Balkan road trip, Van Life Montenegro 2024

September 2024. Three years after exploring Slovenia in our beloved van Valter, we’re back on the road—this time heading a little further south, to Montenegro, with our new travel companion, Ksenija. The layout is perfect and it’s incredibly comfortable.

After picking up Ksenija in Podgorica and listening to Vukasin’s excellent tips, our 6-day adventure begins.
Our first night is spent just below Ostrog Monastery, in Glava Zete – Pozar, a free parking spot. There’s plenty of space, and at night you can even see the monastery illuminated above. It’s the perfect base to enjoy the monastery at dawn, when it’s still peaceful and free from crowds.

Next stop: the north of the country and its mountains, especially the Durmitor area.
The small town of Žabljak will be our base. On Vukasin’s recommendation, we spent our second night on the shore of Devil's Lake (Vrazje). The area is stunning—a quiet open plain with small ponds and surrounded by mountains. There are plenty of hikes in the Zabljak region, including a beautiful loop around Black Lake (Crno Jezero) and the famous Tara Bridge viewpoint.

Chasing our goal to get higher into the mountains, we quickly realise there are very few spots to park overnight (roads are really narrow!). Luckily, we’ve heard about a small lake where you can stay the night. We take our chances, driving into total darkness with no phone reception… and it turns out to be an excellent decision.

Pitch-black surroundings and the thought of local bear sightings make us a little uneasy. But instead of a bear, our only visitor is a curious deer.
At sunrise, we discover the magic of the place: views over a dry lake bed filled with lush vegetation, total silence except for the sound of fresh water trickling from a nearby spring—perfect for brushing our teeth. Another deer appears, quietly watching us. It’s a moment outside of time.

We continue towards Žabljak via the Durmitor Ring scenic road. It’s a long day of driving, rewarded with breathtaking landscapes, made even more beautiful by the first colours of autumn.

By the time we arrive, we’re ready for a hearty meal—Kačamak and Popeci—at Katun Camp Durmitor, a cosy mountain-chalet style restaurant.
One of Montenegro’s greatest assets is how quickly the scenery changes. After spending all day in the high mountains of the north, we end up sleeping on the beach in the south.

We gradually make our way down towards Kotor, taking a different route but one just as beautiful. Passing through towns and villages, we enjoy glimpses of Slano Jezero and finally, the first views of Kotor Bay.

After a sunset feast of oysters and mussels between Risan and Perast, we head to Auto Camp Dule, another tip from Vukasin, for a night overlooking the bay—complete with surprise fireworks.

Breakfast, a visit, and a swim in the charming little town of Perast; a quick dip in Kotor; then on to Rose for the night. We park at the entrance of the village, right by the illuminated bay.

On our final day, we take the spectacular Serpentine Road for its incredible switchback views over Kotor Bay. Before reluctantly returning Ksenija, we make one last detour to Pavlova Strana viewpoint—a steep drive, but absolutely worth it.

Two road trips in the Balkans with Balkan Campers—and you know what they say: never two without three!

Check the road story from Slovenia, from the same customers here.