rim road is narrow but paved; combine with a boat trip from Virpazar.
6. Budva Riviera (Budva – Sveti Stefan – Petrovac)
Short and sweet: the coastal road south of Budva delivers the Sveti Stefan island postcard, olive groves and beach towns. Practical: pull-offs for the Sveti Stefan viewpoint fill fast in summer — go at sunrise if you can.
Related: Budva car rental.
7. Podgorica → coast via the old Rijeka Crnojevića road
Skip the tunnel highway once and take the old royal road from Podgorica toward Cetinje and down to Budva. Quiet, green, and full of history. Practical: allow ~2 hours with stops versus ~1 hour direct; a small toll applies if you return via the Sozina tunnel route.
Before you drive (quick tips)
Roads are good but often narrow; locals overtake confidently — let them. Fuel stations are frequent on the coast, sparser in the north. Police checks for speed are common on the Podgorica–coast roads. And whichever route you pick: your rental's total price, deposit and insurance are shown before you book — compare more than the price.
Compare options in our Montenegro car rental prices guide and cheap car rental in Montenegro.
Planning an open-top day on the coast? See convertible car rental in Montenegro or a 7- or 9-seater minivan for a group.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
7 Scenic Drives in Montenegro Worth Renting a Car For
No — in summer all seven are fine in a regular car. An SUV adds comfort on Durmitor and Lovćen; in winter, mountain routes need winter equipment (see your offer's Rental Conditions).
From the coast: Kotor–Lovćen serpentines plus the Bay of Kotor loop. From Podgorica: Skadar Lake rim.
Yes, with normal care — they're narrower and curvier than most of Western Europe, so allow more time than the map suggests.
Absolutely — a compact is actually easier on the serpentines. See our cheap car rental options in Montenegro.
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