October Is for Slow Travel: How We Spent a Week Between Mountains, Markets, and Fireplaces
There’s a rhythm to the Balkans in October—a quiet pulse that beats slower than summer’s rush but warmer than winter’s stillness.
It’s when the vineyards give their last, the forests glow gold, and the only real itinerary is guided by appetite, weather, and instinct.
This is how we spent one unforgettable week between Montenegro’s mountains, markets, and fireplaces—and why October might be the best time to visit.
🏔 Day 1 – 2: Breathing Deep in Bjelasica
We began in the north, where Bjelasica’s slopes were painted in amber and rust. The first chill had arrived, which meant one thing: wood-burning stoves.
Our stay? A handpicked luxury property outside Kolašin—just remote enough to feel hidden, but with every comfort curated for cool evenings and foggy mornings. Think thick blankets, mountain honey for breakfast, and windows that framed forests like paintings.
There was no rush. We took short hikes. Picked late-season berries. Read by the fire. That was the whole plan—and it felt revolutionary.
🧺 Day 3: Market Mornings & Cheese With a View
We drove down winding roads to a local village market, where autumn meant abundance: wild mushrooms, quince, wheels of soft cheese, baskets of chestnuts. A farmer handed us warm bread and laughed when we asked for directions. “Follow the goats,” he said.
We did. They led us—eventually—to a tiny stone terrace overlooking a gorge, where a family laid out lunch with rakija and stories. No menu. Just tradition.
That afternoon, we wandered through the trees, the air thick with woodsmoke and moss. No Wi-Fi. No time limits. Just slow travel, exactly as it should be.
🔥 Day 4–5: Luxury Hotels, Kotor Style
From mountain trails to coastlines—Montenegro delivers both. We headed south to Kotor, where the best hotels in Kotor mix history with modern elegance.
Our suite at Forza Mare had a fireplace, bay views, and a wine list deep enough to get lost in. Days were filled with coastal walks and evening charters into still, mirror-like water.
There were no crowds. Just space. Just silence. Just the smell of salt and pine.
If you’re travelling to Croatia and thinking of extending your trip, October is the perfect time to cross the border. And we can take care of the whole route—with VIP comfort and no border stress.
🍷 Day 6: Truffles, Cabernet, and a Hidden Cellar
Near the end of our journey, we were invited to a vineyard that doesn’t appear on Google Maps. October is the tail-end of harvest, and the winemaker still had purple fingers.
We tasted Cabernet Sauvignon aged in Montenegrin oak, paired with truffle cheese, prosciutto, and olives cured just two valleys away. We were the only guests.
It wasn’t a tourist stop. It was something better: a moment between worlds.
🛥 Day 7: Chartering Home
Our final day was a private charter cruise along the Bay of Kotor. The sea was smooth, the sky soft with late sun. A perfect farewell.
Montenegro in October isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about opening them—slowly, and with care.
✨ Why October Is the Luxury Month That No One Talks About
- Fewer tourists = better access, deeper connection, real privacy
- Markets are full, but quiet
- Fires are lit. Comfort becomes a feature, not a fallback.
- And luxury hotels in Montenegro are finally calm again—like they were made just for you.
Whether you want mountain lodges, charters from Dubrovnik, or curated vineyard experiences, we’ll handle every detail—from VIP transfers to hand-picked guides and seasonal surprises.
💡 Travel Notes
- Is Montenegro safe? Yes—especially in autumn. Our local team provides full support.
- Need information about Montenegro visa? Most visitors (EU, US, UK, AU, CA) don’t need one for short stays. We’ll confirm for you.
Looking for luxury hotels in Croatia? We partner with the best—from Villa Dubrovnik to Meneghetti in Istria—for seamless cross-border itineraries.
Ready to Go Slow?
This October, don’t just escape—immerse. Let us craft your perfect off-season journey, where time stretches, the food is richer, and the fire’s always burning.
👉 Plan your October getaway with Travel Twitch DMC.