Exploring Lipa Caves, Montenegro: An Underground Adventure for the Whole Family
- Bec Luck-Baker
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 16
During our travels through Montenegro, we were lucky enough to visit the Lipa Caves — and it turned out to be one of the real highlights of our trip. If you’re looking for something a little different, a little magical, and a little cooler (literally) than the usual tourist trail, Lipa Caves should definitely be on your list.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting — plus our honest family review.
First Impressions: Getting There and Getting In
The Lipa Caves are located near the village of Lipa, just a short drive from the historic town of Cetinje. The site is well signposted, and once you arrive, there’s a large car park with plenty of space. From there, the first stop is the ticket office, where you'll need to buy your entry tickets:
Adults: €15.90
Children (up to 5 years old): €2.00
Children (5–15 years): €8.90
Tickets are tied to time slots, so after purchasing, you’ll wait for your scheduled tour to begin. It’s a relaxed setup — there’s a seating area with a cafe where you can wait comfortably until your slot is called.
When it’s time, a small open-air train pulls up, and that’s when the fun really starts! Everyone boards the little train, and you’re whisked off on a scenic five-minute ride through the forest to the cave entrance. It’s a brilliant way to build up a bit of excitement, especially for kids.
Entering Another World
The moment you step off the train and approach the cave entrance, you feel the temperature change — and it’s cold.Inside the caves, the temperature stays between 8°C and 12°C all year round.We’d definitely recommend bringing a jumper or light coat — even if you’re visiting in the height of summer. (Trousers aren't essential, but you’ll definitely appreciate something warm on your top half.)
Once inside, the world shifts completely. Giant chambers open up before you, filled with towering stalagmites, delicate stalactites, shimmering mineral walls, and even underground pools. The lighting is subtle, highlighting the natural beauty without feeling artificial or overdone.
The tour route is well laid out with sturdy pathways and handrails where needed, making it safe for visitors of all ages. We found it easy to navigate, even with Jax darting enthusiastically from one rock formation to the next!
The Story Behind Lipa Caves
One of the things that made the experience so memorable was how much we learned.Our guide explained that the caves were first discovered centuries ago, though they weren’t properly explored until more recent history. Local shepherds were actually among the first to stumble upon them when one of their dogs (named Lucky) fell through a hole in the ground. Over time, the caves became known to local villagers, and eventually, to the Montenegrin royal family.
In the 19th century, Prince Danilo and King Nikola visited the caves and helped bring attention to their incredible beauty. Even today, only a small section of the full 2.5km cave system is open to the public, with much of it protected for conservation.
A Little Extra Magic: Wine Tastings and Concerts
Something we didn’t personally experience (but absolutely loved hearing about!) is that Lipa Caves also host wine tastings and evening concerts. Thanks to the caves' natural acoustics — which our guide gave us a fun little demonstration of — music sounds absolutely incredible underground.It’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric setting for a concert or a more unique place to sip local wines than inside a glowing, ancient cave.
If you're lucky enough to visit when an event is on, it would be a truly unforgettable experience.
A Family-Friendly Adventure
Travelling with kids always adds another layer to any experience — but Lipa Caves handled it brilliantly.Our guide was fantastic with Jax, answering all of his (very detailed and enthusiastic) questions patiently and making sure he felt involved throughout the tour. Nothing felt rushed, and there were plenty of chances to stop, ask questions, and just soak it all in.
For families, the caves are just the right length of tour (around one hour), keeping younger visitors engaged without becoming too tiring. Plus, the little train ride at the start and end adds a brilliant extra bit of fun.
Practical Tips for Visiting Lipa Caves
Wear a jumper or light jacket — it’s properly cold inside the caves!
Comfortable shoes are a must — the paths are good, but can be slightly damp and slippery in places.
Arrive a little early to buy tickets and enjoy a drink or snack while you wait.
Photography is allowed inside — but be mindful of your fellow visitors.
Toilets are available at the main ticket office, but not at the caves themselves, so plan ahead.
Booking ahead is a good idea in the summer months when it can get busy.
Our Rating: 8/10
Overall, we’d rate our experience at Lipa Caves a strong 8 out of 10.The caves themselves are absolutely stunning, the tour was well organised, and most importantly, the guide went above and beyond to engage with Jax — making it a really personal and memorable experience. The only slight thing we would have liked is maybe a little more signage or background information around the waiting area for those curious before the tour starts.
It’s a fantastic half-day trip that's different, memorable, and suitable for visitors of all ages.Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a curious family, or just looking for something cooler to do on a hot day in Montenegro, Lipa Caves should definitely be on your itinerary.
If you laughed, learned, or just love a good family adventure—feel free to Buy Us an Ice Cream. It keeps the blog posts coming and the sugar levels dangerously high. Cheers!
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