Indeed, Montenegro is a great destination to visit several places at once.
About Montenegro
Almost all of the best Montenegrin destinations are located by the sea: either by the Adriatic Sea or by the gorgeous Bay of Kotor, which is situated somewhat towards inland. The Bay of Kotor can be divided into two parts: the larger outer area containing, for example, Herceg Novi and Tivat, and the smaller inner part, with a resemblance of an alpine lake containing the idyllic town of Perast and Kotor right at the bottom of the bay.
Budva, the most versatile of the Montenegrin destinations, is situated 20 kilometers south of Kotor. As such, it is a convenient attraction to be combined into a holiday by the Bay of Kotor.
By far the best beach in Montenegro, the 13-kilometer-long fine sandy Velika Plaza, is situated in the south of the country, close to the Albanian border. The closest holiday resort, the historic town of Ulcinj, is situated a few kilometers away from it.
As nice contrast to the beaches, Montenegro also enables an active holiday by the mountains. Lovćen National Park with the former capital of Montenegro, Cetinje, right next to it, is situated close to the Bay of Kotor.
Durmitor National Park, which belongs to the Dinaric Alps, is situated farther towards the north. Žabljak is the central city of the area.
Population | 678 000 |
Capital | Podgorica |
Language | Montenegrin |
EU country | No |
Schengen country | No |
Plug type | C (European model) |
Currency | Euro |
Summers, especially in July-August, are very warm with low rainfall. If the temperatures of 30-35°C are not a problem for you, summer is definitely the best time of the year to visit Montenegro.
If you prefer cooler weather, aim at May or September, but bear in mind that typically the amount of rain is higher in autumn and spring compared to mid-summer. With regard to the temperature of seawater, autumn is obviously better than spring.
From October to February, rain is common and daytime temperatures are around 12-20°C; yet, a city holiday is worth considering. For example in Kotor and Budva, you’ll be able to see much more of the life of the locals, since there are less tourists around. Aso the hotel prices are significantly lower during the winter months than in summer.
Montenegro is among the cheapest countries in Europe, except for the costs of clothes and shoes, which are close to the European average. In the most popular destinations, such as Kotor and Budva, prices tend to be somewhat higher than in the rest of the country on average. Then again, in for example Ulcinj in the south, food and drinks are very affordable.
Montenegro is a safe country for traveling, but keep in mind basic safety measures against, for example, pickpockets.
Montenegro is among the European countries where rabies still exists, and you should avoid contact with, for example, stray dogs and wildlife.
Destination guides in Montenegro
Budva can be divided into three parts: The Old Town and the surrounding protective walls, the more modern part of the city, and the three-kilometer long beach with plenty of bars and restaurants. Budva is the most versatile of the Montenegrin destinations, where visitors of all ages will certainly enjoy themselves.
Read more: Budva
Herceg Novi is a historic town by the Bay of Kotor. In addition to its Old Town, the town contains a several-kilometers-long promenade, beaches and piers for sunbathing. There are also two different neighboring towns at both ends of the promenade, providing variation to Herceg Novi.
Read more: Herceg Novi
The historic Old Town of Kotor, encircled by medieval walls, is one the gems of the Mediterranean with plenty of things to experience along its narrow alleys. The town is located at the bottom of the Bay of Kotor, and it used to be an important maritime center in the era of the republic of Venice. There are buildings of the time still standing firmly in place.
In mid-summer, Kotor is packed with tourists. As such, spring and early autumn are more suitable periods for the visit.
Read more: Kotor
The small and quiet town of Perast is situated on the finest location by the Bay of Kotor. Perast is well suited for a day trip, or if the goal is just to relax by the sea at the foot of a mountain, it works for a longer stay as well.
Read more: Perast
Tivat is a traditional Montenegrin maritime town. Porto Montenegro, which is located right next to it, is a Dubai-owned luxurious harbor and residential area. Together these totally different areas create a nice contrast that complement each other. It feels as though you’re visiting in two different worlds at once.
Read more: Tivat
With a history dating back to over 2 000 years, Ulcinj is one of the oldest towns by the Adriatic Sea. The picturesque, idyllic Old Town is situated on a hilltop right next to the center of the town. Nonetheless, Ulcinj is first and foremost a beach destination apt for the whole family. The main beach is situated at the center. A few kilometers away, there’s another fine sandy beach with 13 kilometers in length.
Read more: Ulcinj