The Geography of Montenegro

Nestled on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is a country of remarkable geographical diversity. Its name, which translates to “the black mountain”, likely originated from Venetian merchants who ruled the Bay of Kotor for nearly 400 years. While it is often associated with its mountains, to describe Montenegro as just mountains would be an understatement. This small Balkan country is renowned for its varied landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to stunning river valleys, placid lakes, and a picturesque Adriatic coastline.

Located in southeastern Europe, Montenegro shares borders with Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east, and Albania to the southeast. To the southwest, it boasts a coastline along the Adriatic Sea. If you were to cross the Adriatic from these shores, you would reach the region of Apulia in Italy (the heel of the “Italian boot”).

Montenegro covers an area of approximately 13,810 square kilometres (5,332 square miles) and has a population of around 620,000, making it one of the smallest countries in Southeast Europe.

Montenegro is divided into three distinct geographical zones: coastal, plain, and mountain. The Dinaric Alps dominate the mountain zone, which separates the coast from the continental part of the Balkan peninsula. These mountains stretch from Italy in the northwest through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo to Albania in the southeast.

The plains are Montenegro’s smallest geographical zone. The Zeta River valley near Podgorica forms a fertile alluvial plain, providing excellent agricultural land, and it is no coincidence that ancient Illyrians, Romans, and Slavs all chose to settle in this region.

Montenegro’s coastal region features a 294-kilometer (182.7-mile) Adriatic coastline. The country has 17 islands, but its most prominent feature is the Bay of Kotor, often mistaken for a fjord due to its stunning cliffs and deep waters. Towards the south, close to Ulcinj and continuing into Albania, rocky cliffs give way to a sandy strand created by the delta of the River Bojana, a natural border between Montenegro and Albania.

Montenegro is home to several remarkable natural sites. The Tara River features Europe’s deepest canyon, with depths reaching up to 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) in the northern region, along the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its glacial lakes and diverse flora and fauna. The highest peak in this mountain range, and Montenegro in general, is Bobotov Kuk at 2,523 meters (8,278 feet). Skadar Lake, the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula at 369.7 km², is shared by Montenegro and Albania, with two-thirds belonging to Montenegro. Protected as a National Park since 1983, the lake is home to over 270 bird species, including rare and endangered ones, making it a premier bird-watching destination. Among the birds you can see are the Pygmy Cormorant, Eurasian Spoonbill, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Ferruginous Duck, and Red-necked Grebe. The surrounding region is renowned for its organic produce, such as mandarins, figs, and the native Vranac grape, used to craft exceptional local wines.

Discover Montenegro on our expert-led tours

A multi-award-winning family-run travel company, Peter Sommer Travels offer expert-led tours for small groups. In spring 2023, 2018 and 2016 we received the UK’s Tour Operator of the Year Gold Award and in spring 2024, 2020, 2019 and 2017 the Silver Award from AITO, the UK’s most prestigious and leading organisation for specialist tour operators.

If you would like to know more about any of our Montenegro gulet cruises, please get in touch. We will be delighted to help.