Montenegro Highlights and Albania Theth via SH20/SH21 Roads
Route outline (4 days itinerary)
This itinerary is intended to showcase the beautiful country of Montenegro, as well as include a quick ride to the Albanian favorite — Theth National Park — with the possibility to ride the scenic SH21 and SH20 roads, both featuring numerous turns and serpentines. This can be a great introduction to Albania without the need to travel far from Montenegro.
Beyond that, you’ll also visit all the main attractions of Montenegro, such as Durmitor National Park, the Kotor Serpentine, Piva Lake, and of course, Kotor Bay.
For those who want a proper guided or self-guided tour, this itinerary can be customized and enhanced with quality accommodation for a better overall experience.
This route is fully paved, and for the best experience, we recommend riding a Yamaha Tracer 7 GT or Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.
LEVEL: ADVANCED (Long riding days, mixed difficulty)
Part 1: Tivat - Bar - Ulcinj
Your first day is all about discovering Montenegro’s stunning coastline. You’ll begin your ride in Tivat, heading towards the famous Kotor Serpentine. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Kotor Bay — also known as the Kotor Fjord. The Kotor Serpentine is one of the most iconic spots on Montenegro’s coast, especially beloved by motorcycle riders from across Europe. In fact, one of Ducati’s recent marketing campaigns for the new Multistrada was filmed right here.
From the top of the mountain, you’ll take in panoramic views of Kotor Bay before continuing towards Lovćen National Park. Please note that the park charges an entrance fee of around 3 euros per person. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee and enjoy the cooler mountain air — usually about 10°C lower than in Kotor or Tivat.
Next, you’ll ride towards Cetinje, the former capital of Montenegro. Today, it’s a quiet city that still preserves its rich heritage. You can take a short walk or stop for a snack before continuing on to Skadar Lake. Here you’ll find another famous viewpoint that you may recognize from photos.
From there, you’ll ride a narrow, winding road towards the fishing village of Virpazar — a perfect spot for a proper lunch.
Afterwards, you can either jump to Part 2 of the journey or continue along the old scenic mountain road to Petrovac. From Petrovac, follow the coastal highway to Bar, one of Montenegro’s largest cities and a major port with connections to other countries by sea.
You can choose to end your day in Bar, or continue a little further to Ulcinj — a favorite year-round destination for kite surfers. If you’ve made it this far, it’s the perfect place to take a break and call it a day.
Part 2: Ulcinj - Theth (via SH21) - Podgorica (via SH20)
Today may be a long riding day. You’ll tackle many serpentines, as well as the famous SH21 and SH20 roads, as you cross into Albania. Theth National Park is one of Albania’s natural wonders, and you should definitely visit to experience the magnificence of the so-called Albanian Alps. Once you reach Theth, you can stop for lunch before heading back to Montenegro.
On your return, you’ll ride the SH21 road again — it’s the only paved option — and once you reach Shkoder, you’ll turn right and continue towards the SH20, where you’ll cross the border back into Montenegro. These roads are generally free from heavy traffic, allowing you to enjoy the feeling of the open road.
All in all, this day will take you to one of Albania’s best destinations.
Part 3: Podgorica - Zabljak - Pluzine
Another long day awaits as you explore the beauty of Montenegro. Your journey begins in Podgorica, heading towards Žabljak and Durmitor National Park. You’ll travel along a stunning canyon road, known for its many tunnels and twisty turns. At the end of the E65 canyon road, you’ll turn towards Žabljak, riding one of the less-traveled B-roads — but the views that open up here are truly breathtaking.
Once you reach Žabljak, it’s a good place to take a break and have lunch. We can recommend restaurants where you can try the national cuisine — just reach out to us for advice.
From there, you’ll continue along part of the so-called Durmitor Ring Road, a quieter route that not many riders know about. This will bring you to Piva Lake with its turquoise waters and the small town of Plužine, where you’ll stay overnight.
Part 4: Pluzine - Durmitor - Kotor Bay
This is the final day of your scenic trip. Today you’ll ride the most popular route through Durmitor National Park, where you’ll see the famous Sedlo Pass and have plenty of opportunities to take memorable photos. We recommend not rushing — take your time and enjoy slow riding through this beautiful park.
After crossing the park and taking in the views, you’ll head south towards the coast. If time allows, you can take a detour to the Tara Bridge, but keep in mind that this will require you to ride the same route twice and will add about 90 minutes to your trip.
On your return, you’ll ride another serpentine route towards Šavnik, and from there it’s not far to the Salty Lake. After about 3.5 hours of riding, you’ll reach Kotor Bay — the final leg of your journey for today. Enjoy this picturesque ride, but be aware that traffic can be heavy during the summer months. That said, visiting Kotor and Perast is a must on your way.
