At a Glance: Montenegro Travel Guide

When dreaming of summer holiday destinations, the small nation of Montenegro in Southeast Europe may be a little way down the list. However, what it lacks in cosmopolitan allure or all-inclusive resorts, it makes up by offering a shimmering coastline, spectacular inland landscapes and a true diversity that is hard to find in modern European countries. In this article, we explore some of the basics that you’ll need to know when considering a Montenegrin holiday:

A Brief Introduction

Montenegro is a Balkan country which has land borders with Bosnia, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo and Croatia while enjoying roughly 100KM of coastline with the Adriatic. As mentioned above, this gives the country a valuable diversity of both stunning seaside beaches, buzzing towns and cities, and fabulous natural landscapes. The currency is the Euro, despite Montenegro not currently being part of the EU. The main airport for the country is in the capital city of Podgorica, a modest city of roughly 200,000 people that combines the old and new world. Flights also fly in and out of Tivat, a coastal town which places you right in the middle of the action.

Montenegro’s size allows you to quickly travel from the coastal beach-lined south to the natural and mountainous north with ease. The five national parks allow you to explore and discover the country for yourself. There are also plenty of opportunities for adrenaline activities as well, whether this is rafting, zip-lining or mountain biking. It is a country that truly has something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit

Like many European countries, Montenegro can be extremely busy and popular during the peak season of June through to August. This is because of the excellent weather they experience and the typical summer holiday period. We’d suggest avoiding this time if possible and instead look for breaks during the shoulder seasons of May, late August and September, perhaps pushing into early October if you are happy to risk a couple of rainy days. May, August and September will reward you with beautiful blue skies and warm sunshine but mean you avoid the majority of the crowds.

Places to Visit

Kotor

A visit to Montenegro is not complete without spending some time in the dazzling town of Kotor, a real gem in the country’s crown. Reminiscent of Dubrovnik’s medieval architecture, the red coloured roofs and winding streets afford the town a unique charm which can rarely be found in more popular destinations. Kotor is backed by the magnificent Mount Lovcen which means with a small walk, stunning views across the town and bay can be seen. If you visit, you won’t want to miss getting out on the water, either by hiring a kayak or by setting sail on one of the many boat trips. These trips allow you to drink in the beauty of the bay and see the neighbouring towns and beaches that line the coastline.

Budva

Roughly halfway down the coast is the town of Budva, a lively resort that offers sandy beaches and buzzing nightlife in equal measures. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy the views of the sun setting from one of the many cafes, bars and eateries that adorn the shoreline. By day, the beach welcomes visitors with safe and clean water that is perfect for swimming and other water activities. Or you can wander through the town to explore the local shops and stalls to get a real taste of Montenegrin life.

Bjelasica Mountain Eco Village

A lesser travelled, but equally stunning location is the setting of the Bjelasica Mountain Eco Village. Towards the northeast of the country, the ecovillage is a location that will offer a glimpse back in time. The inhabitants are a community that relies heavily on local produce for their food and drink and lead blissfully fulfilled lives that are disconnected from the modern world. Our Montenegro tours will offer you the chance to visit one of the Montenegrin ecovillages and to experience their lifestyle for a night, eating delicious home-cooked food and stargazing around an open fire.

Lovcen National Park

Depending on where you visit in the park, it can range from a popular and busy destination to a blissfully serene experience with few people in sight. The park’s large size allows you the chance to explore in your own way, either by stopping off at the numerous hotspots or by going rogue and making your own journey through the park. A particular highlight is the Njegos Mausoleum, which grants breathtaking views across the surrounding towns and villages.

Costs

Prices in Montenegro vary depending on where you’re visiting, similar to most other locations. For this, we have taken average prices from Kotor as this is one of the more popular locations, for northern and inland destinations, expect the prices to be 20% – 50% less.

Three Course Meal for Two (Mid-Range) – €27.00
Restaurant Beer – €2.00
Fast Food Meal – €3.50
Meat – €4.50 – €6.50
Fruit and Veg (Per KG) – €1.00 – €2.00
Taxi (Per KM) – €0.70
Local Transport (One Way) – €0.80 – €1.20

If you enjoy variety in your trips, why not check out our range of Montenegro experience holidays? These will allow you to drink in the beauty of the coast before whisking you away for a secluded evening in the north. Get in touch if you want to explore Montenegro for yourself!