Plav sits in the far east of Montenegro, tucked up against the border with Albania and Kosovo. It’s a small town in a stunning location — surrounded by the Prokletije mountains (often called the Albanian Alps), not far from Lake Skadar, and close to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Balkans. This is not a typical tourist destination; there’s no beach, no nightlife, and you won’t find crowds of foreign visitors. What you will find is genuine adventure — challenging hikes, pristine nature, and a window into a part of Montenegro that most tourists never see. Having a car is essential here, not just convenient.
Why Hire a Car in Plav?
Let’s be direct — Plav is about as far from the tourist trail as you can get in Montenegro, and that’s exactly the point. The town itself is modest, but it serves as the access point for some extraordinary mountain terrain. The Prokletije range offers hiking that rivals anything in the Alps, with dramatic peaks, glacial valleys, and the famous Grbaja and Ropojana valleys. Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, has its eastern shoreline near Plav, and exploring this unique wetland by boat is a highlight. Without a car, you’d be reliant on infrequent buses and would miss most of what makes this region special. The roads here are scenic but challenging in places — a hire car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop wherever the view takes your breath away.
What to See Around Plav
The mountains are the obvious draw. The Grbaja Valley is one of the most beautiful in the Prokletije, accessible by a scenic drive from Plav (the road is rough in places). The hiking here ranges from gentle valley walks to serious climbs up peaks over 2,500 metres high. The village of Gusinje, just across the border in Montenegro, is another gateway to the mountains and has some interesting historical sites. Lake Skadar is different from the coastal Montenegro — think wetland, birds, and a more wild beauty. You can take boat tours from the small harbours on the eastern side, or just drive the scenic road along the shoreline. The town of Plav itself has a pleasant central square and some simple restaurants serving local food. Don’t miss the drive through the高原 — the views as you approach the mountains from the Plav valley are genuinely spectacular.
Driving Tips for Plav
The approach to Plav from the main road (either from Podgorica via Nikšić or from the coast via Cetinje and the Lovćen tunnel) is scenic but involves mountain roads. The road from Andrijevica to Plav is particularly beautiful but has some challenging sections. In the mountains themselves, many roads are unpaved or poorly maintained — a higher-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially if you want to explore the valley roads leading to trailheads. The border crossing at Gusinje into Albania is usually quiet but make sure you have your passport. If you’re heading into Albania, the roads on the other side have improved significantly in recent years. Weather can change quickly in the mountains — fog, rain, and even snow can appear unexpectedly even in summer. Check conditions before heading out on any serious mountain drive.
Booking Tips for Plav
Car hire options in Plav itself are very limited — your best approach is to pick up a car in Podgorica or at the airport and drive to Plav from there. This also gives you more flexibility for the drive itself. Book well in advance, especially if you need a 4WD or higher-clearance vehicle, as these may need to be reserved specifically. Most standard rental agreements won’t cover driving on unmade mountain roads, so check the terms carefully if you’re planning serious exploration. The drive from Podgorica to Plav takes about 3 hours, so it’s a full day’s drive if you’re coming from the coast. Consider breaking the journey with an overnight stop — the countryside around the Lake Skadar area is beautiful.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plav known for?
Plav is a gateway to the Prokletije mountains (Albanian Alps), with excellent hiking, and sits near Lake Skadar’s eastern shore.
How close is Plav to the Albanian border?
Plav is very close to the Albanian border — about 15 km from the main crossing at Gusinje.
Is Plav good for hiking?
Absolutely. Plav is the starting point for some of the best hiking in Montenegro, including treks into the Prokletije mountains.