Wondering how to save yourself time, money and stress, travelling in Montenegro? Check out our helpful travel tips and information that are perfect for you to use as you plan your trip.
Montenegro tourism is on the rise, with visitors discovering how special this country is in terms of history, culture and nature.
Deciding where you will go, what you will see, and where you will stay is the fun side of your trip. This guide will help you with the practical side of planning. Learn some interesting facts about this fascinating country so your trip is carefree.
Read on and discover what travelling in Montenegro looks like, with our essential tips.
GET TO KNOW MONTENEGRO BEFORE ARRIVAL
When you are visiting Montenegro for the first time, it’s useful to find out some basic information about the country beforehand.
Here are some interesting facts about one of Europe’s youngest nations.
- Capital of Montenegro is Podgorica.
- What does Montenegro mean? Black Mountain.
- Currency in Montenegro is the Euro.
- Number of beaches in Montenegro is 117. Velika plaža (Ulcinj) is the longest at 13 km.
- Time zone is GTM +1
- Electricity is 220V / 50Hz.
- In 1991, the country became the first ecological state in the world.
- The oldest olive tree in Europe can be found in Bar and is over 2,000 years old.
1. THE CLIMATE IN MONTENEGRO IS NOT ALWAYS SUNNY
Montenegro’s diversity and topography are part of its appeal. However, don’t automatically assume that you will enjoy endless sunny skies during your vacation in Montenegro.
Montenegro enjoys two diverse climates. On the coast, temperatures are typically Mediterranean. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures averaging 32 ºC. Winters are mild and wet, with temperatures between 4 and 11 ºC.
The capital city of Podgorica may be one of the hottest cities in Europe during summer, however, it can also be one of the wettest, with rainfall even in summer.
However, climb above 2,000 metres and the Dinaric mountains have very diverse climactic weather patterns. Expect large amounts of rain across the region and on the slopes. The mountain air feels chilly, with temperatures around 25ºC.
It can be difficult to pin down the best time to visit Montenegro, especially if your Montenegro travel plans include destinations on the coast as well as the interior/mountains.
We travelled in the second week of June, hailed as one of the optimum months for a visit when the sunshine is virtually guaranteed. We had very mixed weather, including two days of constant rain. The trade off however, was less crowds and less pressure on services.
When planning your Montenegro vacation, while the best time to go to Montenegro falls roughly between April and September, go on your trip with an open mind. Even on misty, wet days, the country’s beauty shines through.
Travelling in Montenegro during the high season of July-August will be more expensive and busier.
2. COMMUNICATION CAN BE LOST IN TRANSLATION
While the official language in Montenegro since 2007 is Montenegrin, you will also hear other languages spoken, including Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian.
English is not widely spoken, especially in the central and northern parts of the country, and among the older generations.
The Montenegrin language has both cyrillic and latin alphabets in use, and utilizes them interchangeably. This can make it difficult to understand even basic conversations.
We found that local police and shop assistants in Kotor, did not speak English, so hand gestures were our only way of communicating. Work on the assumption that things can and will get lost in translation.
It pays to learn some basic phrases for when you go travelling in Montenegro. This is always appreciated by locals, even if your pronunciation is lousy. Before heading out to eat, learn how to ask how much something costs, and to thank servers.
- Thank you – havala
- Bye – Ćao!
- Good morning – Dobro jutro
- Good evening – Dobro veče
- How are you? – Kako si?
- Excuse me – Izvinite
- How much does this cost? – Koliko košta?
- Check – Račun
- Open/Closed – Otvoreno/Zatvoreno
- Entrance/exit – Ulaz/Izlaz
3. BE AWARE OF ANY FESTIVALS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Stay up to date with all events happening throughout Montenegro – from live music concerts to theaters and carnivals. Roads may be closed for several hours, which could seriously curtail your travel plans.
We didn’t realise that a cycling event was being held over the weekend in Kotor, during our stay. When we came to head out for the morning, we couldn’t access the main route, so had to change our plans.
Some top events include:
- Kotor winter Carnival – February
- Kotor Art – July
- Kotor Boka Night – August
- Budva Spring Carnival – April
- Pre-Lent Carnivals in Kotor & Tivat – February
4. CHECK THE CRUISE SHIP SCHEDULES
Larger cruise ships anchor in Kotor Bay and use tender boats to transfer their cruise passengers ashore. However, others dock 300 ft away from the city gate, at Kotor cruise terminal. While there are usually no more than 3 cruise ships at the same time, they still have a huge impact.
We were amazed that these huge ships actually got so close to the UNESCO Old Town. When docked, the ambience of the whole town changes. Numbers of passengers disembarking is only going to continue to increase.
The cobbled streets become cramped and overcrowded, which seems to take away some of the mystery of this unique town. Here are some ways to avoid the crowds:
- You can check the Kotor cruise ship schedule and time your stay around it.
- Ships tend to dock early, so plan a trip to another town or national park, and return later in the day.
- Stay at least one night in Kotor, and you can rise early to have the empty streets all to yourself.
We stayed within the walls in an Airbnb, and early morning/late evening, are wonderful times to wander and feel the atmospheric magic of the old town.
5. HIRE YOUR OWN VEHICLE FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE
While public transport such as buses link the major towns and are reliable and cheap, you cannot beat having your own transport.
Driving in Montenegro is easy, and gives you the freedom to explore where you want, and stop where you want.
Some of the best viewpoints are found off the beaten track, along less-travelled roads, accessed only with your own wheels.
With a car, you can wind your way up the 16-hairpin bends of the Kotor Serpentine, for incredible views up into the mountain. From here you can take a detour to the summit mausoleum at Lovćen, before sampling the best smoked prosciutto at the village of Njeguši.
Some routes that we particularly enjoyed driving are:
- Rijeka Crnojevica to Virpazar, which skirts pretty Lake Skadar, passing timeless villages along the shore.
- Sea and heights – route marked “3”, which takes you to the mountainous areas of Lovćen, historic city of Cetinje, picturesque areas of the Crnojević River, and Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans.
Hands down, a Montenegro road trip is the best way to get to know the country’s wild beauty.
6. PARKING CAN BE A NIGHTMARE
While we travelled outside of the high season, we still had problems finding parking spaces. When you’re planning your Montenegro trip, I would definitely recommend booking accommodation which includes a parking space, or direct access to a car park.
TOP TIP: Check with your accommodation before booking and ask for their advice on parking.
We stayed in Kotor Old Town, where you cannot park, but we could park in a free public car park just outside the walls. Even so, it was still slightly problematic, as people didn’t always park in the marked bays, but left their vehicles where they wanted.
When visiting popular towns such as Herceg Novi, Perast and Budva, head for a paid parking lot, as parking charges are not too expensive. Otherwise, you waste time driving around in circles, when you could be exploring.
7. THERE ARE AMAZING VIEWS EVERYWHERE
Most Montenegro travel brochures include photos of the walled town of Kotor, or the charming village of Perast. However, you will find incredible viewpoints dotted all over the country.
Montenegro is a mountainous country where the nature is stunningly beautiful, forests are dense, and landscapes are striking.
You will find clear tranquil lakes, unique canyons, giant mountains, and pristine beaches. This is a country that shows off the largest lake in the Balkans, the deepest canyon in Europe, the longest beach in the Adriatic and the largest vineyard in Europe.
Each offers astonishing views from lofty vantage points.
The staggering views over the Bay of Kotor from the serpentine road linking Kotor to Lovcen are unmissable. So too are the views of gleaming white Ostrog Monastery, as you approach from the road.
The circular viewing platform on the second-highest peak of Mt. Lovcen, at Njegos Mausoleum, shows the incredible mountain views over Montenegro. In fact playwright, George Bernard Shaw, on seeing the view, exclaimed “Am I in paradise or on the moon”?
Montenegro for me, is the sum of all these viewpoints. Whether glaringly obvious or tucked away in hidden corners of the country, these are what makes Montenegro such a special place.
8. YOU CAN ENJOY SURPRISINGLY FINE MONTENEGRIN WINES
Montenegro has a long tradition of making exceptional domestic wine, which is also very cheap to buy.
One of the largest and most beautiful vineyards in Europe is Ćemovsko polje, which covers 2.3 hectares with around 11.5 million grapevines. You can see infinite rows of these, next to Lake Skadar.
Vranac is an indigenous red grape that produces excellent full-bodied wines. Locally produced white wines include the native Krstač, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay.
9. YOU CAN TRAVEL IN MONTENEGRO SAFELY
If you are wondering “is Montenegro safe for tourists”, the answer is yes. While some people may say that they’ve heard bad things about Montenegro, the country enjoys a reputation for being safe and friendly.
Crime in Montenegro is generally low, and street violence is uncommon. Touring Montenegro by car, is safe and enjoyable, as most roads are in good condition.
As in any other country, take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings from street crime. Don’t leave valuables unattended and watch out for pick pockets in public places like tourist hot spots, beaches, airports and on public transport.
10. MONTENEGRIN CUISINE IS FRESH, LOCAL AND SEASONAL
Montenegro’s ecosystems provide ideal conditions for the breeding of high-quality goat, lamb, veal, and river/lake fish (bleak, carp, trout, eel and others).
While typical Montenegro cuisine includes hearty stews, meat platters and fish dishes, you will also find lots of pizza and pasta on menus.
When traveling in Montenegro, be sure to eat in local restaurants, where dishes are prepared according to old, time-tested recipes. Slightly off the tourist track, you will enjoy authentic traditional cuisine.
Some dishes to try include čevapčići (grilled kebabs), sarma (cabbage leaves stuffed with mincemeat), pasulj (bean soup with flecks of meat), gulas (goulash), and karađorđe vasnicla, a breaded veal cutlet roll stuffed with cheese.
Traditional Turkish snack staples include Burek, a pastry filled with meat, cheese, spinach or potato, and incredibly sweet Baklava.
Charcoal Coffee (Kafa) served Turkish style with unfiltered grounds is consumed in vast amounts. In Kotor, head to popular Letrika Caffe Bar to get your fix.
The alcoholic drink of choice amongst locals is Rakija, which is incredibly strong. For something tamer, try local Nikšićko beer, and Vranac or Krstac wines.
11. THERE ARE ACCOMMODATION CHOICES FOR EVERY BUDGET
When it comes to where to stay in Montenegro, you will find a good variety of accommodation to choose from. It is essential to book ahead for the summer season, as accommodation gets booked up quickly.
Hostels are popping up in places such as Kotor, Budva and Ulcing and offer a great budget choice.
Wild camping in Montenegro is illegal in national parks, but tolerated in other areas. The best option is to use the designated campsites in Montenegro for your stay.
If you are looking for a more authentic stay, why not stay in a guesthouse, and enjoy interacting with locals who can give you Montenegro travel tips.
Other options include luxurious five-star hotels, glamping, rustic cabins and cottages, mountain lodges, and katuns. There really is something for everyone.
12. BE SURE TO VISIT A NATIONAL PARK
One of the reasons to visit Montenegro, is to explore its magnificent national parks. Whether you enjoy canyons, lush green rainforest, hidden lakes, wild rivers, or mountain peaks, you will love each national park.
While there are plenty of things to do in Kotor, and the Ladder of Kotor to hike, some of the best places in Montenegro involve nature and the great outdoors.
Montanegro has five very individual national parks to explore. Probably the easiest two to reach from Kotor, are Skadar Lake, and Lovćen.
Take a boat tour from Virpazar, and enjoy cruising along the largest lake in the Balkans, home to around 280 species of birds, sacred medieval architecture, and vineyards.
If your vacation to Montenegro allows, find time to check out Durmitor National Park, which has UNESCO World Heritage status.
13. DON’T MISS THE ENIGMATIC RUINS
Montenegro’s long and complicated history has left behind a plethora of ruins, including fortresses, churches, fortifications and old towns.
These buildings show a historical stance, and a sense of how life was lived during these times. They may look dilapidated today, but every stone tells a story. Some great ruins to check out during your vacation to Montenegro include the following:
- Kotor City Walls.
- Stari Bar, an ancient Illyrian-founded city.
- Haj-Nehaj Fortress.
- Herceg Novi’s Kanli Kula and the Citadela.
- Fortress Spanjola, built during the Turkish reign (XV – XVI).
14. HIT THE SOUTH COAST FOR THE BEST BEACHES
While the cities in Montenegro will seduce you with their charm, many are lured by the promise of lazing on sandy beaches, beside crystal-clear waters.
The best beaches in Montenegro are located along the Adriatic coast, combining sun, sea and land. The coast is adorned with 73 km of natural sandy beaches. With a swimming season lasting 180 days a year, and 117 beaches to choose from, things can still get busy.
Stretching for 38 kms along Budva’s Riviera are popular beaches such as Jaz, Mogren, Bečići Beach, Pržno, and Sveti Stefan.
Head to Ulcinj’s Velika Beach (Long Beach), whose unusually fine sand contains 30 mineral ingredients, said to help in the treatment of conditions such as rheumatism.
15. TAKE A SCENIC RIDE ON THE MONTENEGRO EXPRESS
How about including an authentic, dramatic and adventurous train ride during your Montenegro visit? The best place in Montenegro for stunning landscape scenery is the mountains.
The Belgrade to Bar train winds through the spectacular Dinaric Alps, with 254 tunnels and 435 bridges on the 296-mile journey from the Serbian capital to the Adriatic.
The most scenic part of the journey however, is the one-hour section from Podgorica to Bar. This train ride is not a luxury affair. What it is though, is an engineering marvel. A chance to witness pristine panoramas and landscapes.
MONTENEGRO QUESTIONS
1. Where are the airports in Montenegro?
Most visitors travel to Montenegro by plane, arriving into either Tivat or Podgorica. It is also possible to travel to Montenegro via Dubrovnik, as the airport is very close to the border crossing.
If you choose this option of entry, there is an addition border crossing fee charged by your car rental company.
2. Is Montenegro a country?
Montenegro is a country located in the west-central Balkans in southeastern Europe.
It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea and Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania.
3. What is the etiquette for tipping in Montenegro?
Tipping is not mandatory, but as a rule of thumb, 10% of the bill price is much appreciated.
4. What is the best way for getting around?
While we think getting around Montenegro by car provides the best experience, when it comes to public transport Montenegro has a relatively good bus network that connects all the cities. It is also well connected with neighboring countries of Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Albania.
Car rental in Montenegro is relatively cheap compared to other countries, and you can pick up your vehicle from the airport on arrival.
If you plan on traveling Montenegro by bus, you will find them affordable, reliable and reasonably comfortable. Whichever way you choose to visit Montenegro, you will have a wonderful time.
5. Are shops open on Sundays?
Almost every shop is closed on Sundays, including grocery stores and shopping malls. The Trade Act prohibits retail trade on bank holiday also, so if you are self-catering you need to plan accordingly.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Hopefully this Montenegro travel guide has shared some tips that will make your planning easier. Are you planning to travel to Montenegro and still have questions? Leave your comment below and we’ll get back to you!
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