Exploring Montenegro: A Family Adventure
Your ultimate guide to discovering Montenegro’s hidden gems, scenic routes, and family-friendly activities.
In August 2024, we embarked on a 21-day adventure through Montenegro and Dubrovnik, Croatia, as a family of four. From breathtaking national parks to charming old towns, wild swimming spots, and unexpected encounters, this trip gave us unforgettable memories. Here’s our detailed journey, complete with tips, highlights, and some surprises along the way.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) Summary – Exploring Montenegro: A Family Adventure
- Why Visit? Montenegro is a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and coastal charm, ideal for family travel.
- Top Destinations: Kotor’s Old Town, Budva’s beaches, Durmitor National Park, Lake Skadar, and Ulcinj’s Long Beach.
- Best Way to Get Around: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore Montenegro’s hidden gems and scenic routes.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Family-Friendly? Yes! Montenegro has safe, walkable towns, outdoor adventures, and plenty of activities for kids.
- Budget: More affordable than Western Europe; expect €30-100 per night for accommodation.
🚗 Planning your trip? Read on for tips, highlights, and must-see spots!
Our Montenegro Itinerary
Here’s a quick overview of our 21-day itinerary, perfect for families who want to combine exploration, relaxation, and adventure:
Highlights from Our Montenegro Trip
1. Kotor: Ice Cream and Old Town Charm
We started our journey in Kotor, a charming coastal town with stunning medieval architecture. Staying just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, we enjoyed exploring its cobblestone streets, climbing the fortress, and indulging in ice cream (a kid favourite!).
The scenic drive at Kotor Serpentine, driving through 8km of hairpin bends leading up to the former capital of centinje was beautiful, we then carried on driving through Lovćen National Park and a visit to Vladika Monastery on the way to Budva was a memorable experience.
2. Budva: Beaches and Old Town
While exploring Budva’s Old Town impressed us with its well-preserved architecture and local charm, the beaches were overcrowded and littered, leaving us underwhelmed. However, the drive through Petrovac and a quick stop at Sveti Stefan made up for the lacklustre beach experience.
3. Bar: Hidden Gems and Wild Swimming
Bar was one of our favourite stays. From exploring Stari Bar and its quaint streets to discovering a hidden swimming spot in Zupci (thanks to the advice of a local café owner), this part of Montenegro felt truly unique. Our afternoon boat trip on Lake Skadar was another highlight, despite its slightly touristy vibes at Virpazar.
4. Ulcinj: Beaches and a Strange Encounter
Ulcinj’s Long Beach provided much-needed tranquillity after a disappointing and crowded main beach. We also had a peculiar encounter while renting electric scooters at a nearby nature reserve, which made us cut our exploration short. Nonetheless, spotting pelicans was a delightful surprise for the kids.
5. Durmitor National Park and Žabljak
Heading north, we stopped at Biogradska Gora National Park, where we hiked around the lake and played games with the kids. Žabljak, nestled near Durmitor National Park, was a peaceful retreat. We loved swimming in Crno Jezero (Black Lake) and exploring Tara Canyon. Our off-the-beaten-path adventures led us to a wild swimming spot in the canyon, which felt like our little secret.
6. Ostrog Monastery and Final Relaxation
After exploring Tara Canyon, we stopped near Ostrog Monastery for a couple of days of relaxation. Our charming ski house accommodation came with a pool and warm hospitality. The owner even brought fresh figs from his garden, which was a lovely touch.
7. Dubrovnik and Srebreno, Croatia
Our trip concluded with a mixed experience in Dubrovnik. While the Old Town’s “Game of Thrones” charm was fun to explore, our accommodation felt unsafe, prompting us to move to a spa hotel in Srebreno. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as we enjoyed the beach, explored an abandoned Soviet-era hotel, and ended our journey on a high note.
Key Tips for Travelling in Montenegro
- Rent a Car: Having a car allowed us to explore hidden gems like wild swimming spots and off-the-beaten-path locations.
- Plan for Crowds in Tourist Areas: Popular spots like Budva and Ulcinj can be overcrowded during peak season.
- Explore National Parks: Durmitor and Biogradska Gora are must-visits for nature lovers and families.
- Pack for Wild Swimming: If you enjoy exploring off-the-grid spots, Montenegro offers plenty of opportunities for wild swimming.
- Be Flexible: From unexpected road closures to surprising encounters, being adaptable made our trip more enjoyable.
Why Montenegro is Perfect for Family Travel
Montenegro offers a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation that’s perfect for families. Whether it’s exploring medieval towns, hiking through national parks, or discovering hidden swimming spots, there’s something for everyone.
Even though we travelled in peak season compared to a lot of Eurpoean countries it was still faily quite, though its getting more popular and becoming the next Croatia
It is the go to holiday destination for the landlocked countries surrounding it.
Places We Stayed
We enjoyed our stays in Montenegro but we’re only going to be sharing the ones we really enjoyed and recommend and would definitley rebook again.
- Mua Sea Front Apartements
- Holiday Home N&S (This was by far our favourite)
- Cozy House Ostrag
Total Mileage & Why a Car is Essential
Driving across Montenegro gave us the ultimate freedom to explore at our own pace. In total, we covered 800 miles over 21 days weaving through mountain passes, coastal roads, and winding national park routes.
Why We Recommend Renting a Car in Montenegro:
- Flexibility – Many of Montenegro’s best spots (hidden beaches, wild swimming spots, and scenic viewpoints) are inaccessible without a car.
- Cost-Effective – For a family, renting a car often works out cheaper than booking multiple tours or relying on taxis.
- Scenic Drives – Some of our most memorable moments came from the incredible drives between destinations.
Things to Know About Driving in Montenegro:
- Expect narrow mountain roads with lots of bends—drive cautiously.
- Some roads lack clear signage, so offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) are essential.
- Montenegro has strict speed limits and random police checks—stick to the rules.
The Importance of Rest Stops While Travelling with Kids
One of the biggest lessons we learned on this trip? Regular breaks are non-negotiable!
When you’re on the road for hours, it’s easy to get caught up in the destination and forget that the journey itself matters too. We quickly realised that pushing through long stretches without stopping led to cranky, restless kids (and stressed-out parents).
Why Frequent Breaks Are Essential:
- Stops = Happier Kids – Taking a 10-15 minute break every couple of hours for a snack, a quick play, or even just stretching made a huge difference in keeping the kids calm.
- We Slowed Down & Enjoyed the Journey – Instead of just focusing on getting from A to B, we discovered hidden viewpoints, charming roadside cafés, and unexpected gems just by stopping more often.
- Hydration & Energy Levels – Stopping for drinks and snacks helped avoid meltdowns and kept everyone refreshed.
Best Rest Stops We Found in Montenegro:
- Ice Cream Stands in Kotor & Budva – Perfect excuse to pause, cool down, and reset.
- Playground near Kotor Bay – A hidden gem we found while stretching our legs.
- A Small Museum in Centinj – We ducked in for shade and ended up learning something new.
- A Random Bench Overlooking Lake Skadar – The kids needed a break, so we just sat, snacked, and took it all in.
- Wild Swimming Spot Near Tara Canyon – What started as a quick stop turned into an epic, unplanned swim.
🚗 Our Advice: Plan for extra travel time to include breaks. If the GPS says 3 hours, expect it to take 4-5 hours with stops—it’s worth it! Oh and plan for toilet breaks if driving, the kids will use this as an excuse to stop a million of times.
Flying with Kids – Our Experience & Top Tips
Flying with young kids can be daunting, but having a game plan makes all the difference. For our Montenegro trip, we flew into Dubrovnik and drove across the border into Montenegro.
Our Best Tips for Flying with Kids:
- Trunkis Were a Lifesaver – These ride-on suitcases kept the kids entertained in the airport and made navigating through terminals so much easier.
- Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks – Always pack more than you think you’ll need! A mix of healthy snacks and a few ‘treat’ items kept the kids happy on board.
- Surprise Activities – Small colouring books, sticker pads, and magnetic puzzles worked wonders during the flight.
- Screen Time as Backup – We loaded up a tablet with some movies and offline games for when patience started to wear thin.
Bonus Tip: If flying into Dubrovnik to reach Montenegro, consider booking a private transfer or car rental in advance to avoid long queues at the border.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for more detailed posts on specific parts of our trip, including:
Final Thoughts
Montenegro surprised us with its charm, diversity, and beauty. It’s a destination we’ll never forget and one we highly recommend for families looking for an adventurous getaway.
Have you been to Montenegro? Let us know your favourite spots in the comments!
FAQs About Traveling in Montenegro as a Family
Is Montenegro a good destination for families?
Absolutely! Montenegro offers a mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation, making it perfect for family travel. The old towns are pedestrian-friendly, the national parks provide great outdoor activities, and the beaches offer plenty of fun for kids.
How many days do you need to explore Montenegro?
To experience the highlights, a 10-14 day trip is ideal. This allows time to explore the coastline (Kotor, Budva, Ulcinj), visit the national parks (Durmitor, Biogradska Gora), and enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Is renting a car necessary in Montenegro?
Yes! A car provides flexibility, allowing you to explore Montenegro’s scenic routes, hidden beaches, and mountain villages at your own pace. Public transport is available but can be limited in rural areas.
What is the best time to visit Montenegro?
- Spring (April – June) & Autumn (September – October): Best for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Summer (July – August): Great for beaches but can be crowded and hot.
- Winter (December – February): Best for skiing in the mountains.
Are Montenegro’s beaches family-friendly?
Yes! While some beaches can be crowded, spots like Long Beach in Ulcinj or hidden gems near Lake Skadar offer peaceful, family-friendly experiences.
What are the best activities for kids in Montenegro?
- Exploring Kotor’s Old Town and climbing the fortress (at least partway).
- Visiting Durmitor National Park for hiking and wild swimming.
- Taking a boat tour on Lake Skadar.
- Finding playgrounds and green spaces in Budva and Kotor.
