Let’s be honest – Montenegro is a showstopper. From the breathtaking Bay of Kotor to the wild beauty of Durmitor National Park, it’s a perfect blend of Adriatic charm, rugged mountains, and rich culture. But here’s the thing: Montenegro, while fabulous, is compact. You can comfortably soak up its highlights in a week… which means there’s plenty of room to extend your adventure.

So, why stop there? Thanks to its prime location and great travel connections, Montenegro is the ideal springboard to explore even more of Europe’s hidden gems. Whether you’re craving medieval towns, untouched nature, or buzzing city life, you’re in for a treat.

Here’s our pick of the best countries to combine with Montenegro for an unforgettable journey.

1. Bosnia & Herzegovina: The Balkan Soul Next Door

Just a few hours’ drive from Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina is a natural pairing. Start in Mostar with its iconic Stari Most bridge, wander Sarajevo’s enchanting Baščaršija bazaar, and take in the lush waterfalls at Kravica. Bosnia offers deep history, hearty food, and warm hospitality – and you’ll find far fewer tourists here than in its coastal neighbours. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously beautiful.

Why combine?
✔️ Easy overland journey
✔️ Perfect contrast of mountains, rivers, and historic towns
✔️ Off-the-beaten-path charm

2. Albania: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

Albania is the Balkans’ under-the-radar gem – and it borders Montenegro! Hop over to explore the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër, relax on the sun-soaked Albanian Riviera, or dive into Tirana’s vibrant cafe culture. Albania offers dramatic landscapes, fascinating history, and some of Europe’s most stunning beaches without the crowds or price tags.

Why combine?
✔️ Direct land border
✔️ Unique blend of Ottoman, Italian, and communist influences
✔️ Affordable, uncrowded beaches

3. Croatia: Adriatic Elegance Just Up the Coast

Montenegro and Croatia are a match made in Adriatic heaven. It’s super easy to hop from the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik (just an hour from the Montenegrin border!) straight to the Bay of Kotor. Spend time island-hopping along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast or wandering Split’s Roman ruins before or after your Montenegrin fix.

Why combine?
✔️ Seamless land border crossings
✔️ Ideal for island lovers and coastal road trips
✔️ Easy flight access via Dubrovnik

4. Italy: Montenegro’s Stylish Neighbour Across the Adriatic

Want to add a little dolce vita to your Balkan adventure? You’re in luck. Italy is just a short hop across the Adriatic, with direct flights from Rome, Milan, and other major cities. Even better, there’s an overnight ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik – making it easy to combine Montenegro with pizza-fueled escapades in Puglia, the Amalfi Coast, or beyond.

Why combine?
✔️ Convenient ferry and flight connections
✔️ Perfect balance of history, cuisine, and coastlines
✔️ Italy’s charm + Montenegro’s wild beauty = dream combo

5. Slovenia: Europe’s Green Jewel

Looking for fairy-tale lakes, alpine peaks, and a touch of Central European flair? Slovenia delivers. Thanks to short direct flights from Montenegro, you can easily hop to Ljubljana, explore the magical shores of Lake Bled, and hike in Triglav National Park. Slovenia’s compact size and relaxed vibe make it the perfect soft contrast to Montenegro’s dramatic coast and mountains.

Why combine?
✔️ Short direct flights
✔️ Nature lovers’ paradise
✔️ Ideal for an active, outdoorsy add-on

6. Turkey: A Cultural Feast with Direct Flights

Feeling adventurous? Add a little spice to your itinerary by flying directly from Montenegro to Turkey. Whether you dive into the vibrant chaos of Istanbul, explore Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, or unwind on the Turquoise Coast, Turkey offers a thrilling cultural shift while still being easily accessible.

Why combine?
✔️ Direct flights from Montenegro
✔️ Great for those craving a cultural contrast
✔️ Rich history, vibrant cities, and unforgettable food

Why Montenegro is Perfect for a Multi-Destination Trip

Montenegro is the ideal one-week destination – rich enough to explore but compact enough to leave you time for more. Thanks to excellent land borders, ferry routes, and flight connections, it’s ridiculously easy to extend your journey and dive deeper into the Balkans and beyond.

Ready to Design Your Perfect Montenegro Combo Trip?

At Untravelled Paths, we specialise in crafting seamless multi-country adventures that take you off the typical tourist trail. Whether it’s combining Montenegro with the wild beauty of Albania, the elegance of Italy, or the charm of Bosnia, we’ll tailor every detail to you.

👉 Explore our Montenegro trips here or get in touch today to start planning your unforgettable journey.

Written by James Chisnall