The visa-free country made popular by "Keep Running": it was exhausting, but I genuinely want to go back.

Seriously, guys! I went to Montenegro because it was featured on "Keep Running," but I ended up with shaky legs from climbing the 1350 steps of Kotor's city walls, got three shades darker from the sun, and felt nauseous from the winding mountain roads. But so what? The turquoise waters of the Bay of Kotor are embraced by limestone mountains, Budva's 2600-year-old old town is paired with Adriatic Sea sunsets, and the reflection in Black Lake at Durmitor National Park is breathtakingly beautiful—even after complaining, I still want to go back; it's truly challenging yet addictive! With an area of only 13,800 km², smaller than Beijing, it condenses fjords, snow-capped mountains, and ancient cities. Here's a real experience + hard-earned tips to avoid pitfalls. Read on and copy this itinerary 👇 📸 Must-visit spots (by region to avoid backtracking) Kotor Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, a medieval Venetian-style old town. Climb the city walls (admission approx. €8) for panoramic fjord views; the 1350 steps are worth the sweat. St. Tryphon Cathedral's Baroque interior is worth seeing (admission €3). ⚠️ Wear non-slip shoes, as the steps are steep; climb after 4:00 PM to avoid the scorching sun. Perast + Our Lady of the Rocks: Take a boat to the island (approx. €15), which has a 15th-century church. Wear a light-colored dress for postcard-perfect photos. Budva Old Town: 2500 years of history. Explore the old town and castle during the day, then climb the city walls in the evening to watch the sunset paint the old town red. Sveti Stefan Island can be seen by walking south along the coastline from the old town for 20 minutes. Durmitor National Park: A World Natural Heritage site. Hike around Black Lake for about 1.5–2 hours (admission €3); Tara River Bridge is 170 meters high (filming location for the former Yugoslav film "The Bridge"). 🗓️ 3-day essential itinerary Day 1: In-depth Kotor Arrive at Podgorica or Tivat Airport → Drive approx. 1 hour to Kotor → Explore the old town → Climb the city walls after 4:00 PM for sunset → Stay in Kotor Old Town Day 2: Perast + Budva Morning boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks from Perast → Drive 30 minutes to Budva at noon → Afternoon exploring Budva Old Town + castle → Evening photos at Sveti Stefan Island → Stay in Budva Day 3: Durmitor National Park Drive 2.5 hours to Durmitor → Hike Black Lake → Visit Tara River Bridge → Return trip 🍜 What to eat Seafood platter: Konoba Portun or Jadran restaurant in Kotor. Squid ink risotto: a Montenegrin specialty. Njeguški pršut smoked ham with local cheese. The national coffee "kafa." Seafood averages €15–25 per person, offering excellent value. ✅ Essential tips Visa: Montenegro offers conditional visa-free entry for Chinese citizens—✅ those with valid US/UK/Schengen visas can enter directly for 30 days; ✅ those without a visa can find a local travel agency to apply for an invitation letter for two people traveling together (approx. €35 per person). Confirm visa requirements before departure! Transportation: Self-driving is highly recommended; car rental is about CNY 300–500 per day, and a Chinese driver's license + English notarized translation is sufficient. The coastal road is beautiful but has many curves, so prepare motion sickness medication. Best season: May–June and September, around 20℃, fewer crowds, beautiful scenery; July–August, 25–30℃, suitable for water activities but more tourists. Currency: Euros are used; it's advisable to carry a small amount of cash. Attire: Solid-colored long dresses for stunning beach photos; shoulders and knees must be covered when entering churches; non-slip shoes are essential for climbing the city walls. Montenegro isn't perfect, but it's worth it. Grab this guide and set off! 🌍