Small in size, but big on motorcycles. Montenegro is not yet a well-known destination for motorcycle tourism, and this is precisely one of its best assets, but it may not last.

Wedged between Croatia, Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina, this territory of modest dimensions nevertheless concentrates a rare geographical intensity: jagged mountains, Mediterranean fjords, immense lakes, vertiginous roads... All within a few dozen kilometers of each other.

For bikers, it's a promise: to go from the seaside to the high plateaus in a single day, from tunnels of rough stone to villages suspended in silence.

But you still need to know the right routes, the relevant stages and the subtleties of a country as beautiful as it is full of contrasts. Here's our selection of the must-sees on a motorcycle road trip to Montenegro, based on Hellenic Rides' expertise in the field.

The mouths of Kotor: the Adriatic fjord in majesty

It's hard to think of Montenegro without starting with the emblematic Mouths of Kotor. This deep bay, often referred to as a fjord - despite its karstic origin - slopes slowly inland, creating a labyrinth of inlets encircled by rugged mountains. The road around it is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

On your motorcycle, you'll wind your way along the shoreline, between reflections of water, stone bell towers and fishermen's boats. Villages like Perast and Prčanj exude an old-world charm, somewhere between Venice and the Orient, with weathered facades and quiet squares. Further afield, the medieval city of Kotor nestles at the foot of the mountain. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts many visitors in high season, but retains a palpable authenticity, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

The road is narrow, winding and sometimes congested in summer. But every metre is a reward. Leaving the bay, you can climb up to Njeguši on the serpentine road, with a series of twists and turns offering breathtaking views of the mouths below. A classic Montenegrin road trip.

Durmitor National Park: mountains, curves and raw nature

A two-hour drive to a different world is one of the rare privileges offered by Montenegro. From the gentle coast, you can reach Durmitor National Park, in the north of the country, and discover a world of high mountains, dense forests and mineral silence.

The P14 road between Žabljak and Plužine is undoubtedly the most spectacular in the country. It crosses high-altitude, sometimes desert landscapes, with a succession of passes, plateaus, pastures and views of vertiginous canyons. The route is demanding, but fabulous.

Along the way, the Đurđevića Tara bridge overlooks one of Europe's deepest canyons. It offers a stunning panorama and is well worth an extended stop. Temperatures here are cooler, even in summer. Suitable equipment is required, as is a certain degree of self-sufficiency: villages are far apart, gas stations rarer, but isolation is part of the experience.

Lake Skadar: between water, hills and suspended roads

On the border with Albania, Lake Skadar stretches its calm waters against a backdrop of green hills and wild banks. It's the largest lake in the Balkans, but also one of the least frequented by motorcycle travelers. And all the better for it.

The road south of the lake, between Virpazar and Ostros, is a pure pleasure to drive. It winds its way between rocks, vineyards and cliffs, regularly offering views of islets, herons and windswept reeds. Some stretches are very narrow, with unlit tunnels and blind bends. Nothing impassable, but you need to keep your wits about you.

A detour to Rijeka Crnojevića is highly recommended. This small village upstream from the lake boasts a historic stone bridge and peaceful shores. It's also an excellent starting point for a boat trip through the natural canals. An ideal break from a day's driving.

LovCen Park and the serpentine road: a panoramic view of the whole country

If you're looking for Montenegro's iconic road, the one photographed in every guidebook without always naming it, you'll find it between Kotor and Mount Lovćen. This historic stretch, lined with hairpin bends and panoramic views, links the sea to the Njegoš mausoleum, perched at an altitude of over 1,600 meters.

The climb from Kotor is a classic. The serpentine road winds around a series of sharp bends with a plunging view over the bay. Each twist and turn reveals a new angle, until you dominate theAdriatic with a single glance. At the top, the mausoleum of Njegoš, one of the country's founding figures, offers a view of much of the region - and, on a clear day, even the Italian coast.

The south coast: Budva, Sveti Stefan and Petrovac

Back to the seaside. At first glance, Montenegro's more touristy and built-up southern coast might seem less suitable for a motorcycle road trip. Yet there are some superb stretches, notably between Budva and Petrovac.

Budva, often bustling, can be avoided if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, but its old town is well worth a look. Further south, the village of Sveti Stefan, famous for its exclusive hotel-island linked to the mainland by a sandy isthmus, offers spectacular views from the elevated road. Finally, the more modest Petrovac is a pleasant, less-frequented stopover.

In high season, traffic can be heavy on this route, especially near the beaches. It's best to plan these stretches in the morning or at the very end of the day to enjoy the ride in peace. Off-season, on the other hand, it's a pure pleasure.

Our tips for a motorcycle trip to Montenegro

Montenegro looks small on a map, but mountain roads, scenic breaks and technical, winding sections naturally lengthen journey times. It is therefore advisable not to aim for too many kilometers per day. An average of 150 to 200 kilometers, depending on the terrain, will allow you to ride stress-free while enjoying the scenery.

The ideal rhythm combines mornings of riding, quieter afternoons and a few days with little motorcycling to take a breather or explore on foot. The country lends itself well to this breathing space.

Driving in Montenegro requires sustained attention. Secondary roads are not all in good condition, road signs are sometimes absent, and local drivers can be very fast. But on the whole, with care and forethought, driving is above all a pleasure.

The best time to discover the country by motorcycle is between May and June, then between September and October. The weather is pleasant, the roads are clear and accommodation is available. July and August may be suitable, but the heat and heavy tourism on the coast make some itineraries less pleasant.

Finally, Montenegro can be part of a larger itinerary: an entry via Croatia (Dubrovnik), a loop via Bosnia, or a passage through Albania, depending on the length of your stay. Customs clearance is easy with proper papers, but it's best to plan ahead for insurance and specific formalities.

Why choose Hellenic Rides to organize your motorcycle trip to Montenegro?

Montenegro is not just a country passing through: it's a destination in its own right, condensed from the Mediterranean and the Balkans, from curves and contemplation. You drive here for pleasure, but also for the silence, the contrasts, the perspectives.

Discovering Montenegro with Hellenic Rides is an immersion experience without the uncertainties. Our tours are designed to avoid the classic pitfalls: overly long stages, poorly chosen roads, badly located accommodation. We build each route taking into account the topography, the actual traffic, the driving pleasure, but also the necessary breaks.

We alternate spectacular stretches - such as the Bay of Kotor, the P14 of Durmitor or the winding roads of Lovćen - with gentler, more secret routes. Our accommodations are chosen for their hospitality, location and authenticity. Our bikes are prepared, equipped and serviced. And we're with you every step of the way, from preparation to return, with appropriate briefings, assistance and advice.

Montenegro offers a playground that's both accessible and grandiose, for those who like to ride far from the freeways, to the rhythm of the hills and the wind.

With Hellenic Rides, this journey becomes not only possible, but fluid, harmonious and perfect for bikers who love curves, nature and authenticity.

Travelling by motorcycle in Montenegro: Our must-sees