From the clear blue sea, sandy beaches, and breathtaking canyons, to the impressive mountain tops and crystalline rivers, Montenegro has it all. This is exactly why choosing the best locations for photography is not an easy task.

Here are my top five spots to shoot in Montenegro — capable of making any photographer’s heart leap.

Boka Bay

Since I was born in Herceg Novi — the “City of the Sun” — a beautiful town in Boka Bay, it’s unsurprising that it’s number one on this list. However, if you don’t have enough time to roam the entire Bay area, then go straight to the town of Kotor, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once you enter the old town, you’ll find yourself getting lost over and over again in numerous, narrow streets shaded by the steep cliffs of Lovcen Mountain. Don’t let the couple hundred stairs deter  you — make your way to the San Giovanni Fortress. Once at the top, you won’t regret the effort. Set up your camera gear and enjoy. If you have time, wait for the “Blue Hour,” that period of the day during sunset when the sky ranges from blue to dark blue, followed by black.

Lovcen National Park

After thoroughly exploring Kotor’s Old Town, you’ll probably wonder what the view is like from the top of the massive cliffs of Lovcen Mountain. If you’re not scared of winding, narrow roads, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most amazing viewpoints you can imagine.

Although it’s only half an hour’s ride from Kotor, you’ll probably need some more time to get to the peak. The viewpoints you’ll come across during the ride will tempt you to make one stop after another.

Skadar Lake National Park

Widely recognized as the most beautiful lake in the Balkans, Skadar Lake offers numerous opportunities and spots for great photography. With unique flora and fauna, waterfalls, and old villages with deserted windmills and local wineries, this place is a photographer’s paradise.

Skadar Lake National Park  is where you will find one of the most spectacular viewpoints that will leave even the most demanding photographer breathless. It’s located a couple of kilometers from the main road, Cetinje – Podgorica, on the way to Rijeka Crnojevica, the old fishermen’s village. As with most country roads in Montenegro, this extremely narrow path also requires a bit of extra attention. And, if you feel like exploring the lake for some more hidden shooting spots, there are organized boat tours from Rijeka Crnojevica.

Biogradska Gora National Park

Whether you feel like photographing the sun rays as they peek between the tall trees of one of the last rainforests in Europe, or capturing the beauty of Biogradsko Lake, which is hidden in the middle of the dense forest and shadowed by 2,000-meter high mountain peaks, this hidden gem will leave you speechless.

A paved road leads straight to the lake, but don’t miss the opportunity to take a walk along the forest path that winds around the water’s edge. More adventurous photographers can hike to the peak of Bendovac to get a fabulous view from above.

Durmitor National Park

Last but not least is my favorite part of Montenegro: Durmitor National Park. With 18 lakes and 48 mountain peaks, it’s an absolute must-see for landscape photographers. It also boasts the Tara River Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world, after the Colorado Canyon.

Don’t forget to visit Black Lake and take a 75-kilometer long ride around this national park, along the so-called “Durmitor Ring.” I promise you will stand in awe before the dramatic landscape you’ll see along the way. Durmitor is also home to “the Roof of Montenegro,” as it is the highest mountain massif in the country. If you are in a good shape, make your way up to Bobotov Kuk and you’ll be rewarded with many amazing views, especially the vista of Skrcka Lakes Valley. Be sure to bring some extra SD cards, you’ll need them!

Did we miss any? If so, let us know in the comments below!