My husband and I spent a day in Montenegro a couple of years ago while visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia, and we absolutely loved it.
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Just look at Kotor…
Beautiful, isn’t it? With only one day to explore, we drove a large loop around the Bay of Kotor, spent a few hours wandering Kotor’s old town (and meeting the local cats), then took the narrow, winding road with 25 switchbacks up to Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic capital. On the way back we returned to Dubrovnik via Budva and Tivat.
It was one of our best day trips in a long time. The drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor was straightforward, the Bay of Kotor is stunning, and the view from the last switchback makes the steep, slightly nerve‑wracking climb worth every minute.
My photos don’t fully capture the Bay of Kotor, but they give you the idea. From our vantage point we could see all the way to the Adriatic. I grew up near mountains and the Pacific, so it takes a lot to impress me — but this view took my breath away.
After soaking in the bay we drove to Cetinje, the cultural and historical capital. The inland scenery and older towns were beautiful and left me wishing for more time to explore. Montenegro has so much to offer — mountains, historic towns, and coastal views — and we can’t wait to return and spend longer discovering its food and sights.
Before leaving Kotor old town we grabbed sandwiches, drinks, and a memorable chocolate mousse at a bakery. We didn’t have time to sample many other desserts that day, so I researched local sweets to try on our next visit.
5 Montenegro Desserts You Must Try
#1 – Bajadera
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Bajadera is a rich nougat praline made with almonds, hazelnuts, and chocolate. While it’s often associated with Croatia, it’s commonly found across the region, including Montenegro.
#2 – Baklava
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Baklava appears throughout the Balkans and the Mediterranean. Expect flaky layers of phyllo drenched in syrup and filled with finely chopped walnuts or pistachios; some regional versions include raisins for added texture and flavor.
#3 – Palačinke
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Palačinke are thin crepe‑like pancakes often filled with jam, chocolate, Nutella, or syrup. They’re sold in cafes and street stalls and make a quick, satisfying treat to enjoy on the go or as a leisurely dessert.
#4 – Krofne
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Krofne are light, airy doughnuts typically filled with jam, chocolate, cream, or custard. They’re similar to German Berliner doughnuts and are a beloved pastry across the region.
#5 – Krempita
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Krempita is a layered dessert made with puff pastry and thick vanilla custard. Variations of this creamy treat appear across Central and Eastern Europe; it’s light, slightly crisp on top, and richly satisfying in the middle.
Bonus Dessert: Chocolate Mousse
The chocolate mousse we shared in Kotor was unforgettable — smooth, rich, and so good we wished we’d bought two. Beyond traditional regional desserts, bakeries and cafes in Montenegro also offer modern pastries and treats like this one.
If you enjoyed this, check out more travel articles on my site for tips and inspiration.
